Leah Stiles is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer and the founder of SEA WAVES, the nation’s only Pentagon-approved nonprofit dedicated to addressing eating disorders in the military and veteran community. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and hope—illuminating hidden struggles and sparking systemic change.

About Leah

After a 20-year career in military public affairs, Leah now leads national efforts to provide education, advocacy, prevention, and support through culturally informed resources, referrals, and access to care.

She has trained hundreds of professionals across the country and regularly consults with policymakers, veteran coalitions, and healthcare systems to expand access to treatment and reduce stigma. Her advocacy was instrumental in the passage of the SERVE Act, federal legislation that expands TRICARE eating disorder coverage and mandates leadership training across the Department of Defense. The SERVE Act recognizes eating disorders as both a health crisis and a readiness concern.

As a keynote speaker and systems-change advocate, Leah blends personal experience with policy expertise to address one of the most overlooked mental health crises in the military and veteran community.

She has presented at national platforms including the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium, Service to Success Wellness Summit, and the Military Influencers Conference, and collaborates with thought leaders and clinical experts to close critical gaps in care.

Through SEA WAVES, Leah combines evidence-based education and deeply personal storytelling to break stigma and foster connection. The organization is listed in the Military OneSource and Wounded Warrior Project databases and serves active-duty service members, veterans, spouses, caregivers, and military children around the world.

She is also the author of the upcoming book Battle Scars & Body Wars: A Personal and Professional Journey Shining a Light on Eating Disorders in the Military.

Her message is clear: Eating disorder prevention is suicide prevention, and no one in our military community should have to face these battles alone. Need a light? Be a light.

Speaking Overview

Leah’s story is a lighthouse that breaks through the silence surrounding mental health struggles in the ranks. Her keynotes combine personal storytelling, military insight, and evidence-based education. Audiences leave inspired to act with compassion, courage, and connection.

“Silence is deadly, but healing is possible.” – Leah Stiles

Signature Topics

Shining a Light: Eating Disorders in the Military

Revealing the silent epidemic impacting service members, veterans, and families.

Leading Through the Storm: Educating and Equipping Leaders

Helping leadership recognize hidden struggles, dismantle stigma, and respond with compassion.

Navigating the Storm: A Journey from Darkness to Light

A personal story of turning pain into purpose and hope.

Education and Awareness: Eating Disorders, Suicide Risk, and Readiness

Challenging deadly myths, shifting culture, and saving lives through awareness.

Impact and Takeaways

When Leah speaks, audiences leave with:

• A deeper understanding of eating disorders and their connection to readiness and suicide prevention
• Practical tools for early recognition and response
• Renewed compassion and courage to challenge stigma
• A sense of empowerment to lead change within their commands, clinics, and communities

Ideal Audiences

• Military and Veteran Organizations
• Healthcare and Mental Health Providers
• Leadership and Command Teams
• Universities and Training Programs
• Corporate Wellness and DEI Initiatives
• Conferences on Military Mental Health, Resilience, and Readiness

Recent Engagements

• Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium
• Service to Success Wellness Summit
• Military Influencers Conference
• Monte Nido Professional Training Series
• Renfrew Center Foundation Conference
• Project Rebirth: Joint Warrior Wellness Summit

Publications and Projects

• Battle Scars & Body Wars (2026)
• MEDAL Training Program (Military Eating Disorder Awareness and Literacy)
• The Lighthouse Project – Community outreach and suicide prevention initiative
• Featured in Military Times, NPR, Stars and Stripes, The 19th, Observer, Military Mom Collective, and more

Speaking Formats:

• Keynote Presentations
• Workshops and Trainings
• Panels and Interviews
• Virtual or In-Person Events

Let’s bring this conversation to your community. Invite Leah to speak at your next conference, summit, or leadership event.

Contact Information:

leahstiles@sea-waves.org

Need a Light; Be a Light

“We all carry storms inside us. When we shine a light on them, others find their way too.”

— Leah Stiles