Modern Military Staff
Rachel joined Modern Military in May 2023. Before Modern Military, she served as interim development director for Turtle Survival Alliance and National Women’s Health Network. She is a nonprofit executive and professional fundraiser with 20+ years of experience in nonprofit operations, fundraising, leadership/board development, strategic planning, program development/evaluation, and needs assessment.
Rachel is the founder and principal consultant of Talem Consulting, a national, full-service diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), woman-owned firm that provides nonprofits the tools they need to build capacity, fundraise, and dismantle systems of inequity. Previously, she served as executive director of Alley’s House and in development roles at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Dallas Heritage Village, and Dallas Children’s Museum. She served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia from 2009-2011.
Rachel is an alum of Austin College with a BA in French, Regis University with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, and Leadership Texas’ program for women leaders. She currently serves as Vice Chair on the board of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). Previously, she served on the boards of the Association of Philanthropic Counsel (APC), Journey of Hope Grief Support Center, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington DC (RPCV/W), and as a mayoral appointee to the Takoma Park Grants Review Committee. Her community work includes state and national advocacy efforts around healthcare, reproductive care, national/international civil rights policies, and Peace Corps reform.
Cathy joined Modern Military in 2022, bringing with her an impressive track record in LGBTQ+ advocacy and volunteer management. Cathy initially served as MilPride Program Coordinator, later transitioning to MilPride Director and Assistant Director of Programs before transitioning to Deputy Director. With 13+ years of LGBTQ+ advocacy and volunteer management, Cathy has shown a deep commitment to navigating the complex landscape of medical care, education, state and federal law, and Department of Defense policy for military-affiliated LGBTQ+ youth. She is at her best when helping coordinate volunteers towards a common goal and sharing her subject matter expertise to help others navigate the intersection of military life with the LGBTQ+ community.
Prior to joining Modern Military, Cathy was the
Becca is an Air Force spouse and dedicated advocate for military families, particularly those with LGBTQ+ children. She has served in both volunteer and official capacities for more than a decade, helping service members, spouses, and children connect with the resources they need to thrive.
She is a founding advisor and facilitator for PFLAG Connects: Military Community virtual support meetings, a joint venture with Modern Military. She has also spoken with national news outlets, military leaders, and local officials about healthcare challenges facing transgender military youth and their potential impacts on military retention and readiness.
Before joining Modern Military, Becca was a freelance writer and worked with various military-affiliated businesses and nonprofits. She is the author of the PFLAG publication, “At Ease: Support for Military Families with LGBTQ+ Children and Teens.” Becca holds a B.A. in English – Professional Writing from the University of Colorado.
Kendra Kelly is a National Board Certified Counselor and brings years of experience supporting military families and individuals navigating life transitions. She currently serves as the Mental Health Coordinator with Modern Military.
Kendra is dedicated to providing compassionate care, fostering emotional well-being, and promoting mental health advocacy within the LGBTQ+ and military communities. With a background in trauma-informed care and holistic wellness, she is passionate about building resilience and empowering others on their mental health journeys.
Emily Starbuck Gerson is an active duty military spouse and an award-winning journalist, editor, and passionate storyteller. She’s been writing professionally since graduating with a communications degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007. Emily has written for countless national publications and businesses, and she’s a two-time winner of an NLGJA – Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Award — one for an article she penned for our Modern Military magazine.
Emily launched into LGBTQ+ military advocacy when her now-wife, an active duty Airman, became one of the first transgender troops to come out in 2016. Together, they rode the rollercoaster across three presidencies of a transgender service ban lifted, reimplemented, and lifted again. Emily was thrilled to join the Modern Military team, where she could combine and utilize both her editorial and personal experience.
Emily initially worked with Modern Military from 2020-2022, and she returned to the organization in 2024 in a similar role: overseeing our quarterly Modern Military magazine, assisting with other communications work, and serving as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ military-connected community.
She recently completed a year-long foreign policy fellowship for military spouses with Secure Families Initiative and previously served on the advisory board for Military Family Advisory Network. Emily has also served on a volunteer advisory committee on military families and veterans for a presidential campaign.
Noah Luna-Rodriguez serves as a Communications and Outreach Coordinator for Modern Military. Noah graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Political Communication. As a student, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and interned with AARP Texas, where he gained valuable experience advocating for a healthy, affordable future for Texans during Texas’ 88th legislative session.
Noah plans to attend law school in the near future to become an environmental lawyer. He is deeply committed to protecting the environment within local communities for future generations.
