Photo By Jaime Ciciora | Pairs of mentors and attendees have conversations during a Naval Information Warfare...... read more read more
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Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific’s Women of the Workforce (WoW) recently hosted their sixth speed networking event in San Diego, Oct. 17, 2023, featuring around 35 pairs of mentors and attendees participating in four 12-minute rounds focused on mentoring and networking. This marked the return to an in-person format after hosting virtual speed networking events for the past three years.
“Speed networking events provide a structured platform for NIWC Pacific professionals to connect with each other,” said Fan Champagne, WoW steering committee chair. “Some employees don't have the opportunities to interact with colleagues on a daily basis, especially in today's telework environment, and they feel uncomfortable or inexperienced in networking situations. Events like these can help them gain confidence and expertise in making meaningful connections.”
Robert Rush, a program development deputy for the Space and Intelligence Systems Division and speed networking mentor, echoed Fan’s words regarding an environment in which many are teleworking: “Events like this are crucial for employees to get a chance to gain insight from others working at the center. The networking event allows people to meet coworkers they ordinarily wouldn't, especially in this hybrid work environment. Having the opportunity to ask questions about other work areas, advancement at the center or just about personal experiences allows employees to gain knowledge in a casual and unintimidating environment.”
The timed rounds facilitate a rapid exchange of professional information and best practices, fostering career growth, development, and camaraderie, as attested to by first-time attendee Joshua James, a transportation agent.
“Connecting and networking with experienced leaders and mentors provides valuable insights, guidance and opportunities for my personal and professional growth,” said James. “Their advice and mentorship can serve as a compass, helping me navigate the complexities of my career path and make informed decisions. Their shared wisdom and experience becomes the cornerstone of my progress, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to reach my full potential in my chosen field.”
Beyond networking, these events promote a sense of community, allowing participants to find support from those who have faced similar challenges. Champagne also expressed the empowering nature of these events: “it encourages women and men to take charge of their careers, seek out opportunities, and proactively build relationships that can benefit them both personally and professionally. Seeing women and men who have achieved their goals and broken barriers definitely motivates others to do the same.”
Since 2012, both NIWC Pacific and NIWC Atlantic employ programs to provide an open environment for all government civilians and military personnel to enhance the professional experiences of women. WoW’s mission is to support NIWC Pacific employees and warfighters – of all genders or nonbinary – by promoting self-development and fostering an inclusive culture, ensuring that everyone is treated equally.
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As a part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, NIWC Pacific’s mission is to conduct research, development, engineering, and support of integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber, and space systems across all warfighting domains, and to rapidly prototype, conduct test and evaluation, and provide acquisition, installation, and in-service engineering support.
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2023 19:54 |
| Story ID: | 456643 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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