Empowering Military Spouses Symposium and Beyond

The 2026 Empowering Military Spouses Symposium brought together more than 160 military and veteran spouses, thought leaders, advocates, and community partners for a day dedicated to connection, growth, and empowerment. Held on June 5 at William & Mary, the symposium embraced this year's theme—Embrace History. Empower Legacy. Elevate the Next 250 Years. Through meaningful conversations, practical insights, and powerful storytelling, participants explored ways to strengthen their personal and professional journeys while honoring the legacy they are building for themselves, their families, and their futures.

But the conversation does not end when the symposium concludes.

Beyond the Symposium extends the impact of EMSS through a year-long virtual learning series designed to keep military and veteran spouses connected, inspired, and supported. From July 2026 through March 2027, participants can engage in monthly webinars led by EMSS speakers, facilitators, partners, and military spouse leaders covering topics such as career readiness, financial wellness, mental health, community care, storytelling, and navigating life transitions. Recorded sessions will be archived on the EMSS website, creating an on-demand resource library accessible to military and veteran spouses wherever military life takes them.

All active-duty military spouses, veteran spouses, Gold Star spouses, survivor spouses, and former military spouses are welcome to participate.

Webinars

Partners

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The conversation doesn't end when the symposium concludes.

Beyond the Symposium is the year-round virtual learning series of the Empowering Military Spouses Symposium at William & Mary. Created for military spouses by military spouses, this series extends the connections, conversations, and professional development that begin at EMSS, providing opportunities to continue learning, networking, and growing together throughout the year.

Each session features expert speakers and practical discussions on topics that matter most to military spouses, including career development, leadership, personal growth, financial wellness, civic engagement, military life, and building lasting community.

Whether you attended the symposium or are joining us for the first time, Beyond the Symposium offers a welcoming space to gain new insights, connect with fellow military spouses across the country, and continue investing in yourself.

Because empowerment isn't a one-day event—it's a journey.

When is the event? Beyond the Symposium is held each month from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST

Do I have to attend the Empowering Military Spouses Symposium to participate? No. Beyond the Symposium is open to all members of the military-connected community, regardless of whether you attended the annual Empowering Military Spouses Symposium.

Who can attend? Beyond the Symposium is designed to support the military-connected community. We welcome:

Military spouses (active duty, National Guard, Reserve, veteran, and retired)
Gold Star spouses
Surviving spouses
Separated or divorced military spouses
Transitioning military spouses
Service members and veterans interested in topics that support military families
Military-connected professionals, advocates, and community partners

Whether you're currently navigating military life or reflecting on the lasting impact of military service on your family, you're welcome here.

Is there a cost to attend? No. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners, Beyond the Symposium is offered at no cost to participants.

How are the sessions held? Sessions are hosted virtually, making it easy to participate from anywhere. Registered participants will receive the meeting link and additional details before each session.

Can I attend if I miss a session? Absolutely. Register for any session that interests you. You do not need to attend every webinar in the series.

Will the sessions be recorded? When possible, sessions will be recorded and shared with registered participants. Some discussions or guest speakers may not be recorded due to privacy or speaker preferences.

What topics will be covered? Sessions feature expert speakers and practical conversations on topics that matter most to the military-connected community, including career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, financial wellness, military life, civic engagement, transition, networking, relationships, and personal growth.

Can I ask questions during the webinars? Yes. Each session includes opportunities for participant questions and discussion whenever time and the session format allow.

How will I receive updates about future sessions? By registering, you'll receive email communications with webinar reminders, upcoming session announcements, and other Empowering Military Spouses Symposium updates.

Who should I contact if I have questions? If you have questions about registration, accessibility, or the Beyond the Symposium series, please contact Dr. Lindsay Blount at leblount@wm.edu. We're happy to help!

Beyond the Symposium Webinars

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Featuring Alex Verhulst, Talent Acquisition Military Program Manager, Leidos. This session is designed to help fortify military and veteran spouse career readiness and highlight key resources. During this discussion, you’ll come away prepared to further your career and professional network. This will be a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with a talent acquisition professional who is eager to provide information, answer your questions and potentially facilitate your job search within Leidos.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Featuring Corie Weathers: Military marriage is hard, but hard doesn't always mean unhealthy. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn to distinguish between destructive relationship patterns and the healthy conflict that actually builds stronger partnerships. From deployment and reintegration to identity shifts and career decisions, military life creates unique pressure points that can look like red flags but are often invitations to grow. With special attention to how military spouse identity and the need for personal agency can surface tension that is normal and worth working through, participants will leave with a practical calming tool for high-emotion moments and a resource guide for next steps, wherever they are.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Featuring Dr. Kendra Lowe as she shares her journey of service- from in the uniform, to supporting an active duty airman, and now into a role where she is actively supporting and inspiring military spouses across the workforce. We will dive into the importance of military spouses in today's workplace, the challenges they face, and what organizations can do to move beyond awareness and create meaningful, lasting change.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Featuring HomeFront Haven Founder & CEO Patty Sandoval. A conversation about the realities of military spouse life, the importance of preventative mental health support, and how no military spouse should have to carry the home front alone. Learn more about HomeFront Haven’s Renewal Retreats and how our community-centered approach helps military spouses find connection, support, and a safe place to land during every stage of the deployment cycle.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Featuring Dr. Inga Carboni | In this fast-paced, interactive session, participants will learn how effective networks differ from ineffective ones and discover practical strategies for designing and strengthening their personal and professional connections. The session will also examine common challenges individuals face when building leadership networks, including barriers shaped by societal norms and internalized beliefs. Through discussion and reflection, participants will identify actionable strategies for overcoming these obstacles and will leave with at least one concrete step they can take within the next week to build a stronger, more effective network.

Featuring Kayla LaFond, Military Spouse Liaison, Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Discover the wealth of resources tailored to support military-connected families and spouses with local, state, and federal resources available in the Commonwealth. Whether you’re new to Virginia or preparing for your next chapter, this session will equip you with the tools and insights to thrive. This webinar is available to surviving spouses and spouses of active-duty, National Guard, reserve, and veterans.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Featuring Sarah Roder, Armed Forces Mutual. As a military spouse, do you know your financial legacy? Join us as we discuss what it truly means — financially and personally — to be a military spouse, gain a deeper understanding of the legacy you are building for yourself and your family, and learn how to avoid the common financial pitfalls experienced by those who came before you.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Featuring Elaine Willig. It’s so easy to remember the hard parts of military life. After more than 20 years in the military community, Elaine has seen how the stories we carry shape our identity and deepen connection. Join her to learn how to capture and preserve the meaningful stories that have shaped you, brought you joy, and become treasures for years to come.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET