Bay Pines VA Welcomes Women Veteran Program Leader to Lee County
The population of women Veterans who entrust Bay Pines VA Healthcare System with their health care needs is growing rapidly, and Bay Pines VA is growing with them.
The Women Veterans Program (WVP) recently expanded their support, following the addition of a new champion at the Lee County Health Care Center.
Assistant WVP Manager Ashley Migenes has ties to the organization’s southern catchment and a passion for serving Veterans.
“There’s nothing better than getting to serve women Veterans in a community where I can forge long-lasting relationships that will benefit those we serve,” Migenes shared.
Migenes, a native of Lee County, Fla., began her journey with VA as a social worker. Her addition to the team fortifies the WVP to four dynamic leaders which include Manager Donna Sherman, Outreach Coordinator Kelly James, and Program Support Assistant Shanalee Cortes. Together, these ladies have one mission: to contribute to excellent health care outcomes for the women who’ve worn our Nation’s uniform.
“My oldest child is a girl, and when you’re raising a daughter, it’s even more of a motivation to ensure equity for all,” Migenes said. “In this role, I wear two different hats; not only am I the assistant manager, but I also assist with maternity care. Being based in Lee County helps me serve as a presence that was previously challenging to provide simply because of the geographic spread of our VA clinics.”
Now that Bay Pines VA has a more prominent presence in the southern catchment area, the team looks forward to bolstering an environment in which women Veterans who receive care south of Manatee County have the opportunity to develop deeper connections with one another.
The team has plans to facilitate more in-person events such as town halls and open houses, along with outreach that includes neighboring VA Clinics in Naples, Port Charlotte, and Sebring.
“There’s this concept of a ‘third place’ and that refers to the environment, outside of home or work, that people cultivate,” Migenes shared. “I’m passionate about creating that here at Lee County, and I’m excited and grateful to be part of a team that consistently works to push innovation forward.”
Migenes recognizes the magnitude of her role and is grateful to have the support she needs to rise to the occasion because, to her, serving Veterans isn’t just a job – it’s a calling. Her father is a Vietnam Veteran, and it was the receipt of his benefits that put Migenes through college.
“When I went to college, I had no idea which direction I wanted my life to take, but I discovered my passion for social work there,” Migenes shared. “I feel like the VA got me to where I am now, and working here gives me the opportunity to give back to those who’ve sacrificed for me.”
Migenes continued, “I hope women Veterans continue to come in and put their stamp on this VA. Whether it’s through their providers, advocating for policy change, or attending outreach events, my hope is that the Women Veteran Program expands and continues to give Veterans the platform to make their health care what they need and deserve.”
For more information about Bay Pines VA’s WVP, Veterans or their loved ones are encouraged to email VHABAYWVP@va.gov.