Beneath The Service with Heather McCarty

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.