Generation Next Forum Inspires Future Leaders

Generation Next Forum Inspires Future Leaders

Mentorship event at AUSA2024
Photo by: Rod Lamkey for AUSA

Almost 75 young professionals from the Army, industry and Association of the U.S. Army chapters gathered Oct. 14–16 for the second annual Generation Next Forum.

Hosted by AUSA’s Center for Leadership in conjunction with the association’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., the theme for this year’s forum was “The Future is YOU: Educating, Informing and Connecting the Next Generation of Leaders.”

Designed for young professionals, the forum provides professional development and networking opportunities and aims to inspire and develop the next generation of AUSA and industry leaders.

“Our goal is not to completely reshape careers but to provide a space where participants can step back, reflect and reimagine themselves as innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields,” said Angela Pubal, assistant director of the Center for Leadership who spearheaded the forum. “We are excited to offer this platform for the professional growth of mid-level leaders and are deeply committed to their development.”

The Generation Next Forum grew from a one-day program at last year’s Annual Meeting to a three-day immersive and interactive program this year.

It featured events such as a panel discussion titled “Boots to Business: The Rise of ‘Vetrepreneurship,’ ” a speed mentoring session and an “Inspiration to Lead” event where participants were inspired by leadership lessons on the National Mall.

Among the panelists and speakers were Rebecca Gray, senior vice president and general manager of military for Boingo Wireless; Severin Romanov, CEO of Pose Method, the foremost running training technique worldwide with more than 12,000 coaches; Erik Bartell, a combat veteran and accomplished social media creator with extensive experience in community and brand development; retired Col. Carolyn Closs, founder and president of Closs Global Solutions; and Marisa Lightfoot, senior director within EY Parthenon focused on artificial intelligence and quantum analytic strategies and initiatives.

The forum also featured Jackson Kerchis, a happiness researcher and educator, and Paul Krismer, a workplace culture expert, who are both from Happiness Means Business.

“I have been most inspired by the stories from our Young Professional attendees, who have shared how the 2024 Generation Next Forum made a lasting impact on them,” Pubal said. “Whether it is connecting with a peer they plan to stay in touch with or finding inspiration from a speaker's story or advice, the forum is designed to spark those meaningful moments.”