Support shouldn't disappear when the uniform comes off.

I'm Becca, a Navy veteran, military-connected daughter, graduate student, and someone who cares deeply about what happens to people after the structure of military life changes.

My own transition into higher education showed me how difficult it can be to navigate a new environment while also trying to figure out where you belong. I eventually found that sense of community again through working in veterans affairs, supporting military-affiliated students, and helping others navigate many of the same challenges I experienced myself.

Today, I'm pursuing my Master of Education in Urban Higher Education at UIC while continuing to work directly with student veterans and military-connected students. I care about building support that is consistent, personal, and there before someone reaches a breaking point.

At EDC, I want to help build the kind of community people can continue coming back to through every stage of life.

I S.E.R.V.E. because support should not disappear when the uniform comes off or when an event ends.

Growing up in a military family and later serving myself showed me how powerful it is to have people around you who understand, show up, and make you feel like you belong. After service, I learned how easy it is to lose some of that consistency.

I want to help build something different.

A community where veterans, service members, spouses, dependents, and families know there are people and opportunities waiting for them, not just when something goes wrong, but as they grow, transition, lead, and build what comes next.

For me, serving means showing up, exploring together, reaching forward, valuing the family, and leaving the community stronger than we found it.

Executive Leadership · Military Family Support · Higher Education · Student Veterans · Community Building · Programs · Operation Anchor · Operation Serve