AUSTIN, Texas – Several leaders from U.S. Army Futures Command, including from AFC headquarters, the Futures and Concepts Center and U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, convened in Austin on Thursday to share insights on how they have come to thrive — and support others to thrive — as women working within the Department of Defense.
The leaders, who spoke at a South by Southwest Education panel titled “Agents of Change: The Women Transforming the Army,” included FCC Director Brig. Gen. Stephanie R. Ahern; AFC Chief Human Capital Officer Hong Miller; DEVCOM Director of Strategic Communication Lauren Brennan; and DEVCOM Senior Research Scientist Anne Petrock, Ph.D.
The panel was designed to highlight how female Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians are contributing to Army transformation efforts while simultaneously forging new pathways in leadership, talent management, organizational practices and science, technology, engineering and mathematics — STEM — expertise.
Panelists detailed both how they came to be part of the Army team and what motivated them to continue working in public service and the field of defense, from the variety of growth opportunities available to the chance to help the nation prepare for the future. Educational benefits and the ability to interact with diverse colleagues and industries were also noted among the unique attributes of serving and working with the Army.
The speakers underscored the importance of advancing STEM outreach programs, including in ways that would appeal to young women. Enhancing understanding of what the Department of Defense does and how youth and recent graduates can become involved in associated STEM program will be instrumental for future progress, Petrock explained.
Strengthening work culture and providing the resources, support and professional development programs personnel need to excel is also crucial for optimizing talent in STEM and other fields, Miller said. In addition, fostering an environment of innovation can inspire others to do things they would not have done previously, according to Ahern. And that ability to change is critical for continuous improvement.
Ahern, Miller, Brennan and Petrock concluded the panel by emphasizing how critical diversity is for cultivating a healthy and dynamic workforce capable of understanding and representing the world around it. In their experiences, welcoming a multitude of perspectives and life experiences can help sharpen decision-making, deepen a sense of shared purpose and fuel a commitment to excellence for all involved.
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Women serve in all Army career fields as Soldiers and civilians. They have played vital roles in the Army since the Revolutionary War and are critical members of the Army team. To learn more, visit the Women in the U.S. Army microsite.
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