WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary will host the Empowering Military Spouse Symposium on June 13.
The event is described as a full-day, in-person experience designed to uplift and equip military spouses at every stage of their journey, from new spouses navigating the challenges of military life to veteran spouses stepping into their next chapter with clarity and confidence. It is the first of its kind in the Williamsburg area.
Lindsay Blount, an Air Force spouse, 2023 Military Spouse Magazine cover feature and experienced higher education leader, is leading the charge alongside the William & Mary Office of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“At William & Mary, we want to be a convener of resources for military spouses. We have a lot of amazing resources here at the school, but we also have a lot of connections throughout the Hampton Roads area,” Blount said.
The full-day event will include a keynote address, a career panel and breakout sessions designed to help military spouses in every part of their journey.
Breakout sessions include lessons on resume development, financial wellness, higher education and military spouse entrepreneurship.
“We also realize that not all military spouses need a job or want to have a job right now. Some of them want to volunteer and build their resumes that way, some of them want to give back to the community, some of them are just raising their babies and just want to learn about wellness and how to handle all these transitions that happen. We’re really trying to wrap our arms around all military spouses and how we can support them and connect them with the resources that are around for them in the place they are on their journey,” Blount said.
Attendees will also receive free professional headshots, enjoy complimentary childcare (for the first 50 registrants), and connect with dozens of mission-aligned employers, nonprofits and educational institutions during the VA Resource Fair. Participating organizations include Blue Star Families, Hiring Our Heroes, MSAN, Wear Blue, Burn Boot Camp and more.
“Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest military regions, Williamsburg is uniquely positioned to lead on military spouse support. William & Mary is deepening its commitment to the military-connected community, and this event is a vital step forward. By empowering military spouses with tools, networks, and a sense of belonging, the symposium strengthens not only individual families — but the workforce and civic life of Williamsburg and the entire Hampton Roads region,” Blount shared.
The Empowering Military Spouse Symposium is sponsored in part by the PenFed Foundation and William & Mary’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs, and partners with Fiserv, the Hampton Roads Veteran Employment Center, Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and a growing network of supporters committed to uplifting the military spouse community.
To learn more or to register to attend, visit wm.edu.