Empowering Military Spouses Symposium

The Empowering Military Spouses Symposium is a premier gathering designed to support, connect, and elevate military and veteran spouses at every stage of their journey. On June 5 at William & Mary, join a dynamic community of leaders, experts, and fellow spouses for a day centered on this year’s theme—Embrace History. Empower Legacy. Elevate the Next 250 Years. Through meaningful conversations, practical insights, and powerful storytelling, this experience will help you strengthen your personal and professional path while honoring the legacy you are building for yourself, your family, and your future. All active-duty military spouses, veteran spouses, survivor spouses, and former military spouses are welcome.

📸 Professional headshots will be available during the symposium on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited availability. The booking link will be sent to all registered attendees on May 27 at 9:00 a.m.—keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss your chance!

🧸 Childcare will be available during the symposium for the first 50 children in grades K–8 on a first-come, first-served basis. Please indicate your childcare needs during registration to reserve your spot. *Due to VA state regualtions, we are not able to offer childcare to those pre-k and under.

🎙️Podcast: During EMSS, military spouse host and storyteller Christy Silva will be recording a series of short 5–10 minute conversations for her podcast, From the Darkroom. Whether your story is funny, heartfelt, challenging, inspiring, or simply a moment that shaped your journey, we invite you to share it. These conversations are designed to create space for military spouses to feel seen, heard, and connected through the power of storytelling. Participation is completely optional, and podcast sign-ups will be sent to registered attendees on May 27 at 9:00 am.

Schedule

Partners

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Embrace History. Empower Legacy. Elevate the Next 250 Years.
A day of connection, reflection, and forward momentum—designed just for you.

Whether you’re navigating life as a new military spouse or redefining your path beyond service, this experience is for you. Military spouses carry a powerful and often unseen legacy—shaping families, strengthening communities, and contributing to our nation in ways that span generations. Yet the realities of military life—frequent moves, career disruption, and the weight of transition—can make it challenging to see how your story fits into the broader narrative. This symposium is designed to change that.

Join us for a day of connection, clarity, and empowerment. Through storytelling, historical reflection, and meaningful conversation, you’ll explore the vital role military spouses have played across time—and the legacy you are building today. Hear from nationally recognized experts and military-connected leaders who understand your journey, and gain practical tools to strengthen your personal and professional goals, build lasting networks, and move forward with confidence.

Attendees will engage in conversations that connect past to present—exploring family legacy, identity, and purpose—while also gaining actionable insights to navigate careers, community, and leadership. Set within one of the nation’s most historically rich military regions, this symposium brings together voices, resources, and experiences that honor where you come from and empower where you’re going.

Your story matters. Your legacy is powerful. Your next chapter starts here.

When is the event? The Empowering Military Spouses Symposium will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.
Where is the event? The event will be hosted at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business on June 5. The address is 101 Ukrop Way, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
Where do I park? Parking will be provided in the lot across from Raymond A. Mason School of Business. If you're in need of ADA parking, please contact Lindsay Blount.

William & Mary will offer complimentary camp-style childcare for up to 50 children in grades K–8 during the symposium. This service will be provided at no cost to participants, ensuring that military spouses can attend and fully engage in the day’s programming while knowing their children are in a safe, enriching environment. We remain committed to supporting military families by creating access to the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

This is first-come, first-serve. Please indicate you need childcare on the registration form.

**Due to VA state regualtions, we are not able to offer childcare for childeren Pre-K and under. We will have a private mothers room on site for those who are breastfeeding.

Symposium Agenda

Program details are still unfolding—stay tuned for a few updates.

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7:00 am - 7:45 am: Optional Yoga at Amphitheatre
8:00 am - 9:00 am: Registration & Continental Breakfast (Childcare Drop-off)
9:00 am - 9:05 am: Welcome Remarks: Kathleen Jabs
9:05 am - 9:45 am: Keynote Address: Dr. Amber Price
9:45 am - 9:55 am: Break
9:55 am - 10:00 am: Partner Spotlight
10:00 am - 10:45 am: Panel: Embrace the Legacy: Military Spouses—From History to Horizon
10:45 am - 10:55 am: Break & Headshots
10:55 am - 11:00 am : Partner Spotlight, Dr. Chambala Roach, HCA Healthcare
11:00 am - 11:50 am: Hero’s Journey Workshop with Corie Weathers
11:50 am -12:00 pm: Partner Spotlight: Brittany Bauman, PMI; Alex Verhulst, Leidos
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Networking Lunch & Headshots
12:45 pm - 1:00 pm: Transtion to Breakout Sessions
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Breakout Sessions (choose two)
- Financial Legacy for Military and Veteran Spouses
- Military Marriages
- Military and Veteran Spouse Careers
- Community & Networking: Every Stage of Military Life
3:10 pm - 3:15 pm: Closing Remarks
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm: Resource Fair & Reception (Childcare Pick-up)