Monica Fullerton

Share your military spouse story:
Military life often requires wearing lots of hats, and that’s especially true for Monica. Named a Trailblazer in Tech by Military Spouse Magazine, Forbes Next 1000 List, and recently named on the MIGHTY 25 list as one of the most influential leaders supporting the military community, Fullerton is an ambitious entrepreneur, twin mom, and Air Force spouse. She has long dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur, but she wanted her efforts to support a greater purpose than just starting a business. In an effort to provide highly-transient military families, as well as those that have previously served, a space to market their products and services regardless of their duty station, Monica launched Spouse-ly. Monica and her team remain diligently committed to nurturing a community that emphasizes learning and income-generating opportunities for the creators, service providers, and entrepreneurs within the military family.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
Took a leap of faith and built an online marketplace to help and support military and first responder owned businesses grow and thrive no matter where the military life takes us. Our platform is providing flexibility, stability, and a creative outlet when needed most. I get to work alongside the most inspiring, strong, and talented makers, creators, and entrepreneurs and support them on their journey.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Building a community that supports military business owners, Board member with the Southern Nevada Veteran Chamber of Commerce, Bunker Labs Ambassador, Speaker, and has dedicated my time to helping and supporting our community.

Describe how you support your community:
Community is our superpower and I have truly enjoyed bringing military connected small business owners together across the nation. Together we are building a one-of-a-kind platform that directly makes a big impact within our community. It has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging things I have done as a military spouse but I wouldn't trade it for a thing!

What do you advocate for? Why?
Military spouses deserve to shine, they are talented, educated, resourceful, innovative, and full of grit. I know it can be hard piecing the puzzle together when it comes to our own goals and dreams but it doesn't have to be impossible. With the right help and support, we are truly capable of anything we set our mind to no matter what our situation is. Our superpower is community and I love advocating for supporting one another in both life and business.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Built a nationally recognized platform that supports makers, creators, and entrepreneurs within our military community. I love spreading the word far and wide, because the more that we continue to grow and build the more it directly makes a big impact in our community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If I am selected as a Military Spouse of the Year, it will help me do what I love to do best and that is get out there and shine light on our amazing community! With a Bachelor's Degree in Multi-Media Journalism and Communications and MBA in Marketing, I try and use my voice as often as possible to advocate and spread the word that when one person serves the entire family does too.