Dr. Michelle Weiss, DSW, Founder & Executive Director
Michelle Weiss, DSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of Female Veterans Alliance (FVA), a U.S. nonprofit organization serving and advocating for women veterans since 2012. Michelle Weiss is a U.S. military veteran, social work professional, researcher, educator, and longtime advocate for veterans and their families.
Female Veterans Alliance (FVA) was founded to advocate for women veterans and to address the unique challenges they may encounter during and after military service. Since 2012, FVA has worked to connect veterans with resources and assistance involving disability benefits, housing and homelessness, education, employment, and other needs affecting veterans and their families.
FVA has placed particular emphasis on women veterans experiencing homelessness and housing instability, as well as veterans navigating the effects of military sexual trauma (MST), domestic violence, and other service-related challenges. The organization advocates for greater recognition of women veterans and works to ensure that their experiences and needs are represented in veteran services, programs, and policy discussions.
FVA's work has also included the development of the Women's Veterans Village initiative, envisioned as housing and supportive resources specifically responsive to women veterans. Through advocacy, education, collaboration, and community engagement, Female Veterans Alliance continues its mission of helping women veterans access the resources, recognition, and support they have earned through their military service.
Dr. Michelle Weiss has contributed to policy discussions involving VA health care, veterans’ benefits, and the use of service dogs. Her public advocacy has included presenting at the NASDAQ Bell Opening and the Robin Hood Hero’s Breakfast. Her work and advocacy have also been featured in the documentaries Service: When Women Come Marching Home and Small Justice: Little Justice in America’s Courts. Through these efforts, Dr. Weiss has helped bring greater public attention to the experiences and needs of women veterans.
Female Veterans Alliance remains committed to ensuring that women veterans are seen, heard, and supported. Through advocacy, education, resource connection, and community engagement, FVA works to address gaps in services and bring greater attention to the experiences of women who have served. The organization continues to collaborate with veterans, families, community partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen support for women veterans and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
Richard Lee is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a Military Police officer during the Vietnam War. Since 2005, he has worked as a veterans service officer, assisting veterans and their families in navigating the benefits and claims process. His service has included positions with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
During his time as an Appeals Officer for the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Washington, D.C., Richard successfully advocated for veterans whose benefits had previously been denied, helping secure more than $1 million annually in benefits for veterans and their families.
As Director of Benefits and Policy for Female Veterans Alliance, Richard brings extensive experience in veterans' benefits, claims, appeals, and issues affecting women veterans. His work has included advocacy for veterans experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and military sexual trauma (MST), as well as education and presentations addressing benefits and access to services.
Richard also advocates for appropriate treatment and support for veterans within the VA health care system and has supported greater recognition of the role of service dogs. His decades of experience provide FVA and the veterans it serves with valuable knowledge of veterans' benefits, policy, and advocacy. Richard Lee, Director of Benefits and Policy