Embracing the “Qualified & Fit” framework is key for reaching success through selfless service, says Chaplain Shelly Rood, coordinator of the 2024 Michigan QandF Detroit Conference.
On Saturday, April 27, 2024, Others Over Self® hosted its third annual self resilience conference, spotlighting Michigan’s military women.
Finding Joy, Resilience and Compassion in Every Moment
Qualified & Fit (QandF) + Women Veterans Engage (WVE) – Detroit is a transformative gathering that empowers top performers on finding joy, resilience and compassion in every moment. The interactive sessions prioritize employee engagement, business networking, and the pursuit of both hobby and passion.
Pictured above are many of the third year conference attendees. While most are women who have served in the military, all people and industries are welcome at the conference. The “staircase photo” has become a tradition that the group now looks forward to each year.
Turning Service Members into Professional Speakers
One unique aspect of the conference is how the presenters are chosen. Every year, one woman with military experience is given the opportunity to work with a public speaking coach from Mission Ambition, LLC. Together, they enhance both the military woman’s message and her stage presence.
“we feel like we don’t fit in.”
Kelly Tulloch on military women becoming civilians, U.S. Air Force Veteran and Recipient of the 2024 Honey Badger Award
This year’s highlighted speaker was Kelly Tulloch, U.S. Air Force Veteran. Her talk was entitled, “Permission to Be At Ease”. Tulloch proposes that even though women can do everything, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they should do everything- or, at least, not all at once.
“Being around this many women Veterans is a special thing,” she says. “A common mindset amongst military women is that once we’re no longer in the service, we feel like we don’t fit in. As a result, we tend to isolate, which can quickly lead to unhealthy habits and the development of mental wellness issues.”
The Speaker roster for 2024 also included:
- Nancy Dakin, Colonel (retired), Combat Veteran, U.S. Air Force, Business Owner, Discovery Coach
- Traci Longenbarger, Business Representative, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
- Teena Cathey, Service member, U.S. Air National Guard, Wellness & Life Coach
- Shelly C. Rood, Chaplain, Veterans, U.S. Army Reserves, Business Owner, Speaking & Life Coach
- Michele Pascoe, Veteran, U.S. Navy, Calhoun County Veteran Navigator
- Kelly Tulloch, Veteran, U.S. Air Force, Business Owner, Military Woman Advocate
If you’re into reading about military women, we recommend checking out our military culture section here on the blog.
Others Over Self® Award Winners 2024
Honey Badger
For your Mission First mindset while serving others. Presented to
Kelly Tulloch, Veteran, U.S. Air Force, Military Woman Advocate
Hardcore Wholesome
Recognizing your relentless pursuit of goodness and integrity. Presented to
Laverne Santangelo, Licensed Professional Counselor, Major, U.S. Army (retired)
Character
Honoring your value of doing the immovable right thing. Presented to
Angelic Betterley, Military Widow, Veteran Mental Wellness Advocate
Champion ~ Woman Veteran Strong
Recognizing your work to support military women. Presented to
Doug “Odie” Slocum, Brigadier General (retired), Veteran, U.S. Air Force
QandF + WVE Detroit Conference Partners and Sponsors
The one day conference was coordinated by Mission Ambition, LLC, and held in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Woman Veteran Strong, Women Veterans Alliance, Teena Cathey Wellness and HawgBone Creative Solutions. It was hosted by the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights at the Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center in Detroit MI.
Access to the Detroit event was complimentary, lunch was included, and registration was required. Participation was ideal for people facing perceived performance growth limitations, as well as women working in male-dominated fields. Sponsorship proceeds support military Veterans and their families.
Women Veterans Engage, the National Partnership
Bolstering the event was Women Veterans Engage Detroit, aimed at connecting military women. The WVE national conference out of California was hosted as a live broadcast on-site as part of the Q+F Conference.
Wellness coach Teena Cathey, current service member in the U.S. Air National Guard, echoes Tulloch’s point of view. “Military women hold a unique perspective,” Cathey says, “which is why they shine as coaches for self improvement.”
Cathey says that the Q&F framework is designed to cultivate the Others Over Self® growth mindset, increase self esteem, and spark meaningful conversations within diverse populations. Similar to this year, the 2025 conference agenda will once again include highly interactive workshops, main stage speakers and facilitated networking sessions.
View the latest conference agenda and webpage:
Others Over Self® is a registered trademark of Mission Ambition, LLC, and serves as the promotional arm of the Woman Veteran Strong program.
Military women can connect with like-minded ladies in a safe space through the Woman Veteran Strong program.
According to Chaplain Rood, the first step towards being uniquely happy as a military woman is attending the QandF Conference, and applying for a free membership at WomanVeteranStrong.org.
Event Photo Gallery
