BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Colonel(R) Karen E. Semeraro is a distinguished 30-year military officer who began her career after receiving an active-duty commission through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps.

Throughout her career, Colonel(R) Semeraro has been a trailblazer, becoming the first woman from her college to attend Airborne and Air Assault School, as well as the Army’s Master Fitness Trainer Course. After several years of active duty service, she transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves, where her leadership and expertise continued to make a lasting impact. She was selected to participate in the U.S. Army Command Exchange Program, through which she commanded an active component personnel command under the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing an entirely new command, ensuring that all personnel and equipment were fully prepared for deployment to Tikrit, Iraq.

Colonel(R) Semeraro was one of only 10 Army Reserve officers chosen to attend the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where she earned a Master of Science in Strategic Studies. She was consistently sought after for both military commands and high-level executive staff positions. Her service included multiple deployments supporting missions in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and within the United States at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Hood, Texas.

One of Colonel(R) Semeraro’s most notable achievements was her command of the U.S. Army Reserve Fort Hood Mobilization Station. Under her leadership, her unit supported the Soldier Readiness Process, as well as the deployment, re-deployment, and Welcome Home ceremonies for over 20,000 soldiers. She also played a pivotal role in creating a permanent U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Readiness site at the North Fort Hood Base Training Site, which continues to serve soldiers today. Recognizing the unique needs of female soldiers from her overseas deployments, Colonel(R) Semeraro organized workshops to strengthen female readiness, focusing on total wellness—physical, mental, and spiritual.

In her final military assignment, Colonel(R) Semeraro served as the Senior Military Personnel Officer for Joint Forces, overseeing all personnel operations, casualty reporting, postal services, and policies for Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Department of Defense (DoD) personnel in Afghanistan.

In recognition of her service, Colonel(R) Semeraro has been awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct, the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone, and numerous other military awards and accolades.

In addition to her military achievements, Colonel(R) Semeraro holds an active Registered Nurse license and works as a technical writer, supporting the VA’s Veterans Telehealth Program. She enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, traveling, and watching movies.

Colonel(R) Semeraro is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Soldier Girl Boutique (SGB). She is passionate about supporting what SGB offers to female veterans and servicewomen. She expresses pride in the SGB Founder, Major(R) Natalie McBurney, whose journey has inspired strength and empowerment. “Through her trials, Natalie has always been dedicated to taking care of soldiers, and there is a clear need for Soldier Girl Boutique. I’m excited about SGB’s growth and look forward to using my experience to empower, engage, and equip our female veterans, servicewomen, and their families.”

Leonor is a seasoned leader with a dynamic and multifaceted background. A 25-year, five-time combat veteran, Christine continues to serve as an active Civil Affairs Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves while also dedicating her talents as a transformational life coach. Her diverse experiences bring a unique perspective to all her endeavors, making her an invaluable asset to any team she joins.

Leonor’s journey in publication and journalism began at the age of 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, where she not only served as a journalist but also played a key role in establishing the press headquarters. Her passion for media and communication eventually led her to the role of Editor in Chief of L.A. STYLE Magazine, where she shaped the editorial vision and managed content creation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Leonor is deeply committed to education and personal growth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Education. Her dedication to helping others reach their potential is evident in her previous roles as an educator and personal trainer.

Lenore is also a proud mother and an active community builder within the intentional community space. She is the visionary founder of the boutique guesthouse, House of Frida, which is dedicated to promoting wellness and eco-tourism in Puerto Rico. Additionally, she owns and operates the House of Frida publishing company, further expanding her influence in the literary world.

Leonor’s eclectic background, combined with her passion for empowering others, makes her a driving force on the Soldier Girl Boutique Inc. Board of Directors, where she continues to contribute to the growth and success of the organization.

Major(R) Laura M. Sears is an accomplished operations officer and program management expert with a distinguished career spanning both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. She currently serves at Dugway Proving Ground, where she excels in coordinating complex projects, developing strategic processes, and managing critical operations.

Throughout her military career, Major(R) Sears has been recognized for her ability to lead and manage high-stakes operations with precision. Her extensive experience in logistics, operations, and strategic planning has made her an invaluable asset to every team she has served on.

In addition to her military service, Major(R) Sears is deeply committed to supporting female veterans and servicewomen through mentorship and community involvement. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Soldier Girl Boutique, where she is eager to contribute her leadership and expertise to further the mission of empowering female veterans and service members.

Captain Grace Stephens was raised in the Washington D.C. metro area and has dedicated over 20 years to serving her country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Throughout her distinguished military career, she completed two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience.

Captain Stephens’ service has been defined by her commitment to excellence, both in the field and in her leadership roles. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and lead teams in high-pressure environments has earned her respect from peers and superiors alike.

As a proud advocate for female veterans and service members, Captain Stephens is dedicated to empowering the next generation of women in uniform. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Soldier Girl Boutique, where she looks forward to contributing her experience and passion for supporting female veterans.