WVE 2026 Conference: Ohio Women in Uniform - Past, Present, and Supporters

Join us during the Women Veterans Engage (WVE) Conference 2026—part of a national movement dedicated to connecting and uplifting women who have served and those who continue to serve.

Hosted in partnership with the Ohio National Guard Enlisted Association (ONGEA) and the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC), this Ohio-based networking event brings together Women Veterans, Ohio National Guard Members (current and former), active-duty servicewomen, supporters, caregivers, and survivors to build community, strengthen relationships, share valuable resources.

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, reconnect with your military sisterhood, or engage with organizations that support your journey, this experience is designed to create lasting impact.

Food, Snacks and drinks will be provided!

The National Veteran Memorial and Museum doors will open at 10am for a self-guided tour of exhibits. Feel free to arrive and leave at anytime.

If you sign up and cannot make it, please be sure to withdraw your registration to allow another women veteran to register.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Info: 11:00 to 11:30 Franklin County Meeting Room: Networking and Refreshments

11:30 to 12:00
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM)
• Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC)
• Ohio National Guard Enlisted Association (ONGEA)
• Guardian Angels (Medical Service Dogs)

Info: Melissa Washington, a Navy Veteran and Founder/CEO of the Women Veterans Alliance (WVA) hosts the Women Veterans Engage (WVE) Conference will welcome and kickoff the conference.

Info: Julie Hothem is an Air Force/Air National Guard Veteran who has taught Zumba for decades. Let's get the room moving for about 15 to 20 minutes! This mid-day dance break is a chance to connect through music. We are keeping it low-intensity and high-fun. A perfect way to celebrate our collective strength before we get back to business.

Info: Wilderness and Wildflowers: Naming the Language of Women Veterans: Understand your unique strengths and experiences. Explore eight wildflower patterns to navigate civilian life, make sense of the past, and connect more fully with yourself and others.

Info: We will now conclude the WVE portion of the program. Please stay with us as we transition into our local programming.

Info: Judy Pearson, an Air Force Veteran and the Ohio Ambassador for the Military Women’s Memorial, will lead a presentation and walk participants through how to register and share their military HERstory. The Military Women’s Memorial—located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery—honors and preserves the stories of the women, past and present, who have served our Nation.

Info: Feel free to explore the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and take in some of its most powerful features. In the Great Hall, you’ll find Stacy Pearsall’s striking portraits from the Veterans Portrait Project—be sure to view both sides of the suspended images to fully experience each story. Visit the gallery space featuring Matthew Modine’s compelling photo exhibition, offering a unique visual perspective on service. On the third floor, don’t miss the Military Ribbon Window, a vibrant architectural tribute inspired by the campaign ribbons worn by service members. Before you leave, stop by the Museum Store, where you’ll find a curated selection of Veteran‑made products and meaningful keepsakes. The museum closes at 5:00 pm.

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Host or Publisher WVAC & ONGEA