ANSO to Host Annual Professional Development and Training Symposium

The Association of Naval Services Officers (ASNO) will host their 26th annual professional development and training symposium at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, N.Y., April 4-8. The symposium will include educational and training development sessions, mentoring opportunities, and senior service leadership presentations focused on this year’s theme, “Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric.” The primary goal of ANSO is to actively support the sea services in the recruitment, mentoring, career development, and retention of Hispanic officers. The organization contributes significantly to strengthening overall diversity efforts and includes membership by active duty, reserve, and retired officers and enlisted, as well as civilian employees of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. “ANSO has been a partner in the Navy’s efforts to increase diversity at all ranks. The symposium will be an opportunity for the Hispanic community to hear firsthand how ANSO can contribute to the CNO’s (Chief of Naval Operations) vision of diversity,” said Director of Navy’s Diversity Directorate, Cmdr. John Hefti. The symposium is open to all personnel and maximum participation is strongly encouraged by Navy leadership. Commands are authorized to use available temporary additional duty funds to sponsor attendance and use of government transportation is encouraged. Limited funding is also available for junior personnel through the Diversity Directorate. If interested, please contact Lt. Stephanie Miller by phone at 703-695-9232, DSN 225 or via email at [email protected]. “Organizations like ANSO help promote diversity and positive human relations in the Navy, which strengthens the Navy as a whole. It also recognizes people who are helping to promote cultural awareness, which builds morale,” said Hefti.

By Lt. Stephanie Miller, Diversity Directorate, Chief of Naval Personnel