Officially established on September 18th, 1947, the United States Air Force carries on a legacy of air power that began in 1909 as the Aeronautical Section, Signal Corps of the US Army. Aircraft played a critical role in World War II, and in the wake of that global conflict, President Harry S Truman signed the National Security Act to create an independent branch of service to allow air power to fully come into its own. Air power remains one of the United States’ most valuable strategic advantages, centers of technological innovation, and sources of pride to this day.
To celebrate, we are showcasing some of our Entrepreneurship program alumni that also happen to be Air Force veterans and spouses! We encourage you to explore their businesses, and pay specific attention to their asks of our community. If you can connect with them or connect them to someone who can help them reach the next level, take the extra step and reach out!
Sarah Peck
Air Force Veteran
Graze Craze of Odenton
BBiE Alum
Graze Craze of Odenton, Maryland, is a service-disabled veteran- and woman-owned business specializing in beautifully curated grazing boards, boxes, and tables that celebrate everything and elevate any occasion. We bring people together through fresh, artfully arranged food that offers something for everyone, including options that accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. From everyday gatherings to weddings, conferences, and galas, we deliver convenience, creativity, and premium catering solutions.
Sarah’s Ask: We’re looking to dramatically expand our network and connect with partners who can help us reach more clients for large-scale events, including weddings, conferences, corporate catering, and galas. If you know event planners, venues, or organizations seeking unique and inclusive catering that truly elevates gatherings, we would love your introductions. Every referral helps us celebrate more moments and create lasting memories in the communities we serve.
Paula Sanchez
Air Force Veteran
Sankirtz Marketing Consulting Services
V-WISE, BBiE Alum
Sankirtz is a professional consulting service firm backed by 30+ years of healthcare, IT, marketing, and product management expertise. We specialize in providing professional consulting and coaching services since 2019 and have led referral-based global clients to success by resolving their complex regulatory challenges to streamline workflows across their national and international partnered networks. We tailor resolutions around governance protocols to ensure problems are resolved efficiently and we work collaboratively with your appointed stakeholders to ensure favorable outcomes (or product deliverable recommendations) that synergize workflows, promote easy adoption, transparency, and improve communication across your industry.
Paula’s Ask: IVMF has been instrumental in assisting me hone business strategies and grow my professional network over the past year. I only ask that the IMVF leaders and alum continue to empower others by extending these amazing services, resources and support to minority and disabled Veteran women across our nation.
Dr. Karen Thomas, PT, DPT
Air Force Veteran
Venture Out Wellness, PLLC
V-WISE, Veteran EDGE, EBV Alum
I’m Dr. Karen Thomas, an Air Force veteran and Doctor of Physical Therapy, and I founded Venture Out Wellness™ to help military service members and first responders clarify and conquer pain so they can move better, feel better, and live better — both on and off duty. Through my Clarify & Conquer™ programs, live workshops, and educational resources, I bridge the gap between pain onset and medical care, offering tactical, evidence-based solutions frontline professionals can use anytime, anywhere. My mission is to build a movement in frontline wellness — breaking stigma, empowering recovery, and creating lifelong impact for those who serve our communities and country.
Karen’s Ask: As I continue building Venture Out Wellness™, my biggest ask is simple: help me reach the military service members, first responders, and frontline professionals who need these tools most. Whether through referrals, sharing my Clarify & Conquer™ program, or simply spreading the word about my YouTube channel and newsletter, every connection helps me deliver immediate, stigma-free solutions to those who serve. Together, we can empower frontline defenders to clarify and conquer their pain, elevate their quality of life, and strengthen the communities we all care about.
Angela Neal
Air Force Spouse
Project Solvers
Veteran EDGE, BBiE Alum
At Project Solvers, we bring clarity, structure, and execution to your most important initiatives. Our expertise spans technical project management, social program management and execution, and waterfall project management, with a proven ability to align stakeholders, manage risk, and keep projects on time and on budget.
What sets us apart is our commitment to hiring exceptionally talented project managers from the veteran and military spouse community. This not only provides flexible and portable employment for military-connected professionals but also leverages the discipline, adaptability, and mission focus they bring to the table.
Angela’s Ask: Can you help Project Solvers grow? I’m actively seeking opportunities to take on new projects that help businesses scale, and in turn, allow me to hire more veterans and military spouses. In parallel, I’m looking to upgrade my technology infrastructure and become CMMC-certified to be more competitive for government contracts. To pursue this, I am seeking $25k to purchase the necessary hardware and software, as well as certification costs for my team. If you can help with either of these or just want to connect, please reach out at aneal@project-solvers.com.
Andrea Corpening
Air Force Spouse
Elite Business Performance, LLC
BBiE Alum
I help teams develop the human skills technology can’t replace—like emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and customer service—through customized workforce training and recruiting solutions. While many companies invest heavily in AI and automation, it’s human skills that remain the true competitive advantage.
Andrea’s Ask: Whether you’re investing in professional development, bringing in a guest speaker, or hiring the right employee, I’d love for you to think of me. Please feel free to refer or connect with me when your organization needs employee training or support finding the right fit for your team.
Is Your Business Ready for the Next Step?
IVMF’s entrepreneurship programs welcome all veterans and military spouses chase their American Dream of business ownership. Are you ready to start your entrepreneurial journey with IVMF? Explore our portfolio of entrepreneurship programming, much of it available virtually or at locations across the country. Find the program that will take your business to the next level today!