Milwaukee City Wire

Yolanda Medina, the director of the Military and Veterans Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), has been honored as the 2024 Woman Veteran of the Year by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. The accolade, established in 2008, acknowledges female veterans in Wisconsin for their outstanding service both in the military and within their communities.

Medina expressed her gratitude, stating, “This award is so humbling. I work with so many wonderful veterans, and to be set apart in this is truly an honor.” She emphasized her commitment to supporting military and veteran services and highlighted her community's dedication to ensuring "No one left behind."

A former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Medina has a long history of advocating for veterans. In 2011, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Latino Veterans Pictorial Project and Latino Veterans Legacy of Valor. Part of this project remains on permanent display at Milwaukee's War Memorial Center.

During her tenure at Carroll University, Medina leveraged her military background to assist student veterans with educational benefits and created a student veterans organization. At UWM, she oversees services for the largest military-related student population in Wisconsin. Her initiatives include expanding resources like doubling the space for Veterans Lounge facilities and integrating mental health support.

Medina also holds positions on several boards focused on veteran issues including those related to Latinx communities. She was featured in "I Am Not Invisible," a national campaign by the Department of Veterans Affairs that raises awareness about women veterans' contributions.

Previously recognized with awards such as Women Veterans of Distinction from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in 2019, Medina continues to advocate for women veterans through various initiatives like organizing events that showcase their stories.