Approximately 75 Marines, of both genders, attended the 2013 Joint Women's Leadership Symposium at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., on June 6-7, 2013.

The 26th annual JWLS was developed around the theme "Better Self, Better Service" and offered breakout sessions ranging from financial management to managing your time to sexual assault prevention and response, and deployment-related health issues.

"This is the largest gathering of military women in the world," said Adm. James A. Winnefeld, ninth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his speech June 6. "You make the whole team better."

Throughout the two-day symposium guest speakers -- male and female, enlisted and officer, military and civilian -- spoke words of advice, inspiration and hope.

"Inspire those who follow," said Winnefeld. “Don’t just focus on that future, lead us to that future.”

“If you’re not challenged in the job you’re in, you’re in the wrong job,” said retired Vice Adm. Carol Pottenger.

“When something goes wrong, take responsibility,” said retired Marine Lt. Gen. John Sattler. “When something goes right, pass it on.”

“If you see something wrong and you turn away from it, that’s the new standard,” said Sattler.

“You have to give the troops hope; without hope they will only do the minimum,” said Carey Lohrenz, first female F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot in the Navy and the speaker for ’90 Minutes to Simplify Your Life’ during the symposium.

“Face the fear of failure and go for it anyway,” said Lohrenz. “Question that voice that says, ‘I’m not ready yet.’”

“Seek to understand so you can be understood,” said Coast Guard Master Chief Penny Koons, panelist on the Senior Enlisted Panel during the symposium.

Though geared toward women in the service, the theme throughout the symposium was leadership, not female leadership or leadership for women.

"I'll be back and I will bring my junior Marines with me," said Master Sgt. Jequetta Collier, Marine Corps Network Operation Systems Center operations chief.

During the symposium, "exceptional mentoring and advise" was shared between all branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Coast Guard, and some international services as well, she said. "I really enjoyed the leadership panel and hearing how the other branches do business," said Collier.

Junior leaders also took some leadership tools away from the symposium.

"So many positive adjectives can describe today: inspirational, eye opening, fantastic, awesome, great experience, great people," said Cpl. Krystle Williams, Security Battalion military police officer.

"Every single female corporal and below should be required to attend," Williams added. "There are people out there you can reach out to. I know this added to my toolbox."

Correspondent: rebekka.heite@usmc.mil