Captain Janet Days, Naval Station Norfolk’s First Black Female Commanding Officer

International Women's Day celebrates women's achievements and a call to action for gender equality. Black women leaders have played a crucial role in shaping history, breaking barriers, and making a difference. Today, we want to highlight Captain Janet Days. She is an incredible woman who has made an indelible mark on history.

Captain Janet Days are now the first Black woman commanding officer in Naval Station Norfolk's (NAVSTA) 106-year history. The Chicago native graduated Summa Cum Laude from Old Dominion University and was commissioned through Naval ROTC's Enlisted Commissioning Program. Within her 24-year career, she's taken numerous tours aboard: USS Simon Lake, homeported at La Maddalena, Italy, USS Mahan, and USS Forrest Sherman. She's also been deployed twice!

Her leadership hasn't gone unnoticed; Days was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (7), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. 

On February 3, 2023, she was sworn in as NAVSTA's 51st Commanding Officer. This role is typically reserved for white men, making history as the first Black commanding officer of the world's most extensive naval base, which is located in Norfolk, VA. This wasn't the first time Days made history; in 2021, she was named the first Black woman Executive Officer at Naval Station Norfolk.

She'll oversee 6,200 acres in her new role, including 13 piers, an 8,000-foot airfield, 63 ships, two 188 aircraft, and 18 squadrons. A true trailblazer and an inspiration to all, this is an excellent start to Black History Month.

Congratulations, Captain Days! Keep making power moves!

The women in the armed forces, and countless others, have profoundly changed the world. Their leadership, courage, and determination have inspired generations of women and girls to pursue their dreams, break down barriers, and fight for a better future. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us remember the contributions of these incredible women and commit ourselves to continue their work for a more just and equitable world.

Building Strong Relationships: Increasing Social-Emotional Quotient

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become an increasingly important aspect of education, as research has shown that it plays a vital role in the success of students and adults alike. One key component of SEL is building solid relationships, which can help to increase the social-emotional quotient (SEQ) - the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions.

Building solid relationships is about more than just being friendly or likable. It involves creating a sense of trust, respect, and empathy that allows individuals to connect more deeply. When we have strong relationships with others, we feel more supported and connected, which can lead to many benefits, including improved well-being, higher levels of engagement, and tremendous success in our personal and professional lives.

So, how can we build strong relationships that help to increase our social-emotional quotient? Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Practice Active Listening: Active listening is about more than just hearing what someone is saying - it involves paying attention, asking questions, and responding to show you understand and care. When we practice active listening, we show that we value and respect the other person, which can help to build trust and empathy.

2. Share Your Own Experiences: Sharing your experiences can help create a sense of connection and understanding with others. When we are willing to be vulnerable and share our struggles and successes, we show that we are human, which can help others to relate and connect with us on a deeper level.

3. Practice Empathy: Empathy involves putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to understand their perspective. When we practice compassion, we show that we care about the other person and are willing to take the time to understand their thoughts and feelings. Practice empathy helps build trust and respect, essential to solid relationships.

4. Show Appreciation: When we take the time to show appreciation for others, we communicate that we value and respect them. Whether a simple "thank you" or a more elaborate gesture, showing appreciation can help strengthen relationships and increase the social-emotional quotient.

In conclusion, building strong relationships is an essential component of social-emotional learning. By practicing active listening, sharing our experiences, practicing empathy, and showing appreciation, we can increase our social-emotional quotient and create a more supportive and connected community. Let's commit to building strong relationships and supporting each other on our social-emotional learning journeys. #SELAdults #SocialEmotionalLearning #PersonalGrowth #WellBeing #Education #SELforAdults

Social-Emotional (SEL) Learning for Adults

Attention all educators, parents, and anyone interested in social and emotional learning! We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new web series, "SEL Adults"!

As an engagement specialist, I know firsthand the importance of social and emotional learning for students and adults. That's why I'm thrilled to bring you this series specifically designed to support the social and emotional well-being of educators and other adults.

Through "SEL Adults," we will explore stress management, self-care, building positive relationships, and much more. Each episode will feature interviews with social and emotional learning experts, real-life stories, and practical tips for incorporating social and emotional skills into your daily life.

Social Emotional Intelligence, also known as Emotional Quotient or EQ, is the ability to understand and manage emotions in ourselves and others. It is a vital aspect of our well-being and success in life. A high EQ allows us to navigate social situations, manage stress and conflict effectively, and build strong relationships.

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive world, it is essential to have high EQ. It enables us to communicate effectively, understand the needs of others, and respond appropriately to different situations. However, building EQ is a process that takes time. It requires conscious effort, practice, and a willingness to learn and grow. Here are some strategies that adults can use to increase their EQ:

1. Practice Self-Awareness

The first step towards building EQ is to develop self-awareness. Self-Awareness means being in tune with your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Start by paying attention to your emotional reactions in different situations, and try to understand why you feel a certain way. Reflect on your actions and decisions, and assess how they affect your emotions and those of others.

1. Develop Self-Regulation Skills

Once you have developed self-awareness, developing self-regulation skills is next. Self-regulation means being able to control your emotions and impulses in different situations. It involves developing stress management, impulse control, and adaptability skills. One way to build self-regulation skills is through mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

1. Cultivate Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what others are experiencing. It is an essential aspect of EQ and helps us build stronger relationships with others. To cultivate empathy, practice active listening and try to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Be mindful of their feelings and try to respond in a way that shows you understand and care about their needs.

1. Build Social Skills

Social skills are communicating effectively, building relationships, and navigating social situations. Social skills involve developing active listening, effective communication, and conflict-resolution skills. One way to improve social skills is to seek out opportunities to practice these skills, such as joining a club or attending social events.

1. Develop Motivation

Motivation is the drive to achieve our goals and the ability to persevere in facing challenges. It is a critical aspect of EQ and helps us stay focused and on track. To develop motivation, set goals for yourself and work towards them consistently. Celebrate your successes along the way, and don't be discouraged by setbacks.

In conclusion, building EQ is an ongoing process that requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn and grow. By developing self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation, adults can increase their EQ and improve their well-being and success.

In conclusion, developing Social Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is crucial for our overall well-being. A high EQ allows us to understand and manage our emotions, communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and navigate social situations. It enables us to handle stress and conflict effectively, improving mental and emotional health. People with high EQ are also more likely to succeed in personal and professional areas.

By practicing self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation, adults can increase their EQ and improve their well-being. These skills help individuals have better relationships, manage their stress effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances. As a result, individuals with high EQ are often happier, healthier, and more successful in all areas of their lives.

In conclusion, improving your EQ is a worthwhile investment that can significantly benefit your overall well-being. It takes time and effort, but by incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can increase your EQ and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.

So, if you're ready to take your social and emotional learning to the next level, tune in to the "SEL Adults" web series! #SELAdults #SocialEmotionalLearning #PersonalGrowth #WellBeing #Education #SELforAdults