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VA » Center for Women Veterans (CWV) » 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit - "The Year of Empowerment"

Center for Women Veterans (CWV)

2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit - "The Year of Empowerment"

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hosted its 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit, “The Year of Empowerment,” at the Washington Hilton Hotel on September 5-7.

This exceptional forum brought together women Veterans, transitioning service women, Veteran Service Organizations, state and local government leaders, community partners, and other stakeholders to learn and share better opportunities for the fastest-growing demographic within the Veteran community. Subject matter experts and resources were available that empower women Veterans and remove the barriers they face when connecting to the VA.

Day 1

Download all Day 1 presentations (ZIP, 289 MB)
Health care for women — Dr. Sally Haskell, Acting Chief Officer, Office of Women’s Health, VHA discussed diversity among women Veterans, the different health conditions in women and men Veterans, and health care available to women Veterans–it’s not your grandfather’s VA!
Women Veterans’ inspiring true stories — YouTube video of women Veterans’ inspiring stories, goes along with Dr. Haskell’s Plenary session.
Women Veterans benefits update — Josh Jacobs, Under Secretary for Benefits, gave a high-level overview of Women Veterans Benefits Update.
More care to more women Veterans — Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health discussed recent changes that have expanded health care access for women.
Bystander intervention training — Assault Harassment and Prevention Office briefed on Bystander Intervention Training. A training strategy to help reduce workplace violence and empower members of a community to act when they see or hear witness sexual harassment or sexual assault.
Get to know your VA resources — Invaluable insights into VA resources available to Veterans and service members directly from the Military Sexual Trauma Program Managers, Women Veteran Coordinators, and Veteran Crisis Line Program Managers.
How to navigate VA health care — Deputy Field Directors, Drs. Janet Porter, and Carrie Kairys discussed VA resources for women Veterans. From accessing care to how to navigate the VA health care system and more.
Importance of women Veterans stories — This session offered valuable insights from the Military Women’s Memorial, the Library of Congress, the World War I Centennial Commission, and staff from the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Memorial, all dedicated to preserving the legacy of our nation’s women warriors.
Innovations-moving the needle for women Veterans — Dr. Carolyn Clancy, VA Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks, and Suzy Shirley, VHA IE Director of Community Engagement and Fellowships, led a panel to discuss various innovation projects and how they support women Veterans.
Intersection between social drivers of health social needs and gender based violence-strategies for prevention — Jennifer Silva, LCSW-S and Jennifer Knetig, Ph.D (VHA) discussed SDOH and unmet social needs, examining how the social work practice model is used in VA to promote health equity. Employing a clinical case, the presentation examined the relationship between GBV and SDOH and discuss some ways VA is responding.
Kickstart your wealth — Mandi Moynihan, Certified Financial Planner™ professional, shared her expertise and inspirational story to highlight four key areas of financial empowerment that have the power to transform your life.
Mentorship leveling women up — A discussion to open your horizons about how to be mentored as the Past President of the Fedearlly Employed Women (FEW) and the President of the Military Women's Memorial provided valuable insights.
Military environmental wxposures in woman PACT Act — Stephen Hunt, MD, MPH (VHA) and Cynthis McJunkin (VBA) discussed Military Environmental Exposures (MEE). Women may be uniquely affected by MEE and awareness of and attention to exposure-related health concerns is essential for optimal care of Women Veterans.
Military sexual trauma and intimate personal violence panel research lessons learned resources — This session focused on two forms on interpersonal violence that occur frequently among women Veterans: military sexual trauma (MST) and intimate partner violence (IPV). VA researchers, clinicians, and policy makers highlighted the current “state of the field.”
Resources for maintaining quality of life — VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) briefed about clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. Geriatrics and Extended Care briefed on the future of Geriatrics and Extended Care in Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Suicide and women Veterans — Dr. Susan Strickland (VHA) reviewed a knowledge-based session ithat prioritizes the reduction of stigma, extend support, foster education, and prioritize the well-being of women Veterans, to support their mental health and well-being, and reduce suicide risks.
Trauma informed care — Dr. Lynette Adams discussed several types of trauma across the lifespan that may affect physical health and emotional well-being.
VA journey connection in uniform — VA Journey Connection in Uniform provided an overview of VBA benefits and resources available to Service members and Veterans.
VA journey connection in uniform VBA resource guide — Resource Guide that goes along with A. Zemtra’s VA Journey Connection in Uniform session.
VA resources for homeless women Veterans — This session provided a closer look at how homelessness impacts women Veterans, highlight key resources in the fight to end Veteran homelessness, and discuss opportunities for attendees to help make an impact.
VBA disability comp housing and insurance — This session discussed available benefits like disability compensation, VA home loan programs, and valuable insurance benefits for Servicemembers and Veterans.
VA education and Veteran readiness and employment — This session briefed on VA education benefits and services through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), and more!
Whole health-what matters to you — Dr. Cynthia Gantt (VHA) led a session where participants learned about VA’s Whole Health transformation that empowers and equips transitioning service members and Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being.
Women Veterans research — Kayla Williams and Naomi Mathis (Non VA) presented a clear picture of available services and resources, gaps in support, barriers to access, and areas to prioritize for this often-underserved population—to provide the best support possible for women Veterans.
Women Veterans health research — VHA doctors provided insights into midlife issues and chronic health conditions prevalent among women Veterans.
PrEPARE video — YouTube video on PrEPARE, Naomi Mathis video to go along with Women Veterans Research (Non VA)

Day 2

Download all Day 2 presentations (ZIP, 291 MB)
The World War I “Hello Girls” — Video splash about the Hello Girls.
The Hello Girls and 6888th — Short comparison of the WWI Hello Girls and the Six Triple Eight Women of WWII.
30th anniversary women Veterans video tribute — A celebratory video showcasing short interviews with several of the Center for Women Veterans’ Directors over the years.
Suicide prevention and women Veterans — Dr. Susan Strickland (VHA) reviewed a knowledge-based session ithat prioritizes the reduction of stigma, extend support, foster education, and prioritize the well-being of women Veterans, to support their mental health and well-being, and reduce suicide risks.
NCA overview women’s conference — Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald Walters provided an overview of the National Cemetery Administration’s history, missison, priorities.
A conversation sexual harassment and assault prevention and response — This session where representatives from Departments of VA, DoD and DHA discussed efforts to prevent and respond to unwanted sexual experiences during military service, including collaborative efforts to smooth the transition for Service members leaving active service.
Beyond survival, thriving under pressure-how to manage stress — Allison Whitehead and Rev. Dr. Cindy Wallace created an interactive session, participants will learn various self-care skills to support their well-being. These skills and concepts are linked to VA’s Whole Health transformation, which aims to empower and equips transitioning service members and Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being.
Bystander intervention training — Assault Harassment and Prevention Office briefed on Bystander Intervention Training. A training strategy to help reduce workplace violence and empower members of a community to act when they see or hear witness sexual harassment or sexual assault.
End of life planning Veteran and survivor benefits — NCA and VBA provided an essential discussion about the benefits and services VA provides to help Veterans and their loved ones prepare for End of Life Planning and Survivor Benefits.
Get hired industry Veteran friendly employers — Three industry-leading, Veteran-friendly employers provided insight on what they seek in potential hires.
Get to know your VA resources — Invaluable insights into VA resources available to Veterans and service members directly from the Military Sexual Trauma Program Managers, Women Veteran Coordinators, and Veteran Crisis Line Program Managers.
Hot topics in comprehensive health-empowering a culture of care — Office of Women’s Health presentated on the comprehensive women’s health model, the importance of culture change and trauma-informed care, the significance of prevention, and VA’s efforts to address common health conditions affecting women Veterans beyond reproductive health.
LGBTQ+ Veterans panel — Panel discussion on the unique health challenges and barriers to accessing VA benefits and services including health care for LGBTQ+ Veterans.
Military environmental exposures in woman PACT Act — Stephen Hunt, MD, MPH (VHA) and Cynthis McJunkin (VBA) discussed Military Environmental Exposures (MEE). Women may be uniquely affected by MEE and awareness of and attention to exposure-related health concerns is essential for optimal care of Women Veterans.
Starting your VA journey connection in uniform — Resource Guide that goes along with A. Zemtra’s VA Journey Connection in Uniform session.
Trauma informed care — Dr. Lynette Adams discussed several types of trauma across the lifespan that may affect physical health and emotional well-being.
Understanding integrated Veteran care — VHA highlighted holistic health services, women’s health services, benefits of integrated care and family and beneficiary support.
VA resources for homeless women Veterans — This session provided a closer look at how homelessness impacts women Veterans, highlight key resources in the fight to end Veteran homelessness, and discuss opportunities for attendees to help make an impact.
VBA disability comp housing insurance — Discover available benefits like disability compensation, VA home loan programs, and valuable insurance benefits for Servicemembers and Veterans.
VA education and Veteran readiness and employment — This session briefed on VA education benefits and services through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), and more!
Women Veterans entrepreneurship — Michelle “G-I” Gardner-Ince briefed on the various business opportunities available within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) tailored for women Veterans.
Women Veterans health research — VHA doctors provided insights into midlife issues and chronic health conditions prevalent among women Veterans.
Women Veterans research non-VA — Kayla Williams and Naomi Mathis (Non VA) presented a clear picture of available services and resources, gaps in support, barriers to access, and areas to prioritize for this often-underserved population—to provide the best support possible for women Veterans.
Women Veterans transition — During this panel, members focused on the best ways to support women Veterans during their transition from military service.
Womens cancer care in VA — Dr. Haley Moss (VHA) provided a brief overview of the epidemiology of common cancers impacting Women Veterans, to discuss national efforts to improve cancer care for Veterans diagnosed with breast and gynecologic malignancies, and to review ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Day 3

Download all Day 3 presentations (ZIP, 30.2 MB)
30th anniversary women Veterans summit — A celebratory video showcasing short interviews with several of the Center for Women Veterans’ Directors over the years.
How to get hired at VA — VBA briefed on the process of being hired at VA.
Woman Veteran story about signing up for VA — Video of woman Veteran with doubts about signing up for VA, and how they are addressed through respectful and emphathetic interactions with VA staff.
The power of sharing your story — Two powerful women Veterans’ stories about their journeys in life, uniform and at VA.
VBA disability comp housing insurance — Discover available benefits like disability compensation, VA home loan programs, and valuable insurance benefits for Servicemembers and Veterans.