Beyond Grateful - Brenda Osuch

As I prepare to step away from my role as Executive Director of the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation, I am filled with an overwhelming gratitude and fulfillment. Leading this organization and, most importantly, serving our Illinois service members, veterans, and their families, has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career.

I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated team, collaborate with committed veteran-serving organizations, and engage with generous supporters. Together, we have made a real and lasting impact—advocating for the needs of those who have served our country and working tirelessly to improve their lives. It has been an absolute honor to lead this exceptional organization and work with all of you.

I am excited for IJF’s future under Megan’s leadership, she brings a passion, dedication, and lived experience that will undoubtedly strengthen IJF's impact.

With Gratitude,

Brenda

Over three million women have served in or with the armed forces since the American Revolution and have contributed immensely to the strength our country. IJF would like to highlight the history of women in the military as we celebrate National Women’s History this March. 

Although women weren’t allowed to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, many found ways to help assist the troops and their causes. It wasn’t until WWI that women were allowed in openly serve in the U.S. military. During that war, over 12,000 women served in the Navy as yeomanettes and many enlisted in the Army Signal Corps.

In 1948 the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law, officially allowing women to serve as full, permanent members of all branches of the Armed Forces. Because of this, more military roles and opportunities opened for women.

March 29th commemorates National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which marks the day when American combat troops withdrew from Vietnam in 1973. Approximately, 11,000 women were stationed in Vietnam during the nearly 20-year war, and 90% of them were nurses in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. During the Vietnam War, promotions for women were opened, and women were allowed to command units that included men.

Throughout the next decades many women broke through barriers by achieving new ranks and awards and took on more roles. Today, women make up about 17% of active-duty military with about 230,000 members and 21% of the National Guard and Reserves at 171,000. During Women’s History Month, IJF would like to thank all of those who served our country. We appreciate the sacrifices you have made to make our country stronger.

Honoring the Women of Illinois Joining Forces

During Women’s History Month, we honor the women of Illinois Joining Forces who inspire us through their service and leadership.

Erica Borggren, IJF Board Member, is a Rhodes Scholar and West Point graduate, who served as an Army captain in Iraq, the Republic of Korea, and throughout the U.S. Central Command region in the Middle East. Erica currently serves as Vice-President, Corporate Customer Strategy & Solutions at Exelon. She previously served as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and served as Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Stephanie Kifowit, IJF Board Member, served her country in the United States Marine Corps. She served the residents of the City of Aurora as Alderman for over nine years, and now is a full-time State Representative of the 84th House District serving the residents of Aurora, Montgomery, Naperville and Oswego. 

Megan Everett, IJF Executive Director, served on the USS JARRETT (FFG-33) as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and on the USS DENVER (LPD-9) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her last tour in the Navy was on a Personal Exchange Program to the Canadian Fleet Atlantic in Halifax, NS. She moved to Chicago in 2010 to work at Northwestern University at the Center for Civic Engagement and Center for Leadership.

Amanda Depew is IJF’s Southern Region - Education, Outreach, and Community Engagement Specialist for Illinois Joining Forces. Born into a Navy family, Amanda has traversed the globe from Corpus Christi, Texas to Yokosuka, Japan. Nevertheless, Southern Illinois remained home base throughout her upbringing. With both parents and grandparents having served, military life runs deep in her veins. In 2003, Amanda enlisted in the Air Force as a Munitions Systems Apprentice, proudly serving until 2007, including a deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan. Recognized for excellence, she earned an early promotion to E-4 and honed her skills at Langley AFB, VA. Amanda most recently was selected as one of the “25 Illinois Women Veteran Leaders of 2025.” We congratulate her on this huge accomplishment!

Southern Illinois Regional Summit and Veterans Town Hall & Resource Fair

Our Southern Illinois Regional Summit at The Pavilion in Marion, Illinois, held on February 27th, was a fabulous day. The event welcomed Veterans, Service members and their families for an afternoon and evening of networking, connection, and resources. We were honored to welcome guest speakers Zachary Sage, Executive Director of the Marion VA Health Care System, Jayson Holland-USAF, Brent Glays-USMC, Rich Melching-USA, Barbara June Webb-USA, and Brian Nelson-USMC. 

Illinois Joining Forces 2025 Annual Summit

Please join us on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 for our 2025 Annual Summit at Maggiano's in Schaumburg, IL, to connect and collaborate with Veteran service organizations and industry leaders.