Center for Women Veterans seeks nominees for 2021 Women Veterans Trailblazers

VA’s Center for Women Veterans (CWV) is seeking nominees for the 2021 Women Veterans Trailblazers Initiative 2.0.

The initiative defines a “women Veteran Trailblazer” as a woman who has served and separated from military service and makes an impact by enhancing the lives of other Veterans, Veteran families, or Veteran caregivers. The deadline for the 2021 CWV Trailblazers 2.0 Initiative is Tuesday, January 12, 2021. The nominees will be announced in March 2021 for Women’s History Month.

Successful candidates will define impact by a single event or action over a period of time in the following areas:

• Education
• Employment
• Entrepreneurship
• Homelessness
• Legal
• Mental Health and Wellness

The nominees will undergo a selection process and interview. Those selected will be notified and flown to Washington D.C. to attend a photo shoot and an official event to celebrate the initiative.

Last year, the Center chose fifteen women Veterans representing all branches of service for its 2019 campaign: “Trailblazers: Women Breaking Barriers.” In the pre-pandemic photo above, the 2019 Trailblazers pose for a photo at the campaign celebration.

The campaign highlights the experiences and contributions of women Veterans, and it provides VA the opportunity to share stories about how their military service and unique experiences led to their continued roles as leaders and advocates in the communities where they live and work. Watch last year’s campaign here:

If you are a woman Veteran Trailblazer – or know one – the Center wants to hear from you. The application and more information can be found our website: https://www.va.gov/womenvet/.

Missina Schallus is the communications manager for VA’s Center for Women Veterans.