Six, yes, SIX of our talented MSJDN members are among the newly announced nominees for the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Join us in congratulating Maria Chavez-Black, Tara Gaston, Elizabeth Jamison, Tatiana Matta, Natalie Wilson, and Lindsey Wisniewski Savage on their nominations highlighting their professional accomplishments and service to their communities. The first round of voting lasts for only 24 hours on January 21st, so don’t wait!
Maria Chavez-Black: Maria is married to her high school sweetheart! A Marine Corps spouse and mother to a teenage son, Maria is also an immigration attorney currently working in San Diego. In 2014, she was honored as the American Bar Association‘s Immigration Justice Project Attorney of the Year for her pro bono work in San Diego. Maria has also been a Family Readiness Assistant, LINKS mentor, and coordinator for the Stand Alone Marine Bag program.
Tara Gaston: Tara is an attorney, graduate public health student, advocate, parent of four, and partner to an active duty submariner in the United States Navy. In addition to work and completing her Master’s in Public Health, she is a founding member of the Birth Rights Bar Association, an organization devoted to supporting decisions regarding pregnancy and childbirth. Tara is also a board member of the Military Spouse JD Foundation and works with Justice for Military Families to match military families with pro bono legal assistance from milspouse attorneys.
Elizabeth Jamison: Libby is a Navy brat and spouse, and a family law attorney. She is on the MSJDN Board of Directors and also serves as the Communications Director. In addition to her work with MSJDN, Libby volunteers with Junior League, legal aid, and her command spouse groups. In 2014, Libby was recognized by Jacksonville Area Legal Aid for Outstanding Pro Bono service and by the Jacksonville Junior League with their Community Service award. Libby runs her own law firm allowing her to practice virtually from anywhere the Navy sends her husband!
Tatiana Matta: Tatiana is an Air Force spouse and mother to a 10-year-old son. She is currently pursuing a J.D. She serves military families through countless volunteer hours and received the 2014 Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award for sustained and outstanding volunteer service. She initiated her squadron’s Key Spouse Program in 2012, created the 88 Air Base Wing Key Spouse Teal Ribbon Campaign, and partnered with the base Sexual Assault Response Coordinator to promote awareness of this topic. Tatiana is the Vice President for the Military Spouse Advocacy Network and a member of the MSJDN Communications team.
Natalie Wilson: Natalie is Navy brat, Air Force spouse, and mother to two young sons. She is an active member of MSJDN, working on the Board of Directors, the Writer’s Corps, the Awards Committee, and the “Homefront to Hired” initiative. Additionally, Natalie is a founding and involved member of Moms-In-Law San Antonio and currently serves as the Articles Editor for the San Antonio Lawyer Magazine. In 2014, Natalie received the prestigious Belva Lockwood Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association. Natalie also volunteered for two years as the Keyspouse for the 624 Operations Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and remains active in the 624’s spouse’s group.
Lindsey Wisniewski Savage: Lindsey is a Navy spouse, mother to a young son, and soon-to-be mom to another! Lindsey works as a business attorney in the Seattle area. She is actively involved with MSJDN, currently serving on the Board of Directors and as the Membership Chair. Lindsey also donates her time to her community by volunteering with Junior League and providing pro bono legal services to military families through our Justice for Military Families program and other non-profit organizations led by milspouses, such as Military Spouses of Strength. Additionally, Lindsey is on the Leadership Board of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and chairs their Budget for Baby program in Everett, and is a Trustee for Providence Hospice and Home Health Care Foundation.
Since 2008, the Military Spouse Magazine has selected a Military Spouse of the Year. Nominations are accepted from the public and the winner is chosen through online voting and a judges’ panel. The first of three voting rounds occurs over just a one-day period on January 21st. Voting culminates with the announcement of the Military Spouse of the Year at an awards luncheon in D.C. in the spring.
The first round of voting takes place today only, so don’t wait! Vote now to support a military spouse attorney!