Zaneta Adams is living proof of how to overcome adversity. Once told that she may never walk again, Zaneta continues to inspire others daily through her personal and professional roles.
Zaneta graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Psychology, served 8 years in the U.S. Army and was medically retired in 2006.
While serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Zaneta was injured when she fell 11 feet from an M35 series 2 1/2-ton cargo truck with the rails up.
Director of Michigan’s Veteran Affairs Agency, Lawyer, Wife, Mother of six…
Advice for Overcoming Adversity from a U.S. Army Veteran
- Be strong, be confident
- Remember that you have a purpose that is yours and yours alone
- No one- nothing- should stop you from seeing your goal become reality
- Be your best authentic self while improving on the you that you are
- Surround yourself with positive people
Zaneta’s Story of Overcoming Adversity
With her spirit persevering, Zaneta overcame the fear and medical diagnosis that she may never walk again. She graduated from Western Michigan Cooley Law School in May 2014 as a Distinguished Law Student and in 2015, she passed the Bar.
Among other things, Zaneta works tirelessly assisting Veterans with their compensation and pension appeals in Muskegon, MI. She is an Adjunct Professor of Veteran’s Law at Western Michigan Cooley Law School and was named a Top 100 Lawyer for the US in 2017.
Paying It Forward by Lifting Up Other Women
It is so frustrating to have to prove your MILITARY service in the civilian world
Zaneta Adams, on being a female Veteran
In 2014, Zaneta founded WINC: For All Women Veterans (Women Injured iN Combat). Since its inception, she championed for and was able to get a Muskegon Women Veterans Day, as well as a House resolution, passed for June 12 to be Women Veterans Recognition Day in the state of Michigan.
She says that one of the toughest challenges today’s military women face is, “Being acknowledged as being the veteran. It is so frustrating to have been considered one of America’s elite, only to have to constantly prove your service in the civilian world.”
Zaneta’s organization provides: resource referrals; Military Sexual Trauma Support groups and retreats; Women Veterans Support groups and retreats; scholarships; volunteer opportunities for women Veterans with PTSD who would like to work but can’t; and a newly launched Military Sisterhood Initiative in partnership with Challenge America.
You have a purpose that is yours alone
Zaneta Adams, on her advice to other military women
Now serving as the Director of Michigan’s Veterans Affairs Agency, Zaneta has just one message for all military women:
“Be strong, be confident, and remember why you joined. You have a purpose that is yours alone and no one- nothing- should stop you from seeing your goal become reality.”
Life as a Woman Outside of the Military
In her free time (she has free time!?), Zaneta says that she truly loves to just unwind and have fun. This proven combat veteran has a love of laughter, letting loose with her friends and family, and “smelling the roses”.
She also says that like many of us, she can be vulnerable and self doubting, but she makes every effort to try and surround herself with positive people. Zaneta says that positive women lift her up as much as she lifts them up.
Zaneta is an accomplished singer and songwriter who advocates for all who know her, is married to Joseph Adams and together they have six children (including 2 sets of twins).
Director Adams’ story was included in every June 2019 HelloMissilia Box, delivered to members across the globe.
Zaneta’s advice for strong women everywhere:
“Be your best authentic self while improving on the YOU that you are. If people don’t love you for who you are, then they don’t deserve your time.”
How you can Support the Mission:
In recognition of Zaneta’s strength and courage to overcome adversity, an unnamed donor is making it possible for us to share her story and is treating this mother of six to a 1-year subscription to the HelloMissilia box. If your company or organization supports strong women, please consider sponsoring our heroes by checking out our Sponsorship Information or emailing info@hellomissilia.com.
You can help ensure that stories of women who kick butt, like Zaneta, are being shared and celebrated! Send this article out to your social media networks; spreading the word about women like Zaneta keeps encouraging women to do great things.
note: this article was originally published on our sister site: https://hellomissilia.com/blogs/news/celebrating-zaneta-adams-u-s-army-veteran
