Blue Star Families’ Post

#WelcomeWeek is just around the corner, and there's no better time to become a part of our vibrant community in The #Neighborhood! Connect with fellow military families, share your experiences, and find support through every step of your journey. By joining the Blue Star Families Neighborhood, you’ll gain access to: 🎉 Exclusive events and activities 📚Valuable resources and support 🤝A network of understanding and compassionate friends Together, we can create a stronger, more connected community. Don’t miss out — join us today and be part of something special! https://bit.ly/4a1InaU #BlueStarWelcomeWeek #MilitaryFamily #CommunitySupport

Spotlight on Monique Street, AFC®, JPMorganChase DEPLOY Financial Wellness Fellow! Monique has made significant contributions during her time at Blue Star Families. She hosted monthly Money Mondays webinars, addressing key financial stressors, entrepreneurship for military spouses, and college planning, with expert guests providing invaluable resources to military families. Representing BSF at MilMoneyCon and the AFCPE Symposium, Monique networked with financial professionals and introduced innovative ideas to support BSF’s research and advocacy. At MilMoneyCon, she spoke on a panel about food insecurity and presented data from the 2023 MFLS. Monique’s capstone project focused on overcoming barriers to military spouse job continuity, aiming to inspire leaders and organizations to support military spouses in securing and maintaining employment. Following her fellowship, Monique secured a position as a Relationship Manager at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust, continuing her dedication to military and Veteran families. She said, “Financial security for military families is a cornerstone of our national security.” Thank you, Monique, for a wonderful year at Blue Star Families! We can’t wait to watch you flourish in your next role! Learn more about the DEPLOY Fellows program: https://bit.ly/3AB2r3W

In-person and virtual runners came together to support the Blue Star Families of New England Chapter at the 52nd running of the Falmouth Road Race in Massachusetts! The dedicated group of athletes of all levels took to the pavement along the iconic 7-mile seaside course to raise awareness and funds for our Nourish the Service program. 1 in 6 active-duty family respondents report experiencing food insecurity, which is why Blue Star Families created the Nourish the Service program. Not only did participation support an important cause, runners connected and helped to build a sense of community. Whether it's lacing up your sneakers to fight food insecurity or making a charitable gift, it's easy for everyone to do their part. Thank you to the runners and donors who supported the #BlueStarFamilies team and the New England Chapter. #DoYourPart is made possible by the generous support of Craig Newmark and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. Kathy Roth-Douquet Lindsay Knight, PhD Brian Whiting Sabrina Huda Meredith Terrian Jeffrey Chin Sheila Stevens

Blue Star Families is thrilled to announce the addition of Douglas Rozman as Executive Vice President of Communications and Brand Marketing. His unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience will be invaluable as we continue to advance our national brand, raise awareness of military and Veteran family challenges, and build communities of support and belonging. Douglas brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in corporate communications, brand reputation, and corporate social responsibility, most recently as a communications consultant, adjunct professor, and SVP of U.S. Communications at HSBC Bank. Douglas has championed military and Veteran causes through advocacy, volunteering, and board service. He grew up in a career military household, knows the military family experience firsthand, and is passionate about serving this vital American community. Welcome to Blue Star Families, Douglas! Kathy Roth-Douquet Lindsay Knight, PhD Brian Whiting Vin Duncan Meredith Terrian Ryan Callahan

🎉 See comedian Ashley Gutermuth live thanks to T-Mobile! 🎉 Saturday, Sept. 28th at 6 PM ET in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Tickets are limited, so grab yours now and tag a buddy to join you! Register in The Neighborhood: https://bit.ly/4g8r8be

Join the Next Generation of Leaders. Will you answer the call? Join us for a live discussion with the Pat Tillman Foundation. We will discuss their work, impact leadership programs, and upcoming 2025 Scholar cohort applications. Dr. Colleen Reaney, Ph.D., Director of Programs and Leadership, and Dr. Rob Faulk, Associate Director of Programs and Leadership, will join us live, and we will lead the discussion. Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET

Blue Star Families continues to grow to best serve the needs of our military-connected communities! We want to offer a warm welcome to Lily Carlton as the Program Manager for the San Diego Chapter. Lily brings a wealth of experience in both the nonprofit space and industry. Most recently, she served as the Senior Director of Programs at United Through Reading, where she oversaw strategic marketing and program delivery for military commands and installations around the world. As the daughter of a Navy Chief Petty Officer and the spouse of a Navy Chaplain with 20 years of service, Lily's commitment to supporting military families runs deep. "The military often takes families to new and unfamiliar places, pushing them out of their comfort zones. My goal is to help them feel welcomed in San Diego, make the most of their time here, and ultimately help them create a sense of home," says Lily. Our Baltimore Chapter will be joined by Julie Ferns as Program Manager. Julie brings a strong background in program management and has served as a Program Manager for Marine Corps Community Services and a Project Coordinator for a Children’s Advocacy Center. She’s also the spouse of an active-duty Marine. “I'm excited to join the Blue Star Families team and bring my project management background to the team. I'm excited to join a passionate team and help continue to grow membership and the organization,” says Julie. Please help us in welcoming Lily and Julie to Blue Star Families! Kathy Roth-Douquet Lindsay Knight, PhD Brian Whiting Vin Duncan Meredith Terrian Sabrina Huda Tosombra "Tai" Kimes Maggie Meza Yolanda (Outing) Rayford Sheila Stevens

Join us for a #live discussion with the Pat Tillman Foundation. We will discuss their work, impact leadership programs, and upcoming 2025 Scholar cohort applications. Dr. Colleen F. Reaney, Ph.D., Director of Programs and Leadership, and Dr. Rob Faulk, Associate Director of Programs and Leadership, will join us live, and we will lead the discussion. Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET To connect with the Blue Star Careers community, please meet us in the BSFCareers Group in the Neighborhood. Go here: https://lnkd.in/gx6dKFZC

Spotlight on Jaron Brown, DEPLOY Outdoors Fellow! Jaron focused on professional development through courses, mentoring sessions, and personalized development during his time at #BSF. Participating in VSO/MSO training, the Fundraising Academy, Intercompass Coaching, and the Executive Leadership course at Georgetown helped him build confidence, develop professional skills, and enhance his leadership capabilities. Jaron's capstone project was inspired by his love for outdoor activities and the desire to break stereotypes. Jaron created the Outdoor Empowerment Course, an eight-week program designed to guide military families from taking a neighborhood stroll to hiking and ultimately building their confidence to camp. We are grateful for the impact Jaron has made on military families through Blue Star Families and look forward to continuing this journey of growth and empowerment together! Learn more about the DEPLOY Fellows program: https://bit.ly/3AB2r3W