ASU Women Veterans and Military-Connected Students RISE Conference #womenrise
RISE: Resilience. Independence. Strength. Empowerment.
The Pat Tillman Veterans Center is proud to host the third annual Women Veterans and Military-Connected Students RISE Conference, an event centered on a community that embodies resilience, independence, strength and empowerment. The conference serves as a beacon of support and solidarity for women who have served or are connected to the military.
This year’s conference will focus on the theme of impact. #WomenRise
Thursday, March 19, 2026
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ventana B and C (room 241)
Program and speakers will be updated soon
All students are welcome to participate in this event.
Agenda
Conference Agenda:
10:30 a.m. – Doors open and check-in
11 a.m. – Welcome remarks and lunch
11:15 to 11:30 a.m. – Keynote speaker (Kayla Morgan)
11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – "Shared Service, Shared Sacrifice" (presenters Leticia Verdugo and Isabella Popiel)
12 to 12:40 p.m. – The Women Leadership Panel (Renee Bhatti-Klug, Anca Castillo and Melissa Villalobos)
12:40 to 1:15 p.m. – "Holding The Weight: The Impact We Have" (presenters Jennie Blair and Sheena Hayes)
1:15 p.m. – Closing remarks and tabling/networking
2 p.m. – Conference ends
Kayla Morgan
Keynote Speaker
Master Sergeant (Retired) Kayla Morgan is a former senior enlisted leader in the Arizona Army National Guard with nearly 17 years of service as a medic. She held strategic leadership roles across medical operations, readiness, and soldier support, including a combat deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and multiple overseas training missions. Passionate about people and team building, she strengthened resilience and well-being as a Master Resilience Trainer, on the Traumatic Event Management Team, and in advocacy roles including the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Team, student Victim Advocate at ASU, and Advocacy Officer with the Student Veterans of America, Arizona State University chapter. Her leadership and impact have been recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, and humanitarian service honors. Since retiring in late 2025, she has worked in Category Administration within Strategic Sourcing at HonorHealth, supporting operational efficiency and value-based decision-making across a large healthcare network. She resides in Gilbert, Arizona, and outside of work enjoys spending time with her family and pets, being outdoors, and traveling.
The ASU Women Veterans and Military-Connected Students community provides a supportive and empowering environment for female veterans and military-connected individuals at Arizona State University.
This community is dedicated to recognizing the unique experiences, challenges and contributions of women who have served in the military or are connected to military service members. It serves as a platform for networking, camaraderie and personal growth, fostering connections among women who share a common bond of military service.
Conference Sponsors
