Attorney Stephanie Himel-Nelson’s commitment to supporting military families has left a lasting impact through her work with Blue Star Families, an organization she helped found in 2009 during a challenging recession. Stephanie and a small group of military spouses recognized the struggles of families amidst back-to-back deployments, PTSD, and inadequate support systems during a prolonged period of war. Driven by a passion for change, they started the nonprofit with no budget or salaries, leveraging social media and grassroots efforts to fill critical gaps in military family support. Their pioneering efforts led to the creation of the first military family lifestyle survey outside the Department of Defense, shedding light on the challenges faced by these often-overlooked families and sparking national conversations about solutions.
Recently, Stephanie and Jennifer attended Blue Star Families’ 15th-anniversary celebration, an event that highlighted the organization’s incredible growth and impact. From its early days of fast problem-solving to a nationally recognized nonprofit, Blue Star Families continues to serve military families in meaningful ways. Reflecting on the evening, Stephanie noted the significance of early partnerships and relationships, including a $25 million gift announcement from Craig Newmark of Craigslist, who has been a supporter since 2011. While Stephanie eventually transitioned back to her legal career, her role in shaping Blue Star Families is a testament to her dedication to community and service—qualities she brings to her work as an attorney today.
