Capt. Amy Cocanour, commander of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, addresses the audience at its inaugural Women’s Symposium at the Milwaukee War Memorial, March 26, 2015. The symposium was attended by more than 120 Coast Guard members stationed throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan and brought together leaders from all levels of the service to discuss leadership, mentorship and resources available to contribute to the Coast Guard’s mission. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Tom Morrell) More than 120 members of the Coast Guard attended the inaugural Women's Symposium hosted by Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, March 26, 2015. The symposium brought together leaders from all levels of the service to discuss leadership, mentorship and resources available to contribute to the Coast Guard’s mission. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Tom Morrell)
MILWAUKEE — Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan celebrated Women's History Month by hosting a Women’s Symposium at the Milwaukee War Memorial, Thursday.
The symposium was attended by more than 120 Coast Guard members stationed throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, as well as New York and Ohio. The purpose of the event was to bring together leaders from all levels of the service to discuss leadership, mentorship and resources available to contribute to the Coast Guard’s mission.
Captain Amy Cocanour, commander of Sector Lake Michigan, located in Milwaukee, praised the event, the organizers and participants. "My hope is that women and men gained a better understanding on how to overcome barriers within themselves, and from society, that hold them back from success in the Coast Guard," commented Cocanour.
The event included multiple panel sessions that included a wide range of topics such as career guidance and marriage in the military. These panel sessions were followed by open dialogue between attendees and presenters for further discussion.
"It was an enlightening and inspirational experience being surrounded by so many of my peers," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriella Martinez. "I didn’t expect to have such an open and understanding group of people that were all looking to support one another and share their stories in hopes of helping others."
This symposium is an annual event in the Coast Guard's Ninth District, and the first time Sector Lake Michigan has been host.
For more information, contact Ensign Thomas Morrell at 414-747-7152.
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