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Beyond the Uniform: Kimberly Chatto’s Journey of Service, Strength & Purpose | Ms. Veteran America 2026

She Vets It Podcast | Contestant Spotlight

What happens when a woman who has dedicated her life to service steps into a new season of purpose?

In this special episode of the She Vets It Podcast, host Althea Williams sits down with Kimberly Chatto, a U.S. Air Force veteran, former missileer, public affairs officer supporting Special Operations, defense contractor, mother of two, and Ms. Veteran America 2026 contestant.

Kimberly shares her journey from military service to civilian life, balancing motherhood and career, redefining strength, and embracing opportunities beyond the uniform.

Together, we explore what inspired her to compete in Ms. Veteran America, the importance of sisterhood among military women, and the greater mission behind the competition—raising awareness for Final Salute Inc. and its work supporting women veterans and their children.

This conversation is about more than a competition. It’s about identity, resilience, personal growth, and finding purpose in every chapter of life.

Ms. Veteran America 2026

📅 October 11, 2026
 📍 Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel | Tampa, Florida

🎟️ Purchase tickets, donate, or learn more: https://www.msveteranamerica.org

🎙️ She Vets It Podcast
Real Conversations. Real Women. Real Impact.

#SheVetsItPodcast #KimberlyChatto #MsVeteranAmerica2026 #WomenVeterans #AirForceVeteran #MilitaryWomen #VeteranTransition #FinalSaluteInc #WomenWhoServe

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Beyond the Uniform: Five Women, Five Journeys, One Purpose | Ms. Veteran America 2026  | Part 1

She Vets It Podcast | Special Contestant Spotlight

Five women. Five unique journeys. One stage. A greater purpose.

In this special episode of the She Vets It Podcast, host Althea Williams sits down with five inspiring women competing in Ms. Veteran America 2026 to explore their journeys of military service, resilience, leadership, and life beyond the uniform.

Meet our featured guests:

• Amanda Williams — Texas Army National Guard service member and chaplain
• Danielle Martinez — U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate
• September Harris — Active-duty U.S. Army service member
• Shannon-Rai Waiters — U.S. Army veteran and veteran advocate
• Zaneta Adams — U.S. Army veteran, attorney, TEDx speaker, and Emmy-winning producer

Together, we go beyond military titles and accomplishments to discuss identity, transitioning from military to civilian life, faith, family, personal growth, and the courage to embrace new opportunities.

The ladies also share what inspired them to compete in Ms. Veteran America, the sisterhood they’ve discovered along the way, and the importance of raising awareness for Final Salute Inc., an organization supporting women veterans and their children.

This conversation reminds us that every woman who has worn the uniform has a story worth hearing—and her purpose doesn’t end when military service does.

Ms. Veteran America 2026

📅 October 11, 2026
 📍 Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel | Tampa, Florida

🎟️ Purchase tickets, donate, or learn more: https://www.msveteranamerica.org

🎙️ She Vets It Podcast
Real Conversations. Real Women. Real Impact.

#SheVetsItPodcast #MsVeteranAmerica2026 #WomenVeterans #MilitaryWomen #WomenWhoServe #VeteranVoices #FinalSaluteInc #VeteranStories

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What happens when the uniform comes off and you’re left to rediscover who you are beyond military service?

In this episode of the She Vets It Podcast, we sit down with Aqueelah R. Collier, LCSW-S, affectionately known as The Therapy Queen, for an honest conversation about identity, mental health, purpose, and life beyond the uniform.

A U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served for more than a decade and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Aqueelah understands that leaving military service is about much more than finding a new career. For many Veterans, it means navigating loss, rebuilding community, confronting mental health challenges, and discovering who they are becoming in a completely different chapter of life.

Aqueelah shares her journey from Soldier to clinician, educator, author, advocate, and entrepreneur—and why Veterans deserve more than resources that help them simply survive transition. They deserve the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.

Today, Aqueelah is the Founder and CEO of Therapeutic Transitions & Associates, Co-Founder and CEO of Therapeutic Freedom TX, an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University, Junior Vice Commander of DAV Chapter 246, and author of Boots Off: Mastering the Transition.

This conversation is for the woman who served—and the woman she is still becoming.

Real Stories. Real Healing. Real Transitions.

Connect with Aqueelah and learn more about her work on social media by searching The Therapy Queen or Therapeutic Transitions.

🎙️ She Vets It Podcast
Real Conversations. Real Women. Real Impact.

CONNECT WITH AQUEELAH
👑 The Therapy Queen | Therapeutic Transitions
🌐 www.therapeutictransition.org

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Instagram: @she_vets_it • Facebook: She Vets It                                                             Email:  [email protected]
 🌐www.shevetsit.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shalando Jones, communication expert, professor, and author of The Heart of Public Speaking: A Business Owner’s Guide to Showing Up Live, In Person, and on Social Media with Confidence.

Dr. Jones shares her personal journey of becoming a confident speaker and educator, and explains why communication is one of the most powerful skills professionals can develop today.

In this conversation we discuss:

• How to communicate your experience and leadership effectively
 • Why public speaking still matters in a digital world
 • How to show up confidently live, in person, and on social media
 • Practical strategies for overcoming speaking anxiety
 • Advice for veterans transitioning into civilian careers

Whether you're a veteran, professional, or entrepreneur, this episode will help you find your voice, share your story, and communicate with confidence.

🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms.

Connect with Dr. Shalando Jones

TikTok: @speechcoach.shalando
Instagram: @speechcoach.shalando
YouTube: @speechcoach.shalando
Website: www.speechcoachshalando.com

📚 The Heart of Public Speaking is available on Amazon.

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What happens when you take off the uniform — and have to rediscover who you are without it?

In this powerful episode, U.S. Air Force Veteran and former Special Agent Amanda Maribel Heller shares her journey from high-stakes national security roles to founding Lone Loba, a leadership advisory practice focused on resilience, clarity, and sustainable influence.

Amanda opens up about the mental transition from being mission-focused in the military to rebuilding her identity as an independent leader. She speaks candidly about confronting PTSD, the life-changing impact of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), navigating isolation, and making the non-negotiable decision to reclaim her own narrative.

This conversation explores:

• Who Amanda was before the military
• What service shaped in her — and what it cost
• The identity shift after leaving the uniform
• Overcoming overfunctioning and self-limiting beliefs
• Rebuilding purpose after feeling lost
• Advice for those joining the military — and those preparing to transition out

If you’re a Veteran, leader, high performer, or anyone navigating a major life transition, this episode is a reminder that you are not starting over — you are evolving.

Purpose isn’t lost. It’s rebuilt.

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Dr. Tiffani Tate + the Veteran Mindset

After this conversation, I kept coming back to what makes veterans so unique—the way we think beyond ourselves.

Dr. Tiffani Tate spoke to the heart of the veteran mindset: using the resources available to us, especially for mothers; finding self-care that actually works in real life; and paying attention to our health, our hearts, and our well-being after years of service.

What stood out most was the “we” mentality. Veterans don’t just think about personal impact—we think about how choices affect families, communities, and the collective. That discipline, that awareness, and that respect for leadership stay with us long after the uniform comes off.

This reflection isn’t about giving it all away—it’s about honoring the perspective, responsibility, and depth veterans carry into every space they enter.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to do more, serve differently, or take better care of yourself while still showing up for others, this conversation is one worth sitting with.

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In this episode of She Vets It, we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Tate—a veteran, physician, author, creative, and servant leader whose life has been defined by service in many forms.

Originally from Compton, California, Dr. Tate shares how her early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to helping others, and how that commitment evolved through military service, medicine, and leadership beyond the uniform. Together, we explore what it means to transition with purpose, maintain a “we” mentality as veterans, and care for ourselves while continuing to serve our communities.

This conversation touches on identity, discipline, health, and the importance of using available resources—especially for veteran women and mothers—without losing sight of who we are outside our titles.

Grounded, thoughtful, and affirming, this episode is a reminder that service doesn’t end when one chapter closes—it simply takes a new form.

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In this post-guest reflection, we take a closer look at why veterans continue to thrive as entrepreneurs — long after the uniform comes off.

From global brands like Walmart, FedEx, Nike, and GoDaddy to countless small businesses across the country, veterans bring unmatched discipline, leadership, adaptability, and mission-driven focus into the business world.

Inspired by our conversation with April Williams, this reflection highlights how military skills translate into entrepreneurial success and shares insight into veteran-focused programs such as Syracuse University V-WISE, Zibo, and the Small Business Development Center that help veterans launch and grow sustainable businesses.

If you’re a veteran considering entrepreneurship — or already on the journey — this reflection is a reminder that the skills you gained in service are still working for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode with April Williams 

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In this episode of She Vets It, we sit down with April Williams, a 20-year U.S. Navy Veteran, Small Business Advisor, and the founder of Mom Mom’s Specialty Flavors.

April shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, including why she joined the Navy, how she transitioned out of the military, and the lessons she learned while building a business rooted in purpose and quality. She opens up about the mindset shift required after service and how veterans can leverage their skills to succeed in business.

We also discuss valuable veteran entrepreneurship programs and resources, including Syracuse University V-WISE, VBOC, and the Small Business Development Center, and why community and mentorship are essential for veteran founders.

This conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical guidance for veterans considering the entrepreneurial path.

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In this bonus reflection episode, Althea shares some practical tips on finding a therapist that works for you. Whether you’re a veteran or navigating life transitions, this episode gives insight, encouragement, and guidance—but you’ll need to listen to get the full advice! 

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