The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and the Women's Health Program from Jesse Brown VAMC are proud to announce the "25 Women Veteran Leaders of 2025" initiative, honoring the incredible achievements of women veterans who make a difference in their communities.

We invite Illinois Women Veterans to nominate themselves or a fellow Women Veteran leader who inspires others.

Let's celebrate Women Veterans and their leadership in shaping a brighter future!

Nominations will open on January 24, 2025, at 8:00am and will close on February 21, 2025 at 12:00pm. All nominations will be submitted through Survey Monkey.

All nominees must be an Illinois Women Veteran and must have a completed IDVA Consent to Release Form along with application submission.

For any further questions, please send all emails to the IDVA Women Veterans Program at WomenVeterans@illinois.gov and/or Angela.stpaul@va.gov. Please include Illinois 25 Women Veteran Leaders of 2025 in the subject line.

Criteria for Nominees

When nominating women veteran leader(s) for recognition of their leadership and contributions to the veterans' community, please focus on any of the following criteria's that may apply:

1. Military Service and Accomplishments:
- Branch of Service, Component, Years of Service, and Position: List branch(s) of service. Component(s) while in service, e.g. Noncommissioned Officer, Warrant Officer, and/or Officer. Time in service and significant leadership positions held, whether in combat, administrative, or strategic roles.
- Awards and Decorations: Recognition received for bravery, exemplary service, or unique roles, contributions to the military.
- Specialized Training or Expertise: Any unique skills or training received and/or provided to others that set them apart, such as leadership in specific military operations or fields.

2. Leadership and Mentorship in the Veterans Community and Lasting Impact:
- Leadership Roles: Involvement in veterans’ organizations, either as a leader or in an impactful capacity, such as board positions, organizing events, or leading veteran support programs.
- Mentorship: Dedication to mentoring and guiding fellow veterans, especially women, to support their career development or personal well-being.
- Advocacy: Active efforts to advocate for the needs and rights of veterans, particularly women veterans, in areas like healthcare, employment, or housing.
- Local Impact: Describe the contributions to Illinois communities, and the lasting impact that is made to support veterans and their families.
- Collaboration with Civilian Organizations: How connections are made between the military and civilian sectors to better integrate veterans back into civilian life.
- Innovative Solutions: The creation of innovative programs or initiatives aimed at addressing challenges veterans face, such as mental health support, transitioning to civilian careers, or homelessness.
- Positive Legacy: Contributions that have had a lasting impact on veterans’ organizations, legislation, or communities, making a significant difference in the veterans' space.

3. Advancement of Women Veterans:
- Breaking Barriers: Efforts to break barriers for women in the military or veteran services, including promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Programs for Women Veterans: Initiatives aimed at improving the experiences of veterans, such as providing specialized services, creating safe spaces, or organizing support networks.

4. Personal Resilience and Overcoming Adversity:
- Personal Struggles: Overcoming significant personal challenges or adversity related to military service, such as combat injuries (physical or psychological), and using that experience to help others.
- Inspiring Others: Sharing personal stories of resilience and recovery to inspire other veterans, particularly women, to engage with the veterans' community or seek out needed services.

5. Educational and Professional Achievements:
- Educational Attainment: Pursuing and achieving higher education or specialized training after military service and using that education to further serve the veteran community or advocate for veterans’ issues.
- Career Development: Achieving success in post-military careers and a commitment to veteran service, such as working for veteran-owned businesses, serving in public office, or contributing to the nonprofit sector focused on veterans.

*** CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE NOMINATION SURVEY ***