@state Oct 2017 - First Women Veterans Forum

SDSU Hosting Its First Women Veterans Forum

By Jaena-Mae Caguiat

SDSU and the County of San Diego present Be the Change, A Women Veterans Forum
As the daughter of a U.S. Navy veteran and a student worker at the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center, I interact on a daily basis with veterans and active-duty service members who are separating from the military and coming into San Diego State. I also work with their dependents.

I very much enjoy listening to stories from women veterans, who share how they came to be in the military and what life was like while serving our country. They had the courage to do what I could not. One of the biggest questions I always have for them is, “What is life like after you separate?”

For some, they face difficulty transitioning into civilian life with a lack of resources and opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Some women veterans even face being homeless. Some say they feel as though they needed more than what they were given.

This year, SDSU is partnering with the County of San Diego and Supervisor Bill Horn to host its first Women Veterans Forum for all active duty members, veterans and military-connected individuals. The event will be held Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. This inaugural event’s theme is “Be the Change,” highlighting the passion and perseverance of women veterans.

This event was organized with the intention of empowering attendees in areas of personal, professional, and academic success. Not only that, but I believe this forum will help participants build and create a community of physical, emotional and mental support.

Participants will hear from Mary Jennings Hegar and Maj. Gen. Angela Salinas. Hegar is a Purple Heart recipient, retired Air Force combat pilot and author of “Shoot Like a Girl.” Salinas was the first Hispanic woman to become U.S. Marine Corps general officer and the first woman to command Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

The day will consist of breakout sessions, a free lunch, recognition of the Navy’s 242nd birthday, a resource fair and a networking event.

This free event includes complimentary parking and childcare. All participants are asked to dress business casual. Reservations must be made by Sept. 29.

For more information email [email protected], call (619) 594-5813.