At Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), we wholeheartedly believe this statement, so we created a unique program designed to nurture and strengthen military spouses’ leadership potential: the Military Spouse Leadership Development Program (MSLDP).

This free, virtual program teaches military spouses the fundamentals of leadership, service, advocacy, and mentorship with the expectation that the graduates will share their expertise within their communities and make extraordinary changes for the future.

Participants receive world-class instruction on crisis and meta-leadership, successful collaboration for greater impact, mental health, and stakeholder support and engagement. The exclusive training also allows participants to build a network of leadership-oriented military spouses, earn certificates and micro-certifications, and gain exclusive access to supportive agencies and individuals.

Over the course of four months, the program provides a diverse cohort of 50 military spouses from all military branches training from:

● National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University

● Psych Hub-Mental Health Ally Certificate

● Top military leaders and influential panel participants

● Impactful voices in the community

● Professional communications training

The inaugural MSLDP cohort debuted in 2021, and the program’s overwhelming success has led to successive cohorts each year. To meet a high demand for availability, MSAN, with presenting partner Vehicles for Veterans, has recently added a second cohort in 2024. The application session will be open from May 10 through June 7 and can be found at MSAN’s website.

Our MSLDP Graduates

MSLDP graduates are a diverse group, including mothers, fathers, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, volunteers, advocates, and caregivers. They all possess the drive and desire to make a difference in underserved populations. MSLDP provided the pathway to hone their skills and grow their communities.

“From the guest speakers, to the unique content offered, to the magic happening in the breakout rooms, I was able to learn something new with each module,” said Sara Rizzo, 2023 MSLDP graduate. “The virtual atmosphere was a bonus as it allowed for comfortability and the opportunity to connect with spouses from all over the globe.’’

“After graduating from the MSLDP I feel a renewed sense of purpose in my advocacy work and

am looking forward to putting my learning into practice,” said Lauren Nakazono, MSLDP Graduate.

“Thank you for committing to and investing time, energy, and strategic resources towards military spouse leadership,” says Marcy Piasecki, MSLDP graduate. “MSAN is the much-needed change that will empower military spouses and their communities.”

Why Should You Apply for MSLDP?

This program is an opportunity to join a community of like-minded spouses who want to become influential change-makers in their communities. The program will empower you, develop your leadership skills, and help you become a trusted voice in your community.

MSLDP is open to eligible active-duty spouses from any branch of the armed services, including the Reserves and Guard. Post-9/11 Gold Star Spouses, surviving spouses, caregivers, veteran spouses, and retirees are also encouraged to apply.

Join the military spouse advocacy movement if you’ve been searching for a way to improve your leadership skills and authentically connect with other military-related individuals who want to make significant changes in their communities.

Visit www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/msldp to learn more.

The Military Spouse Mentorship Program (MSMP), created by Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), is designed just for spouses to have free access to support, empowerment, and education in a safe, secure setting called the Mentorship-HUB.

What will you find inside the Mentorship-HUB?

Inside the Mentorship-HUB, MSAN mentors, staff, advocates, and volunteers regularly share resources and personal anecdotes related to the military lifestyle. Mentors stationed around the globe are available 24/7 to help with topics including new spouse support, deployment and reintegration, mental health, PCS tips, career and employment, financial readiness, retirement and caregiving, and more.

To take their support a step further, MSAN’s mentors are also trained and certified Mental Health Allies through PsychHub’s competency program. This means that mentors can direct members to appropriate mental health professionals as needed while providing critical support in the meantime.

The HUB is also home to exclusive training modules developed in collaboration with some of the most trusted resources within the military community. Currently, members of the HUB can browse the Financial Readiness course presented by JPMorgan Chase, explore topics of identity and purpose through Continuing Your Journey by Brittany Boccher, and prepare for their next move with informative modules by PCS Like a Pro.

The HUB is open to any spouse of a United States military service member who is currently serving in any branch of service, active duty, reserves or guard, post 9-11 Gold Star spouses, caregivers, and spouses of a veteran or retiree. Visit our website to join the Mentorship-HUB.

What does support inside the Mentorship-HUB look like?

The support of milspouses given by MSMP and the HUB is an experience unlike any other. Through the direct message feature, members can even connect privately with their mentors in real time.

“Being able to have a mentor through this network has been such a great experience because it really slows down that information process and you’re able to have that human connection,” said Carolina, a Marine wife and a participant in MSMP as a mentee. As a new spouse, it’s really great to connect with military spouses that have been in this role for eight-plus years and be able to get feedback, wisdom, and mentorship.”

MSMP staff and volunteers also host live events through the HUB. For example, weekly on Tuesdays, members of the HUB can join Chatting with Traci & Christie, a live conversation-based experience led by seasoned spouses Traci Ostrander, an Army Reserve spouse of 20 years, and Christie Maxon.

“It’s real, it’s a place to come and find friendship that says, ‘What do you need? We’ve got you!’” said Christie, an Air Force wife of 19 years. “Even if you aren’t sure if the topic is for you, join us. There is always something for everyone.”

Traci, an Army Reserve spouse of 20 years, said, “It’s a way to be open and honest about military spouse life topics. It’s a judge-free place to come together.”

From topics on PCS prep, off-base housing, spouse organizations, military family traditions, and even hosting special giveaways, Chatting with Traci & Christie creates a welcoming environment to give each milspouse a sense of belonging.

Through the Military Spouse Mentorship Program, MSAN has created a network of support that is unmatched, bringing together all branches of service in one place with one goal inside the Mentorship-HUB. It’s the best of us brought together in one place because stronger spouses mean stronger families.

Visit www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org to learn more.