Kaylei Deakin and Moranda Hern
Co-Founders, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs"
Kaylei Deakin and Moranda Hern were inspired to create The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs after their fathers deployed to Afghanistan. "After our fathers deployed, we felt a definite need for sisterly support in our lives and we see the same needs in the lives of others. Military girls go through so many unique challenges, especially during the tender ages of 13-18. During deployments, many girls suffer from lack of self esteem and often feel completely alone. Some common reactions to deployment by young girls are failing school, dropping in self confidence, cutting, eating disorders, body identity issues, lack of interest, and depression. After our fathers returned home from deployment, we connected through the California National Guard Child and Youth Program. When we came together, we realized we were not alone in our challenges. After that "aha!" moment, we were inspired to articulate our unique challenges and to create a program to empower military girls.
