YWCA Lancaster reposted this
Today, I am deeply humbled and grateful to be honored during the Women Veterans Day Ceremony presented by the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women and the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. As a transgender woman who served prior to transition and was discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, this recognition is particularly meaningful to me. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Stacie Blake, CEO of YWCA Lancaster, for nominating me for this honor. It was both unexpected and a testament to the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ folx she’s helped foster at YWCA Lancaster. I also want to thank the staff and board members who are attending the ceremony to show their support. Your presence means the world to me. I have been blessed with incredible mentors who have shaped my path and helped me navigate challenges. I want to give a special shout-out to two of them: Laurie Battaglia and Christine Courtney. Your guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have been invaluable. You have helped me see the continuity between my military service and my current work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. As I stand among these remarkable women veterans today, I am reminded that our paths may have been different, but our commitment to service and to making a difference is the same. To all the women veterans out there, thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your unwavering dedication. https://lnkd.in/eJfpdxQf #WomenVeteransDay #Honored #Grateful #MilitaryService #Mentorship #Inclusion #Transgender #Pride
Laurie Battaglia
4mo
Jessi Purdy it’s been an honor to walk life’s path along side you these past several years. You have so much to offer the world. Congratulations on being honored for your military service!
Leading expert in threat modeling + secure by design. Training • Consulting • Expert Witness. "Threat Modeling" + "Threats: What every Engineer Should Learn from Star Wars." Affiliate Professor, University of Washington.
4moCongratulations, Jessi! While these are parts of your life that I've been exposed to less, you bring your whole self to everything we do together, and it's a joy to work with you, and a joy to see you honored like this!