Sarah Mosley, a U.S. Army veteran, has created an inspiring leadership path, rooted in resilience and a commitment to uplifting those around her. Sarah’s journey represents not only the strength and courage of women veterans, but also the remarkable impact of understanding one’s identity and voice in navigating complex environments.
Her time in the military, spanning seven years, was a formative experience that shaped her character and approach to leadership. While she acknowledges the positive and rewarding aspects of service, she candidly describes the pervasive culture of exclusivity and sexual harassment, which forced her to confront power dynamics and advocate for inclusivity. “I had to learn to stand up for myself and others," she reflects.
Sarah was not one to be deterred. She developed a strong sense of self-awareness and a determination to creating safe spaces for open dialogue. This resolve was further nurtured through the Women Veterans Leadership Program. The program helped her redefine leadership—not as a rigid expectation to be “strong” in every situation, but as a journey of self-recognition and inner clarity. “I wanted my presence to be felt without having to prove myself,” Sarah shares. Through WVLP, she embraced her whole self, recognizing that leadership wasn’t about always appearing strong, but about leading with authenticity and allowing her multifaceted strengths to guide her in every space she entered.
Sarah credits the Women Veterans Leadership Program community for the support and growth it has provided her. “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together,” she says, quoting an African proverb. The WVLP cultivates a network of women veterans who learn from and empower each other. This community transformed her view of leadership, inspiring her to bring that same sense of support and collaboration to her professional and personal life. She was able to reconnect with her veteran identity, as a proud women veteran, seeing herself as a leader beyond traditional definitions. The program taught her that leading starts with her own life, reshaping how she approaches her role and her future.
When Sarah joined the Women Veterans Leadership Program, she was already navigating one of the most high-stakes environments in government as a manager supporting presidential communications for the White House Communications Agency. Her responsibility was vast, ensuring seamless communication technology across federal agencies to safeguard sensitive and classified national security matters. Yet, some challenges she faced echoed those of her military service, as she worked to overcome the biases and obstacles of a male-dominated field. Through WVLP, Sarah discovered that impactful leadership goes beyond duty; it’s also about unwavering conviction and the courage to lead boldly from within.
Armed with these insights, Sarah has continued to excel and now serves as Deputy Director for Cyberspace Activities Budget Office at the Department of Defense. In this role, she is at the helm of a multi-billion dollar cybersecurity portfolio, aligning critical resources with DoD priorities to protect our nation's information technology infrastructure. What was once a distant vision is now a reality as she commands with confidence, thanks to the WVLP’s impact on her self-assurance and readiness to take on challenges that seem beyond reach. With the support of her sisterhood, Sarah is not only leading, she is setting new standards for herself and inspiring others to do the same. She has not only risen to one of the highest federal grades, but balances her professional responsibilities with active community service. As a member of The Mission Continues DC Platoon, she embodies the leadership principles developed through the WVLP, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive society.
For Sarah, the Women Veterans Leadership Program stands out because it focuses on purposeful leadership—building a sense of mission and aligning actions with core values. Her advice to other women veterans considering the WVLP is simple, “Look around—do the people in your life reflect your history or your future? In six months, you can have excuses or progress. Just say yes!”
Sarah envisions a future where women veterans have a stronger voice in advocacy, policy, and community leadership. “Supporting the Women Veteran Leadership Program isn’t just an investment in a program, it’s an investment in people who will give back tenfold,” she says. The ripple effect of this support extends beyond individual growth, benefiting society as a whole by amplifying diverse perspectives and contributions.
Sarah’s journey exemplifies the extraordinary leadership qualities of women veterans. Her story showcases the importance of knowing oneself, embracing one’s voice, and using that voice to create positive meaningful change—both within the military and far beyond in society.
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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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