Paralyzed Veterans of America Launches New Leadership Alliance at 2026 Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat in Orlando Sept. 26-28

Annual experience included appearances by award-winning social impact filmmaker Ariana Vargas and retired NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America today wrapped up its eighth annual Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat – a multi-day event that focuses on the holistic well-being of women veterans living with spinal cord injuries and diseases, including MS and ALS. The three-day experience, which took place in Orlando from September 26–28, engaged and inspired over 40 women from across the continental U.S. It also included appearances by award-winning social impact filmmaker Ariana Vargas and retired NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence.

The event concluded with the launch of PVA's Women Veterans Leadership Alliance, a brand-new, year-round initiative that equips women veterans with the tools, skills, and resources to become leaders and fierce advocates for people living with disabilities. The Alliance creates a ripple effect that distills PVA's impact in every corner of the country: from the smallest rural towns to the biggest cities.

"PVA's Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat isn't a weekend at the spa," said U.S. Air Force Veteran, PVA National Senior Vice President, and Retreat co-founder Tammy Jones. "Each session is thoughtfully designed to provide women veterans with a platform to strengthen their confidence, connect with their community, find their voice, and learn how to use it effectively. And thanks to the roll out of our Women Veterans Leadership Alliance, we can now empower these amazing women to not only be catalysts for positive change in their own communities, but around the world."

Highlights from the weekend included a keynote address and interactive storytelling workshop led by Vargas, who sat on a PVA panel discussion about the importance of inclusivity at South by Southwest earlier this year. It also comprised a host of collaborative workshops, leadership development and advocacy sessions, as well as team-building activities tailored to the unique experiences of women veterans living with disabilities. In between the trainings, each participant and their caregiver were treated to a makeover, courtesy of L'Oréal USA, and a professional headshot.

"Every single woman here has a story of survival, resilience, and hope," said Vargas. "It was deeply inspirational to not only be a part of PVA's Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat but to watch these women discover the power of shared storytelling and become authors of their own stories. I look forward to continuing to work with PVA and make sure their voices continue to reach far beyond this event."

The event wrapped with a PVA Women Veterans Leadership Alliance induction ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new program. Lawrence, the first female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to fly into space, shared her journey – including four space shuttle missions and an inspiring career with NASA – with the attendees.

"I was a trained leader in the military, and that will always be a part of who I am," said Amy Patterson, PVA member and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. "The Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat was the first place that I could see myself again in that role again after my military service. Thanks to the Women Veterans Leadership Alliance, myself – and other women veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases – have access to the skills and resources to continue that role year-round."

The Retreat comes just days after the launch of PVA'S One-Of-One campaign, a brand awareness initiative that shines a spotlight on PVA's impact and its dual mission of supporting and serving veterans with SCI/D, while advancing the rights and wellbeing of all people with disabilities. By empowering women veterans with disabilities to become leaders, PVA's Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat and its Alliance become vessels of PVA's mission.

This year's Retreat was generously sponsored by Gallagher, L'Oréal USA, First Nation Group Foundation, Humana Military, Siebert Williams Shank, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. To learn more about PVA and its work with women veterans visit PVA.org/WomenVeterans.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact: Signi Hescock
(802) 349-3845 cell
[email protected]

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America