Last month we convened female leaders in our Graduate Fellowship Network for our second annual Women’s Leadership in National Security, Defense and Public Service event. We are proud that our network includes many exceptional women, including former military officers, founders and executives of growing ventures, senior public servants and experts who have advised policymakers at the highest levels of government and beyond. Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s event continued a growing tradition of creating intentional space for women in our network to connect, learn from one another and reflect on leadership in fields where women have historically been underrepresented. In this blog post, we highlight some key moments from the evening as well as reflections shared by our speakers and participants underscoring the impact of this special gathering.

Creating Space Where Women Leaders Can Connect

Our network reflects the depth and breadth of women shaping fields across national security, defense and public service today. Launched last year, our Women’s Leadership in National Security, Defense and Public Service Series was created to bring these leaders together – across career stages and sectors – to share experiences, build relationships and support one another’s journeys. Now in its second year, the event reinforces a sustained commitment to elevating women leaders, fostering meaningful dialogue and strengthening a community in our network built on shared purpose and experience.

Our December 2025 reception and conversation was again generously hosted by our Board President, Torie Clarke, at her home in Washington, D.C. The evening began with an informal reception followed by a moderated conversation and was rounded out with additional mingling to close out the evening.

We were delighted to welcome Lt. General Jennifer Short and Theresa Campobasso as featured speakers, with the discussion moderated by Kelsey Ritchie Frierson, a member of our Alumni Leadership Council. Drawing on their vast experiences across national security and defense, the speakers shared thoughtful reflections on leadership, character, resilience and navigating complex career paths. Check out some of their key reflections below:

“What I learned in the military as a fighter pilot and senior leader is simple: do your job well, every day. Be credible. Reliable. Take care of your people. When performance is consistent and strong, gender becomes irrelevant. Excellence carries an authority that earns trust and influence on its own. Integrity First. Excellence in All We Do. Service Before Self. These are the core values of the Air Force, but they’re values I believe anyone in public service should live by.” – Lt. General Short

“I think that trusted networks are essential for women leaders in the national security space where many still work in environments where they're the only woman in the room. Community provides valuable perspective, support and increases the opportunity to learn from each other more quickly. It's also important to intentionally mentor, sponsor and invest in the next generation of female leaders to not only strengthen individual careers, but the entire national security enterprise.” – Theresa Campobasso

"It is so encouraging to hear from women in this field about their journeys and successes, but also how they have faced challenges. It is a great feeling to be in a room with women you admire and realize that they are on your team." – Kelsey Ritchie Frierson

After hearing the speakers’ initial perspectives, attendees asked thoughtful questions and connected their own personal experiences across organizations, sectors and career stages. The open dialogue reinforced the value of creating spaces where women can comfortably both seek advice and offer it – building relationships and career development that last well beyond a single evening.

Participants included a range of Graduate Fellows all the way from our inaugural 2009 Fellowship cohort to our current cohort, underscoring the strength, connectivity and engagement that spans decades across our network. Hear from event attendees - a current 2025 Fellow at Johns Hopkins – SAIS as well as a 2009 Missouri State University Fellow - on their experiences:

"For women at the start of their careers, there is often a tension between facing challenges specific to being a woman in leadership and recognizing that leadership is simply hard for everyone. This year’s speakers reminded me that competence and dedication will take you far regardless of gender - but that having a community of people who truly understand your experience, like the women I've met in the network, is what ultimately sustains you." – Current Johns Hopkins-SAIS Fellow

“What stood out most was the realism and candor of the discussion, as leaders openly shared lessons and insights drawn from experience across industry and national security. The group’s willingness to engage frankly created space for honest dialogue about the challenges and opportunities of shaping professional and personal goals. This event was a reminder of the value of coming together in shared service—to the nation and to one another.” – Inaugural 2009 MSU Fellow

From an Idea to a Growing Tradition…

Following the success of last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s reception marked the growth and evolution of a meaningful tradition within our network – one that reflects a long-term commitment to supporting women leaders across public service. The concept for the event arose directly from the network itself, as members expressed interest in creating deeper, more purposeful opportunities for connection, mentorship and collaboration among women leaders in public service. This year’s gathering built on that enthusiasm, reflecting not only the network’s commitment to supporting women’s leadership, but also the shared vision of fostering lasting relationships, meaningful dialogue and ongoing professional development across our community.

Continuing the Conversation…

We are deeply grateful to our speakers, host and attendees for making this year’s event such a memorable success. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum, sustaining these conversations and connections, and strengthening both individual leadership journeys and our broader community.