When Arvinette Brooks reflects on her time in the U.S. Army, she doesn't just see her years of service—she sees the personal transformation it sparked. From a 29-year-old enlistee seeking purpose to an accomplished artist and advocate, Arvinette’s journey is one defined by resilience, self-discovery, and a growing belief in her ability to lead. Today, she focuses her time on sharing her abstract artwork with the world, hoping to see her creations on the walls of homes, hospitals, and commercial spaces. But her journey to get here has been anything but typical.
From the Background to the Forefront: Discovering Leadership
While in the Army, Arvinette initially chose to stay in the background, reluctant to take on leadership roles due to a lack of confidence. But life outside the military was the turning point where she began to understand her true potential. “I needed to go through what I did to see that I could lead others,” she says. While she doesn’t view herself as a traditional leader, her experiences have given her the strength to support others in ways that only someone with her background could.
One of the moments she is most proud of is advocating for herself during a deeply challenging period when she felt unheard and overlooked. Following an assault, she knew she needed help and relentlessly pursued the care she deserved, despite the skepticism she faced. That act of resilience, refusing to give up on herself, set the stage for the leadership qualities she would later come to embrace.
Her time in the military taught her valuable lessons that transcend the battlefield. She learned about the power of camaraderie, how people who aren’t related to you can still stand by your side in moments of need. This sense of unity has stayed with her and fuels much of the volunteer work and artistic expression that Arvinette now pursues.
The Power of Vulnerability and Art
Art has been a lifeline for Arvinette, a way to express and heal. She started creating while still in the Army, using her art to share her story, particularly during her time in treatment facilities. It was there that she saw how opening up about her struggles allowed others to do the same. She wasn’t just painting for herself—she was creating a space where others could feel seen and supported. This initial realization of the power of vulnerability continues to shape her leadership and artistic journey.
“Now I’m working on sharing my art with the world rather than keeping it inside,” she explains, her ultimate dream being to see her art in public spaces. For her, art isn’t just about personal expression—it’s a means of connecting with others, fostering understanding, and healing.
The Transformative Impact of the Women Veterans Leadership Program
The Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP) was a pivotal chapter in Arvinette’s life. It was here that she truly began to embrace her gifts and lead with confidence, something she had long struggled with. One of her most significant moments came when her fellow program participants believed in her abilities and asked her to lead the design of an art mural for a transitional home for veterans in Las Vegas. “I didn’t think my art mattered to anyone but me,” she recalls. But knowing that her artwork was not only valued but also displayed in such a meaningful place was a life-changing experience.
The project—and the support from the women in the WVLP—was a turning point. For the first time, Arvinette saw herself as a leader, an expert in her craft. “Having women believe in me and letting me lead them was a first for me,” she shares. This moment of recognition was what she needed to begin believing in herself, and it has had a lasting impact on her confidence and self-esteem.
The relationships she built during her time in WVLP have also been transformative. “The connection I found changed me for the better,” Arvinette says, noting that she is still close with many of the women she met through the program. In a world where women are often pitted against one another, WVLP debunked that myth for her. Instead, it brought together like-minded women veterans who were ready to support and uplift each other.
The Importance of the Women Veterans Leadership Program
Arvinette is passionate about the role the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP) plays in the lives of women veterans, giving them the voice and confidence they might not realize they have. “This program lets a woman say, ‘I am me. This is who I am. Accept me for me, or don’t accept me at all, it doesn’t matter, because I am going to be who I am.’” WVLP isn’t just about leadership—it’s about empowerment, fostering a belief in oneself that translates into every aspect of life.
She emphasizes that what sets WVLP apart from other veteran leadership programs is its lasting impact. “It gives you purpose,” she says, noting that while other programs may teach skills or offer experiences, WVLP provides a deeper sense of meaning. It’s a program that not only equips women veterans with tools for success but also affirms their value and potential.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey
For Arvinette, the journey doesn’t end with the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP). She continues to lead, both through her art and her volunteer work. She is determined to help other women veterans lift their voices and find the strength to pursue their ambitions. She calls on women veterans to not miss out on the opportunity WVLP offers, saying, “It will change your life.”
And for those considering supporting WVLP, Arvinette offers a simple but powerful message: “This program has been saving lives.” Every donation helps women veterans understand they are not alone and provides them the space to breathe, reflect, and find themselves again.
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About Beneath the Service
Beneath the Service is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated to building upon the exceptional qualities of military veterans and their families in their professional and personal reintegration. Beneath the Service focuses on the psychological components of social reintegration, helping veterans embrace identity, ignite purpose, and strengthen connections with their communities. Beneath the Service is committed to creating a lasting legacy of leadership and community impact by helping veterans and their families honor their past while shaping their future.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Email: press@beneaththeservice.org
(718) 496-7536
Washington, D.C.
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