Just days after International Women’s Day, the Athena Series: Women in Strategy Conference, Phoenix brought together a remarkable gathering of leaders in strategy, security, and defence at Arizona State University (ASU). Hosted by Security & Defence PLuS, women from across the military, government, academia, and industry explored the evolving trends, challenges and opportunities in their fields.
The conference opened with an inspiring keynote fireside conversation between Retired US Army General Laura J. Richardson, Former Commander of US Southern Command, and ASU’s Dr Alicia Ellis. General Richardson shared insights into her career trajectory – from athlete to pilot to the US Army’s second ever female four-star general – offering candid reflections on leadership, resilience, and the balance between professional ambition and family life. She also drew on her experiences as Commander of SOUTHCOM to provide sharp analysis of today’s global security landscape. Her words underscored a key theme that resonated throughout the day: leadership is evolving.
“Leading from the centre, rather than the front,” as Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America, put it during the first panel, has become essential in tackling today’s complex security challenges. Retired Navy Admiral Alma M. Grocki reinforced this idea, noting that in the military, “you have to be a good follower to be a good leader.”
Meanwhile, Professor Lori Poloni-Staudinger of the University of Arizona, highlighted the gender disparity in senior academic positions and the double standards women often face: “too feminine or too strong.” Despite these challenges, the message was clear – mentorship, collaboration, and a diversity of leadership styles are critical to shaping the future of strategy and defence.
The second panel explored defence policies and military reform, emphasising the need to attract and retain diverse talent in the armed forces. The discussion addressed both progress and the challenges that remain, from the repeal of combat exclusion policies to the ongoing struggle for true inclusivity.
Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness at the US Department of Defense, Shawn G. Skelly stressed that inclusion is not just about fairness but also “it’s about the effectiveness of the organisation.” Dr Ellen Haring echoed this, stating that research repeatedly demonstrates that “diverse groups are more effective, more intelligent, and raise the bottom line.” With women forming the fastest-growing demographic in the veteran community, the panellists urged for continued reforms to ensure their contributions are recognised and valued.
In the afternoon fireside chat, Dr Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute, and Professor Linda McKie, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy at King’s College London, explored the strategic inflection points shaping global security today. Dr Farkas underscored the profound impact of the outcome of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, warning that it could embolden or deter China’s actions toward Taiwan, in the South China Sea, and beyond.
The discussion on evolving geopolitics continued in the third panel, which focused on power dynamics, grand strategy, and gender perspectives in foreign policy. Conversations centred on US-China competition, shifting trade alignments, and the rise of middle powers, with Lily McElwee, Director of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, cautioning against underestimating their growing influence.
Retired Brigadier General Kim Field reflected on the US’ role in global alliances: “If we backtrack even more from NATO, what is that going to mean for our economic arrangements, our trade deals and the things that come from being the guarantor or good friend in alliances or collective security arrangements?” The conversation also acknowledged the disproportionate impact of climate change on security, migration, and geopolitical stability. “Climate change compounds inequalities,” ASU and New America’s Professor Candace Rondeaux stated, noting its cascading effects on global security.
The final panel turned to the future, focusing on defence innovation, emerging technologies, and workforce development. Arizona’s role as a national hub for aerospace and military innovation was a focal point, with panellists discussing the importance of industry-academia collaboration, creative thinking and investment in talent.
ASU Professor Kathleen Vogel noted that thinking outside Washington DC, allows for fresh perspectives on security challenges, while Rana Lashgari reinforced the importance of upskilling and education: “If you want to thrive, invest in the workforce that will support your industry in 5, 10, 15 years’ time.”
Throughout the event, there was an undeniable sense of solidarity, ambition, and collective strength. Conversations reinforced the strategic importance of inclusion, innovation, and investment in the next generation of leaders. More than just discussions, the Athena Series is a call to action to continue to shape the future of global security. You can watch the full livestream of the event below. The next Athena Series event will take place at UNSW Canberra on 7 April (click to learn more)