Dana West is a passionate advocate for Veterans, bringing over 10 years of experience in community engagement and outreach. A U.S. Army Veteran herself, Dana understands firsthand the challenges that service members face when transitioning to civilian life. This lived experience fuels her commitment to connecting Veterans with critical resources, fostering peer support, and driving systemic change to improve their well-being.

Dana’s career has spanned nonprofit work and government service, with a strong focus on mental health advocacy, Veteran benefits, and community collaboration. She holds a Peer Support Certification and has worked extensively in outreach roles, including serving as the Outreach Program Manager for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. In that role, she built relationships between Veterans, service providers, and community organizations to enhance mental health and housing support, particularly for underserved populations.

Her academic background in Sociology, combined with a minor in Multi-Ethnic Studies, has given her a deeper understanding of the societal structures affecting Veterans. She is especially passionate about addressing Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and is actively involved in facilitating peer support groups for female Veterans, creating safe spaces for healing and connection. Recently, she completed Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) training and is eager to incorporate horses into her peer support work, helping Veterans find healing through equine-based programs.

At Home Base, Dana brings her expertise in outreach, program development, and Veteran-centered care to further the organization’s mission. She believes in the power of shared experiences and storytelling to break down barriers, foster trust, and empower Veterans on their journey to recovery.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys exploring Arizona’s scenic landscapes, engaging in continuous learning, and advocating for systemic improvements in Veteran care. She embraces the word Audacity as a personal mantra—representing her commitment to speaking up, challenging stigmas, and creating meaningful change for the Veteran community.