Motown Women Veterans Association
Mission Statement:
Motown Women Veterans Association is a 501(c)3 domestic non-profit.
We strive to prevent social isolation and build a nationwide network system for generations of women veterans.
MWVA understands the true meaning of unity and celebrates and salutes each and every woman who served.
We fight to end homelessness among women veterans and advocate for equal access to benefits and opportunities.
Her Service Protected Us. Now, Let's Protect Her.
Don’t let their sacrifices be forgotten. Support women veterans by donating today!
At MWVA, we believe every woman who served deserves a supportive community, access to resources, and the opportunity to thrive.
We are a sisterhood, a network, and a powerful voice advocating for the rights and well-being of women veterans.
Our messaging speaks directly to the needs and unique experiences of women veterans.
The focus on empowerment and advocacy addresses their desire for agency and control over their lives.
The Founder
Alexis Harrison-Derriso, a veteran herself who served from 1980 – 1984, founded MWVA out of a deep frustration and a burning desire to create change.
She witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women veterans – the isolation, the struggle for equitable access to benefits, and the rising tide of homelessness.
Alexis knew that the existing veteran support systems often fell short, failing to adequately address the specific needs and experiences of women who served.
Driven by her own experience and a profound sense of duty, she established MWVA to build a supportive sisterhood, advocate for systemic change, and empower women veterans to thrive.
MWVA is not just an organization; it’s a testament to Alexis’s unwavering commitment to her fellow servicewomen, a beacon of hope, and a powerful force for change.
Stand Tall And Look Good
STANDING TALL AND LOOKING GOOD
FOLLOWING ORDERS LIKE A SOLDIER SHOULD
CRACK OF DAWN WAKE-UP WAS NO THRILL, NOR FUN
HEADING TO FORMATION FOR A 2 MILE RUN
NO TIME FOR MAKE-UP, NAILS AND GROOMING YOUR HAIR
FEMALE VETS DIDN’T ENLIST FOR PAMPER AND CARE
WE MARCHED ON… WHILE CRAMPING INSIDE
WE SERVED THIS COUNTRY WITH STRENGTH AND PRIDE
WHEN HEADING TO THE BATTLE FIELD, NO ONE ASKED YOUR SEX
YOU ARE JUST A SOLDIER EXPECTED TO DO YOUR BEST
2 MILLION WOMEN VETERANS HAVE SERVED AND COUNTING
AND THE NUMBER OF FALLEN WOMEN IS STEADILY MOUNTING
IT HAS BEEN DRILLED IN OUR HEADS TO
BE ALL THAT WE CAN BE
NOW THAT OUR TOUR HAS BEEN SERVED, WE ARE NOT TOTALLY FREE
WE ARE OVERLOOKED BY THOSE WHO REFUSE TO SEE
WE WERE ONCE A SOLDIER, MAYBE NOW WE ARE MOMS
DESPITE TRIALS AND TRIBULATION, DURING THE STORMS WE REMAINED CALM
SO, TO ALL WOMEN VETERANS ITS BEEN A LONG RIDE
SALUTE YOURSELF DAILY WITH RESPECT AND PRIDE
WE TOO SERVICED OUR COUNTRY THROUGH GOOD AND THE BAD
WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME AMERICAN FLAG
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A VETERAN SOLID AS WOOD
STAND TALL WITH HONOR AND ALWAYS LOOK GOOD
ALEXIS HARRISON-DERRISO ©
“A Moment In Time” an event and fashion show sponsored by MWVA in November 2024.
Upcoming Events
