By Maura Keller | Photo courtesy Jodi Barnett
Jodi Barnett, a U.S. Navy veteran and women veterans coordinator at the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA), made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy out of a deep commitment to service and a desire to be a part of something greater than herself.
“The military offered an opportunity to grow as a leader, develop critical skills and serve my country with purpose,” she says.
During her eight years of active-duty service from 1996 to 2004, she was an aviation administrationman. She managed logs and records as well as weight and balance operations on both 707 aircraft and F/A-18 fighter jets in Oklahoma and California.
“This … role taught me the importance of precision, accountability and mission readiness — skills that have continued to guide my leadership and advocacy work beyond my time in uniform,” Barnett says.
In her position at the WDVA, Barnett draws on those lessons to champion the visibility, equity and wellbeing of women veterans across the state.
“My mission is to develop and deliver programs that address the unique needs of women who serve, advocate for policies that remove systemic barriers and foster partnerships that expand access to services and resources,” Barnett says.
The program ensures women veterans are informed about benefits and resources, offering educational workshops, community outreach events and partnerships with local organizations to improve access to care and services.
“Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that every woman veteran — and every military family in Wisconsin recognized, supported and empowered to thrive in their post-service lives,” she says.
