Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leonor Branch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leonor, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
As a retired Master Sergeant from the U.S Air Force, I thought I had a clear path ahead of me when transitioning to civilian life. With 20 years of experience, half of which was spent in talent acquisition, I felt equipped to take on new challenges. However, life had a different plan for me when I faced unexpected layoffs during a mass tech company downsizing.
The aftermath of losing my job left me grappling with feelings of isolation and a loss of identity. As a woman veteran, I also encountered the harsh reality of pay disparity during job interviews. It was a challenging time that led me to reflect deeply on my own journey and the struggles faced by women veterans like myself.
In my search for healing and self-discovery, I turned to the resources available to veterans, including the VA for military sexual trauma counseling, PTSD support, and health and wellness services. Embracing a journey of personal growth, I made the courageous decision to eliminate alcohol from my life and prioritize my physical and mental well-being.
One pivotal moment in my journey was attending a women veteran retreat with Operation Red Wings, where I found solace and community among fellow veterans. It was there that I realized my deep-seated desire to support and uplift other women veterans facing similar challenges.
Another important milestone was completing the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP), where I honed my skills as a community leader and advocate. Armed with knowledge and a newfound sense of purpose, I recognized the urgent need to address the alarming rate of women veteran suicide, which is four times higher than their male counterparts according to a DAV report.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, I founded Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis—a community organization created by women veterans, for women veterans. We understand the unique struggles and experiences of our community because we’ve lived them ourselves.
At Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis, our mission is clear: to empower and support women veterans in their transition to civilian life. We provide a lifeline for those who may feel alone or overlooked by traditional support systems. Through mentorship, resources, and community events, we offer a safe space for women veterans to connect, heal, and thrive.
Our organization embodies the spirit of sisterhood, reminding women veterans that they are not alone in their journey. Together, we lift each other up, share our stories, and create a supportive network that extends beyond military service.
In serving the underserved community of women veterans, Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis is not just a organization—it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment. And for me, it’s a testament to the power of finding purpose in serving others, even in the face of adversity.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As the Founder of Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis, my journey into this industry was driven by a deep-seated desire to address the gaps and needs within our women veteran community. Having served in the military myself, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women veterans during their transition to civilian life.
Recognizing the lack of specialized support and resources available to women veterans, I embarked on a mission to create a space where they could find solidarity, support, and empowerment. Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis was born out of this vision—a community organization dedicated to serving and uplifting women veterans in the St. Louis area.
Our primary focus is on providing comprehensive support to women veterans through a range of services and programs. From mentorship and peer support to access to resources and community events, we aim to address the diverse needs of our community members. Whether it’s navigating the VA system, finding employment opportunities, or simply connecting with fellow veterans, we’re here to help.
At Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis, we pride ourselves on our team’s collective experience of over 60 years in the military. This firsthand knowledge allows us to truly understand the unique challenges and experiences of our community members. We meet our sisters where they are, providing compassionate support and tailored solutions to meet their individual needs.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to veteran support. We believe in the power of preventative care and early intervention to address issues before they escalate. By fostering a culture of sisterhood and collaboration, we create a supportive network where women veterans can thrive and flourish.
I am most proud of the impact we’ve made in the lives of women veterans in our community. Seeing the transformation and empowerment that occurs when our sisters come together is truly inspiring. Whether it’s helping a veteran find a job, access mental health resources, or simply find a sense of belonging, every success story reaffirms the importance of our work.
For potential clients, followers, and supporters, I want them to know that Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis is more than just an organization—it’s a movement. We’re committed to advocating for the needs of women veterans, breaking down barriers, and creating a brighter future for all who have served. Join us in our mission to empower, uplift, and support our sisters in service. Together, we can make a difference
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Unlearning the notion that resilience means pushing through everything, even when you’re not okay, was a profound lesson for me. In the military, resilience is often equated with toughness and the ability to overcome challenges without showing signs of weakness. For years, I internalized this belief and felt pressure to always appear strong, especially to my peers and subordinates.
As a leader, I felt a responsibility to set an example and be the pillar of strength for those around me. I viewed seeking help or showing vulnerability as a sign of failure, fearing that it would undermine my credibility and leadership. This mindset extended beyond the workplace and into my personal life, where I struggled to open up and seek support.
However, over time, I came to realize the limitations of this mindset. I began to understand that true resilience isn’t about bottling up emotions or pretending everything is fine when it’s not. It’s about recognizing when you need help and having the courage to reach out for support.
The turning point came when I founded Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis. Through this community of women veterans, I discovered the power of connection and solidarity. I learned that it’s okay to seek services and talk things out, and that vulnerability doesn’t diminish strength—it enhances it.
No longer do I feel the need to face life’s challenges alone. Instead, I embrace the bond of sisterhood that we’ve created within Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis. These women are more than just friends—they are my allies, confidants, and sources of strength. Together, we support each other through the ups and downs of life, knowing that true resilience lies in our ability to lean on one another when needed.
In unlearning the misconception of resilience, I’ve found a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity. I no longer strive to project an image of invulnerability; instead, I embrace my humanity and the power of vulnerability. And through this journey, I’ve discovered that true strength lies in our ability to show up as our authentic selves, flaws and all.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Securing the initial capital to start Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis was a journey that involved a combination of strategic partnerships, personal connections, and grant funding. One of the key factors in our success was assembling the right team—women veterans who shared the same passion and values for serving our community.
My journey intersected with Esmeralda Aharon and Eva Henry through the Women Veteran Leadership Program with The Mission Continues. Despite living in the same area, it was our shared experience in the program that truly bonded us and solidified our partnership. We recognized the potential for collaboration and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women veterans in our community.
Winning our first grant with The BALSA Foundation was a significant milestone that provided us with the resources, connections, and funds needed to kickstart our nonprofit venture. This grant not only provided the initial capital to launch Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis but also offered a structured approach to becoming first-time business owners.
With the support of The BALSA Foundation and other strategic partners, we were able to lay the foundation for our organization, establish our mission and vision, and begin executing our programs and initiatives. The grant funding served as a catalyst for growth, enabling us to reach more women veterans and expand our impact within the community.
As we continue on our journey, we remain grateful for the support and opportunities that have propelled us forward. Securing the initial capital was just the beginning—our ongoing success is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and unwavering dedication to our mission of serving women veterans in Greater St. Louis.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: sis_nonprofit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SisServe/
- Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/SisServe