Meet Althea Williams | Founder of She Vets It Podcast & She Vets It Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Althea Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Althea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The truth is—I never set out to start a business. It was never about launching a brand. It started with a need—a need for connection, community, and meaningful conversation among women veterans navigating life after service.

I just wanted to connect with women in my area who had also transitioned from the military—women who were full of uncertainty, wrestling with identity, and wondering what came next. I wasn’t trying to create anything formal. I was simply looking for understanding and sisterhood.

That desire led to a local meetup, which soon expanded to the Clubhouse app during the pandemic. That’s when something truly special happened. It started with myself and five other women veterans hosting powerful conversations—and before long, hundreds joined us, followed by thousands of women tuning in regularly. Some even began hosting their own rooms under the She Vets It name. Clubhouse became our safe space for late-night talks about everything from military marriage and career transition to entrepreneurship, mental health, and healing.

We stayed up all night talking because no one was working, and everyone was home—but what we were building was more than a chat room. It became a lifeline.

That experience grew into Instagram Lives, a podcast, and eventually the She Vets It brand—a platform rooted in storytelling and empowerment. I met incredible women: from film producers and motivational speakers to psychologists and creatives. It reminded me that there is life outside the uniform. And that while the journey is difficult, it’s also deeply powerful when shared in community.

Today, She Vets It has grown from a few voices on an app to a national and international network of women veterans. We’ve recently launched the She Vets It Foundation and continue to expand through storytelling, meetups, and mentorship.

And this July 25th, we’ll return to my home state of California for a She Vets It Meetup in the Hollywood/Los Angeles area—joining forces with The True Visionaries Clubhouse group for a four-day event featuring a comedy show, gala, red carpet premiere, and, most importantly, meaningful connection for women veterans ready to thrive.

Because She Vets It was never about me—it was always about us. And our story is just getting started.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey with She Vets It has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to creating a space where women veterans can reconnect with purpose, community, and identity beyond their military service. This isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement rooted in healing, advocacy, and sisterhood.

What began as late-night conversations on Clubhouse during the pandemic has grown into a nationally recognized initiative—complete with a podcast, in-person events, leadership workshops, and an upcoming docuseries. We intentionally center conversations around real-life challenges like mental health, homelessness, identity loss, and career transition—topics often overlooked in the broader veteran narrative.

Part of what drives me is my personal story. I joined the military at age 39, as a married mother of five. My youngest was in kindergarten, and my oldest was already serving in the Air Force. That decision reshaped my life—and gave me a deep understanding of what it means to be a veteran not just in uniform, but also as a mother, a wife, a caregiver, and a leader.

Women veterans bring perspectives that are often different from our male counterparts. We serve while parenting, maintaining households, surviving trauma, building dual-service families, and often navigating systems that don’t fully see us. I know what it’s like to deploy while leaving a child behind. I know the emotional labor that comes with being a supportive spouse while wearing a uniform myself. And I know the feeling of having to prove you belong—both during service and after.

These experiences inspired the creation of She Vets It. Transitioning out of the military wasn’t easy—I had to rediscover who I was without the uniform. But I leaned into faith, resilience, and sisterhood, and turned that challenge into a platform that now empowers women across the country.

Since launching She Vets It, I’ve been honored with a Women Veterans Day proclamation from the Mayor of Frisco, Texas, recognized as a Community Hero for Veterans, and awarded the 2024 “Badge of Courage” by film producer Monica Floyd. I’ve been featured on magazine covers, television shows, and invited to speak on dozens of podcasts and national panels. I’m also frequently sought out by political leaders, universities, and producers to advise on the issues impacting our veteran community—particularly those affecting women.

What I want people to know is this: She Vets It is more than a name—it’s a movement. It’s a space where women veterans are seen, heard, and supported—not just for what they did in uniform, but for who they are becoming beyond it.

And we’re just getting started. I’m especially excited about our upcoming She Vets It California Meetup on July 25th in Los Angeles, and the continued growth of our storytelling efforts that showcase the power, purpose, and legacy of women veterans across the country and around the world.

What I want people to know is this: She Vets It is more than a name—it’s a growing movement proving that life after service can be powerful, purposeful, and connected. And we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Los Angeles, I’d want them to experience more than just the tourist stops. I’d show them a side of LA that mixes iconic landmarks with culture, community, and a few relaxing beach moments—because that’s what makes this city special. Here’s how I’d plan the week:

Day 1: Hollywood & City Views
• Start with coffee and breakfast at South LA Cafe – A neighborhood favorite that’s all about culture, community, and good vibes.
• Head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – It’s classic, and you have to do it at least once.
• Hop on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – It’s an easy way to catch Beverly Hills, celebrity homes, and LA landmarks without stressing over traffic.
• Lunch at the Gucci Café in Beverly Hills – A fun stop to feel fancy and grab a great bite.
• End the day at Griffith Observatory – The view at sunset is unmatched, and it’s one of my favorite spots to just take in the city.

Day 2: Arts, Culture & Downtown Cool
• Explore ROW DTLA – A trendy area full of shops, creative spaces, and photo-worthy murals.
• Stop by a local coffee shop – Try Civil Coffee in Highland Park or Go Get Em Tiger in Los Feliz.
• Visit The Broad Museum – For contemporary art and the famous Infinity Mirror Room (if you can get a reservation!).
• Dinner at Bestia – One of the best Italian spots in the city, located right near the Arts District.

Day 3: Beach Day, LA Style
• Ride the Hop-On Hop-Off coastal route to beach-hop with ease.
• Start at Venice Beach – Watch the skaters, street performers, and stroll the boardwalk.
• Head to Santa Monica – Shop, ride the Ferris wheel, or just chill by the pier.
• Wind down the day at El Segundo Beach – It’s more low-key and the perfect place to catch the sunset.

Day 4: Legacy, Inspiration & Local Flavor
• Begin with a self-guided mural tour – Seek out iconic murals of Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle scattered across the city.
• Lunch at Marathon Burger – A meaningful meal at the spot opened by Nipsey’s brother to honor his legacy.
• Spend the afternoon in Leimert Park – It’s rich in Black culture, creativity, and history.

Day 5: Catalina Island Escape
• Take the ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island – Make it a full-day adventure.
• Rent a golf cart, explore Avalon, have lunch by the water, and enjoy the chill island energy.
• Head back in the evening relaxed and refreshed.

Day 6: Wine & Live Music Vibes
• Start the day at San Antonio Winery – One of LA’s oldest wineries tucked away in the city with charm and history.
• Chill at Echo Park Lake – Take a pedal boat out or just sit by the water and talk life.
• Grab tacos from a local food truck or a casual spot in Silver Lake.
• Find live music – Whether it’s a jazz set in Leimert Park, Los Angeles Athletics Club, an open mic night, or a rooftop DJ downtown—LA is full of great sounds if you know where to look.

Day 7: Shopping, Art & Soulful Reflections
• Start in the Fashion District & Santee Alley – Great for finding unique styles and accessories.
• Have lunch at The Bloc or Grand Central Market – A favorite with endless food options.
• Spend your last afternoon exploring the Arts District – Grab coffee, find murals, or visit a pop-up gallery.
• Take time to reflect on the week, snap your final photos, and start planning your next trip back!

This is the LA I know and love—a place where culture, creativity, and community meet. It’s not just about the landmarks, it’s about the energy, the people, and the memories you make along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to my family, whose unwavering love and support have been the foundation of everything I do. Without them, none of this would be possible.

To the founding board members of She Vets It—Viletta, Sierra, Sherri, Melissa, Dr. Crabb, Diane, Ruby, and Georgette—thank you for standing with me from day one. Your leadership, vision, and heart helped transform what began as a personal need into a national movement for women veterans.

I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the remarkable women veterans who have been the heart and soul of She Vets It—from our early Clubhouse conversations, to Instagram Lives, and now to the She Vets It podcast. Your shared experiences and unwavering commitment helped us grow a platform that reaches women across the country—and now, we’re taking that even further through the development of our upcoming docuseries.

A heartfelt thank you to my wellness coach, whose support helped me stay grounded during major transitions. Her guidance reminded me that growth doesn’t always come from fixing something—it often comes from seeing things clearly and giving yourself permission to heal and evolve.

I also want to thank my close friends who aren’t connected to the military, but who’ve shown up consistently for me. Whether I needed encouragement, perspective, or simply someone to lean on—you’ve been there. Your presence has meant more than words can express.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been anchored by Jeremiah 29:11—a reminder that there is purpose in every season, but also purpose outside the uniform. That scripture, along with Kristin Neff’s book Self-Compassion, has helped me lead with grace and reminded me that it’s okay to extend kindness inward while building something outwardly meaningful.

To everyone who has walked this journey with me—whether named or unnamed—thank you. Together, we’re not just telling stories—we’re building a legacy of strength, sisterhood, and purpose beyond service.

Website: https://www.shevetsit.com

Instagram: She_Vets_It

Linkedin: She_Vets_It

Twitter: SheVetsIt

Facebook: SheVetsIt

Youtube: SheVetsIt

Other: On all major podcast platforms: Apple, Spotify, IHeartRadio and more.

Image Credits
Daryl Edwards – Astute Lenz (Headshot Only)