Combat Center holds first Women’s Leadership Symposium

Twentynine Palms -- Female service members from various units aboard the installation gathered for the first Women’s Leadership Symposium aboard the Combat Center, September 15, 2017.

The symposium was organized by Staff Sgt. Nytayia Jamison, administration chief, Headquarters Battalion. Jamison wanted to provide senior ranking female Marines an opportunity to share their experiences and advice with their female subordinates.

“We were able to speak about the unique experiences that female Marines face, be it sexual assault, harassment or social issues,” Jamison said. “Because females deal with these experiences differently than males, people of the same gender who have been through these situations are more capable of teaching others how to handle those adversities.”

The symposium focused on leadership, mentorship and the individual successes of women in the Marine Corps. Jameson feels that everyone has a success story that needs to be shared.

“The key was to get female leadership from different sections and backgrounds in front of other female Marines. We wanted them to pass down information on leadership and integration challenges that their subordinates may face.” Jamison said. “For me, making it to staff sergeant was a success story. Sharing those stories with women around the Corps is a fulfilling experience.”

The Combat Center females who were present, from junior Marines to high-ranking officers, viewed the symposium as a beneficial experience.

“The symposium was beneficial because it opened a lot of junior female Marines eyes to the career possibilities in the Marine Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Jennessa Davey, combat camera, Headquarters Battalion. “My favorite part was that the female leadership inspired camaraderie among all the females present.”