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The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and the USDVA Women’s Health Department partnered to select 25 Illinois Women Veterans Leaders of 2026. Women veterans were nominated for their extraordinary leadership, contributions, and commitment to the women veteran community. The 25 women veterans were honored at a luncheon at Malcolm X College on March 16th. The program included remarks by IDVA Director Terry Prince and a keynote address from Ashley Tuburan, U.S. Navy veteran, attorney, and founder of DONUT MESS WITH HER, LLC.
“The women selected were among an impressive collection of nominees,” said Director Terry Prince. “Each woman veteran has identified unmet needs and challenges and bravely approached them with innovation and determination, resulting in a profound impact on the community.”
To learn more about each honoree, click below:
(25 Illinois Women Veteran Leaders in 2026.pdf)
The 2026 honorees are:
- Melissa Beckford (Army)
- Justyna Berry (Army)
- Staci Boyer (Navy)
- Rochelle Crump (Army)
- Lourdes Hurtado Fernando (Army)
- Dr. Glenisha Foreman (Marine Corps)
- Tawanda Hanible (Marnie Corps)
- Melissa Farmer-Hill (Army)
- Dr. Sonia Kennedy (Army)
- Celeste Latham (Air Force)
- Nicole Mandeville (Army)
- Dr. Nikelcia Marcelin (Army)
- Dr. Karen Stendson-McMillan (Army)
- Nancy O’Connell (Air Force)
- Ashley Owings (Army, Navy)
- Ramona Pozek (Army)
- Telisha Reinhardt (Navy)
- Jen Solum (Air Force)
- Shirley Spruiel (Army)
- Aretha Spurlock (Army)
- Amiee Wagoner (Army)
- Kimyada Wellington (Army)
- Shamika White (Navy)
- Katia Woods (Army)
- Shannon Yount (Marine Corps)