BlackRock to Host Bob Woodruff Foundation’s VOWS Symposium for Veterans Returning to the Civilian Workforce
Military veterans, spouses, service members who are returning to the civilian workforce, and corporate hiring managers are invited to attend the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s VOWS Symposium on November 2, 2023, from 9 am to 5 pm ET in New York City. VOWS—a consortium of more than 100 firms nationwide–facilitates career and business opportunities for veterans and their spouses. Hosted by BlackRock, the Symposium encourages organizations to collaborate, develop, and share veteran recruiting and retention best practices. The Symposium also allows veterans, spouses and service members who are returning to the civilian workforce to meet with corporate recruiters about professional opportunities and receive career advice.
“As Co-Executive Sponsors of BlackRock’s Veterans & Allies (VET) Network, we are thrilled to partner with the Bob Woodruff Foundation to present and host this year’s VOWS Symposium from our global headquarters in November. For BlackRock, supporting veterans, and their families, as they transition from the military to civilian life has been, and continues to be, a high priority. We look forward to the VOWS Symposium to further BlackRock’s impact within the veteran community,” shared Gary Shedlin, Vice Chairman of BlackRock and Sudhir Nair, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Aladdin, BlackRock
The Symposium includes discussions on how to support those who continue to serve as reservists and military spouses. Attendees will also hear about the importance of military cultural competency and retention of veterans in the workforce. There are also workshops to help veterans and hiring managers translate military skills to civilian workplace demands. Speakers include
- Ralph Andretta, President and CEO, Bread Financial
- General Robert B. “Abe” Abrams (ret.)
- Lieutenant General Michelle D. Johnson (ret.)
- Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO, Bob Woodruff Foundation
- Sudhir Nair, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Aladdin, BlackRock
- Gary Shedlin, Vice Chairman, BlackRock
- Carolyn Vadino, Managing Director, Global Head of BlackRock’s Commercial Communications
- Bob Woodruff, ABC News Correspondent and Founder, Bob Woodruff Foundation
“Today, over 25% of veterans are younger than 50. This means that many have the opportunity for continued meaningful employment in a second career after service,” shared Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “We are grateful to BlackRock for their support of our VOWS Symposium, and of our efforts to facilitate relationships between veterans and potential employers and to connect veterans to their next career.”
Registration for the 2023 New York City VOWS Symposium is open and there is no cost to participate.
