First ROK, US Navy Combined Women’s Leadership Symposium Strengthens Partnership

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Wesley Breedlove | 170522-N-SR567-015 CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (May, 22 2017) Lt. Cmdr. Meredith Werner, the Judge Advocate General for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, hosts a combined Women's Leadership Symposium at Turtle Cove, on Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae base in Chinhae. During this symposium, U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea navy women discussed work, life and personal experiences and shared the differences between the both navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Wesley J. Breedlove)  

CHINHAE, 26, SOUTH KOREA

05.22.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jermaine Ralliford 

Commander, Naval Forces Korea

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (May 22, 2017) – Sailors assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) and Republic of Korea (ROK) Naval Academy midshipmen participated in a combined Women's Leadership Symposium, May 22.

The first-ever symposium provided a venue for ROK and U.S. Sailors to discuss mutual challenges and share experiences to help develop the leadership capabilities of each attending Sailor.

"We wanted to create a forum where ROK and U.S. Sailors would freely interact and realize the benefit of a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and advice," said Lt. Cmdr. Meredith Werner, CNFK Force Judge Advocate and symposium organizer. "The open dialogue and honest discussions enabled mutual mentorship, and through the shared experience we were able to provide tools for ROK Navy females to mentor and support each other throughout their careers."

Throughout the one-day symposium, the participants discussed several topics including the difference in Korean and American cultures and their effect on leadership tactics and the perception of gender in leadership positions.

"The ROK midshipmen have not had much interaction with U.S. female Sailors, so they were very engaged throughout the evening," said Werner. "The majority of their questions were focused on improving cooperation and interaction with their male counterparts and how to address sexism in the military."

Werner hopes to expand the symposium to all pay grades to allow more Sailors to learn from each other's experiences.

"The response was overwhelmingly positive," said Werner. "The ROK midshipmen asked to continue the program, and I hope to include more Sailors as we move forward with this combined mentorship program."

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnfk.

• Date Taken: 05.22.2017
• Date Posted: 05.31.2017 20:53
• Story ID: 235897
• Location: CHINHAE, 26, KR