Our Governance Committee
The SisterForce Governance Committee provides strategic oversight, accountability, and guidance to ensure our organisation operates with integrity, transparency, and purpose. Drawing on a wealth of experience from military service, business, leadership, and the voluntary sector, our committee members are committed to upholding the values of Honour, Courage, and Sisterhood.
Together, they help shape the future of SisterForce, ensuring we remain focused on delivering meaningful support, opportunities, and advocacy for women veterans across the UK. Their collective expertise strengthens our mission and ensures that the voices and needs of female veterans remain at the heart of everything we do.
"Our Governance Committee brings together diverse perspectives, lived experience, and a shared commitment to empowering women veterans to thrive."
Debs Mills-Burns
Founder and British Army Veteran
Debs is the Founder of SisterForce C.I.C., a British Army veteran, speaker, spoken word artist and advocate for women who have served in the Armed Forces and Blue Light services.
Deb served for over eight years in the British Army, including tours of Northern Ireland and Iraq, and served under the Armed Forces' LGBT ban. Her lived experience of military service, transition and overcoming adversity inspired her to create SisterForce, a community where women who have served can find connection, support and belonging.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience and a passion for empowering others, Deb is committed to ensuring no woman faces life after service alone, championing SisterForce's values of Honour, Courage and Sisterhood.
Denise Wright
Royal Air Force Veteran and Chair of
Committee
Denise served in the RAF from 1995 until 2000, finishing her military career at MOD London, she remained in London, working in a TV newsroom until 2015. During her career Denise has always wanted to help and support others, volunteering as a counsellor for Childline and working with young adults affected by HIV.
Upon moving away from London, Denise realised she missed the company that came with the military, and was feeling a bit lost and so sought to find a veteran group for completeness and support.
It was this that made Denise realise that there are organisations and support, but not a central point to go to and learn and access this support. This is why Denise was a natural choice to be the Chair of the Governance Committee for SisterForce.
Her passion of helping others has led to Denise forming a monthly evening café with Help for Heroes to support working veterans and families and is also a Governor at an Autism College, while working at the University of Liverpool.
Carly Hudson
British Army Veteran
Carly is a British Army veteran, mental health advocate, Ambassador for The Poppy Factory, supporting female veterans through connection, courage and belonging.
Drawing on her own lived experience of post-traumatic stress, neurodivergence and the challenges of perimenopause, Carly is passionate about helping women understand that healing begins with self-acceptance, not perfection.
Her journey, including completing the trek to Everest Base Camp, reflects her belief in resilience through authenticity rather than endurance alone. Carly is a powerful advocate for neurodivergent veterans and women navigating trauma, championing leadership rooted in empathy, lived experience and genuine connection.
Through SisterForce, she is committed to ensuring women who have served never have to face life's challenges alone, helping them rediscover the strength, identity and confidence that have always been within them.
Claire Li
Royal Navy Veteran
Claire is a Royal Navy veteran who brings lived experience of military service, professional experience and a strong commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Having served in the Royal Navy, Claire understands the unique sense of identity, belonging and purpose that comes with wearing a uniform, as well as the challenges that can accompany transition into civilian life. Since leaving the Navy, Claire has continued to build her professional career while remaining passionate about ensuring veterans feel recognised, connected and supported.
Claire is particularly passionate about creating stronger networks of support for veterans and ensuring women who have served have access to communities where their experiences are understood and their voices are valued.
As part of SisterForce, Claire brings her lived experience, insight and commitment to helping shape a community where women from the Armed Forces and Blue Light services can build meaningful connections, access support and continue to thrive beyond service.
Nikki McGee
Britsh Army Veteran
Nikki, brings a powerful combination of military service, community leadership and a deep commitment to supporting women who serve and have served.
With a background in the Armed Forces, Nikki understands first-hand the strength, resilience and identity that comes with wearing a uniform, alongside the challenges of transition and life beyond military service. Nikki has recently transitioned into a role within the Blue Light services, giving her a unique perspective on service across both the Armed Forces and Blue Light communities.
Nikki has developed and led veteran programmes, creating safe and supportive spaces where female veterans can connect, build confidence and thrive. Her work is driven by a passion for community, belonging and ensuring women’s experiences are heard and valued.
As part of SisterForce, Nikki brings lived experience, leadership and a genuine commitment to building a strong, inclusive community where women can connect, thrive and find strength through sisterhood.