Melissa A. Washington

She has created lasting, global impact by transforming how women veterans are supported, connected, and recognized. After her own experience transitioning from the military, she saw a critical gap in services and visibility for women who served. In response, she founded Women Veterans Alliance (WVA)—a first-of-its-kind organization dedicated to empowering women veterans through impactful events, resources, and community. Under her leadership, WVA has hosted dozens of events across the country—offering business training, wellness workshops, and networking for thousands of women veterans. She also launched Women Veterans Giving, a nonprofit that has distributed over $20,000 in business funding and travel grants, helping women veteran entrepreneurs grow and gain national exposure. Melissa expanded her reach by co-founding Women Veterans Magazine, the first national publication highlighting the voices, experiences, and businesses of women veterans. She has also advocated for increased representation in policy and media, amplifying awareness of women veterans’ contributions. Her efforts have created opportunities in business, media, education, and leadership—empowering women veterans to connect, grow, and lead. Through her consulting and speaking, she educates the public, corporations, and government agencies on how to better support and understand veterans—especially women. Melissa’s impact can be felt in veteran-owned businesses she’s helped launch, conferences she’s built from the ground up, and communities across the country that now have greater resources and awareness because of her vision. Her work is not just about support—it's about transformation, ensuring no woman veteran is left behind.