Sierra Pena

Share your military spouse story:
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas but moved to England my sophomore year of HS and there is where I met my then boyfriend, now husband! Becoming a military spouse at a young age meant learning resilience before I ever learned the language of the military. I faced unemployment, isolation, and trying to maintain life while my service member was away. I lost loved ones without the chance to say goodbye and watched friendships fade as PCS orders reshaped my life again and again. Yet, in those moments of loneliness and uncertainty, I discovered my purpose: ensuring spouses felt seen and supported. I learned that community does not happen by accident and that it must be built intentionally. My journey transformed hardship into advocacy, and struggle into leadership. My story is one of growth, grit, and the unwavering belief that military spouses deserve support, dignity, and a voice.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
As President of the American Military University Military Spouses Club, I served in the highest leadership role and led the organization to Platinum status, the highest level achievable through strategic engagement and member-focused programming. I increased chapter funding by 40%, enabling direct reinvestment into spouse initiatives, and launched social media platforms to boost participation and visibility. I created inclusive events, networking opportunities, and honor cords recognizing spouse involvement, strengthening pride and retention. Additionally, as a Branch Mentor with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network, I oversee Air and Space Force mentors supporting over 30 mentees. I manage analytics, mentor performance, and resource delivery while guiding both new and seasoned spouses. My leadership blends compassion with accountability, ensuring spouses feel supported while organizations remain effective.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
My involvement in military family support is connection to structured national advocacy. Through AMU’s Military Spouses Club, I created activities that encouraged engagement, wellness, and service, including participation in Wreaths Across America and spouse-led activities that promoted belonging. With the Military Spouse Advocacy Network, I mentor spouses navigating deployments, relocations, employment struggles, and mental health challenges. I earned my Mental Health Ally Certificate and was selected for the 2025 Emerging Leader Cohort, reinforcing my commitment to evidence-based support. I also developed monthly newsletters for mentors, and mentees across all branches, distributing resources, events, and support networks. My work is rooted in sustained involvement, not one-time efforts, and reflects a consistent dedication to strengthening military families at every stage.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Community building is at the heart of my advocacy. I intentionally create spaces where all military spouses, regardless of age, branch, rank, or background feel welcome and valued. As a young spouse, I understand the barriers to connection and work to remove them through inclusive programming, mentorship, and open dialogue. I foster safe environments where spouses can share challenges related to mental health, deployments, and transitions without judgment. My leadership emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and accessibility, ensuring no spouse is left to navigate military life alone. Through events, newsletters, and mentorship networks, I amplify voices often unheard and cultivate communities that are resilient, informed, and empowered. My influence is measured not just in numbers, but in the confidence and connection spouses gain.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy focuses on mental health access, spouse connection, and quality-of-life improvements for military families. My commitment is personal. I have faced prenatal depression, severe anxiety, isolation, and loss while navigating military life largely on my own. It was something that I honestly think made me stronger, but having those connections with other spouses pulled me out of that depression and inspired me to do the same for others when I can.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I advocate through mentorship and strategic communication. I create and distribute newsletters reaching mentors and mentees nationwide, I organized events and networking opportunities and actively engage spouses through social media platforms and community forums. I regularly speak in group settings, guide discussions on mental health, and connect spouses to resources. My outreach blends storytelling with action, ensuring spouses are informed, supported, and empowered while elevating military spouse issues to leaders and organizations that can drive change.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected as the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, I would use the platform to drive meaningful, lasting change in the areas that most directly affect military family readiness: mental health, safe living conditions, affordable childcare, military spouse employment, and comprehensive spouse support. Mental health must be treated as a readiness priority. Military spouses often carry invisible burdens created by deployments, frequent relocations, isolation, and career disruption. I would advocate for expanded access to mental health resources, normalization of care, and education that empowers spouses to seek support without stigma. I would also elevate the need for proper housing conditions, recognizing that safe, healthy homes are essential to family stability and mission readiness. Affordable childcare and meaningful employment opportunities are critical to financial security.