Ph.D. Student Named as 2024 Dole Caregiver Fellow

Karla Seijas is one of 14 individuals selected from across the nation as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation supports a community of more than 5.5 million spouses, parents, family members and loved ones who provide care to wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.

Seijas, a Ph.D. student in UC Merced's Department of Anthropology & Heritage Studies, is a caregiver to her husband, a combat veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq. She has witnessed firsthand how the lasting impacts of war significantly affect both veterans and their families long after their service ends.

"As a post-9/11 veteran spouse with young children, I am grateful that the Elizabeth Dole Foundation prioritizes the needs of our children, known as Hidden Helpers," Seijas said. "The Foundation amplifies the voices of military caregiver kids, raising awareness of the challenges they face and the support they may need within their communities."

Seijas will receive training from the Foundation to serve as a community builder and voice of support in California. Fellows will also have opportunities to share with elected officials and other government agencies.

"I am eager to collaborate with fellow caregivers, build relationships and advocate for federal legislation that will positively impact military and veteran families across the United States," she said. "The legislation we collectively create and support is designed to benefit not only current caregivers but also to ease the lives of future military and veteran caregiver families."