Understanding Global Tensions:

Military and Diplomatic Perspectives on Awareness & Preparedness

An open conversation with IWF Suncoast member, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Leela Gray,
and retired U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait and Libya, Deborah Jones

When:  Monday, March 16^th

Where:  Zoom  

Time:  5:30 - 6:30 PM

Open to:  IWF Florida Suncoast Members

About This Discussion

When world events feel uncertain, understanding how professionals assess and respond to complex situations can be both grounding and empowering. Join us for an informal, educational conversation with one of our own members -- retired US Army Brigadier General Leela Gray, who has direct experience navigating military issues in the Middle East, and retired U.S. Ambassador Doborah Jones, who served throughout the Middle East and as Ambassador to Kuwait and Libya.

This is not a political forum - The International Women's Forum is a non partisan organization and this event will adhere to that policy.

There are no talking points, no agendas. This is an opportunity to learn how professionals think within our diplomatic and military structures, and how these situations apply to our own lives and what we can do to care for ourselves and our families. 

Our Speakers and Guides for This Evening's Discussion

Brigadier General (Ret) Leela Gray brings 30 years of military service, two combat deployments, and senior leadership experience across U.S. Army Cyber Command, the Department of State, and U.S. Army Central. She has represented the United States internationally, advised on national security strategy, and spent years in the rooms where consequential decisions are made. She is also a practicing attorney, board director, and proud IWF Suncoast member.

Ambassador (Ret) Deborah Jones, who is currently on the boards of Amideast and The Hollings Center for International Dialogue, served as the Ambassador to Kuwait from 2008-2011 and Libya from 2013-2015. AMB Jones will bring unique insights as a career diplomat and first-hand experience from the Middle East. AMB Jones was introduced to us by IWF South Florida member Lauren Smith. 

Part I -- Behind the Curtain: How Diplomats and Military Strategists Assess a Changing World

Most of us follow world events through the news -- but what happens behind the scenes? How do military planners evaluate emerging situations, prioritize concerns, and think through responses? BG (Retired) Gray will walk us through the frameworks and disciplines that shape strategic decision-making, using current events in Iran and the Middle East as a real-world lens. The focus is on how professionals think, not what to think.

Key questions we'll explore:

•       What signals do diplomats and senior military leaders look for when assessing a developing situation?

•       How is risk evaluated across diplomatic, logistical, and operational dimensions?

•       What does "strategic patience" look like in practice?

Part II -- Situational Awareness as a Life Skill: Staying Safe in an Uncertain World

Whether you travel internationally, move through busy public spaces, or simply want to feel more confident and prepared, situational awareness is a skill -- one the military and diplomats trains deliberately. AMB Jones will share practical, accessible guidance drawn from professional experience:

•       How to read your environment and recognize early warning signs

•       Building habits of awareness without living in a state of anxiety

•       Practical steps to take if you find yourself in an uncomfortable or unstable situation while traveling or in public spaces

•       How to think clearly and act deliberately under pressure

The Format

This is a relaxed, open conversation, not a lecture. Members are encouraged to bring their questions. The goal is to leave feeling more informed, more aware, and more confident in navigating whatever the world brings.

Per IWF Global Policy: Out of respect for the diverse perspectives within our membership, political discussion, including references to political parties, candidates, or campaigns, will not be part of this conversation.