03/30/2026
The 25 Illinois Women Veteran Leaders of 2026 Award Ceremony was a success! The event was hosted by Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center Program Specialist Angela St. Paul alongside IDVA Women Veterans Coordinator Margo Watson, March 16 at Malcolm X College in Chicago. The event brought together an inspiring group of women whose leadership, resilience and service continue to make a lasting impact well beyond the battlefield.
The ceremony featured keynote speaker Ashley Turburan, who delivered powerful and motivating remarks. IDVA Director Terry Prince gifted Ashley the proclamation from Gov. JB Pritzker, marking March 8 as International Women’s Day. The national anthem was beautifully performed by 2025 honoree Angela Walker, and the honor guard was proudly presented by the cadets of Morgan Park JROTC, adding a meaningful and ceremonial touch to the program.
We are also proud to share that Illinois achieved Gold Status through its STRIVE for 500 campaign, a milestone recognizing the state's commitment to registering and preserving women Veteran's stories through the Military Women's Memorial. A certificate was presented to IDVA Women Veterans Coordinator Margo Watson and Illinois Women's Ambassador Jill Henry
We extend our deepest appreciation to this year’s honorees for their continued leadership and dedication to their communities. Their service exemplified the strength and influence of women Veterans across Illinois.
Thank you to all who supported and contributed to making this event memorable.