Joanna Sweatt, ‘10 BA

I was a transitioning veteran at 28-years old, navigating my new normal and raising three kids under the age of 12 at the time. I had a great support network from my advisor to my professors that truly allowed me to really enjoy my college experience and not make me feel like a fish out of water. The robust mentorship I experienced at ASU led me to become an integral staff addition as the Military Advocate at the newly opened Pat Tillman Veterans Center in 2012 that led to ASU being named a top Military Support University and improved veteran student retention from less than 70% to over 92%. I’m inspired by people and actions rooted in service beyond self—those who dedicate themselves to making life better, not harder, for others. I spend my time connecting with the earth—hiking, learning to grow desert plants, and caring for my dogs. Being outdoors reminds me of the balance and resilience we all need to nurture. Success is finding joy in the work and ensuring others can experience that same joy. It’s about creating pathways that make life a little lighter through the power of community and shared purpose. I hope to build a legacy where freedom and liberty truly exist for everyone—a no-harm society that values compassion, justice, and the creation of better humans for tomorrow.