Evie King

I attribute my success to positive mentorship, a fantastic team, and having healthy boundaries. Over the years I've cultivated a group of mentors who I can have honest conversations with, but who believe in me and want me to succeed. I also work with an incredible team who believe in the mission and put in the work. Because I work from home and have worked in multiple time zones, I've also had to learn healthy boundaries. It's not good for anyone, especially my family, if I'm always available. I've learned to set realistic working hours, communicate frequently on my availability, and also hold myself accountable when needed. We created an InDependent Communication SOP around healthy boundaries because of the positive impact it's made on my life and the life of those around me.

The best career advice I’ve received is that success doesn’t have to follow a clearly defined path. Early in my career in corporate finance at a global glass manufacturer, progression was linear and predictable. After becoming a military spouse, that structure changed, and I had to decide whether I was comfortable building a career that looked different. Over time, and after speaking with some of my mentors, I realized that non-linear path is actually a strength. In every role I’ve held, I’ve focused on contributing meaningfully, strengthening teams, and leaving both the organization and myself better than I found them. My definition of career success has evolved and I love the fact that I bring such a unique set of skills to any role I step into.

Don’t be discouraged when a role feels hard or when you’re struggling. We’re often told to find something we love and "we'll never work a day in our life," but I don’t think that’s realistic. Every job has difficult days, and every role comes with tasks you may not enjoy, but that doesn’t mean you’re not where you need to be.

In my role as President of InDependent, I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone many times, and it has not always been easy, but the work is meaningful, I love my team, and I believe in what we’re building. When things feel overwhelming, I lean on others, take a step back, and come back with fresh perspective. Growth is uncomfortable, but that discomfort is an important part of personal and professional growth.

The biggest challenge and opportunity for InDependent is meeting the widespread and varied needs of military spouses in a way that remains accessible, and scalable. Because military spouses are geographically dispersed and often navigating frequent moves, long separations from loved ones, isolation, and more, there is a need for flexible wellness resources that can reach people wherever they are no matter the location or season of life. We know our programs are making a difference for military spouses, but like many nonprofits, we are constantly working to do more with limited resources. That challenge is also our greatest opportunity: to expand impact through research, partnerships, and innovative virtual programming that helps more military spouses be well.

The values that matter most to me are treating people with respect, and using the resources we have wisely. I believe we do our best work when people support one another, share their strengths, and create an environment built on trust and mutual care. In both my professional and personal life, I try to lead with respect, assume the best in others, and help create spaces where people feel valued.

I also value being bold enough to try new programs and approaches that meet the needs of the military spouse community, especially when it means having honest conversations about the harder parts of wellness. I’m proud to lead an organization that does that work with sensitivity and care. Just as importantly, I believe it’s essential to protect the wellness of the team, not just the people we serve, because people do their best work when they are healthy and supported.