Voices of Women Veterans

On November 12th, join the Homeless Persons Representation Project, The Bob Parsons Veterans Advocacy Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law, and the University of Baltimore School of Law's Government and Military Law Students Association for an insightful panel discussion exploring issues facing women during service and as veterans in their post-service lives. This event brings together speakers with lived experience, as well as legal and policy expertise, to examine the often complex legal landscape many women encounter during service and after leaving the military.

Our panelists will share personal experiences and professional insights on a range of topics, and the discussion aims to highlight the unique challenges women veterans face and explore potential avenues for support and reform.

Whether you're a veteran, a legal professional, or simply interested in understanding these important issues, this event offers a valuable opportunity to gain new perspectives on the intersection of gender, military service, and civil law.

This is a free event, with a reception beginning at 4:30 prior to the event. Don't miss this chance to engage with our speakers and contribute to an important conversation. Attendance is limited to 64 people. Please register now to secure your place.

Paid street parking is available, as well as a parking garage at 80 W. Oliver St. near the law school campus.

Speakers:

Monique Cheryse Wilson

Monique Cheryse Wilson, a native New Yorker, hails from a family with a rich tradition of military and law enforcement service. A United States Navy veteran, she served as a Fire Controlman from 2009 to 2013, attaining the rank of E5 (Petty Officer Second Class). Ms. Wilson's academic achievements include a BS in Criminal Justice and an MS in Forensic Science. She is currently expanding her expertise by pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Monique is an avid participant in community theater productions throughout the Baltimore and DC area. She embraces adventure through cross-country road trips in her Jeep, accompanied by her canine companions: Old Man, a 15-year-old Yorkie, and Wisdom, a 2-year-old Rottweiler. Monique also indulges her passion for global exploration by visiting a different foreign country each year.

Kayla M. Williams

Kayla M. Williams, most recently a Senior Policy Researcher at RAND, specializes in military personnel and veterans' issues. Her distinguished career includes serving as Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where she previously directed the Center for Women Veterans. At the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), she held positions as a Senior Fellow and Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program. 

Ms. Williams' military service spans five years as an Arabic linguist in a Military Intelligence company of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). She authored two memoirs: Love My Rifle More Than You and Plenty of Time When We Get Home, both published by W.W. Norton.

Academically, Kayla graduated cum laude with a BA in English Literature from Bowling Green State University and earned an MA in International Affairs from American University. Her extensive committee work includes memberships on the Department of Labor Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach; the VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans; and the Army Education Advisory Committee. In recognition of her contributions, she was named a 2013 White House Woman Veteran Champion of Change and received the 2015 Lincoln Award.

Jill Brown-Williams

Jill Brown-Williams, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and board member of the Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP), shares her powerful journey through homelessness and advocacy. "When you're going through that, you need somebody to listen to you, because all of that builds up in you," she reflects. 

Her path to homelessness began with her husband's cancer diagnosis and the subsequent financial strain of his treatment. Jill emphasizes that knowing about HPRP earlier might have prevented the loss of their home. During her military service, like many women veterans, Jill was initially told she wasn't entitled to benefits. A fellow veteran's advice led her to discover HPRP through a flyer at the VA annex.

Remembering her grandmother's wisdom to "Don't forget where you came from," Jill maintains that her experience fuels her empathy for those still on the streets. She is active in her church and local community, and her advocacy has extended to supporting initiatives like the HOME Act as part of HPRP's Board of Directors.

Jessica Lynn Wherry, Moderator

Jessica Lynn Wherry, an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Baltimore School of Law, brings a diverse background in legal education and military service to her role. Prior to joining UBalt, she honed her teaching skills at prestigious institutions including Georgetown Law and The George Washington University Law School.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Jessica served for four years as a morse code operator, attaining the rank of CTR2 (Cryptologic Technician (Collections) Petty Officer Second Class). This military experience informs her understanding of veterans' issues and rights.

Since 2015, Jessica has demonstrated her commitment to veterans' advocacy through her volunteer work with the Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP). In this capacity, she provides pro bono representation to veteran clients, focusing on discharge upgrade requests and disability compensation claims. This hands-on legal work complements her academic expertise and underscores her dedication to serving the veteran community.