NORFOLK - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven S. Giordano attended the Sea Service Leadership Association's Joint Women's Leadership Symposium June 16, discussing various topics regarding women in today's Navy. The annual event allows service members the opportunity to meet with hundreds of fellow women in uniform from around the country and even other nation's armed forces. More than 800 women attended the event this year covering such topics as caring for the whole self, lifting up the next generation of women and finding your own voice, among others. "Leadership development is essential to our professional growth and development," Giordano said. "I think its great to see this initiative and focus on issues pertaining to women. Who better to advise our women Sailors than women leading Sailors in our Navy today?" Giordano addressed the group focusing on trailblazing women who forged the path women are walking in the Navy today. "We have an incredible heritage of strong, willful women making a difference in today's Navy, as a result of their predecessors pushing those boundaries," Giordano said. "This is an exciting time to be in our Navy as a woman because the opportunities are growing every day." During a question and answer session, Giordano was asked about lessons learned from leaders he served with, his advice for women in today's Navy and various other topics. "Sometimes, it can be hard for me to see through your lens," Giordano said addressing the mostly female audience. "That's why I think it's so important to have these types of discussions so we can all learn from each other." As MCPON, Giordano serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations and Chief of Naval Personnel on all matters pertaining to the United States Navy enlisted force. He is the 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.

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