In 2007, a group of women veterans, disillusioned by the challenges of obtaining VA claims approval and disheartened by the treatment received at VA clinics and offices, resolved to take action. Initially operating under another VSO, they subsequently established their own organization, the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), in 2009, naming Anu Baghwati as their first executive director.

While their primary focus was initially on VA claims, they soon uncovered that many issues faced by women veterans stemmed from the harassment and assault they experienced during active duty. Notably, the VA did not recognize sexual assault as a potential source of post-traumatic stress (PTS) to the same extent as combat stress. Their relentless advocacy also sought to ensure that PTS resulting from sexual assault was recognized by the VA, resulting in tangible policy changes. Recognizing that the challenges faced by women veterans were rooted in their active duty experiences, SWAN shifted its focus to active duty policies, practices, and culture.

In a bold move in 2012, SWAN filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense over its policy of excluding women from a quarter of a million ground combat jobs. Their conviction that this exclusion contributed to the marginalization and vulnerability of women in the military led to a pivotal legal victory in 2013, eliminating the exclusionary policy. Subsequently, in 2016, the military services began integrating women into previously closed occupations and units, marking a significant stride towards gender equality within the armed forces.

From Anu Baghwati's pioneering role as the first executive director to the successive leadership of our current CEO Navy veteran Elisa Cardnell, SWAN has consistently propelled its mission forward. This remarkable journey underscores SWAN's unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of the 350,000 service women and 2,000,000 women veterans.