Episode Recap: ATL Vets Atlanta Speaker Series Featuring Heather McCarty

Key Points

Heather McCarty, guest speaker from St. Louis, Missouri, is a veteran ally with a decade of experience in the veterans' space.
McCarty previously worked at The Mission Continues, where she developed and oversaw programs, and taught at a military school in St. Louis.
Her connection to the military comes from family members, including her husband, who is a Marine Corps veteran.
Through her experiences, McCarty feels a sense of belonging in the veteran community and is passionate about bringing learning and programs to those who need them.

Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLp)

Origin and Evolution:
Research at The Mission Continues revealed a disproportionate number of women veterans were drawn to the organization due to feeling welcomed and belonging.
This led to the creation of a three-day summit in 2016, followed by yearly summits and the development of a 5-6 month cohort-based program.
The program launched in March 2020 and transitioned to a virtual format due to the pandemic.
In 2023, The Mission Continues narrowed its focus, leading to the transition of WVLp to Beneath the Service, an organization focused on identity-based leadership.
Objectives:
Empowerment: The program empowers women veterans by embracing their identity, boosting confidence, and changing their sense of purpose.
Connection: It provides a network for women veterans to connect and support each other, expanding beyond the cohort.
Skill Building: The program focuses on communication skills, recognizing the nuances that come with being a woman and a woman veteran.
Action Planning: Participants develop a plan to apply their skills and confidence in their communities or workplaces.
Target Audience:
Women veterans ready to invest in themselves and lead from a place that feels authentic.
The program is not for those seeking job placement or still figuring out basic needs.
Eligibility is open to women veterans living in the United States.
Future Success and Partnerships:
Future success includes offering a Virginia Tech certificate to program graduates and expanding alumni opportunities.
Partnerships with organizations like ATL Vets provide additional support and resources for women veterans.

Q&A

Funding and Resources:
The program relies on sponsorships, grants, and creative ways to capitalize on the value of the cohort.
The goal is to keep the program free for women veterans.
Alumni Program:
Alumni ambassadors play a vital role in shaping the program and providing support to future cohorts.
They contribute to content, lead conversations, and serve as mentors.
Ideal Number of Participants:
While the ideal scenario is to reach all women veterans, the program focuses on quality and impact.
The current cohort is limited to ensure a successful transition under Beneath the Service.

Additional Information

The application for Cohort 8 is open until January 31st.
The program kicks off in May in D.C., transitions to virtual, and culminates in D.C. in September.
Beneath the Service offers other leadership development programs and resources.
Contact information and website details are provided for further engagement.