Reyna Worthy

Share your military spouse story:
I entered military life fresh out of college with no roadmap and no idea what I was stepping into. I didn’t know the culture or how often I’d have to fight to keep my own identity. Frequent moves, high costs of living, housing issues, and constant restarts tested me. I faced health challenges and moments where I felt dismissed or unseen, and I questioned whether my own goals were even possible. But I refused to quit. I earned my Master’s, a grad certificate, and certifications while balancing motherhood and nonstop change. Through workforce development, I helped spouses and service members with resumes, interviews, and confidence. I built platforms that gave spouses a voice, from The Desk of a Navy Wife Podcast to my Empowerment Leads Summit. Advocacy became my purpose. Being nominated for Spouse of the Year reflects every hurdle I pushed through and shows that even when you start with nothing, you can rise, rebuild, and lead.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I lead by action and service within the military community. I serve as an Ombudsman at my spouse’s duty station, supporting families, communicating critical information, and advocating for their needs. My leadership extends through initiatives I create with my business, partnering with local businesses to host giveaways, provide childcare, and distribute resources to spouses. I’ve collaborated with resume experts to donate career guides, reinforcing my commitment to empowerment. While stationed overseas, I managed facilitators, vetting, and training, and led a team supporting service members and spouses through major transitions with empathy and trust. Most recently, I was selected as a delegate for the Military Spouse Leadership Initiative with ADC, further elevating my advocacy and impact. My leadership is grounded in showing up, filling gaps, and building community-driven solutions, preparing me to serve AFI Military Spouse of the Year with integrity and commitment.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am deeply involved in supporting military families through multiple platforms and initiatives. As the founder of The Desk of a Navy Wife, I provide resources, guidance, and community for spouses navigating career development, military life, and personal growth. I serve as an Ombudsman at my spouse’s duty station, advocating for families and connecting them to critical information. Most recently, I was selected as a delegate for the Military Spouse Leadership Initiative with ADC, which allows me to further influence programs and policies that support military families nationwide.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Some of my most meaningful moments in building an inclusive community among military spouses come from creating spaces where everyone feels heard and supported. Through The Desk of a Navy Wife, I connect spouses to resources, guidance, and each other via my podcast, community events, and virtual discussions. I’ve hosted giveaways and Steady Together Chats in partnership with local businesses to ensure spouses of all backgrounds have access to opportunities and support. As an Ombudsman and delegate for the Military Spouse Leadership Initiative with ADC, I actively listen, advocate, and empower spouses to share their stories, form connections, and feel truly seen in our military community.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort is empowering military spouses to own their narratives and speak up rather than letting others define their story. I encourage spouses to attend town halls, participate in community and on-base events, and raise their voices on the issues we face every day, from housing and relocation challenges to career and personal growth opportunities. Personally, I know how isolating it can feel to navigate military life without support or representation. I help spouses feel seen, heard, and equipped to advocate for themselves and the broader military family community.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach centers on creating platforms for military spouses to share their stories and have their voices heard. I’ve been featured highlighting issues other spouses and I face in Military Families Magazine, We Are The Mighty, recognized on-base as an Ombudsman, and recently interviewed for On Base magazine. I’ve also spoken at public forums like the Installation Innovation Forum, highlighting challenges spouses face daily during roundtables. Through my business, I provide a safe space for spouses to connect, share, and advocate. I also create events, including my upcoming Summit in 2026, bringing the community together for learning, networking, and empowerment.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected as AFI Military Spouse of the Year®, I hope to create stronger connections and expand empowerment networks that can grow and branch off to reach more spouses. I want to show military spouses that they don’t need to come from a high-ranking military background to feel empowered, have a voice, and share their story. Through this platform, I aim to inspire spouses to engage in their communities, advocate for themselves, and support one another, ultimately building a more connected, confident, and resilient military family community.