Kayley Shepro

Share your military spouse story:
My childhood was shaped by the rhythms of military life: bowling alley birthday parties, standing for the national anthem before movies, and dining at a base Chili’s. Now, as a Coast Guard spouse and mother to three young children, I find myself planning bowling alley birthdays and reminding my children to pause and respect the national anthem. But being Coast Guard means adapting to different realities: no Chili’s on bases and fewer resources than some of our DoD counterparts. This unique experience has driven me to become an advocate, a leader, and a builder of community wherever we go. I was raised by a strong, independent Navy spouse and GS worker whose example inspired me to take an active role in my community. Both of my Navy Spouse grandmothers instilled in me the values of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to family and service. Whether serving in Student Council, FBLA, or volunteering with the Special Olympics, I found joy in bringing people together and making a difference. In college, I extended that passion by working with the LGBTQ center, the Jacksonville Humane Society, and as a Guardian Ad Litem in North Carolina. These experiences taught me the importance of connection, advocacy, and the power of communication in fostering meaningful change. Today, in addition to raising children, I run a small online business and dedicate much of my time to volunteering. Whether through organizing meet-and-greet events as the President of the Spouses’ Association of Kodiak, working with the community as a Red Cross Ambassador and USO volunteer, or advocating for the needs of Coast Guard families through my YouTube channel and monthly calendar of children activities and events, I strive to build a sense of belonging and support for those around me. I firmly believe in the power of community, especially for Coast Guard families who often face the challenges of remote duty stations and limited resources.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
As Media Secretary on the Executive Board of the Coast Guard Spouses’ Club of Elizabeth City, I organized events, designed informational flyers, managed social media platforms, coordinated appreciation initiatives, and planned both ongoing and annual club activities. In my role as Vice President of the Coast Guard Spouses’ Club of Elizabeth City, I collaborated with MWR and local Coast Guard Commands to organize community wide events, directed committee chairs, led a team of over 30 volunteers, and conducted outreach to enhance engagement and support within the community. As Communications Manager for the National Council of Coast Guard Spouses’ Clubs, I oversaw the council’s email, spearheaded social media outreach efforts, and provided guidance to Spouses’ Clubs. Currently, I serve as the President of the Spouses’ Association of Kodiak, where I lead the development of the organization's vision, manage executive operations, and advocate for its social and philanthropic mission.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
As a full-time mother, my time is limited, but I prioritize making every moment meaningful. In addition to serving as President of the Spouses’ Association of Kodiak, I am a Military Community Volunteer Ambassador with the Red Cross and an active member of the local USO. I have collaborated with the Chaplain’s Office to stuff and deliver stockings to unaccompanied service members in the barracks and have helped prepare meals for those who face challenges accessing dinner due to limited resources. I am also involved with my daughter’s elementary school as a member of the Parent-Teacher Association. Beyond these roles, I prepare lunches for the local homeless shelter every two months and provide support to local children in need by donating clothing, toys, or purchasing essential items for them. Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of my life, and I strive to make a positive impact wherever I can.

Describe how you support your community:
Community holds a special place in my heart, and I am deeply committed to supporting the Coast Guard community. To help military families, I created a YouTube channel featuring informational videos about Coast Guard housing in Kodiak, local activities, highlights from our PCS journeys, and more. I also design a monthly calendar of activities for military families with young children and manage a dedicated Facebook group for military families in Kodiak. In my roles as a Welcome Committee Chair and President of the Spouses’ Association of Kodiak, I organized Meet and Greets to welcome newcomers and showcase the inclusiveness of our community. Additionally, I’ve chaired Volunteer, Play Group, and Events Committees. These roles have allowed me to bring military families together, foster connections, and create opportunities to support one another and the broader community. For me, building a strong, supportive community is not just a mission—it’s a way of life.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I am deeply passionate about fostering community and the importance of a strong support system. I channel this passion by inspiring others to volunteer and demonstrating leadership within my community. I am a dedicated advocate for the needs of Coast Guard families and military children, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Unlike their DoD counterparts, Coast Guard duty stations are often more remote and less funded, resulting in fewer resources. This drives my commitment to seek out or create opportunities that support military families in these circumstances. By providing access to resources, support, and education, we can build a resilient and empowered community capable of navigating the challenges of military life. Additionally, offering activities that promote self-care and connection is vital. My mission is to ensure that every military family feels supported, valued, and equipped to face the unique challenges of their journey.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have had the privilege of representing Coast Guard spouses on numerous occasions, including speaking engagements with local Spouses’ Clubs, Command All Hands, and appearances on local newspapers and radio stations. To further support the Coast Guard community, I create and share informative videos on my YouTube channel, addressing topics relevant to military families. I’ve participated in live social media broadcasts and spoken at various events, such as fundraisers and military functions. Additionally, I created a Facebook group specifically for military families with young children in our area and serve as an administrator for a local military spouse Facebook group. Beyond these online efforts, I have shared support and information through countless private messages. While digital platforms are valuable, my favorite way to connect is in person. I truly enjoy meeting other spouses, building authentic relationships, and fostering a sense of community through personal interaction.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If awarded the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I hope to continue championing the importance of community within the Coast Guard. My vision includes expanding opportunities and resources for Coast Guard children at remote duty stations, ensuring they have access to the support they need to thrive. Additionally, I am committed to advocating for and representing the unique needs of both Coast Guard and other military spouses, working to amplify their voices and promote positive change across the broader military community.