2023 Women Veteran Trailblazers “Women Making the Difference” Initiative

Congratulations to this year’s Department Veterans Affairs, Center for Women Veterans

2023 Women Veteran Trailblazers

“Women Making A Difference” Initiative 

CWV received 394 nomination packages for women Veterans reflecting their extraordinary work in:

• Education
• Employment
• Entrepreneurship
• Homelessness
• Legal Assistance
• Mental Health, and Wellness

The 21 Selected CWV 2023 Women Veteran Trailblazers are:

• Dr. Angela Karnes Padron, United States Air Force Veteran, Germany
• Cassandra Taylor, United States Army Veteran, Illinois
• Debra Gipson, United States Army Veteran, Ohio
• Edna Cummings, United States Army Veteran, Maryland
• Elizabeth Martinez Gonzalez, United States Army Veteran, Puerto Rico
• Erica Parks, United States Army Veteran, Georgia
• Fa’alagiga Nina Tua’au-Glande, United States Air Force Veteran, American Samoa
• Jas Boothe, United States Army Veteran, Virginia
• Jennifer Quintero, United States Air Force Veteran, Arizona
• Kris Fuhr, United States Army Veteran, Georgia
• Margaret Lockridge, United States Air Force Veteran, California
• Mary Kate Flatley, United States Navy / United States Marine Corps Veteran, California
• Michelle “Mia” Garcia, United States Marine Corps Veteran, Texas
• Olivia Nunn, United States Army Veteran, Virginia
• Shelby Setnikar, United States Army Veteran, Minnesota
• Stacy Lee, United States Army Veteran, Arizona
• Tahina Montoya, United States Air Force Veteran, Virginia
• Tammy Barlet, United States Coast Guard Veteran, Maryland
• Wanda Petty, United States Army Veteran, Texas

This year the Center for Women Veterans will honor two extraordinary women Veterans with Posthumous Trailblazer awards.

• CAPT Georgia Clark Sadler, United States Navy Veteran
• Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, United States Marine Corps Veteran

This powerful campaign highlights the experiences and contributions of these women Veterans and provides VA the opportunity to share stories about how their military service and unique experiences led to their continued roles as leaders and advocates in the communities where they live and work.

Stay tuned to CWV’s Website for information on our 2025 Trailblazers Campaign.