The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is proud to introduce the selectees of our 2026 IVMF Ambassador Program! After a rigorous selection process, we’ve chosen 42 individuals dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses navigate their entrepreneurship journey. These selfless volunteers connect IVMF entrepreneurs to local mentors, resources, and opportunities so their businesses can thrive.
Over the next year, in addition to helping veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs navigate the local business ecosystem, each Ambassador will also undertake an Ecosystem Leadership Project. Each Ambassador designs their project to make a real difference for entrepreneurs in their area, drawing on their own expertise to best serve their community. These projects can range from launching events or even Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) that bring the community together, to detailed ecosystem maps that help entrepreneurs know where to access veteran-friendly capital resources.
IVMF’s Ambassadors won’t be taking on this work alone. IVMF provides advanced training in mapping and developing local resources over two fly-in training events, as well as monthly virtual sessions. Ambassadors also can draw on the knowledge and experience of Regional Lead Ambassadors. These experienced volunteers help support the Ambassadors in their region, ensuring they can best support veterans and military families in their area and get the most out of their Ecosystem Leadership Project.
Connect with your Local Ambassador
If you are a veteran or military spouse entrepreneur, business owner, or resource provider, we encourage you to reach out to your local Ambassador and introduce yourself. Let them know what you do, what opportunities you are looking for, and what resources you can offer to others in your community.
Atlanta, GA
DeLisa Clift
Tiffani McQueen Williams
Austin, TX
Mike Johnson
Lauren Postler
Charleston, SC
Moniek James
Chicago, IL
Lindsay Kough
Ryan Hunt
Colorado
Michelle R Brunswick
Sam Westfall
Nathan Gray
Dallas, TX
Mayme Doumbia
Houston, TX
Tiara Abu
Indianapolis, IN
Jason Anderson
Natasha Standard
Los Angeles, CA
Samoria Preston
Louisiana
Famia Roots
National Capital Region (Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland)
Jake Dulle
Jasmine Rush
Rebecca Morgan
Rod Loges
Romeo Gardner
Roshon Cortez Gardner
Guy Timberlake
New York
Dr. Mecca Nelson
Orlando, FL
Angela Denise Neal
Leah Stiles
Philadelphia, PA
Michael Donnell
Raya Arbiol
Neferteri Strickland
Portland, OR
Kimberly A Liszka
Raleigh-Durham, NC
Jasmine Lubbad
Salt Lake City, UT
Becky Guertler
San Antonio, TX
Alantheus Alexander Thompson
Reka Leftridge
Melanie McCoy
San Diego, CA
Mary Elizabeth Smith
Nathalie Kocis
Seattle, WA
Jay Hyler
Tampa Bay, FL
April Caldwell
Ericca O Cole
Justin McAllister
Michael Parks
Help Veterans as an IVMF Ambassador
If you have experience navigating your local veteran resource landscape and want to help others do the same, the Ambassador Program may be where you can do a lot of good. IVMF Ambassadors serve veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs by connecting them to the resources and relationships they need to succeed. If this sounds like you, fill out an interest form for the next selection cycle today.