Wed, Apr 09
|The Node (SEC 2.203)
Inclusion by Design
How can design and policy initiatives protect the women who protect and serve?
Time & Location
Apr 09, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The Node (SEC 2.203), 150 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134, USA
About the event
This Inclusion by Design event will explore how the combination of design and policy can create a safer environment where women in the military can thrive in their positions.
We will hear from an inspiring panel featuring:
Loree Draude, one of the first women to fly combat jets in the U.S. Navy. She deployed twice to the Persian Gulf and accumulated over 300 carrier landings
Dr. Downing Lu who served as Deputy Commander for Clinical Services (essential Chief Medical Officer) at Keller Army Community Hospital. She was an Associate Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Caroline Bilbray-Kohn is a recent graduate from the United States Naval Academy and is a part of the submarine community. She is currently a student at Harvard Kennedy School working on her Master of Public Policy focusing on civil-military relations.
Lael Ayala, one of our Harvard Grid Innovation Interns who is currently in the Reserved Officer Training Program (ROTC) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Barney Loehnis, is the President of Humanetics Sensors at Humanetics, a technology company working to avoid human injury and saving lives in automotive and beyond.
Our panelists will discuss the unique challenges they faced with an emphasis on how policy, product design, and training may provide solutions. Event attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to build a supportive environment for women through practical strategies to advocate for change within their own branches of the military and beyond. Specific examples of solutions to improve the safety of women who serve may include body armor tailored to female physiques, wearable technology that monitors health status, and facilities that consider female needs.
The Inclusion by Design: Women in the Military event will bring together scholars, military professionals, and thought leaders to discuss actionable solutions. By fostering collaboration and innovation, this event highlights the importance of driving meaningful change and empowering women to thrive in environments designed with their needs in mind.
