Veteran Females United, Women Veterans, APRIL National Conference, Sela Mata-Gomez, Brownsville
Staff Report
Brownsville TX - Veteran Females United has been selected to present its workshop, “Beyond the Uniform,” at the 32nd Annual APRIL National Conference, hosted by the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living in Niagara Falls, New York.
The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. A five-member delegation of women veterans will travel to the conference to present the workshop and represent the organization.
Sela Mata-Gomez, president of Veteran Females United, said the selection gives the organization an opportunity to share a side of military service that is not always seen or understood. “Women veterans bring diverse experiences, strengths, challenges and stories with them long after they take off the uniform,” Mata-Gomez said. “This workshop gives us a platform to make sure those voices are represented.”
To help offset travel, lodging, ground transportation, conference expenses and workshop materials, the organization is launching a sponsorship campaign called “Beyond the Uniform: Taking Women Veterans’ Voices to the National Stage.” Sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $2,500, including a $750 “Send a Woman Veteran Sponsor” level intended to support the participation of one delegation member. In-kind assistance for travel, lodging, transportation, meals, printing and other conference-related needs may also be considered.
“Community support helps ensure women veterans have a seat at the table in important national conversations,” Mata-Gomez said. “This is about more than helping fund a trip. It is an opportunity to help women veterans share their experiences, advocate for their communities and demonstrate that their service and leadership continue well beyond the uniform.”
Veteran Females United said it also hopes its participation will create opportunities to build relationships with organizations serving veterans, military families, people with disabilities and communities across the country.
Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact Veteran Females United.
The mission of Veteran Females United is to engage, empower and inspire female veterans to lead successful lives, according to the organization. VFU is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating for female veterans throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Central Texas.
For more information, contact Maria Osorio, vice president, at veteranfemalesunited@gmail.com or 956-426-0101, or visit veteranfemalesunited.org.