Earlier this week, we launched our new Office of Women Veterans, a dedicated initiative designed to ensure that women who served in the Armed Forces have improved access to the resources, recognition, and support they have earned. We also announced that Lucy DelGaudio, a U.S. Army veteran and nationally recognized advocate for veterans’ rights, will serve as the state’s Women Veterans Coordinator, helping to lead outreach, engagement, and policy efforts across New Jersey.

As the population of women veterans continues to grow nationwide and across the Garden State, the Office of Women Veterans will focus on addressing the unique needs and experiences of women who have served, including access to health care, mental health support, benefits navigation, career opportunities, and community connection.

“Women veterans have played an essential role in defending our country and strengthening our communities, yet their service has too often gone unrecognized,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill, the first woman veteran to serve as state governor in the history of the United States. “The creation of the Office of Women Veterans ensures that New Jersey is meeting the needs of this growing population with dedicated leadership and focused support.”

Women veterans often face challenges that differ from those of their male counterparts, including navigating benefits systems historically designed without their experiences in mind, addressing gender-specific health concerns, and overcoming barriers to accessing veteran-focused services and networks. The new office will serve as a central point of coordination within the Department to ensure that policies, programs, and partnerships are responsive to those needs.

“New Jersey is home to roughly 26,000 women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. They are the fastest growing population within the veterans community,” said Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno. “The Office of Women Veterans ensures that their service is not only recognized, but that our team ensures access to the veteran benefits and programs that they have earned during their time in uniform.”

DelGaudio brings extensive experience in advocacy, community engagement, and veteran policy to the role. She most recently served as Program Coordinator for Operation Sisterhood at YWCA Northern New Jersey, where she led initiatives that support women veterans through connection, transition resources, and empowerment.

“Lucy DelGaudio brings both lived experience and extraordinary leadership to this role,” said Solomeno. “Her dedication to ensuring women veterans are seen, heard, and supported makes her uniquely qualified to help guide this important work.”

Visit the Office of Women Veterans resource page or email WomenVeterans@dva.nj.gov for support.