2016 Congressional & Assembly Award and Recognition. Name listed on Congressional Record.
2015 NAWBO OWL Vision Award (An organization whose vision provides opportunities for girls or women)
2011 Sacramento Business Journal 40 under 40 award
Community:
Member Business and Professional Women
Member Women Veterans Business Council
Member, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
Founder and President Women Veterans Giving
SBA Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs
Member California State Commanders Veterans Council
Member Placer County Veterans Advisory Council
Special Advisor American Veteran Organization of Women Magazine (AVOW)
Board Member of Lincoln Veterans Memorial Coalition
Member VA Northern California Health Care System Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS)
Member of Military Women Coalition
Member of the Military Family Research Institute Advisory Council, Purdue University
Charter Member- Military Women's Memorial in Washington D.C.
Veterans Foreign Wars (VFW) LM
Member: AL Post 264, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Sea Services Leadership Association, Association of the United States Army, Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA)
Author:
Get Back to Work: Smart & Savvy Real-World Strategies to Make Your Next Career Move,
Unstoppable: Being Fierce, Fearless & Unf*ckwithable in Life and Business,
Publisher:
Women Veterans Magazine
Melissa A. Washington is a Navy veteran, author, and award-winning entrepreneur who turned her vision into a movement. As Founder and CEO of Women Veterans Alliance, she created a global organization dedicated to empowering women veterans through connection, resources, and opportunity. Melissa has received numerous awards for her leadership, including the Sacramento Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business, NAWBO OWL Vision Award and Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Trailblazers: Women Breaking Barriers. She also launched Women Veterans Giving to provide funding for women veteran entrepreneurs. From organizing national conferences to speaking on major stages, Melissa continues to break barriers and open doors for others. Her proudest accomplishment remains building a legacy of impact that uplifts those who served — and creating a space where women veterans are seen, heard, and supported.
Melissa A. Washington is a Navy veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for women veterans. As Founder and CEO of Women Veterans Alliance, she leads a global movement to connect, empower, and uplift women who have served. Her work bridges the gap between military service and civilian success by creating access to resources, networks, and opportunities. Melissa is also the driving force behind multiple initiatives, including Women Veterans Giving and the Women Veterans Engage Conference, building platforms for visibility and leadership development. Her passion is fueled by purpose and a deep commitment to changing the narrative for women veterans. She’s elevating the voices of those often overlooked and driving lasting community impact. Melissa embodies what it means to serve with intention long after the uniform comes off.
