CEWV empowers women veterans through connection, meaningful resources, wellness, and a community rooted in dignity and respect. We create opportunities for every woman to build on her strengths, find support when she needs it, and thrive with confidence, purpose, and belonging beyond her service.
Empower · Heal · Lead · Elevate
A future where every woman veteran is seen, valued, connected, and empowered in the community she needs to thrive beyond military service.
Building confidence, leadership, and the tools every woman veteran needs to thrive.
A safe, supportive community for healing and wholeness beyond service.
Developing leaders who guide, mentor, and uplift other women veterans.
Opening doors to opportunity, growth, and new heights for every woman.
Coalition for Empowered Women Veterans advances women through advocacy, education, resources, and leadership development.
Develop confidence, leadership, and personal growth.
Build meaningful relationships and a supportive veteran community.
Create pathways to education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Founder
Founder · Coalition for Empowered Women Veterans
Leontonette “Toni” Washington grew up in Compton and South Central Los Angeles, where gang activity shaped her surroundings. Raised by her mother and supported by a devoted, prayerful grandmother, she learned resilience early. Determined to build a better future, she enlisted in the Army.
The Army gave her structure, discipline, and pride in service, but her path was profoundly disrupted by sexual assault during basic and advanced training. In the aftermath, she turned to alcohol to cope, her performance suffered, and she ultimately received a general discharge under honorable conditions.
For nearly 35 years, Washington stayed away from the VA and the military community. During COVID-19, while feeding homeless veterans near downtown Las Vegas, her service caught the attention of Senator Pat Spearman, leading to a role with the State of Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Her veteran community ties later opened the door to peer specialist work and, ultimately, to the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she now serves as a certified Peer Specialist with deep purpose.
After three years as a federal employee, Washington felt called to support women veterans more directly. That vision became the Coalition for Empowered Women Veterans.
Through the Coalition, Washington seeks to unite women veterans across eras and economic backgrounds so they are celebrated, seen, heard, and acknowledged. Its tagline — “Her service was courage; her healing is power” — honors both their courage to serve and their strength to heal within systems that have too often overlooked women’s military service and contributions.
Washington envisions the Coalition as a source of wraparound support — housing, therapy, healthcare, childcare, education, clothing, and community — that removes barriers and restores connection. More than a program, it is a safe place where women veterans can gather, speak openly, be supported, and let their children witness the strength, dignity, and power of their healing.
Toni Washington today
A day of dignity and connection — bringing housing, healthcare, benefits, and vital resources together in one place for women who served. April 3, 2027 · Las Vegas, NV.
Your money. Your future. Financial empowerment and education that help women veterans build confidence, stability, and lasting wealth.
Open Doors introduces women veterans to experiences, skills, and interests they may never have had the chance to explore — from farming, canning, and microgreens to cooking, public speaking, home repair, business etiquette, entrepreneurship, technology, and travel. Each program opens a new door — to a hobby, healthier living, entrepreneurship, community, or simply discovering something new about herself.
Get CEWV news, upcoming events, veteran resources, and opportunities — delivered to your inbox.
Every gift fuels real change — housing, healing, community, and opportunity for the women who served. Give today, become a community partner, or sponsor a program, and help us build a future where every woman veteran thrives.
