Kera Sanchez

Share your military spouse story:
My journey as a military spouse began in 2011, when I left my classroom in Illinois for Hawaii after marrying my husband, who was then enlisted in the Navy. Breaking into education there was nearly impossible, and I worked multiple jobs to keep my career afloat. After his six years of service, he separated, and we built stable lives in the Midwest—he finished school, earned an MBA, and entered corporate America. But the purpose he felt in the Navy never left him. Major loss in our families reminded us how short life is, and I supported his dream of returning. In 2024 he reentered the Navy, this time commissioning as an officer. With two toddlers, I solo-parented, worked full-time, and managed my free magazine and resource, Get Griefy, while facing the same spouse-career barriers I had years earlier. That clarity fueled MILSPO Social Co Magazine—a publication that celebrates the resilience of military spouse entrepreneurs and builds sisterhood in the chaos.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Since returning to military life, I’ve jumped headfirst into serving the military spouse community. I am an active member of the Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce and AMSE, and I collaborate with multiple thought leaders to develop a free digital resource that supports female military spouse entrepreneurs. Through this work, I aim to redefine what’s possible for spouses by providing education, connection, and visibility for their businesses and the incredible resilience behind them. In addition, my publication, Get Griefy, has partnered with organizations and military families to support healing from grief and trauma connected to military service, extending my leadership into mental health advocacy within our community.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently lead two major projects that directly support military families. First, I publish Get Griefy, a free digital resource that provides compassionate support for families navigating grief, trauma, and the emotional challenges that often accompany military service. Through partnerships with organizations and military families, it offers tools, stories, and community connection for those coping with loss. Second, I am building MILSPO Social Co Magazine, a platform dedicated to empowering female military spouse entrepreneurs. This publication provides education, visibility, and community for spouses building portable, purpose-driven careers despite PCS moves, uncertainty, and systemic barriers. By highlighting their resilience and offering free, accessible resources, I aim to make entrepreneurship more achievable for military spouses everywhere.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Some of the moments that best reflect my impact on building an inclusive community among military spouses come from creating spaces where women aren’t just featured—they’re known, valued, and treated as friends and collaborators. I aim to build a community where every spouse, regardless of rank, background, or location, feels seen and supported. Through Get Griefy, I’ve connected with spouses navigating grief and trauma, offering a compassionate space where their stories are honored. With MILSPO Social Co Magazine, I highlight diverse female military spouse entrepreneurs whose voices are often overlooked, but more importantly, we work together to amplify one another’s stories, brands, and insights. By offering free resources, shared visibility, and genuine connection, I strive to make this space accessible for all. Seeing spouses feel represented and uplifted remains the clearest reflection of the inclusive community I’m building.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort is visibility and empowerment for military spouses—especially those whose stories, careers, and struggles often go unseen. As both an educator and a military spouse who has confronted career barriers, grief, and the instability of this lifestyle, I understand firsthand how isolating it can feel to constantly rebuild yourself in new places. That personal experience drives my work. Through Get Griefy, I advocate for emotional support and healing for spouses navigating grief and trauma connected to military service. Through MILSPO Social Co Magazine, I champion female military spouse entrepreneurs by providing representation, education, and community. My goal is to ensure every spouse feels their voice matters, their work has value, and their path is worthy of being seen and celebrated.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach focuses on amplifying the voices and needs of military families through media, storytelling, and accessible resources. Get Griefy has been featured by multiple Chicago news outlets—including WGN, CBS Chicago, and the Daily Herald—which has helped raise awareness about grief, trauma, and mental-health challenges faced by military families. Additionally, MILSPO Social Co Magazine recently issued a press release that was picked up by more than 300 news organizations across the country and in Japan, where many military spouses are stationed. This level of visibility ensures that the challenges, achievements, and entrepreneurial efforts of military spouses reach a broad audience, strengthening representation and support for the community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If honored with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title, I hope to leverage the recognition to amplify my mission of creating equitable, accessible, and free resources that positively impact military families. Through Get Griefy and MILSPO Social Co Magazine, I provide support, education, and visibility for spouses navigating grief, trauma, and entrepreneurship—stories and challenges that are often overlooked. This recognition would allow me to expand these efforts, reach more military spouses nationwide (and overseas), and foster connection, empowerment, and community. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure every military spouse feels seen, supported, and inspired to pursue their purpose, no matter the obstacles they face.