Latina and Colombian Pride: From Immigrant to Navy Veteran, Pin-Up Ambassador, and Advocate for Military Psychology

Maria Jose Uscinowicz, a Navy veteran, mental health advocate, and proud ambassador for Pin-Ups for Vets, represents the embodiment of Latina pride, resilience, and empowerment. Her journey from a young immigrant to a decorated veteran and community leader serves as an inspiration to women, veterans, and immigrants across the nation.

The Pin-Ups for Vets Mission

Founded nearly two decades ago by Gina Elise, Pin-Ups for Vets began with a heartfelt mission: to uplift the morale of deployed service members, raise funds for hospitalized veterans, and remind female veterans of their enduring strength, value, and beauty. Through vintage-style calendars, hospital visits, and veteran outreach, the nonprofit continues to provide vital support for healthcare initiatives and empowerment programs for women who have served.

One of the organization’s newest faces, Miss July 2026, exemplifies this mission through her dedication and personal transformation.

From Colombia to the U.S. Navy

At the age of 17, Maria moved from Colombia to the United States, determined to embrace a new life despite the challenges of language and cultural adaptation. Her persistence paid off as she became fluent in English and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Queens College in New York City.

Motivated by a calling to serve, Maria enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. During her six years of active duty, she delivered compassionate care in labor and delivery units and inpatient mental health facilities, and she also participated in humanitarian missions aboard the USNS Comfort. Her excellence in service earned her accolades including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Lifelong Learning and Advocacy

Maria's commitment to growth continued beyond her military service. Leveraging the Navy's Tuition Assistance Program, she earned a Master’s degree in Military Psychology while still on active duty—graduating with honors. Currently, she is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the goal of becoming a licensed counselor in Virginia. Her passion lies in supporting veterans and their families through their mental health journeys.

Balancing her academic and professional ambitions, Maria is also a proud wife and mother of two, exemplifying resilience in every facet of her life.

Pin-Up Ambassador: Empowerment in Action

As Miss July in the 2026 Pin-Ups for Vets calendar, Maria embraces a role that complements both her military service and her advocacy for mental health. For her, being part of the Pin-Ups for Vets movement is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s an act of empowerment. It’s about redefining strength and femininity, and showing that veterans can reclaim their confidence and pride through community and self-expression.

Her participation sends a powerful message to Latinas, immigrants, and women veterans: strength and beauty are not opposites—they are intertwined.

A Legacy of Pride and Purpose

Maria’s journey—from learning English as a new immigrant, to serving as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, to becoming an ambassador for mental health and women veterans—captures the essence of the American dream. Her story is rooted in Colombian heritage, shaped by military discipline, and defined by a deep commitment to service and advocacy.

Through her work with Pin-Ups for Vets, Maria continues to honor the sacrifices of veterans, support women in uniform, and champion the importance of mental health.

Join the Mission

Support the mission of Pin-Ups for Vets by purchasing the 2026 calendar, featuring Maria and other inspiring women veterans. Proceeds benefit veteran healthcare programs, morale-boosting outreach, and initiatives that empower women who have served.

Visit www.pinupsforvets.com to order your calendar and be part of this meaningful movement.