VA has renewed its focus to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all Veterans and employees. VA’s new mission statement reflects a new VA that is intent on creating an environment where all have equitable opportunities to thrive, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals and underserved populations.

“To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”

This statement reflects the changing needs of VA’s evolving population. VA serves more minority populations, LGBTQ+ individuals and women Veterans now than ever before.

“Approximately 25% of the people we serve are women, and we need to bring that 25% home,” said Toni Hightower, Army Veteran and acting team lead at VA’s Center for Women Veterans. As a former VA police officer and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Hightower’s experience has provided her with a well-rounded view toward improving the cultural health of VA.

“Women need to stand up and be heard”

“There is so much work that has been done and still so much more to do,” Hightower added. “The life of every Veteran matters. We don’t get the same equality as men. Women need to stand up and be heard. We count. We matter. We can only do that if we unite and start empowering one another.”  

Empowering all who served includes providing a space for all Veterans who identify as female and educating others at VA about the importance of equitable care. Hightower has led LGBTQ+ webinars that focus on learning more about transgender Veterans and understanding how to use pronouns to show respect and reduce the number of harassment incidents.

Two women at the beach
Toni Hightower (right), VA’s Center for Women Veterans, with Missy Lingerfelt

In a recent podcast interview conducted by McKinsey & Company, diversity, equity, and inclusion expert Diana Ellsworth said that “Every time we use inclusive language, we give a positive signal. This is a safe environment where LGBTQ+ employees are respected and valued.”  

“If we take time to understand each other.”

Transgender men and women are twice as likely to hear sexist jokes about people of their gender and three times more likely to feel they can’t talk about their life outside of work. VA’s renewed mission statement emphasizes the commitment to support all the heroes who have served our country, regardless of race, gender, background, sexual orientation, religion, zip code or identity.

“We have to empower people to learn,” Hightower said. “It’s my thought that I can plant the seed for change. I want people outside of my box to grow to think different. If we take time to understand each other, we can really make VA a place of belonging for all Veterans and employees.”

White Ribbon VA is a national call to action that encourages individuals to commit to eliminating sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence throughout the organization. The White Ribbon VA pledge encourages everyone to commit to making a change and to stand against violence.

“I think White Ribbon VA is a good start,” said Hightower. “It’s representative of the issue. It’s great knowing VA sees the problem and that we are doing something about it.”

Document your pledge and show your support for a harassment-free VA by committing to the White Ribbon VA Pledge. Stand up against unwanted behavior today and be a part of VA’s new mission to care for all those who have served, and create a safer, more welcoming environment for all.   

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7 Comments

  1. Paul Mc Grath May 31, 2023 at 14:21

    I wanted to find VA’s website regarding survey(s) inputs (medical services complaints) and their resolution(s).
    When contacting the Patient Advocate’s Office, I rarely receive a response, whether inquiry or complaint. My concern is regarding lazy medical practices + lack of thoroughness/preparation for patient visit(s).

  2. Peter Redmond May 26, 2023 at 03:10

    This article is way off as only 11% of veterans are women. So how is it she has 25%. Check your facts (CENUS BUREAU Press Release Number CB20-TPS.30)

  3. Mark Strater May 25, 2023 at 12:05

    The Myrtle Beach VA clinic is failing horribly. They don’t give a sh-t about anything. This clinic needs a. Immediate investigation as it’s all tied to the leadership of this facility

  4. Luther king May 25, 2023 at 08:40

    The staff at the Memphis VA is a sorry as group. Especially in the ER. I went through there Wednesday. Lock bowel . They left me on the gurney. And I was in serious pain. Stay there almost 4 hours. And was told to walk to ex ray. ambulance and taking me there. A lady trip and fall in the parking lot. And the staff left me . They my stomach. Nurse didn’t want to assist me the x-ray technician had to bring me back to my room. She came in the room and told me to get dress and go seat in the lobby . And my bowel was starting to open up. That didn’t make any sense. And she wanted me to walk over to the pharmacy

  5. Arelious knighton May 24, 2023 at 20:43

    The people at the VA are so much better, than they were 50 years ago.

    Keep up the great work.

  6. John Schmidt May 23, 2023 at 19:48

    How can a VET whose rent keeps going up get assistance from VA????

  7. Carol Weiss May 12, 2023 at 17:08

    In the last eight years the VA has done nothing to help my medical condition. Now I’m 90% kyphosis in thoracic part of my back and have scoliosis. I feel about 87 years old. I’ve tried to have the VA help me , yet all they want to do is multiple studies on me. I’m in so much pain. You wonder about the suicidal rate. That’s funny, since the VA lack of medical care puts us there.

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