Women's Forum Lunch (Registration required)

 “Objects in the Rear View Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear:  A Look Across Three Decades of U.S. Foreign Policy”

Get an inside look at how several of the countries that draw a lot of attention in U.S. foreign policy today — specifically China and Russia — were also key countries for us 30 years ago.  How have the challenges changed, and how does that effect our foreign policy?

Keynote Speaker - Valerie Crites Fowler served as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service for over 29 years, reaching the rank of Minister Counselor in the Senior Foreign Service.  Following her retirement this year, Valerie and her husband Chip established a vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA, where they planted 16 acres of sustainably farmed wine grapes.  Chip served as a U.S. Naval Aviator, rising to the rank of Captain, before studying viticulture at the Eastern Institute of Technology in New Zealand and at Sonoma State.  With more than 60 years of combined service, Valerie and Chip share a passion for supporting those who serve our nation, and Night Watch Wine (www.nightwatchwines.com) will contribute a percentage of its wine sales to two foundations directly assisting veterans.

Valerie's diplomatic career in the Department of State spanned the globe for three decades.  Most recently, from 2016-2017, Valerie served as U.S. Consul General in Sydney, Australia, leading U.S. engagement in New South Wales and Queensland.  From 2012-2015, she served in the Bureau of Public Affairs as Deputy Assistant Secretary, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Acting Assistant Secretary of State. Her other assignments include Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka; Director of the Provincial Reconstruction Team and Sub-National Governance Office at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, leading the U.S. civilian presence across Afghanistan; Director of Crisis Management Support in the State Department Operations Center; and overseas positions specializing in public diplomacy and public affairs in Singapore, Pretoria, Thessaloniki, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

ACG Florida is pleased to present our first Women’s Forum as part of our annual Capital Connection.  This event is designed with you in mind –

• Hear from dynamic keynote speaker Valerie Fowler, who led in many male-dominated professions throughout her career and still found time to co-found Night Watch Wines (www.nightwatchwines.com)
• Connect with dynamic women in the middle-market, women who lead their organizations, and women who lead in areas of their expertise within their firms
• Enjoy a fashion show and stay current on latest trends in business and casual wear
• Check out products produced or distributed by women-led organizations
• Consult skin care and makeup experts
• Strike a pose and update your corporate headshot

The lunch menu is deliciously healthy; keynote topic is relevant and serious; share industry experiences and identify valuable leads; AND HAVE SOME NETWORKING FUN.  So why wait?  The event is not just for women. In fact, men are encouraged to come.

Schedule:

11:00 – 11:30 - networking
11:30 – lunch served
12:00 – 1:00 keynote presentation
1:00 – 1:15 – fashion show by Jackie Z Style Co
1:15 – 2:30 – more networking