Honoring the Journey Beyond the Uniform: Shirley Martinez on Sisterhood, Service, and Community
For women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces, service is not simply a chapter that ends on discharge day, it becomes an enduring part of identity. Yet, for many women veterans, navigating civilian life and post-military identity can feel unexpectedly isolating.
To bridge that gap and celebrate the strength of women service members and the people who walk beside them, the Pikes Peak Diversity Council (PPDC) is hosting Women Veterans, Spouses & Friends: A Time to Connect.
Leading the charge is Shirley Martinez, President of PPDC, community leader, and herself a decorated military veteran with more than 20 years of service across both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army.
A Perspective Rooted in Service
Martinez’s dedication to advocacy is deeply personal. Having served as a Top-Secret Court Reporter and Chief Legal Non-Commissioned Officer before transitioning into the public sector and community leadership, she understands the unique balance women navigate in uniform and the camaraderie they miss after stepping away.
“When you serve, you carry an unspoken bond of resilience, duty, and shared purpose,” says Shirley Martinez. “Too often, women veterans and their support systems carry those journeys quietly. This event is about stepping into a room where you are seen, valued, and honored, not just for the rank you held, but for who you are today as you continue to lead, grow, and lift one another up.”
More Than a Network: A Space to Rise Together
Under the theme “A Time to Connect, Honor, and Rise Together,” the morning is designed to be inclusive, warm, and empowering:
Professional Networking Hub: Direct access to dedicated tables featuring VA & benefits specialists, mental health professionals, career and education advisors, women veteran service organizations, and local military family nonprofits.
Community Conversation Circles: Facilitated small-group dialogues focused on transition journeys, wellness and resilience, career navigation, and leadership.
The Vinyl Record Social (Signature Feature): A relaxed, nostalgic feature where attendees can bring favorite vinyl records, share stories tied to meaningful songs, enjoy light refreshments, and celebrate community in a welcoming environment.
Welcoming Spouses, Partners, and Allies
A defining element of A Time to Connect is its recognition that service never happens in a vacuum. Spouses, partners, and friends carry emotional and logistical weight before, during, and after service. Opening the gathering to supporters ensures that the entire community surrounding women veterans is recognized and uplifted.
Event Details & RSVP
Detail | Information |
Event | Women Veterans, Spouses & Friends: A Time to Connect |
Date & Time | Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
Host | Pikes Peak Diversity Council (PPDC) |
Atmosphere | Inclusive, dignified, warm, and empowering |
RSVP Link |
Come share a story, discover community resources, spin a record, and celebrate the sisterhood that endures well beyond the uniform.
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