Raising a Leader: How Vera Duncan Built Confidence, Courage & a Dream for Military Service

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with Vera Duncan, a remarkable young woman whose leadership journey began at just eight years old. Now a college freshman at William & Mary and a 2024 recipient of the elite U.S. Army National Scholarship, Vera shares her story of discipline, humility, resilience, and purpose.

From watching her father land a Black Hawk helicopter at her elementary school, to earning one of the most competitive ROTC scholarships in the nation, to taking on leadership roles in her community, Vera represents the next generation of DreamHers—young women who lead with integrity, gratitude, and heart.

Her wisdom at such a young age is powerful, uplifting, and a reminder that raising strong girls requires courage, support, and connection. This episode is a gift not only for young DreamHers, but for their mothers too.

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Key Discussion Points (with time stamps):

• (01:26) The moment eight-year-old Vera knew she wanted to serve in the military
• (02:25) How witnessing her father’s loyalty and service shaped her dream
• (03:08) Competing for—and winning—the 2024 Army National Scholarship
• (03:59) Long-term goals: active-duty Army, finance/logistics branch, and pursuing her master’s degree
• (05:50) How military life and moving often taught humility and resilience
• (06:38) Achievements that shaped her identity, including illustrating a children’s book
• (07:45) Leadership roles in the community, including Youth Advisory Council
• (08:36) The Georgetown summer program that helped her develop independence
• (10:08) The moment she realized she could achieve anything she set her mind to
• (11:09) Her biggest obstacle: perfectionism and fear of failure
• (12:19) Vera’s empowering self-talk for hard days
• (13:31) The “small fish, big pond” feeling and adjusting to college life
• (14:27) Her favorite quote from Metallica’s James Hetfield and why it resonates
• (15:20) The people who shaped her path—especially her mother
• (17:27) Starting a DARE-focused club at school and leading with purpose
• (19:07) Gratitude as an anchor during challenging times
• (19:47) Advice for other young women pursuing military careers
• (21:08) Going outside the box: the summer she taught herself to run
• (22:12) Final advice to young DreamHers and the importance of mother–daughter connection

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Notable Quotes:

• “Allow yourself to fail—but have people who will bring you back up and make you better.”
• “What you put in is what you get out of it.”
• “In a month from now, it’ll be really funny how this all played out.”
• “You deserve this—you worked for it.”
• “Do what you're passionate about and be outspoken about it.”
• “If you’re a female going into the military, you have to be your own loud advocate.”
• “Be thankful you woke up today—you’re still chugging along.”
• “Appreciate your mom… she’ll be there the rest of your life.”

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Takeaways:

• Leadership starts early—and is shaped by experiences, family, and mentors.
• Perfectionism can be a barrier; learning to accept imperfection builds strength.
• Independence grows through stepping outside your comfort zone.
• Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for resilience.
• Young women in male-dominated fields must advocate boldly for themselves.
• Dreams grow stronger with support systems—from parents to teachers to friends.
• Being a DreamHer often means doing what matters even when others don’t understand.

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Connect with Guest:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-duncan-4a9b52336/
• Email: [e-mail]

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Connect with Us:

• Follow April on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher
• Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/
• Email April: [e-mail]

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Cover Photo Credit:  Marika H Photography