The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has announced the continuation of its partnership with the University of Notre Dame for the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) by MSAN through 2027. This collaboration, which began in 2025, provides free, virtual training programs designed to empower military spouses with leadership skills and mental health wellness tools.
Two specialized programs will launch their second cohorts, focusing on ethical leadership and mental health resilience. Developed and taught by faculty from the William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families, the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, and the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership, these courses are offered exclusively to LIMS alumni. The online content was created in partnership with the university's Office of Digital Learning, part of Notre Dame Learning.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed collaboration: "Their continued investment in our military spouse community and the return of this transformative training reflect a shared commitment to empowering military spouses with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to create lasting change. Through the Ethical Leadership and Mental Health Wellness program, we are equipping military spouses to serve as stronger leaders, trusted mentors, and compassionate advocates who will continue making a profound difference in their families and communities."
The Ethical Leadership course covers conflict management, voicing values at work, and honesty and empathy in decision-making. The mental health course series addresses dispelling myths, identifying risks common in military communities, and developing wellness skills for self and others. These programs aim to build resilient communities by fostering leadership and emotional support among military spouses.
Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning, noted, "When we worked with members of the Notre Dame faculty to develop these two non-credit offerings for MSAN, it was with the goal of serving as many military spouses as possible. It is deeply rewarding to know the courses are continuing to reach new cohorts of learners."
Since LIMS's inception in 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated from its flagship Leadership Development Program, representing all branches of service, including veteran, retiree, Gold Star, and surviving spouses. Graduates have become active volunteers and advocates in their communities.
The partnership involves a multidisciplinary effort across the university, including Notre Dame Research, the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, the College of Arts and Letters, the Mendoza College of Business, Notre Dame Learning, and several other units. This collaboration underscores the commitment to supporting military families through education and leadership development.
The continuation of this partnership ensures that military spouses have access to valuable resources that enhance their personal and professional growth, ultimately strengthening military families and communities. For more information about LIMS and its programs, visit leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org.
