Meghan K Mitchener

Share your military spouse story:
I grew up in Boston with a Navy veteran dad, but never expected military life for myself. I moved to the Midwest for college, stayed for a teaching job, and settled in. A friend connected me to someone she grew up with so I’d know someone local, unaware he was deployed. It could have fizzled, but it didn’t. Texting filled the gap and by the time our first date at Flamingo Bowl finally happened, it felt easy and comfortable. My bowling on the other hand… Five PCSs later, four of them overseas, I learned rebuilding was harder than moving. Each new place pushed me to find where I fit, and then we added parenthood. As my career shifted with military life, graphic design was a practical way to support communication and connection within my communities. Thanks to mentors, that work grew into the leadership and organizational development I am so passionate about today. Military life wasn’t my plan, but it expanded my world and reshaped how I show up for the people moving through it beside me.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have spent years leading and supporting military-connected communities through nonprofit leadership and volunteer service. I currently serve as chairperson of Americans Working Around the Globe (AWAG), a global nonprofit focused on training, strengthening, and connecting leaders across military communities. In this role, I guide our mission and programming while supporting a team that organizes leadership and professional development seminars. Previously, I served on the boards of spouse associations and private organizations and helped establish a home-based business support and advocacy group at our base. Professionally, I work as a lead graphic designer, overseeing magazine production and creative strategy to support engagement and storytelling. I am also in my sixth year as a Commander’s Key Support Liaison, strengthening communication between leadership and spouses. My leadership style is direct, collaborative, and people-centered, grounded in accountability and trust.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently involved in several programs that support military families through connection, advocacy, and access to resources. As Chairperson of Americans Working Around the Globe (AWAG), I help shape and support programming that offers professional development, mentorship, and community engagement for military-connected communities overseas. I work directly with spouses, service members, veterans, contractors, and civilians across all branches of service. I volunteer with our PTSA, supporting collaboration between our military and school communities. In addition, I champion organizations such as the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) and American Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE) by sharing trusted resources, promoting opportunities, and encouraging spouse participation in advocacy, employment, and entrepreneurship. Through my professional role within a Force Support Squadron, I further support military families by connecting them to base programs, services, and events.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Some of the most impactful moments come from helping people feel confident in spaces they assumed weren’t meant for them. That shows up in many ways. One standout moment was helping establish a private organization for small-business support while stationed in the UK, creating space for military-affiliated entrepreneurs to connect, share resources, and stop having to figure everything out alone. It also shows up day to day. As a Commander’s Key Support Liaison, I focus on making information accessible and helping families feel supported through advocacy, connection, and a commitment to make buffalo chicken dip for every potluck. Over my past 10 years as a military spouse, I’ve helped build programming that connects leaders across all branches, ranks, backgrounds, and locations, especially those overseas or in frequent transition. I’ve watched hesitant spouses become confident mentors, volunteers step into leadership, and people who felt disconnected realize they belong.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My efforts center on strengthening connection, confidence, and access to opportunity for military spouses and military-connected families navigating overseas assignments, frequent moves, and career disruption. My connection is personal. I had my path all mapped out…until I didn’t. Every PCS reminded me how isolating starting over can feel when careers, support systems, and community don’t move with you- when you start thinking of yourself as “just a mom, spouse, or volunteer” instead of a whole person. I learned that resilience builds faster when you don’t have to go it alone or reinvent the wheel. Because of that, my focus is practical and people-first. I advocate for accessible development, easier entry points to leadership and employment, and communities that see spouses as capable contributors, not just participants. I care about helping people recognize their own value and making military life feel less like hitting reset and more like picking up where you left off.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My outreach focuses on accessibility so information feels usable, not overwhelming. From in-person seminars to virtual networking opportunities and social media, I try to meet people where they’re at. I lean into digital marketing to extend that impact by sharing resources, amplifying military voices, and spotlighting trusted organizations tied to advocacy, employment, and entrepreneurship. Through AWAG, I’ve spoken on the radio, on podcasts, in video features, and have been honored to engage with national and military-focused media platforms such as Hiring America, Stars & Stripes, and Military Family Magazine. Over the years, it has also created amazing opportunities for collaboration, including working alongside past MSOYs to support shared efforts that strengthen our communities. These connections help ensure information reaches people in ways that actually support them. At the end of the day, my goal is to communicate in ways that feel clear, welcoming, and worth people’s time.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am honored just to be nominated alongside spouses who are leading, serving, and showing up in such meaningful ways. If chosen, I hope to use the platform to expand access to leadership growth and professional development for military spouses and military-connected communities. My focus is on helping people recognize their own capacity to lead, whether that shows up in careers, volunteer roles, entrepreneurship, or community involvement. Too often, talent is sidelined simply because military life does not fit traditional leadership pipelines. I want to help change the narrative by spotlighting practical pathways to growth and making development feel accessible, not intimidating. I cannot spark everyone’s journey, but I can help create space, share tools, and amplify voices so others feel confident showing up, contributing, and leading where they are. If this title helps even a few people see themselves as leaders, it will have done exactly what I hope to accomplish.