Fifth Michigan Women Veterans Conference brings together more than 175 veterans

BAY CITY, Mich. - The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), National Guard Association of Michigan and the Michigan Women Veterans Coalition hosted the fifth Michigan Women Veterans Conference from Oct. 15 - 17, 2026, in Bay City. More than 175 women from across the state came together for a weekend dedicated to service, camaraderie and empowerment.

"Michigan's more than 44,000 women veterans are an essential part of our state's veteran community, and they deserve to be recognized, supported and connected to the resources they have earned," said MVAA director Terry J. Sabo. "The Michigan Women Veterans Conference does more than bring women veterans together - it builds lasting connections and empowers women to carry their leadership and experience into their communities and careers."

This year's conference theme was Lioness Rising: Living the Warrior Ethos. Throughout the three-day event, attendees explored their shared history while cultivating personal growth and strengthening connections to help women veterans thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Attendees enjoyed a variety of programming including keynote addresses, wellness and recreational activities and more than 25 vendors offering resources and services to help women veterans thrive.

This event was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:

• Gold-level: Daughters of the American Revolution of Michigan and Uplift Creative Center
• Silver-level: National Guard Association of Michigan, Bay City Veterans Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan and Michigan Gaming Control Board
• Bronze-level: Aetna, Northeastern American Legion Auxiliary 459, Society of American Military Engineers Detroit Post and American Legion Walter Durkee Post 311
• Partners: American Legion Department of Michigan and Military Women's Memorial

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, the MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about the MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.

###