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 Department of South Carolina - Marine Corps League

Forwarding information from VA.

Respectfully,
Bob Borka
National Executive Director/COO
Marine Corps League

From: Williams, Leslie N. (she/her/hers)

Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 10:30 AM
Subject: Notification to the VSOs **2025 Women Veterans Trailblazer Initiative**

Good morning,

Below is pertinent information regarding The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2025 Women Veterans Trailblazer Initiative. The Center for Women Veteran's 2025 Trailblazer banner and blog post are also attached. VA requests your support in amplifying this information to your networks.

VA Center for Women Veterans

2025 Women Veterans Trailblazer Initiative

The VA's Center for Women Veterans (CWV) is on the lookout for outstanding nominees for their 2025 Women Veterans Trailblazers "Women Veterans Forging a Path" initiative. This prestigious program seeks to recognize women who have served and separated from military service, significantly impacting the lives of Veterans, their families, or caregivers.

What Defines a Trailblazer?

A Trailblazer is a woman who embodies leadership and change through impactful actions or events, over time, in crucial areas such as:

- Education: Advocating for or providing educational opportunities for Veterans.

- Employment: Assisting Veterans in securing meaningful employment.

- Entrepreneurship: Supporting Veteran-owned businesses.

- Homelessness: Working towards eradicating Veteran homelessness.

- Legal Assistance: Offering legal help to Veterans.

- Mental Health and Wellness: Promoting mental health services for Veterans.

- Research: Building women's health research to transform Veterans' care.

- Violence Against Women: Combatting domestic violence, harassment, and sexual assault affecting Veterans.

How to Nominate a Trailblazer

The deadline for nomination packages is Monday, September 30, 2024. If you or someone you know fits this description, the Center for Women Veterans is eager to hear from you. Submit your nominations now and learn more. Selected nominees will be announced in March 2025, aligning with Women's History Month. The selection process may include an interview to explore the nominee's contributions further.

A Legacy of Recognition

The CWV began this initiative in 2019 with the "Women Breaking Barriers" campaign, celebrating the myriad contributions of women Veterans during and after their military service. This inaugural event honored fifteen women Veterans across various military branches.

The Center for Women Veterans continued this tradition biannually in 2021 and 2023. In 2023, CWV's "Women Making a Difference" initiative received an overwhelming 394 nomination packages, ultimately selecting 19 women Veterans for recognition, including two posthumous awards, highlighting their extraordinary work across various fields.

Sharing Stories of Impact

The Trailblazer campaign is more than just recognition—it's a powerful medium to share the unique experiences and contributions of women Veterans. The stories shared through this initiative shine a light on how their military service has paved the way for continued leadership and advocacy within their communities.

If you are a woman Veteran Trailblazer or know one making a difference, now is the perfect time to step into the spotlight. The Center for Women Veterans is ready to celebrate and share your story.

For more information and to access the application, please visit the VA's Center for Women Veterans website. Together, let's celebrate the remarkable women forging impactful paths post-military service.

***

Thank you for your service and support, and have a great day on purpose!

Respectfully,

Leslie N.  Williams

Deputy Director, VSO

Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs  

Thanks,
Department of South Carolina, Marine Corps League.