Stormy Dover’s journey into leadership was driven by her commitment to leading by example. She recognized that if she wanted her children to be the best versions of themselves or her Soldiers to excel in their service, she had to model the very principles she encouraged in others. This approach to living her values was instrumental in her rise as a leader. However, her journey was not without a doubt. After being passed over three times for Master Sergeant, Stormy questioned whether her career choices were worth the sacrifices she made, being away from her family, and her parents, and enduring the hardships of military life. Rather than allowing a board of senior leaders who only knew her on paper to define her, she sought feedback, implemented the recommended changes, and eventually earned her promotion.
Throughout her career, Stormy has drawn strength from the advice of women who paved the way before her. The most impactful guidance she received was simple but profound: “Be you but be strong in who you are.” She strives to remain true to herself even while navigating male-dominated environments and breaking through stigmas. Understanding that she has women and girls of all ages observing her actions keeps her grounded. Stormy believes that authenticity radiates outward and that her character is defined by how she responds to challenges, not by the bad days she endures.
Early on, Stormy learned an invaluable lesson when she placed her trust in the wrong people who she believed would support her growth as a Soldier and future leader. This experience cemented her resolve to be a leader who uplifts others rather than one who uses their position to belittle or manipulate. She has witnessed both kinds of leadership and has chosen to emulate the positive examples while discarding the negative ones. Despite the difficulty of tough conversations, whether in negotiations, resolving conflicts, or making challenging decisions, Stormy approaches each situation with preparation, gathering all the necessary information before proceeding.
The journey was not easy, and there have been moments where doubt and impostor syndrome crept in. But each time, she steps back, evaluates her accomplishments, and reflects on her growth. Stormy’s resilience is also built upon her habit of beginning each day with a morning prayer and jotting down her plans in a paper organizer. This simple ritual helps her stay grounded and focused on her goals.
Even when faced with personal loss and grief, Stormy continued to lead. After her father passed away shortly after she assumed a critical leadership role, she had to grieve privately while providing unwavering support to a Soldier who was simultaneously facing the worst moments of her life. Through these experiences, Stormy learned one of the hardest leadership lessons: to serve selflessly and put the needs of her Soldiers first, even while grappling with her pain. Breaking through stereotypes has been a consistent part of Stormy’s leadership journey. As a woman who leads with both compassion and firmness, she has had to confront the misconception that empathy equates to weakness. Yet, her approach has proven successful. Even one of her biggest critics—a male Soldier—acknowledged the impact of her leadership and the lessons he learned from her example.
Looking back on her career, Stormy is most proud of making the Master Sergeant list, achieving the rank she had set her sights on before planning for retirement. It was a moment of validation and fulfillment, representing the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. If she could offer advice to her younger self, it would be to remember that the sun will always rise tomorrow reminder that setbacks are temporary, and perseverance is key.
Stormy’s guiding principle is to create a level playing field where women are given the same opportunities and judged by the same criteria as their male counterparts. Her story is one of grit, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to her Soldiers, her family, and her personal growth.
-By Nikki Harper
