Military spouses are one of the most diverse groups of people I’ve been involved with.

I grew up in rural Oklahoma and admittedly was not exposed to a lot of “diversity” growing up. In my graduating high school class, there were under five people of color of a group of 74 students.

Only when I left home and began attending college my freshman year did I experience my first full dose of diversity. Upon enlisting in the Army, I found diversity in culture, meeting people from all over the country.

Now as an active duty military spouse, I’ve found the most culturally and ethnically diverse group I’ve ever been around. Military spouses hail from all over the globe, wherever young service members get stationed, they often come home with a young bride or groom from that nation.

Meet Angela Kelly 

Angela is a US Air Force veteran, where she served in Security Forces. Currently she is an active duty military spouse, proud mother, and small business owner. 

Anglea owns Lotusy Crafts, where she makes handmade, ultra glamorous, uber glittery decor and tumblers. You can follow her business on Instagram @lotusycrafts and you can find Angela on LinkedIn here.

What benefit do you believe military spouses bring to the workforce?

I asked Angela the question, “What benefit do you believe military spouses bring to the workforce?” Her answer?

“As a spouse myself, I think some of the biggest benefits we offer are resiliency and determination. There hasn’t been a milspouse I’ve met that isn’t determined to accomplish something. Whether that be getting a job, furthering their education, or powering through a rough PCS. That’s resiliency—making the best out of difficult situations. And when things go wrong, which they sometimes do, we do our best to get things back on track.

In the workforce, I think these qualities can be monumental to any organization. Who wouldn’t want someone that can make the best out of a situation or who knows how to adapt with a quickness? The workforce needs more women and men like us who can rise to the occasion and get the job done without much difficulty or complaint. Our unique life experiences make us more than qualified to be an effective leader and phenomenal team member when needed.” ~Angela Kelly