Minnesota National Guard hosts Women’s Leadership Forum
September 10, 2019 (RICHFIELD, Minnesota) – The Minnesota National Guard hosted its 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Forum on Saturday, September 7, at the Best Buy Corporate Headquarters in Richfield. The goal of the event was to empower women leaders within the organization, as well as to provide education to those who lead and mentor women Soldiers and Airmen.
“This has always been a collaborative event made up of volunteers whose passion and commitment has really led this into an incredible event,” said Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard.
The theme for this year was, “Breaking the Mold,” and break-out sessions encouraged women to take on non-traditional roles. Additional breakout sessions throughout the day focused on career development, communication, retention, and critical thinking.
Corie Barry, CEO of Minnesota-based Best Buy Inc., was the keynote speaker. Barry is one of the few female CEOs in the top 100 Fortune 500 companies. She answered questions from the audience and spoke about making connections, work-life integration, and the importance of having mentors, sponsors, and coaches.
“Stop apologizing for being successful,” said Barry. “Stop apologizing for blazing a trail. Stop apologizing for committing your time and energy to doing something great. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t still guilt. You cannot apologize and still have guilt.”
Currently, women make up nearly 20 percent of the Minnesota National Guard and are able to serve in all positions in the organization.
“My belief is that this is a journey,” said Jensen. “The reason it’s a journey is because we’re never going to declare victory. We’re never going to say that we’re done.”
The Minnesota National Guard continues to work towards incorporating women into previously excluded combat positions and improving the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Program.
“We can’t achieve the goals that we want in our organization if people don’t feel like they are a full member of the team,” said Jensen. “When you look at the Army and Air Force values, the idea of dignity and respect are embedded in all of that.”
