USAA-Backed Program Empowers Military Spouses as Community Leaders in 2026

The Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS), a program by the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), has announced the spring 2026 cohort of its Military Spouse Leadership Development Program (MSLDP), presented by USAA. This free, global, virtual program will select 50 military spouses from diverse backgrounds—including those currently serving, from the Reserves and Guard, Gold Star spouses, surviving spouses, caregivers, and spouses of veterans or retirees—to participate in an intermediate-level leadership curriculum. Applications open on January 9, 2026, and close on February 6, 2026, with the program designed to empower participants as change agents in their communities through topics like meta-leadership, crisis management, conflict resolution, communication, and mental health. For more eligibility information and to apply, interested spouses can visit www.leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org/leadership-development, which provides direct access to the application portal.

Key players in this initiative include MSAN Founder & CEO Verenice Castillo, who expressed gratitude for USAA's ongoing sponsorship, and Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, USAA's Head of Corporate Impact, who highlighted the program's role in leveraging military spouses' unique experiences for community benefit. Participants will earn valuable credentials, including a leadership certificate from the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and a Mental Health Ally certificate from Psych Hub, enhancing their professional profiles. Graduates also gain induction into the LIMS Alumni Network, offering continued learning and networking opportunities, and the MSLDP serves as a prerequisite for the advanced LIMS Ethical Leadership course, fostering long-term leadership development. This program underscores a collaborative effort between nonprofit and corporate entities to support military families, with USAA's involvement reflecting its historic commitment to this community since its 1922 founding by military officers.

The MSLDP aims to cultivate a network of engaged military spouses who drive positive change, aligning with MSAN's mission to strengthen military families through education and empowerment. By focusing on practical skills and community impact, the program addresses the often-overlooked leadership potential within military spouse populations, providing tools for effective advocacy and service. For questions about the Leadership Development Program, applicants can contact LIMS@milspouseadvocacynetwork.org, ensuring accessible support throughout the process. This initiative not only benefits individual participants but also enriches local communities by harnessing the resilience and dedication inherent in military life, as emphasized by both MSAN and USAA in their statements on fostering leadership and collaboration.