Women Veterans Symposium to offer a challenge

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Veteran Student Academic Services at Oklahoma State University and sponsoring partners will host the 1st Annual Women Veterans Symposium and Luncheon, “Challenge Yourself, Continue to Lead,” on Thursday, March 3, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  in the Student Union Sequoyah Room (280).

Open to all female veterans and female active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard members in Oklahoma, the symposium will emphasize the continued need for leaders and focus on women veterans, who are well prepared to accept the challenge to lead companies, organizations, communities, states and the nation into the future. Sponsoring partners include American Legion Hanner-Sharp Post 129 in Stillwater and the Military Officers Association of America, Cimarron Chapter.

Major General Rita Aragon, USAF (ret.), is the keynote speaker for the symposium. Aragon, who currently serves as liaison to the governor for all Oklahoma military and veterans’ issues, was the first female commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, the first female to command a state’s Air National Guard, and the first woman of Native American ancestry to become a general officer.  She continues to lead in the public sector, following her retirement from the military, as the first woman selected to serve as the Oklahoma Secretary of Military and Veterans’ Affairs. 

Dr. Ishita Thakar, medical director for the Women’s Clinic at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, will discuss changes and ongoing initiatives within the VA healthcare system and at the medical center. Thakar, who is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, will be available to answer questions following her presentation.

The afternoon session will include a panel of women veterans who have successfully transitioned from the military into either the public or private sectors, or both. Each will share her experiences and insights, and follow by fielding questions from those in attendance.

Several organizations will also be present to provide information about services and benefits available to women veterans. Those participating include the outreach coordinator from the Tulsa Vet Center; the local veterans employment representative from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission; veteran service officers from the Disabled American Veterans; the Office of Student Disability Services, and University Counseling Services from OSU.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, Feb. 23, for the conference by phone (405) 744-1390 or email militaryveterans@okstate.edu.