All veterans transitioning from military to civilian life face challenges, but women transitioning from military to civilian life have challenges that differ from those experienced by their male counterparts.
Female veterans seeking guidance in making their transition can find assistance at “Operation: I Am Woman,” a symposium being presented by Camden County College and the Southern New Jersey Branch of the National Association of University Women.
“Operation: I Am Woman” will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, on the Blackwood Campus of Camden County College.The free event will include breakfast and lunch and take place in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, which is located inside Lincoln Hall. The campus is located at College Drive and Peter Cheeseman Road, just off Exit 7B of Route 42, in Gloucester Township.
The keynote speaker for the day will be Aronda Smith, a U.S. Army veteran of Desert Storm who will discuss women’s transition challenges in detail. Smith currently is veterans coordinator for the Veterans Multi-Service Center located in Philadelphia and is credited with organizing its Women Veterans Command Center. She regularly participates in panels, events and workshops throughout the region.
In addition to Smith’s address, the Symposium will feature six different workshops. Topics of these workshops include resiliency; job readiness; services for veterans; women’s health; entrepreneurship; and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Coordinating the Symposium is Camden County College Veteran Services Center advisor Zaida Nogue, whose primary concern is guiding student veterans in using their military benefits to set themselves up for successful futures. Nogue is dedicated to helping student veterans acquire the education they desire and supporting their efforts to prepare for post-military careers.
Those interested in participating in “Operation: I Am Woman” should register on www.eventbrite.com to ensure seating availability. For questions or further details about the Symposium, contact Nogue at znogue@camdencc.edu or (856) 374–4960.
