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From the Navy to Advocacy: Katherine Martinez’s Leadership Journey and Impact on Mental Health Awareness

Katherine Martinez’s time in the Navy from 2015 to 2019 shaped her in profound ways. “I loved my time in service,” she reflects. Thriving in her role and known for helping others, her career took an unexpected turn when an injury led to a medical discharge. Despite this setback, Katherine’s leadership journey didn’t end. In fact, it evolved.


Before her discharge, Katherine honored her mentor, who died by suicide, by becoming a mental health advocate for service members. She revitalized the suicide prevention program at her command, drawing on her experience as a Walk Chair for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This moment laid the groundwork for her continued work in mental health awareness—a cause that resonates deeply due to her own experiences in the military and personal loss.


Breaking Barriers as a Leader


Following her military service, Katherine stepped into a leadership role as the first woman President of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter at Old Dominion University (ODU). While confronting the pressures of being the first woman in this position, she was empowered by her strong team of women leaders, including her Vice President Krista Brant, Public Affairs Officer Kianna Vrtiska, and Advisor Dr. Kim Bullington. “Having the right team can make all the difference,” she shares.


Under Katherine’s leadership, the chapter thrived—earning ODU’s Student Organization of the Year award. Katherine herself was recognized nationally as the 2021 Student Veteran of the Year by Student Veterans of America. These accomplishments are a testament to her commitment to empowering veterans and demonstrating the value of strong, collaborative leadership.


Aligning Advocacy with Personal Experience


Katherine’s advocacy for mental health services is closely tied to her personal experiences. Losing her mentor, STGCS Sue Eisinger, to suicide sparked her dedication to raising awareness about the lack of support and stigma that prevents many service members from seeking help. “Being authentic, empathetic, compassionate, and loving are values I carry, and I hope to embody these things in all that I do,” she says.


Through her work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and her recent role as a NAMI Ambassador, Katherine channels these values into action. Her advocacy efforts have continued to expand, thanks in part to the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP).


Finding Her Voice Through the Women Veterans Leadership Program


Katherine credits the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP) with helping her realize that her voice mattered in ways she hadn’t fully appreciated. “When you’re doing the work, while intentional, you don’t realize how many people are really watching, supporting, and rooting for your success,” she shares. This realization came when women in her cohort expressed admiration for her advocacy efforts, reinforcing the impact she was making.


WVLP also deepened Katherine’s understanding of leadership, especially in the context of mental health and veteran support. She learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength, something WVLP championed throughout its program. This perspective has empowered her to take on new leadership opportunities, including her recent election to the Board of Directors for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Virginia Chapter.


As part of her WVLP project, Katherine launched #IAmTheVeteran, a social media campaign that encouraged women veterans to claim their veteran status and share their stories. This project was deeply personal for Katherine, as she had initially struggled to embrace her own veteran identity after her medical discharge. “When a person claims their identity, they start to feel empowered,” she explains. The campaign gained traction, with many women veterans expressing a sense of pride in sharing their stories.


The Importance of the Women Veterans Leadership Program


For Katherine, the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP) is essential for women veterans because they foster community, champion strengths, and offer opportunities for growth. “Whether it was the power of negotiating, embracing what you bring to the table, or learning how to tell your story, there is so much value from a program that caters to a part of our community that is often overlooked,” she notes.


One of the unique aspects of WVLP, according to Katherine, is its diversity. Women from various backgrounds, branches of service, and generations came together, creating a powerful and enriching experience. The program’s holistic approach—combining community service, leadership courses, and personal connection—set it apart from other leadership programs.


Looking Ahead: Advocacy on a National Scale


Katherine’s leadership journey is far from over. Earlier this year, she was elected Vice Chair of the Joint Leadership Council of Veteran Service Organizations in Virginia, a role that took her by surprise but one she is honored to hold. As the youngest member and one of few women veterans, Katherine is committed to advocating for veterans and their families at both the state and national levels.


She also plans to stay involved with other veteran service organizations, such as Wounded Warrior Project, Student Veterans of America, and HillVets, to continue advocating for the military-affiliated community.


Why Support the Women Veterans Leadership Program?


Katherine firmly believes that donating to the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP) is an investment in the future of women veterans. “Whether they’re newly transitioned or have been out for some time, you’re helping create opportunities for women veterans to learn, grow, and thrive,” she says. For Katherine, WVLP was a catalyst for her own growth, and she hopes that others will continue to support this necessary program.


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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:

(718) 496-7536

Washington, D.C.


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