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Frontline Service. Trailblazing Leadership. Real Policy Reform.

From artillery positions and naval warships to Capitol Hill, our leaders deliver inspiring, action-oriented keynotes on the reality of women in combat, military culture, and leadership.

Rooted in Experience, Driven by Impact.

Our speakers bring rare, firsthand perspective to every stage, combining proven military and executive leadership experience with high-level academic research and federal policy advocacy.

  • Elisa is an 11-year Navy veteran with expertise in anti-submarine warfare and operational level of war planning. Her leadership spans service as a naval officer, high school STEM teacher, and candidate for federal office. As CEO of SWAN, she leverages this operational and executive background to advocate for military reform, policy change, and veteran equity.

  • Rita served seven years as an Army Field Artillery Officer, commissioned during the historic first full year combat arms opened to women. Holding a Master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor's in Social Work, she combines frontline leadership with policy research to advance military reform and gender equity.

Key Speaking Topics

1. Women in Combat: The Reality, History, and Future

Overview: A candid look at the integration of women into frontline combat arms roles, breaking down operational realities, cultural shifts, and the path forward.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The policy milestones and history that opened combat positions to women.

  2. Overcoming cultural and structural barriers on the frontlines.

  3. What genuine integration looks like for future force readiness.

2. Military & Veteran Policy: Driving Real Reform

Overview: How policy is crafted, challenged, and reformed to support service women and veterans in healthcare, accountability, and equity.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Bridging the gap between active-duty service and veteran care systems.

  2. Policy priorities actively transforming military culture.

  3. How targeted advocacy creates institutional accountability.

3. Mission First, People Always: Authentic & Compassionate Leadership

Overview: Real mission success isn't driven by top-down mandates—it is achieved by centering, empowering, and supporting the people doing the work.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Leading with authenticity and empathy without compromising high standards.

  2. Centering frontline experience to drive institutional success and retention.

  3. Building culture grounded in compassion, accountability, and psychological safety.

Available Formats: Keynote Addresses | Panel Discussions & Moderation | Fireside Chats & Policy Q&As | Virtual & Hybrid

Our Impact & Speaker Fees

Investing in Our Mission

SWAN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and speaking engagements help support our national advocacy and veteran services. We tailor our honorariums based on the event structure:

  • Corporate & Commercial Events: Standard honorarium required, which directly funds our programs.

  • Non-Profits, Academic & Veteran Groups: Flexible fee structures available, prioritizing travel expense coverage or virtual formats so we can connect with community audiences.

Our goal is to deliver high-impact insights to your stage while ensuring our team's time and travel directly advance our mission.