“Burn it down.”

Watch out New Mexico, comedian and military spouse Ashley Gutermuth is coming for you – and anyone else standing in the way of military spouse licensing and employment!

On Friday, July 16, MSJDNers and friends from near and far gathered in the Nelson Mullins Rotunda Room in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the Military Spouse JD Network and enjoy the amazing community we have built for ourselves.

Just as the night’s program began, the D.C. humidity turned to rain and chased us in from the gorgeous balcony overlooking the Capitol Building. No worries, we all had the privilege of hearing Ashley Gutermuth’s perspective on all things military spouse. Not your average keynote, Ashley had us in stitches sharing stories about her own journey and the critics along the way. She’s supremely talented and absolutely passionate about supporting other military spouses as they pursue their professional goals. Indeed, she offered to post nude for a billboard to get the word out. Perhaps we’ll have her back to moderate a webinar or something instead?

Fortunately, the rain let up, the sun emerged and a double rainbow framed the Capitol dome to mark the occasion. We caught up with friends, celebrated MSJDN, and, yes, passed around a baby.

Many thanks to MSJDN’s new Executive Director, Cassie Gabelt Byard, and our Operations Coordinator, Mary Benbow Cisowski, for bringing us all together.  It was amazing to see you all and we hope you’ll all join us again next summer!

…and if you missed us this year, it’s not too late to catch Ashley’s set. Head to msjdn.org/events, send us a small donation, and we’ll share the video!