Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Yvette Jones – Swanson, Founder & CEO, VetMentors LLC | National Veterans Homeless Housing Advocate & Housing Solutions Strategist. Join us as we delve into Yvette’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind her success in the Real Estate, Housing Advocacy, and Social Services sectors.
What inspired you to start your own business?
My inspiration came from my own experience as a U.S. Army veteran who faced homelessness after leaving the military. During that difficult time, I realized how complex and disconnected the housing and benefits systems were for veterans trying to regain stability. I started VetMentors LLC to bridge that gap—using my experience in real estate and veteran advocacy to help veterans access housing, while also educating investors, housing providers, and communities on how to build sustainable housing solutions for those who served.
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
One milestone I am most proud of is helping more than 5,000 veterans move from homelessness or housing instability into stable housing over the past two decades. As a Realtor and housing advocate, I have also trained hundreds of investors, housing providers, and community leaders on how to use veteran benefits and housing programs to create sustainable housing opportunities. Seeing veterans regain stability, purchase homes, and even become investors themselves is the achievement that continues to drive my work through VetMentors LLC.
What challenges have you faced as a woman business owner, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a woman business owner was building credibility in spaces traditionally dominated by larger organizations and institutions. Much of my work in veteran housing began as a solo entrepreneur, advocating for solutions and educating communities long before the issue received the attention it does today. I overcame these challenges by staying focused on the mission, consistently producing results, and allowing my experience and track record of helping thousands of veterans secure housing to speak for itself.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Aspiring women entrepreneurs should focus on becoming highly skilled in a specific area and commit to learning their industry deeply. Success in business does not happen overnight; it comes from consistency, credibility, and delivering real results over time.
I would also encourage women to build strong networks, seek out mentors, and remain committed to their mission even when the path is not easy. If you stay focused, continue learning, and serve your community well, your work will eventually open doors you may not have imagined.
VetMentors LLC
VetMentors LLC is a veteran housing education and consulting firm that equips real estate professionals, investors, and community leaders with the knowledge and frameworks needed to develop sustainable housing solutions for U.S. military veterans. Founded in 2018 by Army veteran and Realtor Yvette Jones-Swanson, the organization draws on more than two decades of experience and has helped move thousands of veterans from homelessness to stable housing, homeownership, and economic opportunity. Through training, partnerships, and government-aligned housing models, VetMentors works to strengthen communities while restoring stability for those who served.
Recent News
Yvette was recently awarded the 2026 Red Cross Hero’s Award in the Military Category. This year’s theme “Be Courageous,” celebrates everyday people who stepped forward in extraordinary ways to help others when it mattered most.
Check out Light Through the Battle – Episode 6 of Season 11 of the Whitney Reynolds Show on PBS, in which Yvette Jones – Swanson and VetMentors LLC were featured!
Aspiring women entrepreneurs should focus on becoming highly skilled in a specific area and commit to learning their industry deeply.