Celebrating 10 Years of Empowering Women Veterans: A Look Back at the Journey of Women Veterans Alliance
This year marks a major milestone for Women Veterans Alliance (WVA) as we celebrate 10 incredible years of service, advocacy, and empowerment for women veterans across the country. What started as a local meetup has grown into a nationally recognized movement, uplifting the voices and experiences of women who have served. Let’s take a walk through the journey that brought us here.
2015: The Vision Begins
In January 2015, Navy veteran Melissa A. Washington founded Women Veterans Alliance to create a community for women veterans. What began as a monthly meetup quickly blossomed into the inaugural Women Veterans Alliance Mix & Mingle event by July. That same year, the Plank Owner membership program was launched, laying the foundation for a vibrant network of support.
2016: Building Connections
WVA hosted its first Northern California Unconference in Sacramento, creating a powerful space for learning, networking, and camaraderie. In a touching tribute on Veterans Day, a commemorative brick was placed at Mather VA Hospital to honor all women who served.
2017: Growing the Movement
Expanding its reach, WVA held Spring and Fall Unconferences in Northern and Southern California. The “Allies” Directory was introduced, and WVA had the honor of participating in Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s Women Veterans Roundtable.
2018: Giving Back
This year saw the birth of WVA’s nonprofit partner, Women Veterans Giving. It also marked the first Melissa Washington Small Business Award (MWSBA) and the launch of the Women Veteran Owned Business Directory. The team also engaged with WWII and Korean War women veterans in local care homes, sharing stories and showing appreciation.
2019: Art and Advocacy
WVA proudly marched in the Sacramento Veterans Day Parade and hosted the Unconference in Monterey, CA. They also took part in the Blue Line Arts Mosaic Project, contributing a piece honoring women veterans that now hangs in the gallery's lobby.
2020: Innovation in Uncertain Times
Despite the global challenges of the pandemic, WVA marked its 5th anniversary with innovation. A new YouTube channel, extended webinar series, and a virtual scavenger hunt kept women veterans connected and engaged.
2021: New Traditions
In October, the Unconference went to Las Vegas, and WVA launched its first annual Holiday Gift Guide, spotlighting women veteran-owned small businesses.
2022: Expanding the Mission
The Women Veterans Magazine was published in California and Texas. September brought the first annual Engage Conference—broadcast live across the U.S.—creating new opportunities for community and collaboration.
2023: Nationwide Impact
This year introduced a national events calendar, a Veteran Speaker and Author Directory, and another successful Engage Conference. WVA also launched a TAPs page to support transitioning servicewomen and partnered with the Department of Labor for broader reach.
2024: A Global Vision
The third annual Engage Conference spanned 12 locations across the U.S. The PA edition of the Women Veterans Magazine was released, and WVA proudly marched in the Sacramento Veterans Day Parade. Perhaps most notably, the Women Veterans Global Alliance and WVGA Travel Club were launched—taking WVA’s mission to a global stage.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 10 years of impact, growth, and empowerment, the Women Veterans Alliance remains committed to connecting, empowering, and equipping women who have served. The past decade was just the beginning—and the future holds even more promise.
Whether you’ve been part of our journey from the start or just discovered our community, thank you for being here. Here’s to the next 10 years of supporting our sisters in service!
