As we continue settling into this post-military chapter in Arizona, some new opportunities have come up that feel like the perfect next steps in a journey that’s always been about advocacy, empowerment, and creating change for military spouses.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve accepted the role of Executive Director with the Society of Military Spouses in STEM (SMSS). This organization, co-founded by fellow military spouses in STEM, Michelle Aikman and Anna Flores, helps spouses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This organization is close to my heart since I joined in 2018 and have volunteered as the Membership Application Manager. I earned Volunteer of the Year in 2023, and saw firsthand the incredible community it builds: networking, resources, advocacy, and visibility for spouses pursuing or advancing in STEM careers despite frequent PCS moves, deployments, and employment barriers.

SMSS’s mission is to provide support, visibility, advocacy, and opportunity to military spouses in STEM so they can thrive. It aligns deeply with everything I’ve advocated for over the past 23+ years. From pushing for the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act to leading the Military Spouse Business Association and Academy (empowering entrepreneurs with marketing tools, education, and resources), to turning my own employment challenges (especially overseas under SOFA restrictions) into my own consulting business and Homefront Hustle mentorship.

In this position, I’ll focus on accelerating SMSS’s sustainable growth and meaningful impact: increasing membership through enhanced visibility and outreach, updating and expanding resources, strengthening advocacy and partnerships, and building collaborations to amplify the organization’s mission.

Especially since military spouses bring incredible talent, resilience, and adaptability to STEM fields, but still face a 23% unemployment rate (Blue Star Families, 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey) and/or interrupted careers due to frequent relocations. SMSS exists to change that by empowering spouses to thrive, and I’m honored to help steer the organization toward greater reach for underserved military spouses.

As I stated in Article 50, From Uniform to Purpose: Building a Legacy of Intentional Impact in Transition, this transition from active-duty spouse to retired military family member has taught me that purpose doesn’t end with the uniform; it evolves. Mine continues through every spouse who finds their path, whether in business or STEM. Accepting this role is a conscious choice to keep building intentional impact: fostering community, creating opportunity, and ensuring no military spouse feels invisible in their field.

I’m excited for what’s ahead, collaborating with the talented SMSS team and the new board of directors (Chelsa Brilla, Alison Jane Martingano, Cecilia Alcantara-Bedford, Shaneen Waiters) as we work together to grow membership, expand resources, strengthen partnerships, and amplify support for military spouses in STEM.

If you’re a military spouse in STEM (or know one who is), I invite you to join SMSS or simply share your story. Together, we can envision and create what doesn’t exist yet.

Before I close, a special thank you to Michelle, co-founder of SMSS and its guiding leader for over 10 years. With courage and vision, she launched this organization to build real support for military spouses in STEM, a bold step that wasn’t always met with immediate understanding or acceptance, as is often true when pioneering something new. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication, advocacy, and commitment that laid the strong foundation we stand on today. Michelle is graciously staying on with the new board and officers to support a smooth transition, sharing her extensive knowledge and expertise. Thank you, Michelle, your impact will continue to ripple through every spouse you’ve helped empower.

Originally published on LinkedIn on January 19, 2026. [Read it here]