Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Richmond Hwy., Arlington, VA. 22202
Arlington Ballroom
Major General (Ret) Linda Urrutia-Varhall
U.S. Air Force
Meet our 2024 Co-Chairs
Rear Admiral Jo-Ann F. Burdian
U.S. Coast Guard
Brigadier General (Ret) Irene M. Zoppi Rodríguez
U.S. Army
LtCol Jose L. Montalvan
U.S. Marine Corps
7:00 AM–8:00 AM Check-in/Registration (Breakfast)
8:00 AM-8:40 AM
8:40 AM-9:30 AM Session 1
9:40 AM-10:30 AM Session 2
11:00 AM-11:50 AM Session 3
11:50 AM-12:40 PM Session 4
12:20 PM-1:00 PM Break
1:00 PM -1:30 PM
Mistress of Ceremony: Celeste Leon, Telemundo Nashville Host, CEO/Founder of Nashville Book and Sip Club, Speaker and Coach
1:30 PM-1:40 PM
1:40 PM-2:00 PM
2:00 PM-2:20 PM
2:20 PM-3:00 PM
3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Special Guest: Rear Admiral Jo-Ann F. Burdian, United States Coast Guard
Keynote Speaker: Shoshana N. Johnson, POW United States Army Specialist (Ret)
Welcome Remarks: Robert E. Bard, President & CEO, LATINA Style, Inc.
Welcome Remarks: Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano
Title Sponsor Remarks: Jessica Huntsman, VP, Regional General Manager, Walmart
Sponsor Remarks: Ann Peterson, Human Resources Executive, Wells Fargo & Company
Innovating Intelligence: The Role of Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and AI in National Security
Focus: This panel will delve into the critical intersection of technology and intelligence, exploring how advancements in cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are reshaping national security. Our distinguished panelists will share their insights and experiences from various branches, highlighting the collaborative efforts and innovative strategies that are driving progress.
Moderator: Carmine Apicella, CoS, Cyber Security, National Security Agency
Panelist: Sarah Bernal, Federal Bureau of Investigations
Panelist: Daniel E. Rodriguez-Ramirez, Department of Treasury
Mission Possible: Latinas in Uniform
Focus: Meet the Latinas rocking military uniforms and making history. Hear their tales of courage, resilience, and service. Prepare to salute our 2024 Distinguished Military Service Award recipients and ignite your sense of duty.
Moderator: CPT Korean Z. Monticett-Rojas, United States Army (TBC)
Panelist: LT Marisol Quinones Viera, United States Navy
Panelist: MAJ Ana Cecilia Ruiz, United States Air Force
Panelist: LTJG Marlianne Hudson, United States Coast Guard
Panelist: COL Andrea Castillon, United States National Guard
Transitioning from Military Service to Civilian and Corporate Careers – A Veteran’s Perspective
Focus: Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges. Join our veteran panelists as they share their experiences and strategies for bridging the cultural gap between military and corporate environments. Learn about the crucial roles of mentorship, sponsorship, and retention programs in ensuring a successful transition.
Moderator: Aaron Miranda, Sr Talent Sourcing Specialist, Wells Fargo & Company
Panelist: Jennifer Powell, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Walmart
Panelist: Ane Gallo VP of CEC Services Portfolio and Co-Chair of the Military & Veterans Association Resource Group, Marriott, Int.
Panelist: Alexandria Laureys, Military Pathways Associate, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Advocates, Allies and Amplifiers: Empowering Survivors and Preventing Sexual Assault in the Military
Focus: This session provides comprehensive education on understanding, preventing, and addressing Military Sexual Trauma within the military and how it continues to impact lives long past the trauma experienced. We will explore the prevalence, impacts, and unique challenges faced, while highlighting trauma-informed approaches, advocacy efforts, and available support resources. The goal is to raise awareness, promote prevention strategies, and empower the military community with knowledge and tools to combat sexual violence and support survivors.
Intro: Susana Anicama-Torres, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, US Coast Guard
Moderator: Lisa Carrington Firmin, Colonel, USAF Retired, CEO/Founder, Carrington Firmin LLC
Panelist: Colonel Don Christensen, USAF JAG Ret., (Counsel Solomon Law Firm, PLLC, former President of Protect our Defenders, and former Chief Prosecutor of the AF
Panelist: Dr. Valene A. Whittaker, Ph.D., Military Sexual Trauma Services Coordinator, Women's Health Clinic Psychologist, Washington DC VA Medical Center
Panelist: Karina Lopez, US Army Veteran, Student, MST Survivor and Advocate
DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE AWARDS LUNCHEON
Mistress of Ceremony: Christian Johnson, CMSgt Select, Ninth Air Force, Air Forces Central, Personnel, Manpower & Services Senior Enlisted Leader
DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTATION
Presentation of the Colors
National Anthem
Silent Drill Team
Salute to Fallen Heroes
AWARDS PRESENTATION
U.S. Army
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Navy
U.S. Air Force
U. S. Coast Guard
U.S. National Guard
Honorable Mention Recipients
Closing Leadership Reception
Sponsor Remarks: Pepe Estrada, Director Public Affairs, Walmart
Co-Chair: Linda Urrutia-Varhall, Air Force Maj Gen (ret) First and only Latina/USAFA Graduate to attain the rank of Major General (Two Star)
Co-Chair Remarks: Brigadier General (Ret) Irene M. Zoppi Rodríguez, U.S. Army