Each of us has an extraordinary capacity to lead and drive change for good. At an individual level, the impact we make – whether locally, nationally, or globally – can move the needle on the issues we care about most. This impact can be maximized when we come together, and the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program is an incredible example of what can happen when we recognize but also celebrate our differences and unite around a common cause.
Recently, the Bush Institute was thrilled to welcome back the Veteran Leadership Program alumni network for our 2025 Alumni Convening. Since the program launched in 2018, we’ve engaged 243 inspirational leaders across the country who are driving impactful change for veterans and military families through exemplary leadership. Seeing the George W. Bush Presidential Center filled with leaders who share a deep commitment to service was a powerful reminder of why this network exists.
The strength of the network lies in its unique diversity. Our alumni have different careers, beliefs, and backgrounds, yet they’re able to find common ground in a shared mission: maximizing impact for veterans and military families. Despite differences, alumni come together rooted in our common humanity. This is the kind of leadership that drives real change, and it’s an example the world needs right now.
Each of our alumni are positively impacting their communities and others at an individual level, and it’s inspiring.
But perhaps even more inspiring is seeing what happens when leaders like our Veteran Leadership Program alumni collaborate to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation’s veterans and their families. The collective impact of this network – their ideas, collaboration, and shared dedication — creates a ripple effect that strengthens the future for veterans and military families in ways our alumni couldn’t accomplish alone.
Class of 2021 alumna Beth Conlin is a strong advocate for breaking down employment barriers for military families overseas. She’s approached solutions through various efforts, including collaboration with fellow Class of 2019 alumna Libby Jamison, to address Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), which are agreements between countries designed to support servicemembers stationed internationally but have impacted employment opportunities for military spouses due to a lack of transparent guidelines and ambiguity on the issue. Recently, the Department of Defense issued a memo that will open up more employment opportunities for all military spouses regardless of where they are stationed in the world.
Class of 2022 Alum, Ryan Callahan, utilized his role at Blue Star Families to launch a timely and important campaign focused on military suicide called Combat the Silence, and he utilized the storytelling expertise of his fellow alum, Mark Harper, to produce a powerful campaign video. These efforts were recently recognized when the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Midsouth Chapter awarded Ryan and Blue Star Families an Emmy in the Public Service Announcement category.
Class of 2024 alumna Rachelle Chapman is utilizing her role with the Adecco Group US Foundation to advance economic opportunity for military spouses. “When my spouse left active duty, and I became a veteran military spouse, I knew I was ready to take my career to the next level,” she said. “However, there was not a support network or program to help me do that.”
Rachelle recently launched an initiative called It’s My Turn, a group career transition program that empowers veteran military spouses who are unemployed, underemployed, or pivoting to a new career. She’s partnering with fellow alumna Bridget Guerrero to scale this initiative and raise awareness across other companies.
These are just a few of the many examples of the impact the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program alumni are making to ensure that the future is bright for veterans and military families.
A healthy democracy is only as strong as its citizens’ willingness to bridge divides and work together. Through our Veteran Leadership Program, we encourage our alumni to model this among the network as well as at home in their communities and workplaces. And they do just that. The way they show up in their communities, the way they show up for each other, and the way they lead is inspirational.
In these complex times, it was refreshing to witness the unity of this group at our Alumni Convening. This alumni network is a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating our shared humanity and dignity. At the Bush Institute, we’re confident the impact of this network will continue, and we’re proud to create a space that promotes collaborative dialogue amongst this group of passionate and driven leaders.
