July 2026 Edition
Women Veterans Ignited: Elevating & Championing Her Voice Across Florida
Hello and Welcome Women Veterans, Families, and Valued Supporters!
In this issue: Welcome Organization Updates CEO's Corner Recent Events Stay Connected Our Programs Contact
Welcome to HerVOICE Monthly!July is a time to celebrate freedom, reflect on service, and remember those who answered the call to protect the liberties we enjoy every day. It also reminds us of the incredible women veterans who continue serving their families, communities, and one another long after their time in uniform.
As we look back on our 12th Annual Women Veterans Recognition Week, our hearts are full of gratitude. To every woman veteran who shared her story, every volunteer, sponsor, community partner, and supporter who stood beside us, thank you. Because of you, women veterans across Florida were not only recognized, but they were also reminded that their service matters, their sacrifices are valued, and they are never alone.
That has always been the heart of Women Veterans Ignited. Since 2012, we've believed in the power of community, connection, and showing up for one another. Thank you for being part of this family and for helping us continue this mission together. As we move into July and a new fiscal year, we want to share something with you from the heart.
For nearly 14 years, Women Veterans Ignited has remained committed to serving women veterans with compassion, dignity, and the resources they need to thrive. We've celebrated victories together, stood beside women during some of their most difficult moments, and watched lives transform because a community chose to care.
Today, we find ourselves facing a new challenge.
This year, we did not receive the funding needed to continue operating at full capacity. As a result, beginning this month, our office hours will be reduced to 16 hours each week, but continuing to operate Monday through Thursday, from 8 am to 2 pm.
To be honest, sharing this with you is difficult.
The women veterans who reach out to us don't stop needing support because funding becomes limited. They still need a safe place to turn when life feels uncertain. They still need someone to answer the phone, connect them with resources, celebrate their successes, and remind them they are not alone.
That is why we are reaching out to you.
If you have ever wondered how you can make a difference, this is your moment.
Whether you choose to make a gift, become a monthly donor, introduce us to someone who believes in investing in women veterans, or simply share our mission with others, you become part of the reason we can continue showing up for those who have served.
Every dollar given, every introduction made, and every story shared helps ensure that women veterans across Florida continue to receive the support, encouragement, and opportunities they deserve.
Since 2012, our mission has never changed. We believe every woman veteran deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as she builds the next chapter of her life. That mission is as important today as it was the day we began.
Thank you for believing in this work. Thank you for believing in the women we serve. And thank you for standing with us as we continue building a future where every woman veteran has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
We couldn't do this without you, and we wouldn't want to. The first couple of weeks in June were quite busy, yet productive. We went from the City of Jacksonville's Military Spouses Night Out right into the FDVA's Women Veterans Summit in Tampa, then immediately into our Women Veterans Recognition Week right here in our backyard. Phew! It was a lot, but it was completely worth it as we celebrated women veterans and reconnected with old friends and met many new faces. Military Spouses Night OutOn June 4th, we were honored to attend the City of Jacksonville's Military Spouse Night Out. Spouses are the backbone of our military community, providing unwavering support through deployments, relocations, career changes, and the many challenges that come with military life. Their service may not come with a uniform, but its impact is felt every day.
Women veterans wear many hats throughout their lives. Many have not only served in uniform but have also experienced the unique journey of being a military spouse, balancing military service, family life, and the demands that come with supporting a loved one in uniform. Their experiences reflect the many ways women continue to serve, both during and after their military careers.
We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with military spouses who are also veterans, share information about our programs and services, and celebrate the incredible role they play in supporting our military and veteran communities.
Thank you to the City of Jax for hosting such an impactful event. It's times like these that remind us that when we honor military spouses, we also recognize the strength, dedication, and resilience that help keep our military community strong.
 FDVA Women Veterans Summit in TampaSo, we had the privilege of attending the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs Women Veterans Summit in Tampa. It was an inspiring two days filled with meaningful conversations, new connections, and a shared commitment to ensuring women veterans across our state have access to the resources, support, and community they deserve.
We are grateful to everyone who stopped by to meet us, shared their journey, and learned more about Women Veterans Ignited. Every conversation reminded us why this work matters and reinforced the importance of working together to reach women veterans wherever they are.
The summit also brought a very special moment of celebration for our organization. Our Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Sharleen Deary, was honored as one of just five recipients of the inaugural 2026 FDVA Trailblazer Award in recognition of her outstanding work and dedication to serving women veterans throughout the community. We couldn't be more proud of this well-deserved recognition and the passion she brings to our mission every day.
Thank you to the FDVA for bringing organizations and women veterans together to strengthen partnerships, celebrate leaders making a difference, and continue building a brighter future for those who have served.
 Women Veteran's Lunch & LearnThe Flags Still Stand: Honoring a Legacy of Service
One of the highlights of this year's Women Veterans Recognition Week was our inspiring Lunch & Learn, "The Flags Still Stand: Her Flag Journey, Legends of Service."
Guests had the privilege of hearing from an extraordinary panel of trailblazing leaders: Brigadier General Valeria Gonzalez-Kerr, Major General Rita Broadway, Rear Admiral Patricia Wolfe, and Vice Admiral Mary Jackson. Through heartfelt storytelling and honest reflection, they shared the experiences that shaped their military careers and their lives beyond the uniform.
The discussion explored thought-provoking questions about why they chose military service, whether they ever questioned that decision, the path to becoming commissioned officers and ultimately flag officers, the challenges of leading others, balancing military service with family life, transitioning into civilian life, and the lessons they wish they had known early in their careers. They also reflected on their proudest moments in uniform, the challenges that tested them most, and the wisdom they now pass on to the next generation of women who serve.
Their candid responses offered inspiration, encouragement, and valuable insight for women veterans at every stage of their journey. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is built through perseverance, service, and a willingness to lift others along the way.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our distinguished panelists for sharing their stories so openly and to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable conversation. Together, we continue to honor the remarkable legacy of women veterans and ensure their stories are heard, celebrated, and remembered.
 As part of our Women Veterans Recognition Week, we welcomed women for an evening of rest, reflection, and renewal during our Women's Mini Retreat, "Rooted in Wellness: Mind, Body & Safety Essentials for Women."
The retreat provided a space for women to step away from the demands of everyday life, reconnect with themselves, and invest in their overall well-being.
Through engaging speakers, much needed conversations, and practical resources, attendees took part in ways to care for their mental, physical, and personal wellness.
More than anything, the evening served as a reminder that self-care is not a luxury, it's an essential part of living a healthy, balanced life. When women have the opportunity to pause, recharge, and support one another, healing happens and lasting friendships are formed.
Thank you to everyone who attended, our presenters and wellness partners who shared their time and expertise, and the volunteers who helped make the evening so special.
Women Veterans Recognition GalaAn Evening to Remember: 12th Annual Women Veterans Recognition Gala
We're still smiling as we reflect on our 12th Annual Women Veterans Recognition Week Gala. What an incredible way to close a week dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifice, and legacy of women veterans.
One of the most memorable moments was recognizing our Trailblazers from the Korean and Vietnam War eras. These remarkable women helped pave the way for future generations of women in uniform through their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service. It was our privilege to honor their legacy and thank them for opening doors that continue to impact women serving today.
And, although Mrs. Womble, our honored World War II veteran, who is 106 YEARS OLD, was unable to join us in person, her presence was deeply felt as guests watched a moving video testimonial about how Women Veterans Ignited helped has impacted her life. Her words served as a reminder that it doesn't matter how old you are or when you got out of the military, you need to file for your hard-earned benefits.
We were also honored to welcome Retired Major General James "Hammer" Hartsell as our keynote speaker. He serves as the Executive Director at FDVA, and his focus is on Women Veterans. His inspiring message reminded us that leadership doesn't end when military service does. It continues through how we serve our communities, support one another, and leave a legacy for those who follow.
A special thank you to our Emcee, Navy Vet, Tammy Hodo, whose warmth, professionalism, and fun energy guided us through an unforgettable night.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Marines of 4th AAB, Company B, whose presentation of the colors set the tone for a truly memorable celebration. But they didn't stop there. Without being asked, these young Marines graciously escorted our Trailblazers to center stage, a simple yet powerful gesture of honor and respect that touched everyone in the room. It was especially meaningful to watch our Marine Trailblazers share that moment with the next generation of Marines. As the saying goes, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine!" Semper Fidelis... Oorah!
To our generous sponsors, CSX and VyStar, our volunteers, community partners, and everyone who joined us, thank you. Your support made this evening possible and reminded us what can happen when a community comes together to honor those who have served.
Most importantly, thank you to every woman veteran. This evening was for you. Your stories, your sacrifices, your leadership, and your legacy continue to inspire us every day. It was our honor to celebrate you.
 Military Women's Exhibit in Orlando! Not sure if you heard yet, but there's a military women's exhibit at the Women's History & Cultural Center in Orlando! And our CEO, COO, and Marketing/Outraech Coordinator are on display. So... if you have time between now and August, we encourage you to go check it out. Call ahead to verify the hours, but we're almost certain it's open from 10a to 2p, Monday through Thursdays. We'd be remis if we didn't shout out Susan Aungst from Tri-County Women Veterans out at the Villages for spearheading this incredible display. Way to go, Sue! It's magnificent! Thank you for doing this for all of us!
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More to come in our Next HerVOICE Monthly issue. Stay Tuned! |
