I have been known as a Navy spouse, wife to Nathan Winters, advocate, entrepreneur, volunteer, supporter, Winters family chef, friend, colleague, peer, mentor, workaholic, daughter-in-law, aunt, sibling, and the list goes on. The one thing I never really claimed as part of my identity was “STEM.”

In 2002, during our first permanent change of station (PCS) move, I walked into a facility that offered to help military spouses find employment. I asked about jobs in the STEM field. They handed me a three-ring binder of currently available positions. I looked through it and found nothing in STEM. When I asked about companies on base hiring spouses with a STEM degree, the response was, “We don’t know anything about companies offering those kinds of jobs.” That was my first clear sign that finding employment would not be easy.

We moved three times—really four, counting the transition when military housing became privatized—in just two years. In 2005, during a move that was supposed to last longer than a couple of months, I worked with a staffing agency. I had an interview with a STEM company, but botched it. I reached out to the local chapter of the STEM society I had belonged to as a student, but nothing came of it. Another agency, suggested by the Department of the Navy, also led nowhere. During one inquiry call, I was told I wouldn’t find a job because I didn’t know how to connect with local people. That comment applied to any job, not just STEM roles. At that point, I gave up on a traditional career in STEM.

In the positions, entrepreneurial efforts, and volunteer work that followed, I still used my STEM skills in unique ways through advocacy, support, and service. That journey is exactly why I joined the Society of Military Spouses in STEM (SMSS) in January 2018 and why I now serve as Executive Director. Founded in 2016 by military spouses, SMSS is the only peer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the unique intersection of military life and STEM careers.

SMSS serves military spouses in STEM who face frequent relocations, career disruptions, underemployment, and professional isolation. Members often encounter barriers to entry, job applicant bias, financial strain in a dual-income world, and limited support tailored to STEM professionals in the military community. SMSS addresses these challenges head-on through our four pillars: Support, Advocacy, Visibility, and Opportunity, and practical programs designed for the military lifestyle:

• Global Member Directory (via WildApricot): Connect with peers across branches, students, and professionals worldwide who understand PCS timing and career mobility.
• Tailored Resources: The Networking Toolkit with templates, tips, and exercises built for military moves, plus Spotlight features that amplify member stories and build visibility.
• Professional Development Support: Targeted help through small financial grants so you can invest in your career without extra financial strain.
• Member Portal & Community: Announcements, a forum, and pillar initiatives that keep engagement strong no matter where duty stations take you.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Many roles available that can enhance your resume or help fill gaps during transitions. (Go read board member Cecilia’s post about a couple of current opportunities.)

We currently engage 165 active members. Come join us today!

If you have questions or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. We would be honored to have you as a member.

P.S. SMSS is open to veteran spouses, so please don’t let the name deter you. We have board members who are veteran spouses, and as you may know from my past articles, our family will be retiring from military life in less than a month.

Originally published on LinkedIn on May 6, 2026. [Read it here]