When thinking of veterans, the idea of sisters, wives, daughters and even mothers do not typically spring into civilians’ minds, despite women making up over 17% of the active-duty force, as reported in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Even more unbeknownst to most, is how women comprise the fastest-growing segment of the homeless veteran population, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report.
For veteran Jen-Liz Maldonado, earning her spot as a finalist for the annual Ms. Veteran America competition is all about representing and supporting services across the nation for her fellow sisters-in-arms.
“Our main purpose is to be a voice for women in uniform,” said Maldonado. “I know, in my experience, people often assume my husband or something served, and this is really just to bring attention to women actually being in the military.”
Highlighting strength, courage and sacrifice, the competition brands itself as a movement to encourage women veterans to uplift each and find their tribe while raising money for nonprofits that specialize in helping other females.
“There are resources out there for veterans in general, not just women, especially by the VA, but sometimes these programs that they have in place are not as efficient or even safe for women … sometimes they are in locations or around people that are not appropriate to have children around either,” said Maldonado. “That’s why this organization is focused on providing a safe place for women only, so they won’t come across these common issues that happen within these more generalized housing.”
Proceeds from the event go towards Final Salute Inc., which provides housing for homeless women veterans and their children. Often being categorized as an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ population, over half of the homeless female veterans are also single mothers, according to the Ms. Veteran America competition’s website.
Doing her part to help bring awareness to the situation, Maldonado has worked diligently in the Augusta area to fundraise over $1,500, but she still wants to do more.
“I’ve been doing a lot of advocating for the nonprofit and I’ve held a few fundraisers in the community,” she said. “I’ve been reaching out to businesses and anyone who would listen to try to tell them about Final Salute to try and raise money for them.”
With the competition involving an interviewing process, a talent portion, fundraising and advocating for Final Salute, Maldonado will be competing in Ms. Veteran America’s semi-finals on Oct. 8 in Orlando, Fla., in hopes of advancing to the final rounds. With her experience as a cybersecurity officer, she also said putting herself in the spotlight for the sake of a great cause was a little worrisome, despite some theater experience in her youth.
“It’s all about confidence and bringing your best self to the table,” she said. “This is just such an important cause. It’s not just a show for entertainment, this is for something real – women have these struggles, and I really want to do it justice. Working behind a desk and doing paperwork is easy, but to put myself out there and have these tougher conversations with businesses and others is the most nerve-wracking part.”
Founded in 2012 by a female veteran with experience being homeless, the competitions have already raised over $760,000 for women veterans and their children, which has helped house more than 8,000 and has provided over 17,000 transitional housing days, according to the Ms. Veteran America’s website.
“On top of this being a cause that I am very passionate about, I’ve also met so many amazing women,” said Maldonado. “Meeting these women, who have served in the military from all these different backgrounds, has been a phenomenal experience … even though we’re all competing against each other and only one of us will have an official title at the end, we still completely support each other and check-in.”
Similar to her delight in becoming engrossed in a new community of women, Maldonado said she also never truly knew how supportive her fellow Augustans could be, until she joined the competition and became a local advocate.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from all this was how supportive and helpful the community of Augusta is,” said Maldonado. “I grew up here and I knew this area pretty well, but I’ve never had to organize my own fundraising events like this, but the support I’ve received has been amazing.”
After the entire competition, win or lose, Maldonado said she wants to continue her work with Final Salute Inc. because she thoroughly believes in getting more people involved with the nonprofit.
“When I got out of the military, if it wasn’t for my family, there could have been a situation where I easily found myself homeless or couch surfing,” she said. “But this has taught me that I can make a difference … that I can be a representative for veterans who are struggling. That’s my biggest takeaway, is knowing that I can be another resource and help to the cause.”
Maldonado said she is currently planning another upcoming fundraiser and will be announcing it soon on social media. To keep an eye out for her next event, please visit https://www.instagram.com/jenlizm4mva2023/?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D
For those interested in sponsoring or supporting Maldonado, please email her at jenliz.maldonado@gmail.com or reach her by phone at (706) 394-5705
