Name: Latashia White 
Branch: Air Force 
Years Served: 2006-2010
Rank: E-4
Military Occupation: Information Management
Twitter Handle: @LatashiaW11398

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

• I serve on boards for different veteran organizations in my local area. I am grateful to be able to provide input and help to support veterans in my state. 
• I have a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and a Master’s in Social Work. 
• I am a gamer and love sports, reading, and traveling. 

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

• My passion for supporting veterans is a driving force in my life. I am eager to leverage my expertise to enact positive change and ensure veterans receive the support and resources they deserve. IAVA Cavalry would allow me to amplify veterans’ voices, share their stories, and advocate for policies that promote their well-being.

How did your military experience shape you into who you are today?

• My experiences in veterans’ services, community engagement, and leadership have profoundly shaped my identity and values. They have instilled in me a profound sense of empathy, compassion, and dedication to serving others, especially those who have served our country. Through facing diverse challenges and working alongside individuals from various backgrounds, I have honed my communication skills and developed a strong ability to connect with and understand the needs of others. These experiences have empowered me to proactively advocate for positive change and strive for meaningful impact in every endeavor I pursue.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you believe is the most pressing? Why? 

• The evolving needs of women veterans demand streamlined, barrier-free, straightforward, responsive care. Currently, women face hurdles in advocating for their needs, highlighting the importance of ensuring their voices are heard and prioritized. The aim should be to create a system where women veterans feel understood and supported, driving policies and services that are inclusive and tailored to their unique experiences.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you have the strongest personal connection to? Why?

• I have a deeply personal connection to supporting our Afghan allies. As a Case Management Coordinator, I work to coordinate care for Afghan survivors impacted by combat. This program, alongside 23 others in the US launched by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, aims to provide crucial support to eligible Afghans and their families, helping them navigate through trauma with the long-term goal of building sustainable communities.
• My dedication extends beyond direct care coordination; I am committed to addressing systemic issues, such as improving the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) system. By streamlining processes and eliminating barriers, we can uphold our promise to our allies and ensure their timely arrival in the US.