Published: June 24, 2025
Powered by Blue Star Careers and Target, the Military Spouse Circle of Influence initiative offers mentorship, resources, and support to military families.
Military spouses want to work — for personal fulfillment and because their families depend on a second income. According to Blue Families’ 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 77% of active-duty spouse respondents said two incomes are essential for their family’s well-being — a significant increase from 63% in 2019.
Yet, military spouse unemployment remains persistently high. While military spouses participate in the workforce at nearly the same rate as civilians (71% versus 75%), 23% of active-duty spouses are still unemployed. Many others are underemployed, feeling overqualified or underpaid for their education or experience. That’s where the Military Spouse Circle of Influence (MSCI) initiative comes in.
What is the Military Spouse Circle of Influence?
The MSCI initiative, operated by Blue Star Careers, is designed to support military spouses on their career journeys through community, connection, and leadership. Thanks to the generous support of Target, MSCI is building a spouse-led network that represents all six military branches. These peer leaders are committed to helping fellow spouses navigate career challenges, access professional development opportunities, and find a renewed sense of purpose.
Whether you’re managing a PCS move, a career gap, or simply seeking a supportive community of people who “get it,” MSCI offers mentorship and resources to help you thrive.
Why It Matters
Childcare access, resume gaps, frequent relocations, and limited awareness of support programs are just some of the challenges military spouses face when seeking meaningful work. MSCI exists to break down those barriers by connecting spouses to real people who want to help — and understand the military lifestyle.
With peer-led mentorship and tailored career resources, MSCI helps spouses take the next step in their careers while making them feel seen and supported in the process.
Meet Your MSCI Branch Leaders
We’re excited to introduce the six new outreach consultants leading MSCI efforts across each military branch. These passionate, experienced leaders bring both expertise and empathy to their roles:
Army – Louise Jordan
Compassionate leader. Strategic communicator. Army spouse for 16 years.
Based in Garmisch, Germany, Louise brings unmatched experience to her role as Army Outreach Careers Consultant. With a career spanning global tech companies like Microsoft and IBM, Louise specializes in digital storytelling and career resource development. Having lived through multiple relocations, Louise is passionate about helping Army spouses find flexible work that fits their lifestyle. She leads with heart and creativity.
Navy – Rae Wright Ingram
Strategic leader. Equity advocate. Navy spouse and Army brat.
Rae is a fierce advocate for systems that work for people. With more than 15 years of experience in national nonprofits and government programs, Rae brings strategic vision and organizational expertise to the MSCI program. As a Navy spouse, Rae is committed to helping Navy spouses turn career goals into career wins, with a focus on equity, process improvement, and community engagement.
Air Force – Elizabeth Whitice
Problem solver. Career coach. Data-driven changemaker.
Elizabeth brings a unique blend of analytical precision and deep care for people. As the Air Force Outreach Consultant, she supports spouses in navigating the complex path to meaningful employment. With experience in healthcare operations and program development, Elizabeth is committed to helping Air Force spouses build sustainable, values-aligned careers.
Marine Corps – Kristen Dorsie
Connector. Organizer. Advocate for military families.
With more than 15 years of project and operations management experience, Kristen brings unmatched insight into the challenges Marine Corps spouses face. She’s worked with nonprofits both at home and abroad to develop programs that support families impacted by deployments, relocations, and reintegration. Kristen’s leadership is collaborative and compassionate — helping Air Force spouses find work that works for them.
Space Force – Andrea Atwood
Trailblazer. Educator. Resilient Space Force spouse.
Andrea, a mother and military spouse of over 20 years, has lived in 13 states and abroad, balancing family, professional development, and community service. As a Program Manager at SAFE Project, she helped combat substance use and support mental wellness. Andrea brings deep commitment, perspective, and grit to her role as Space Force Outreach Consultant, helping spouses build careers they love.
Coast Guard – Aurora Tallent
Doer. Builder. Coast Guard champion.
Aurora has spent years building networks of support for Coast Guard families. As the Coast Guard Outreach Consultant, she applies her experience in education, digital strategy, and leadership to help spouses find career opportunities no matter where they’re stationed. Aurora is a passionate advocate for possibility and is dedicated to helping Coast Guard spouses take the next step in their careers.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The Blue Star Families Military Spouse Circle of Influence, powered by Target, is here to help you if you’re a military spouse seeking employment, professional development, or simply a sense of belonging. Connect with your branch leader, join workshops, explore the resource hub, and access a supportive network that understands the unique demands of military life.
Join the Blue Star Careers Community (it’s free!) in the Blue Star Neighborhood to connect with your MSCI branch leader and take the next step in your career journey.