Celebrating resilience and advocacy at the 6th annual EmpowerHer event

The Center for Women Veterans (CWV) hosted the 6th Annual EmpowerHer event on October 16. CWV Outreach Manager, Michelle Terry, has been spearheading the event for the past six years, delivering an inspiring messages of hope, resilience and empowerment. The event highlighted two vital issues: breast cancer awareness and domestic violence prevention. In the spirit of solidarity, guided by the powerful voices of today’s advocates, the event was a profound call to action and healing, encouraging all to rise and support one another.

Event kick-off

VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher set an inspiring tone for the day with her opening remarks at the beginning of the program. She highlighted VA’s health care advancements and support available to women Veterans with a heartfelt appeal: “If you are a woman Veteran and you are not receiving your health care from VA, we want to serve you. If you are already getting your care with us, please share your experience with your sisters-in-arms. Veterans trust Veterans, and your words carry tremendous weight.”

Guest Speaker: Ginger Miller

The cornerstone of the event was the inspiring story of Ginger Miller’s battle with breast cancer. Miller is not only a dynamic leader and advocate but also a proud Navy Veteran who overcame homelessness. Originally from New York, she shared her personal journey with the audience, highlighting the importance of community during difficult times.

“You have to let people know. Do not isolate yourself. You need your community. Please let them help,” she said, adding that “all battles are won in the mind,” but having a supportive network rallying behind you is equally important.

During her treatment at the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center, Miller became a beloved figure among the medical staff, who affectionately referred to her as “the Boss.” “The Boss is here,” they would announce when she arrived, illustrating the camaraderie and respect she fostered with her health care team. She explained how this dedicated group of doctors and nurses was with her through every stage of her care, and she learned to trust them implicitly. She adopted a proactive approach as a patient, listening carefully to her health care providers, not just for her well-being, but also to empower herself to advocate for others. She knows that her experiences can serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement, urging women to prioritize their health and get regular mammograms. Even during her own personal battles, she focused on how her story could affect others and motivate them to take action in their health journeys.

Statistics show that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. The risk of developing breast cancer increases as we age, making it the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women.

In a heartfelt call to action, Miller encouraged women Veterans, “If you are not getting your mammograms, why not? What are you afraid of… the results? The results could save your life. Early detection saves lives. Your mammogram is your ammunition—your ‘mammo’ is your ‘ammo’—an important force in your fight for life.”

White Ribbon Pledge closing

The event concluded with participants uniting for the White Ribbon Pledge, led by CWV Executive Director Lourdes Tiglao—a powerful commitment to stand against sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence. This solidarity highlighted our shared dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all women Veterans.

EmpowerHer exceeded the definition of an event this year; it ignited a movement—a testament to the incredible strength found within our community of women Veterans and VA. By promoting awareness through critical breast cancer screenings and taking a stand against domestic violence, we are forging a path toward a brighter, safer future for everyone. Now is the time to join the conversation, take the pledge, and schedule your mammogram today at your VA. Together, let’s empower her.