Katelyn Fosson

Share your military spouse story:
I met my husband during his first duty station. At the time I knew nothing about the military, but I knew I liked him and I wanted to give the relationship a chance...That was nearly 20 years ago!   Over the years we have faced a lot of challenges as a military family, but adopting a "bloom where you are planted" mentality has been a life-saver for me. I was frustrated when, after our first move, I couldn't find work in my field. But before I got too discourage, I decided to try something I always wanted to do. I got certified as a web designer and started my own business. I leaned into the spouse community and found support and resources, and my business grew. I gained more confidence and began branching out into my local community -- I served as a commissioner in my town, become a certified SCORE mentor, and found ways to connect people with resources. With each move my involvement expands, and I can now connect dots between people and communities around the globe.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have served on the board of several spouse clubs over the years, leading community activities and managing communications efforts. I've also mentored military spouse entrepreneurs and leveraged my connections to help others find jobs. I take a lot of inspiration from other military spouses I've met who are humble, service-oriented leaders, and I strive to emulate their example. I do my best to show up for people (rather than just leading from the top down)... Everything from making a healthy meal for new parents, to playing my heart out on an all-spouse kickball team.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently teach weekly yoga classes at the base gym, which have been very well attended. I think there is a huge need for in-person/offline activities that promote positive energy. I am happy to create a space for people to relax, recharge, and build mental and physical strength. In addition to teaching adults, I also volunteer weekly at the local DODEA school and participate in a charity kickball league that supports the school. During this duty station I even got my dog certified to volunteer (Red Cross Animal Visitation Program), so we are able to visit service members and families across the base, providing much needed comfort during stressful times. Since moving to a "small town" in Japan (our first overseas post), I have really enjoyed activities that facilitate connection and community between military families and Japanese locals. I am an active member of the Japanese American Society and several other organizations that promote cross-cultural collaboration.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
The most recent example of building community is the international yoga group I created to help people find classes on or near base. Yoga is such a beneficial activity (mentally and physically), and I knew that a lot of military spouses were looking for opportunities to practice. When it became clear that few opportunities existed, I got my yoga teaching certification (RYT200) and began teaching classes. I'd poll the community to find out what times worked best for everyone, and then schedule classes based on popular demand. In order to access better facilities and equipment I started working as a contractor with the base gym. I made sure the schedule aligned with the times that people were available and also included two different parts of base so that everyone had access. I'm excited to support people who want to practice yoga as part of their health journey, but it's also been a great way to foster community -- I love seeing the connections that are made in class!

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I am a huge advocate of professional and personal development for military spouses. Work is meaningful (paycheck or not!) because it provides a sense of purpose, connection to others, and the opportunity to make an impact. It is definitely difficult to maintain a steady job as a military spouse... I have felt defeated at times, but I learned to get creative and now I am always able to find something to add to my toolbox. Personal development is equally as important. Having a healthy balance of energizing hobbies and grounding self-care is vital when military life gets chaotic. In my early days as a military spouse I spent a lot of time gritting my teeth and pushing through, but over the years I have learned more about true resilience and how to take care of myself in times of stress. I'd love to help people discover what they need to thrive personally as well as professionally.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
Over the past 10 years I have spoken at several events, always highlighting the resilience and dedication of military spouses, and helping them to craft their stories and feel confident in their strengths. I led workshops for multiple Patriot Boot Camp cohorts, and in 2020 I was a guest speaker for the National Military Spouse Network Career Summit, where I talked about my journey, giving examples of personal and professional development opportunities, and offering a framework for achieving life goals. In 2022, I hosted a session at the Military Influencer Conference about personal branding, and last year I led a workshop for the local Spouse Leadership Seminar on the topic of work-life balance. Additionally, my poem, "A Choice" (about blooming where you are planted), was selected for the Col. Darron L. Wright Memorial Award and was recently published in a collection of works: Our Best War Stories.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Military life has its challenges, but that is precisely why it is so rich with opportunities to learn and grow. In our current society, positive community engagement is crucial, and I believe that military spouses have exactly what it takes to light the way for others. I hope to empower more military spouses to "bloom where they're planted" and make positive contributions to their communities on and off base. I also hope to inspire more people and organizations to create bridges from the civilian community, and recognize the incredible value that military spouses have to offer.