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Black and white picture of a group of people in business attire with the Leadership Institute logo.. (MSAN)
Four years ago, right before PCSing to Germany, I started volunteering for the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting military spouses through all the ups and downs of military life. Being a part of MSAN’s Communications and Marketing team has allowed me a backstage pass to all the exciting endeavors, like the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS).
The Institute was launched in 2025 with the goal of empowering and equipping military spouses to become influential community leaders and change-makers. Several programs fall under the Institute:
Military Spouse Leadership Development Program (MSDLP): This free and 100 percent virtual program empowers military spouses with leadership training to take their professional, volunteer and advocacy efforts to new levels. Graduates exit the program with a leadership certificate from National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University (yes, THE Harvard!), a mental health ally certification and other training from influential panel participants.
Emerging Leaders Program (ELP): This is a free and 100 percent virtual introductory leadership course for military spouses who are just getting their feet wet and wanting to do and learn more. The Emerging Leaders cohort will learn from three military spouse powerhouses: Corie Weathers, Brittany Boccher and Krista Simpson Anderson and will graduate from the program after learning about goal setting, skill development, relationship building and many other essential leadership topics.
Mental Health Ally certification: This program provides participants with knowledge and skills to support not just themselves but also those around them. With over 40 percent of military spouses polled saying that their mental health and wellness has been impacted by military life, the mental health ally program is a much-needed resource in the military spouse community. This certification is not only part of the MSLDP curriculum, but also available to MSAN volunteers and mentees to complete at no cost at any point throughout the year.
I have cheered on many friends who have participated in the Institute’s programs. Hearing testimonials about how the programs have empowered them and opened new doors has shown me the true value of what the Military Spouse Advocacy Network is providing for its community.
Applications for ELP and MSLDP open in May. Visit https://www.leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org/ to learn more.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
