 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, making significant impacts on 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 TrailblazerThe 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 further explore the nominee's contributions. A Legacy of RecognitionThe CWV began this initiative in 2019 with the “Women Breaking Barriers” campaign, celebrating the myriad contributions of women Veterans both 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 ImpactThe 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 who is 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. | 
