ALCOAST 093/18 - MAR 2018 14TH ANNUAL OFFICER WOMEN LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM (OWLS)

R 151320 MAR 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-12//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05420//
ALCOAST 093/18
COMDTNOTE 5420
SUBJ:  14TH ANNUAL OFFICER WOMEN LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM (OWLS)
A. VCG Guidance on Travel and Community Outreach 24 NOV 2015
B. CG Conference Guide 1 MAY 2017
C. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series)
1. The Annual Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS), organized by the non-profit
organization Academy Women, will be held 24-26 APR 2018 at the Women in Military Service for
America (WIMSA) Memorial in Arlington, VA. OWLS provides women military officers and senior
enlisted the opportunity to network with colleagues and to grow professionally and personally
through keynote messages, workshops, and panel discussions. The distinguished speakers are
leaders from the military, public, and private sectors who offer their support and personal
advice. Participants will have tremendous opportunities for mentorship, while connecting
with veteran and current military women at every level of leadership and from every military
branch of service.
2. IAW REFs (A) and (B), The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (CG-12B), is the Coast Guard’s
coordinator for the event and has responsibility to account for all attendance and overall
costs to DHS. All travel will be conducted using unit funds. To request attendance, members
shall submit a TDY Travel Request Worksheet through their chain of command for unit-level
approval. Once command approval has been obtained, members must email their approved TDY
request to HQS-SMB-OWLS@uscg.mil no later than 02 APR 2018. 
3. Commanding Officers/OICs are strongly encouraged to support this professional development
opportunity. However, attendance will be at the unit expense. If funding is not available,
permissive orders are also authorized IAW CH 2.a.10. of REF (C). Attendance via permissive
orders is unlimited only for military members, but members shall notify COMDT (CG-12B) via
email to HQS-SMB-OWLS@uscg.mil for accountability.
4. DHS requires a post-conference report to be submitted 30 days after the event. To comply,
all travelers must submit a copy of their travel settlement to COMDT (CG-12B) via email to
HQS-SMB-OWLS@uscg.mil no later than 05 MAY 2018.
5. Symposium attendance information:
   a. Registration link is available at http://academywomen.org/events/home.php/. Early
registration for the symposium is $275.00 for officers and civilians, and $175.00 for cadets
and enlisted members.
   b. Members are highly encouraged to register online to receive early registration pricing
before 25 MAR 2018. 
   c. Uniform for military is Tropical Blue and business casual for civilians.
   d. Attendees are responsible for making their own registration and lodging accommodations.
   e. The WIMSA Memorial is easily accessible by METRO (Blue line, Arlington Cemetery stop) and
paid parking is available at the Arlington National Cemetery visitor center. Rental cars will not
be authorized due to the accessibility of public transportation and car shuttling services.
6. Following OWLS, on Friday 27 APR 2018, the Women’s Leadership Initiative National Capital
Region Chapter, another non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of women, will host
a Coast Guard Service Day. Attendance at the Service Day is optional but highly encouraged.
Logistics, agenda, and read aheads will be provided to those who RSVP to COMDT (CG-12B). For
planning purposes, the Service Day will finish by 1300. Additional information and questions can
be sent to TIS-SMB-NCRWLM@uscg.mil.
7. POC: GMC Sara Pritchett, (202) 475-5251, Sara.M.Pritchett@uscg.mil.
8. Ms. Michelle Godfrey, Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity, and Leadership, sends.
9. Internet release authorized.