Women in Leadership Distinguished Speakers Series

The Women in Leadership Distinguished Speakers Series (DSS) are half-day, professional development events hosted online and in various locations nationwide. Each DSS takes a deep dive into a specific issue area, industry and/or competency related to women’s leadership. These events gather leaders from the military, veteran, government and civilian communities, who are regarded as problem-solvers and thought leaders, to collectively tackle challenges, spark innovations, and inspire positive change.

Our theme - AI and the Future of Work: Leadership Strategies for a Changing Workforce - will examine how AI is changing the workforce and the leadership strategies needed to adapt.  Discussions will equip leaders with the knowledge and tools required to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence with a focus on the skills, jobs, and training needed to thrive in the ever-evolving job market in an AI-driven world. Attention will be given to women leaders driving AI initiatives across industries and sectors.

The DSS will be held virtually and in-person on 6 DEC 2024 at 1:00p - 5:05p EST.  An evening reception will follow at 5:05p - 6:00p EST.  The onsite portion will take place at the Leidos Global Headquarters in the Science and Technology Hall (Room 1108) located on the first floor to the left of the main entrance at 1750 Presidents Street, Reston VA 20190.

Visit the 'Location' tab for directions and details.

The DSS is open to all who are interested.  Discussions will focus on women’s leadership in a diverse world, research, critical thinking and innovative problem-solving regarding AI and its impact on the future of work.   Current, former and aspiring military women leaders, as well as distinguished leaders and supporters (women and men) from the academic, government, corporate and civilian communities, are encouraged to attend. 

Expert-led discussions by preemminent thought leaders will provide important professional development opportunities and awareness of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace to equip leaders with tools that allow the full potential of organizations and individuals to be realized and flourish.

The virtual audience will be able to ask questions and share comments during each livestreamed session.  The evening reception from 5:05p - 6:00p EST will NOT be livestreamed.

For those who plan to attend the event virtually, the DSS will be livestreamed via Zoom.  Our streaming platform will utilize FedRAMP compliant security.  FedRAMP is a United States federal government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud service providers (CSPs).

Approval rests with your leadership. Visit the 'PTDY and PTAD' tab for detailed references that may help.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the closest airport to the Leidos Global Headquarters.  From IAD, the venue is accessible by car, car service (Uber, Lyft, etc), taxi, bus or Metro via the Silver Line to Reston Towne Center.  IAD is less than 10 miles from the venue, however travel times will range between 15 mins to over 30 mins depending on rush hour traffic.

Discounted group rates will NOT be offered for the event. Visit the 'Hotel Accommodations' tab for a detailed list of lodging in the area that are proximate to the venue.

Parking closest to the venue can be found at the Silver Parking Garage -on levels P2 and P3 ONLY (accessible via the Fountain Drive entrance).  Overflow parking will be available in the Green Parking Garage (accessible via Fountain Drive, Freedom Drive or Liberty Street). 

Visit the 'Map and Event Parking' tab for more details.

Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably and professionally in business casual attire or the military uniform of the day.

Lunch or meals will NOT be served.  Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day and at the Evening Reception which will be held from 5:05p - 6:00p EST.

As a paid registrant, access to the session recordings will be available for on-demand viewing no earlier than one week following the event.

Early-bird rates are $50 for IN-PERSON attendance; $25 for VIRTUAL attendance.  Prices will increase to $60 and $35 respectively after 6 NOV 2024.  

Fees cover expenses incurred to plan, organize, and run a professional, substantive event.  The programming offered has been described by past attendees as life-changing, eye-opening, and career-enhancing.  The value of these events extends well beyond the cost of registration.

If you are unable to personally cover the registration fee, do not hesitate to ask your supervisor, units, companies, or organizations for support.  There may be training and professional development funds available to cover your costs.  If this is not an option, you may select the option, 'Admission Price Waiver' when registering.

If you are able to donate an additional admission fee, or multiple admission fees, select the registration option: 'Donate Admission(s)' and contribute any amount. AcademyWomen is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Please confer with your tax professional to determine your level of deduction. Receipts for donated admission fees will be available upon request.