From Service to Sisterhood: Championing Women Veterans Around the Globe

When I joined the Navy, I never imagined that my future would include founding a global organization focused on empowering women who’ve served. And yet, here I am, over a decade into leading Women Veterans Alliance (WVA)—a thriving international network committed to connection, visibility, and opportunity for women veterans.

My journey recently brought me into the BPW community thanks to a Military Women Affiliated Call where I had the honor of speaking. Alice Gallop West extended the invitation, and Sher Singh, who was also on the call, followed up with an invitation to meet for coffee in Sacramento. That conversation affirmed what I already felt: BPW’s mission deeply aligns with my own. I joined the Northern California chapter shortly after.

About Me

I’m an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and a tireless advocate for women who’ve worn the uniform. I founded Women Veterans Alliance in 2015 because I saw a gap—too many women veterans felt isolated, underrepresented, or invisible. What began as a small meetup has grown into a global movement of sisterhood and strength.

What We Do at Women Veterans Alliance

WVA connects women veterans across borders and backgrounds. We host national and international events, including conferences, community meetups, and virtual gatherings. Through Women Veterans Giving, our nonprofit arm, we award business grants and support veteran-owned enterprises.

We maintain a Veteran Speaker Directory, manage a nationwide calendar of events, and recently launched Women Veterans Global Alliance-connecting women who serve across the globe.

Our Signature Events:

Women Veterans Engage Conference-(May 31, 2005 20 locations and online): A dynamic day focused on empowerment, personal development, and networking for women veterans and those who support them.

Women Veterans Unconference-(September 26–28, 2025 – Irving, TX): A refreshingly unique event where women veterans take the lead—choosing sessions, sharing stories, and building community through hands-on workshops

WVA has built a foundation of trust and transformation—bridging veterans, organizations, and advocates from across the globe to strengthen our impact and our voices.

Why BPW Matters

Joining BPW is a natural extension of the mission I live every day: to elevate women. Through this community, I see new opportunities to collaborate, learn, and advocate. Whether it’s building economic power, creating visibility for women veterans, or opening global doors, I’m excited to be part of the work ahead.

To the remarkable women reading this: thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to building something powerful together.

Let’s connect:

www.WomenVeteransAlliance.com 

linkedin.com/in/melissawashington

Melissa A. Washington
Navy Veteran Founder & CEO, Women Veterans Alliance
BPW No. California Member