Nominations Are Open!
Nominations for the 2026-2027 cohort of ADC’s Military Spouse Leadership Initiative are now open until July 10th!
We are looking for military spouses who are driven by service and leadership and are committed to strengthening defense communities. Click the button below to nominate a spouse in your community.
Purpose
The Military Spouse Leadership Initiative (MSLI) exists to develop informed, connected, and action-oriented military spouses who are committed to strengthening military quality of life through community engagement, advocacy, and leadership.
The 2026–2027 cohort will focus on moving participants beyond awareness and into action, equipping military spouses with the relationships, skills, and practical experience necessary to influence positive change within their installations, communities, states, and the broader military ecosystem.
Program Timeline
June 11, 2026
Nomination period opens
July 10 , 2026
Nomination period closes
July 24, 2026
2026-2027 cohort of spouses announced
August 1, 2026
Cohort orientation and training begins
Oct 26–28, 2026
Cohort attends the Installation Innovation Forum 2026, Tampa Bay, FL
Nov 2026 – March 2027
Cohort training and capstone project work
April 11–13 2027
Cohort attends the 2027 Defense Communities National Summit, Washington, DC
April 30, 2027
2026-2027 Final cohort meeting and After-Action Review is shared
Program Structure
The program consists of: