By Moni Jefferson
Founder and CEO of Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs®
2019 Armed Forces Insurance® McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Air Force Base Spouse of the Year
The second quarter of 2024 has been a rollercoaster of progress and setbacks in addressing Military spouse employment barriers. Our community faces significant challenges, and while numerous organizations, thought leaders, and advocates strive to drive change, the path forward is often obstructed by legislative and policy hurdles. Despite some progress, recent legislation and bills have either failed to address or outright ignored the critical issues military spouses face, creating a sense of taking one step forward only to be pushed ten steps back.
Military spouse employment is not just an isolated issue—it is a solution to many of the broader challenges facing Military families, such as financial stability and mental health. Yet, it remains sidelined in policy discussions, even though retention is a top concern for Military families nationwide. Prioritizing Military spouses in all relevant bills and policies is essential for meaningful progress.
As a small business owner and a Military spouse who experienced the challenges of job hunting before starting my own business, I understand the importance of dual-income households. It is vital to convey to other Military spouses that it is possible to start and grow a business, generate revenue, support their family, and find fulfillment despite the demands of Military life.
I have engaged with Virginia representatives, the Department of Labor, and other stakeholders committed to making a difference. As the CEO and founder of the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs®, my mission has been to create a centralized hub where Military spouses can learn about entrepreneurship and build successful web-based businesses. This not only generates income but also boosts their mental well-being and self-confidence, empowering them to thrive while supporting their Military partners. Through initiatives like the Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Act, we aim to dismantle the numerous barriers that Military spouses face, from frequent relocations to the lack of consistent employment opportunities and the burdens of being the default parent.
The work we do at the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs® is crucial. Our free programs provide Military spouses with the practical tools and knowledge needed to generate revenue without fluff or gatekeeping. However, I've come to realize that for these programs to truly flourish, systemic change through policy is imperative.
In my role as the Employment Chair at Newrez, my primary focus is to secure seats at key tables where these critical issues are discussed. It is not enough to simply raise awareness; we must build new tables and invite others to join the conversation. Together, we can amplify our voices and drive the systemic changes needed to support Military spouse employment and, by extension, the well-being of Military families.
Armed Forces Insurance® is a registered trademark of Armed Forces Insurance.
Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs® is a registered trademark of the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs.
Newrez and any above-mentioned companies are not affiliated.
References:
MOAA - Leading From the Front: MOAA Commits to Fight Military Spouse Unemployment