Paying tribute to our military spouses at Raymond James
In honor of Military Appreciation Month (May) and Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 12), Raymond James Valor, the firm’s Veterans Inclusion Network, hosted a virtual event on May 9 with stand-up comedian and Air Force Spouse of the Year, Ashley Gutermuth.
Ashley kicked off the celebration with a comedy set focused on military spouse life, followed by a conversation with our very own Valor co-chair, Military Spouse Network chair and vice president of Compliance, Courtney Wallen.
Above all, Ashley encourages military service members and spouses to share their stories. “Build your megaphone. This is how you let people know what the struggles are.”
She also encourages finding creative solutions – something Raymond James continually strives to do.
A central goal of Raymond James Valor’s military spouse support network is to connect military spouse associates at Raymond James (both spouses of active-duty and retired or former service members) while sharing opportunities for career growth and development.
Additionally, Raymond James partners with Military Spouse Employment (MSEP), an employment and career partnership connecting military spouses with more than 390 partner employers that have committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting and retaining military spouses in portable careers. Since joining MSEP in 2018, Raymond James is proud to be a part of an even larger collective effort to support military spouse employment and career growth opportunities.
“Military spouses are so good at adapting, being resilient and figuring things out,” Ashley noted during the event. “When you’re looking to hire someone, you know you’re going to get a quality candidate in a military spouse.”
For associates like Courtney and our network of military spouses at the firm, we’re proud to have welcomed them to Raymond James – a place where good people grow.
Ashley and Courtney (pictured below), who both relocate frequently because they are military spouses, highlighted the benefits – and struggles – of being military family members. Learn more about Raymond James’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Networks, including the firm’s Valor Veteran Inclusion Network for associates and Veteran Financial Advisors Network.
