Veteran Services

Women Veterans Program

Christina Simmons in U.S. Air Force camouflage uniform, with text identifying Logan County and AR ANG.
Marlene Davis-Lilly, USN veteran from Jefferson County, holding a framed portrait of herself in Navy uniform.
Amanda Ivey of Fulton County holds a framed portrait of herself in U.S. Marine Corps uniform.
Portrait of World War II veteran Edith Mitchell, a Baxter County WAC technical sergeant from 1943 to 1946, holding a framed wartime photograph.
Portrait of U.S. Air Force servicewoman Meki Bocage of Calhoun County in camouflage uniform
Portrait of Clark County Gladys Leeper, USN, holding a photograph of a child in a Navy uniform.
Our Mission

What the Women Veterans Program Does

We work across government and within our communities to ensure Arkansas’s women veterans are recognized, supported, and empowered.

Identify & Monitor

We identify, research, and monitor the unique challenges faced by Arkansas’s women veterans.

Recommend Policy

We recommend initiatives and policy proposals that meaningfully address these challenges.

Collaborate & Partner

We collaborate with government, nonprofits, and private organizations to build partnerships and expand resources.

Raise Awareness

We amplify awareness of gender-specific needs through outreach, engagement, and public education.

Ensure Equitable Access

We help women veterans gain equitable access to federal and state benefits through education and advocacy.

Unique Service, Unique Needs

The barriers we work to break down

Women veterans have unique needs after their unique service. We focus on the barriers that can stand in the way, including:

Quality Healthcare

Access to care designed for women veterans.

Military Sexual Trauma

Connection to safe, supportive resources.

Childcare

Support that recognizes family responsibilities.

Financial Stability

Help navigating earned benefits and resources.

And More

Whatever stands between a veteran and her benefits.

    • Support for Homeless Women Veterans — Resources for housing assistance, counseling, and safety planning tailored specifically for women who have served. Learn more: Women Veterans Overcoming Homelessness - VA Homeless Programs

    • VA Center for Women Veterans — Advocacy, benefits guidance, and outreach programs dedicated to supporting women veterans nationwide. Learn more: Center for Women Veterans

    • Oncology System of Excellence — Improved access to breast cancer screening and specialized treatment through the VA’s national initiative for women veterans. Learn more: Fight Against Breast Cancer

    • Women Veteran Healthcare — Comprehensive primary care, reproductive health, mental health, and specialty services tailored for women veterans. Learn more: Healthcare & Benefits

    • Healthcare Services — Fayetteville — Local women’s care programs available through the Fayetteville VA Health Care System. Learn more: Healthcare - Fayetteville

    • Healthcare Services — Central Arkansas — Women-focused health services available through the Central Arkansas VA system. Learn more: Healthcare - Central Arkansas

  • Legal Aid of Arkansas — Provides free civil legal assistance to eligible Arkansans, including help with housing, benefits, family law, consumer issues, and more. Learn more: Legal Aid

    • Military Service Sisters — A supportive community for women veterans focused on connection, mentorship, and shared military experiences. Learn more: Military Service Sisters

    • National Association of State Women Veterans Coordinators (NASWVC) — Provides advocacy, resources, and national coordination to support women veterans across all states. Learn more:
      Home - NASWVC

  • The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is developing a Women Veterans Registry to better recognize and connect women who have served. This registry will help us keep in touch with Arkansas’ women veterans and ensure they receive important updates about benefits, resources, and community opportunities. To submit your information, visit: Women Veterans Registry

  • Women Veterans Specialty License Plate — Arkansas
    Arkansas now offers a Women Veterans specialty license plate created under Arkansas Act 51 of 2025 to honor and recognize women who served. The plate design was developed by ADVA and includes a customizable branch-of-service area. A portion of plate revenue supports the Arkansas Women Veteran Summit.

    Eligibility:
    • Arkansas resident
    • Woman veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
    • Must provide proof of service (DD‑214)

    Cost:
    • Standard vehicle registration fees
    • $25 design-use contribution

    How to Apply:
    • Available at most Arkansas Revenue Offices
    • Online through Arkansas DMV services
    • Or by submitting documentation and payment to the DFA Specialty Plate Office
    Learn more: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/specialty-plates/women-veterans-license-plate/

  • The Arkansas Women Veteran Summit is a statewide gathering dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and empowering women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The summit provides a space for connection, learning, and community, bringing women veterans together for resource sessions, networking, wellness activities, and recognition of outstanding service.

    Save the Date — 2027 Women Veteran Summit
    Planning is already underway for the next Arkansas Women Veteran Summit in 2027. More information will be shared as details are finalized.

    We Want Your Feedback
    Your input helps shape future events and ensures the summit continues to meet the needs of women veterans across Arkansas.
    Share your feedback here: https://forms.gle/4b3KSnHttgMWbdHu8

    Questions?
    For questions about the summit or future planning, please contact:
    Kathryn Alexander
    Women Veterans Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
    Kathryn.Alexander@arkansas.gov
    501-683-1799

  • Our wellness retreats are designed to connect Arkansas women veterans with the healing power of the outdoors and to create meaningful opportunities to build community with other women who share similar military experiences. These retreats focus on wellbeing, connection, and support, giving women veterans a space to recharge and grow together.

    Participants must be women who have served in the U.S. military and must be residents of Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Women’s Program is committed to empowering women veterans through reliable resources, strong outreach, and opportunities for networking. All of these goals come together during our retreats, and we would love to have you join us.

    Information and registration will be available soon.

  • The Arkansas Women Veteran of the Year Award was created in 2025 to honor one Arkansas woman veteran each year for exceptional military service, community impact, and leadership. Nominations may be submitted by veterans, families, organizations, and community members.

    • Selection Process — A board of ADVA Women Veteran Program Leaders selects the honoree based on professional and personal accomplishments, leadership, community engagement, recognition, and positive impact on women veterans in Arkansas.

    • 2026 Nominations — Nominations are open until May 1, 2026. For guidelines and criteria, CLICK HERE. Questions may be directed to Kathry.Alexander@arkansas.gov

Information and Resources:

Portrait of Kathryn Alexander, Women Veterans Coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.
Portrait of Kathryn Alexander, Women Veterans Coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.

Kathryn Alexander

Women Veterans Coordinator

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