A seasoned nonprofit leader and champion for military and veteran families joins our board to strengthen community connection and creative empowerment.
Rockville, Maryland – Mission Belonging is proud to announce that Julie Riggs has joined its Board of Directors. A respected nonprofit leader with deep experience supporting military service members, veterans, and their families, Ms. Riggs brings a career defined by collaboration, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to community well‑being. She currently serves as Vice President of Community Relations for the Fisher House Foundation, where she partners with communities nationwide to support Fisher Houses serving families of service members and veterans receiving medical care.
With a professional journey rooted in service, Julie has held leadership roles with organizations including Blue Star Families, the USO, and the National Military Family Association. Her work is guided by a belief in the power of connection, creativity, and collective care to foster healing, resilience, and understanding within the military and veteran community.
“It is such an absolute honor to welcome Julie Riggs to Mission Belonging’s Board of Directors,” said Mission Belonging CEO Seema Reza. “She’s been a longtime collaborator in this work. I deeply admire Julie’s professionalism, knowledge, wisdom and commitment to veterans, and can’t wait to build the next iteration of the organization with her voice in the room.”
In addition to her professional leadership, Julie serves as co-chair of the Capital Region Veterans Collaborative and as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. She holds a B.A. in English from San José State University and is a graduate of the Princeton AlumniCorps Emerging Leaders Program. Julie is also the spouse of a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer and lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her family.
“I am truly honored to join the dedicated staff and Board of Mission Belonging in advancing this vital work. I have followed the organization since its inception and have seen firsthand the transformative impact of its healing arts programming,” said incoming board member Julie Riggs. “Mission Belonging fosters a strong sense of community for veterans—one that is often lost after leaving military service. Through these programs, participants gain renewed meaning, identity, and self-worth, all of which are critical protective factors against suicidal ideation. This work is both powerful and essential!”
As Mission Belonging continues to expand its outreach and deepen its commitment to inclusive excellence in the arts, Julie’s expertise in partnership-building, community engagement, and veteran family support will play a vital role in shaping the organization’s next chapter.
Mission Belonging builds bridges between veterans and citizens using the language of creative expression to promote empathy, foster understanding, and build authentic community. We envision a world where shared artistic expression creates sacred experiences that fuel transformation, ignite connection, and build understanding across differences for veterans and citizens alike. Our vision is to be a driving force ensuring every individual finds their voice, purpose, and belonging. For more information about our work and upcoming initiatives, please visit missionbelonging.org
Media Contact: Seema Reza, CEO & Chair, info@missionbelonging.org
