The biennial Trailblazer Initiative honors exceptional women Veterans who have made significant contributions during and after their military service. Launched in 2019 with the “Women Breaking Barriers” campaign, it initially recognized 15 pioneering women Veterans. Building on this success, the “Women Veterans Leading the Way” initiative in 2021 honored 27 outstanding women from all branches.
In early 2023, the “Women Veterans Making a Difference” initiative received an overwhelming 394 nominations, celebrating 21 exemplary Sister Veterans who embody the Trailblazer spirit. In 2025, the “Women Veterans Forging a Path,” we honor 31 women Veterans who exemplify strength, resilience, and dedication, bringing the total number of recognized Trailblazers to 94.
These Trailblazers continue to set standards for excellence and service, uplifting their sister Veterans and inspiring future generations. Held every two years, the Trailblazer Initiative celebrates their stories and commitment, and continues to empower and support women Veterans everywhere.
To stay up-to-date on the 2027 Trailblazer Initiative by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and X.
2025 “Women Veterans Forging a Path”
The Center honored 31 women Veteran Trailblazers, including 2 posthumously, at a ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C.
The 2025 CWV Women Veteran Trailblazers
- Leonor Branch
- Jayme L. DeGooyer
- Diane Carlson Evans
- Caroline P. Fermin
- Joan A. Furey
- Dr. Iesiah M. Harris
- Octavia Harris
- Patricia A. Harris
- Laura R. Hatcher
- Elizabeth Herrera
- Sharon S. Hinde-Grimm
- Hattie M. Johnson
- Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta
- Angela A. McCullough
- Dr. Debbee A. Maraglio-Lynn
- Jackeline Perez-Martinez
- Danique N. Masingill
- Carrie D. Moore
- Dr. Sheena L. Moore
- Jo Ann Orr
- Staci L. Reidinger
- Dr. Patricia M. Ross
- Lori L. Trego
- Mona Pearl Treyball
- Dr. Linda Schwartz
- Latia Suttle
- Jessica L. Wherry
- Phyllis Wilson
- Dianne M. Young
- Posthumously
2023 “Women Making the Difference”
The Center honored 21 women Veteran Trailblazers at a ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
The 2023 CWV Women Veteran Trailblazers
- Dr. Angela Karnes
- Cassandra Taylor
- Debra Gipson
- Edna Cummings
- Elizabeth Martinez Gonzalez
- Erica Parks
- Fa’alagiga Nina Tua’au-Glande
- Jas Boothe
- Jennifer Quintero
- Kris Fuhr
- Margaret Lockridge
- Mary Kate Flatley
- Michelle “Mia” Garcia
- Olivia Nunn
- Shelby Setnikar
- Stacy Lee
- Tahina Montoya
- Tammy Barlet
- Wanda Petty
- Posthumously
2021 “Women Veterans Leading the Way”
The Center honored 27 women Veteran Trailblazers at a ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
No photo due to COVID-19. The ceremony was held virtually.
The 2021 CWV Women Veteran Trailblazers
- Danielle Applegate
- Mary Chitwood
- Viviana DeCohen
- Maureen Elias
- Carol Eggert
- Amelia Estwick
- Tee Marie Hanible
- Amanda Huffman
- Diana Kirkland
- Shurhonda Love
- Abby Malchow
- Jenny Pacanowski
- Sandra Franks
- Deloris Quaranta
- Zaneta I. Adams
- Crystal Kyle
- Virginia Narsete
- Sharon Robino-West
- Kristin Gyford
- Eileen Moore
- Karla Nemitz
- Virginia A. Wimmer
- Beverly A Charley
- Cassandra V. Facciponti
- Sonia Lopez
- Queta Rodriguez
- VR Small
2019 “Women Breaking Barriers”
The Center honored 19 women Veteran Trailblazers at a ceremony at the Military Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The 2019 CWV Women Veteran Trailblazers
- Robbin Alex
- Cathy Bennett-Santos
- Patty Collins
- Diana Danis
- Kyleanne Hunter
- Michele Jones
- Judy Keene
- Ginger Miller
- Tonja Myles
- Amanda Plante
- Linda Singh
- Cassie Strom
- Wilma Vaught
- Melissa Washington
- Tanya Whitney