Roweena Arasah is a Human Resources Officer for the Military Readiness Command, overseeing the management of civilian employees and ensuring the readiness of over 7,000 Army Reserve and active-duty soldiers within the command. Her journey has been defined by resilience, empathy, and a commitment to putting people first. These lessons, cultivated through her leadership roles and life experiences, guide her approach to creating a workplace that values the human element as much as the mission itself.
Finding Her Seat at the Table
Throughout her time in the Army Reserves, Roweena often faced the reality of not having a seat at the table, particularly as an African American woman. This experience solidified her belief in the necessity of representation and inclusion. She recognized how African American women, while fully capable leaders, often encounter unique challenges demanding extraordinary resilience and determination. This understanding motivated her to push harder, not just to achieve her own goals but to pave the way for others. Roweena is especially proud of a moment after her retirement in 2022 when a young African American woman soldier credited her leadership style of 'prioritizing people over the mission' as the reason she chose to stay in the Army Reserve and pursue her own leadership path. This soldier is now on track to become an E5, inspired by Roweena’s example.
Resilience in Action
Roweena's military journey began when she decided to take a break from college and enlist in the Army, a decision she describes as one of the best she ever made. During her 20-year career she rose to the rank of E7 which positioned her for a fulfilling civilian career. Beyond the professional accolades, the Army revealed her inner strength and resilience, proving she could achieve far more than she ever imagined. These lessons became instrumental to her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balancing mission accomplishment with genuine care for people.
Leadership Through Advocacy and Personal Growth
Serving as a victim advocate in the Army Reserves transformed Roweena’s perspective on leadership. While the military often prioritizes the mission above all else, her work in advocacy showed her the importance of a people-first approach. This shift enabled her to lead with empathy, removing biases and focusing on what individuals truly needed to thrive. Personal tragedy further deepened her understanding of the importance of human connection. After losing her son, Roweena realized the critical role of family and support systems in helping soldiers succeed. This experience reinforced her belief that effective leadership requires addressing the whole person—not just their role within the mission.
As a survivor of domestic violence, Roweena’s journey to finding her voice was a critical moment in her growth. While she initially kept her story private, leaving the military allowed her to speak openly and advocate for others. By embracing vulnerability, she became a more balanced leader, capable of prioritizing the mission while considering its impact on families and individuals.
A Transformative Experience with the Women Veterans Leadership Program
Roweena credits the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP) with helping her rediscover her identity and purpose after military service. Despite her academic achievements, she initially struggled to see herself as a veteran. The WVLP changed this perception by connecting her with other women who shared similar experiences. The program not only made her feel less alone, but also revealed her purpose: supporting women veterans and advocating for their leadership potential. One transformative moment came during the "I Am Remarkable" workshop, where Roweena learned to embrace her own worth. The workshop helped her recognize how acknowledging her achievements isn’t bragging—it’s stating a fact. This realization boosted her confidence and empowered her to inspire others to own their greatness.
As a WVLP Ambassador, Roweena took her transformation a step further by helping other women veterans find their voices. She saw it as a way to pay forward the support and empowerment she received, reminding fellow veterans that they are not alone and that their contributions matter.
Why the Women Veterans Leadership Program Matters
For Roweena, the WVLP is more than a program — it’s a lifeline for women veterans. She believes it’s essential because it provides a safe space for women to explore their identities as veterans and leaders. Unlike other programs, the WVLP creates a sense of home and belonging, helping women see themselves as integral to the military and veteran communities. She urges women veterans to apply, reassuring them that their rank, branch, or role doesn’t define their worth.
“You are enough,” Roweena emphasizes. “You are part of the legacy of women veterans.”
Roweena also hopes to see more graduates remain connected to the WVLP community, contributing their voices and experiences to sustain its impact. She encourages donors to support the program, highlighting its unique role in cultivating growth, confidence, and leadership among women veterans.
After over 20 years of service and four years as a veteran, Roweena credits the WVLP with helping her fully embrace her identity as a woman veteran. She now sees it as her responsibility to use her voice and experiences to uplift others.
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About Beneath the Service
Beneath the Service is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated to building upon the exceptional qualities of military veterans and their families in their professional and personal reintegration. Beneath the Service focuses on the psychological components of social reintegration, helping veterans embrace identity, ignite purpose, and strengthen connections with their communities. Beneath the Service is committed to creating a lasting legacy of leadership and community impact by helping veterans and their families honor their past while shaping their future.
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Email: press@beneaththeservice.org
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