SHRM is excited to announce that Admiral Michelle J. Howard (Retired), the first female U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral, will be the keynote speaker at INCLUSION 2024. Scheduled for November in the Denver metro area and available virtually, Admiral Howard will deliver an inspiring address on the transformative power of representation, drawing from her groundbreaking career in the U.S. Navy.
- Historical Achievements:
- First Female Four-Star Admiral: Admiral Howard broke new ground as the first woman to achieve this rank in the U.S. Navy.
- First Female Vice Chief of Naval Operations: Appointed to the Navy’s second-highest position, making her a pioneer in naval leadership.
- First African-American Woman in Multiple Ranks: Achieved the ranks of both three-star and four-star admiral, and commanded a Navy ship as the first African-American woman.
- Notable Operations:
- 2009 Counterpiracy Operation: Led the mission that rescued Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, an operation depicted in the film Captain Phillips.
- Diverse Service Record: Contributed to critical operations including NATO peacekeeping, Indonesia tsunami relief, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom.
- Keynote Focus:
- Transformative Power of Representation: Admiral Howard will share her personal stories and experiences, highlighting the significance of diversity and representation in leadership roles.
- Empowering Leadership: Her address will offer valuable insights into overcoming barriers and leading with integrity, aiming to inspire and motivate attendees.
Admiral Michelle J. Howard’s keynote at INCLUSION 2024 promises to be a highlight of the event, providing attendees with an inspiring perspective on leadership and diversity. Her groundbreaking achievements and dedication to service exemplify the impact of representation and the power of inclusive leadership.
