SSLA Emerging Leader Award
(E3 to E6, CWO2-O4, O1 to O4 and GS5 to GS12)
The SSLA Emerging Leader Award was established to recognize significant contributions made by female junior and mid-grade members (military and civilian) in promoting the professional development and advancement of women in the uniformed services. This award is awarded to service members regardless of gender who highlight the noteworthy accomplishments of individuals that have and will result in long-term benefits to the nominee’s uniformed service and fulfillment of the service’s diversity, inclusion, equality, and gender strategic goals.
Nomination deadline is April 15, 2024. Nomination should be submitted to sslaawards@gmail.com.
1. Award Criteria
The SSLA Emerging Leader Award recognizes an Active Duty or Reserve enlisted member, male or female, in the pay grades of E3 through E6 and an Active Duty or Reserve Officer in paygrades CWO2 through O-4,or a Government civilian employee in paygrades GS5 through GS12 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in furthering the mission and vision of SSLA within the sea services.
- Nominees should be premier examples of inspirational and innovative leadership, who have demonstrated furthering the mission and vision of SSLA supporting women in the sea services through access to education, resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities to enhance their leadership potential and increase the effectiveness of the organization in which they serve;
- Has demonstrated by example, inspirational, innovative and visionary leadership and mentorship on and off duty and an unfailing dedication to making a positive impact within the uniformed and/or government services community;
- Has made significant contributions that resulted in lasting improvements in working conditions and quality of life and promoted excellence in the fleet by recognizing and calling attention to important issues that affect service women, as well as peers, subordinates, and other members of the uniformed services;
- Has exemplified highest integrity, ethical behavior, and are a pillar of their service’s core values.
2. Nomination Process
Candidates shall be nominated and endorsed by their commanding officer (CO), officer-in-charge (OIC), or first O-6/GS-15 in the chain of command (department head level).
Nomination packages shall include the following:
- CO/SES endorsement, to include the command point of contact name, e-mail address and phone number.
- Nomination write-up shall not exceed two pages in length. If nominations are received that exceed the prescribed length, only the first two pages will be graded.
- The biography of the nominee shall not exceed one page in length; please include candidate’s phone number and email address.
- A high resolution official military or government civilian headshot; the provided image will only be used for recognition purposes of awardees, and not used in any part of the candidate’s evaluation process.
3. Deadline
Nomination deadline is April 15, 2024. Nomination should be submitted to sslaawards@gmail.com.
4. Topics of Consideration in Nomination
- Describe the nominee’s professional achievement and leadership skills. Include positions held & significant achievements.
- Please outline the nominee’s sustained community involvement, volunteer activities and her/his sustained investments in promoting professional development and advancement of women in the uniformed services community (i.e. list projects and/or organizations where the nominee has served and the estimated amount of volunteer time). Include any relevant media recognition or list of awards received.
- Describe how the nominee serves as an inspiration and role model, empowering others within her or his sphere of influence.
- How does this nominee change perceived perceptions and stereotypes in ways that create greater equity amongst service members, specifically women service members? How has this nominee used their experience and senior position to influence policy change and motivate improvements to the experience of service women and others?
- Please provide any additional facts or considerations the reviewing awards panel should know that are relevant to the nomination.
5. Notification
Notification will occur May 15, 2024.
