Carol Meza
Carol Meza was born in Fort Worth, Texas and spent much of her childhood abroad before moving to Pittsburg in 2000. Her family later spent time in Fort Scott before coming back to Pittsburg in 2012. Meza says that Pittsburg “has truly felt like home ever since.” She is a decorated combat veteran with a passion for helping her brothers and sisters in arms make the transition from military to civilian life.
“My grandparents were actually the first ones to make their way to Pittsburg in the 90s — they were hired at Sugar Creek in Frontenac. We were very close to them, so the rest of our family followed not long after. They rented the sweetest little house on Forest Street, and that’s where some of my best memories were made.
“I grew up in a large Catholic family with seven children — three sisters, three brothers, and me right in the middle. Life with that many siblings was never boring. We were loud, close, and always had each other’s backs. Losing my brother in 2018 was incredibly hard, but I’m grateful every day for the rest of my family and the strong bond we share.
“I now have two amazing children of my own — my daughter, Heidi, who is 12, and my son, Larkin, who is 9. They are my greatest joy and motivation in life.
“I graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2005 and went on to earn my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Fort Scott Community College in 2007. Shortly after, I joined the U.S. Army, where I proudly served for 12 years and deployed to Iraq in 2010. That experience changed the course of my life and gave me a deep sense of purpose in serving others.
“When I returned home in late 2011, I enrolled at Pittsburg State University — my alma mater — in January 2012. I majored in Social Work with a minor in Psychology and was honored to graduate as the Outstanding Social Work Student where I also established the Brad and Dana Camreon Scholarship. I then continued my education at the University of Kansas, completing my Master of Social Work through the Advanced Standing Program, again graduating as one of the Outstanding Graduate Students.
“After several years of professional practice serving veterans and their families at the Veterans Benefits Administration, I decided to take my education to the next level. I pursued a Ph.D. in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, focusing on military mental health and military sexual trauma. I graduated in 2023 as one of the Outstanding Ph.D. Students in my cohort.
“Throughout my educational journey, one person who had a profound impact on me was the late Dr. Brad Cameron at Pittsburg State University. He was not only my advisor but a true mentor who believed in my potential and encouraged me to pursue both my master’s and doctoral degrees. His faith in me made a lifelong difference.
“My decision to become a social worker was shaped by my time in the military. While deployed to Iraq, aside from my job as an 88M, I also served as a Suicide Prevention Officer — a role that opened my eyes to the critical need for mental health professionals within the military community. I saw firsthand how trauma, stress, and the burden of service affected soldiers and their families. That experience sparked a lifelong passion to advocate for and support veterans, a mission that continues to guide my work today.
“I’ve since had the privilege of serving veterans and their families through the Department of Veterans Affairs, teaching and mentoring the next generation of social workers as a professor and Field Director at Pittsburg State University, and founding Outside the Wire Veterans Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing nature-based therapy, peer support, and VA claims assistance to veterans and their families.
“The most rewarding part of my career is seeing lives transform — when a veteran feels seen, supported, and empowered again. The most challenging part is that the need is so great, especially in rural communities like Southeast Kansas where resources are limited.
“A typical day for me is never the same — it might include teaching and advising students, meeting with veterans to assist with disability claims, writing grants for the foundation, or spending time with my family on our hobby farm. I love what I do, and I wouldn’t change my path for anything. My goal is to continue building Outside the Wire into a regional retreat center that heals veterans through connection, nature, and purpose.
“There have been several moments that shaped who I am today, but one that stands out most is my experience in Iraq. Serving in a combat zone changes you — it teaches you resilience, empathy, and the value of life in a way that nothing else can. Being injured in service and later becoming a Purple Heart recipient deepened my commitment to help others heal, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
“Another defining moment came years later when I lost my brother to gun violence. That tragedy ignited my advocacy for mental health and gun violence prevention and reminded me how fragile and precious life truly is. These experiences — both painful and powerful — are what led me to dedicate my life to service, education, and healing.
“Being recognized as a Woman of Distinction is deeply humbling. I see it not just as a personal honor but as a reflection of the people and community who have shaped me — from my family and mentors to the veterans and students who inspire me every day.
“As a woman, a veteran, a professor, and a mother, I hope to be an example for young girls and women who come from humble beginnings or face adversity. I want them to know that their circumstances do not define their destiny. With faith, determination, and compassion, they can overcome anything and create the life they dream of.
“My advice to younger generations — especially young women — is simple: never underestimate your strength. Be kind but assertive, humble but confident. Use your voice for good, help others along the way, and never stop believing that you were put here to make a difference.”
