New!  2025 Center for Women Veterans Leadership and Partners Convened on 28 March 2025 

"WOMEN VETERANS ARE LEADERS AND DESERVE RESPECT"
Philadelphia City Councilman Esq. Jeffery Young, Jr. 

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VETERANS IMPACT COMMUNITY - Strawberry Mansion Community Initiative

Join Philadelphia Mayor for 2025 Philly Spring CleanUP ~ SAVE THE DATE ~ April 5th, 2025  

Philadelphia Leaders Support with their attendance and commitment for future collaborations!

Full unedited recording can be found on Women Veteran's Speak Youtube Channel

Philadelphia City Councilman Jeffery Young, Dr. Councilman Nina Ahmad, and Retired Army Major Herb McDuffy, were key in the success of this inaugural women veteran's tribute; and we're especially appreciative of the participation'; also keynote speaker, Philadelphia VA Director, Honorable Rear Admiral Karen Flaherty-Oxler who emphasizes that there must be a "change in the culture" and shared other relevant information.  Councilman Jeffery Young did step up to moderate and did a remarkable job - leading with: 

"WOMEN VETERANS ARE LEADERS AND DESERVE RESPECT!"

The 2025 Women's History Month Tribute was a remarkable event that brought together influential leaders and advocates from across the government. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Nina Ahmad, a Councilmember, scientist, advocate for women's issues, and actively engaged community leader in Philadelphia; as well as Esquire and retired Army officer Mr. Herb McDuffy, a dedicated military advocate and supporter of women veterans and their families.

Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Women's History Month event was proudly sponsored by the Honorable Councilman Jeffery Young, who not only hosted the gathering but also served as the moderator. Throughout the program, his resounding message—"Women Veterans Are Leaders and deserve respect"—was a rallying cry that inspired all in attendance.

We deeply appreciate these leaders for acknowledging their responsibility in connecting resources to those in need. This initiative seeks to establish a legislative agenda that addresses the unique challenges faced by urban women veterans and their families.

PRIORITY NEXT STEPS!

Research and Intervention Strategies

A recently published study led by Principal Investigator Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos, Ph.D., examines seven of the 63 counties in Pennsylvania for reports by veterans in recently established Patient Advocacy Tracking System, identified in study as "barriers and challenges. This database is managed by VISN 4 under the leadership of Tim Lizert who will be retiring on March 30th, 2025. This comprehensive research is focused on identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge and services caused by barriers to intervention. The publication is available and serves as a foundational resource for this mission.

As a next step, our goal is to implement a Logic Model as phase two of the research outcomes. This phase will build upon the findings from the study, "The Influence of Intersectionality Theory in Veterans’ Healthcare Post-Transition Barriers and Challenges," with a particular emphasis on urban women veterans in Philadelphia. Data for this initiative was gathered from VISN 4, including Philadelphia County and the VA Hospital. The study draws on the groundbreaking epistemological work of Dr. Donna Washington of the Greater Los Angeles VA, whose 2023 research revealed that Black women veterans are treated "far worse than any other enrolled patients" among the 9 million veterans within the VA Healthcare System.

Sustainability Strategies

Quality of Life Assessments
Fundraising 

Resource Directory

Please contact us for any interest in the research and ongoing work within Philadelphia or across the United States within our national network of advocates and other nonprofits doing amazing work to bridge gaps.

Welcome to NAWV, INC. website

A resource for women veterans and their families that will help educate, empower and enrich the lives of deserving American citizens.

The National Alliance of Women Veterans, Inc. (NAWV) is a pioneering organization dedicated to advocating for women veterans. Their mission is to increase awareness of women veterans' issues and promote healing, empowerment, and education for women who have served in the armed forces.

NAWV focuses on various initiatives, including homelessness, healthcare, clinical and treatment-related issues, mentoring and coaching, housing counseling, cyber support, social networking, and resource and information services. They also work on educating legislators and decision-makers on policy and needed legislative matters.

The organization was founded by Cathy Santos, who has extensive experience in public relations, marketing, and strategic planning. NAWV aims to strengthen its platform through community engagement and support for women veterans in all areas of their needs.

NAWV INC is formed and charter in Pennsylvania, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where we begin in 2000 as a quasi-government entity supporting women veterans encountering post-transition barriers and challenges.

Women's History Month Tribute sponsored by Philadelphia District Councilmember Jeffery Young, photo highlights with links to online recording.

Event Recordings Unedited 

(1) Facebook

Women Veterans Speak YouTube Channel

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