This March, our Inspiring Women @ Sprouts and Honored to Serve @ Sprouts TMRGs are teaming up to spotlight an incredible group of team members: our Sprouts female veterans!
Each week, we’ll share a new story from one of our own—highlighting the courage, leadership, and grit they brought to the military and continue to bring to Sprouts every day. Their journeys are inspiring, empowering, and a reminder of the strong women who help our teams and communities thrive.
We’re excited to celebrate their service, hear their stories, and cheer them on—Sproutie style!
Check back each week for a new featured veteran. 🌱
Featured Veteran of the Week
Mickey Abler, U.S. Army — Watercraft Engineer (61C)
Store Manager | Team Member since 2009
Military Service
- Branch: U.S. Army
- Role (MOS): 61C Watercraft Engineer
- Years Served: 4 years
Skills That Carry Into Sprouts
Mickey brings a strong set of military‑shaped skills to her store every day, including: Thinking on her feet, active listening, strong communication, and responding to situations with the best possible outcome in mind.
How Her Military Experience Helps Her Thrive at Sprouts
Her time in the Army taught her to stay flexible, adapt quickly, and step into new locations or departments whenever needed. Accountability — much like Sprouts’ value of Owning It — has been a steady guide throughout her career. Her service also reinforced the importance of clear communication and supporting her team through change.
Women Who Inspire Her
Mickey draws strength and guidance from the remarkable women in her life:
- Her mom — a military spouse of 21 years who raised five kids around the world. She modeled resilience, joy, creativity, and the belief that you can do or be anything. Even now, she continues to guide Mickey.
- Her grandmothers and aunts — constant influences whose strength and warmth shaped her outlook.
- Her sister, Kate — a grounding, insightful presence who encouraged her to pause, reflect, and think before reacting. Though she passed at a young age, her influence is still felt every day.
Previous Spotlights…
Brandy Morgan, SGT, U.S. Army
TA Advisor, SE Region | Team member since 2017
Military Service
- Branch: U.S. Army
- Years Served: 2005–2016
Skills That Carry Into Sprouts
Brandy brings a powerful list of service‑shaped strengths to her role, including: Leadership, Respect, Situational Awareness, Resilience, Tact, Professionalism, and a mission‑driven mindset.
How Her Military Experience Helps Her Thrive at Sprouts
Brandy’s years in the Army taught her how to move quickly and confidently in fast‑changing situations—skills she uses every day in Talent Acquisition. She plans ahead, stays composed under pressure, and adapts to last‑minute changes with resilience and grace. No matter the challenge, she keeps the mission in focus and gets it done.
Women Who Inspire Her
- Her mom, Kelly — “for obvious reasons.” 🌼
- Her mother‑in‑law, Karen — a retired NASA engineer who helped break barriers for women in aerospace.
- Astronaut Shannon Walker — a family friend and a powerful example of strong female leadership.
- Adrienna Repin, Store Manager (Store 515) — a leader who pushed Brandy to grow and always believed in her.
Mindie P. Burgess, Master Sergeant (Ret.), U.S. Army
Schematics Coordinator | Team member since 2024
Military Service
- Branch: U.S. Army
- Years Served: 21 years
Skills That Carry Into Sprouts
Mindie leads with a service‑driven mindset, applying: Leading by example, mentorship, guidance, and always being ready to assist those around her.
How Her Military Experience Helps Her Thrive at Sprouts
Mindie brings a strong belief in teamwork and going above and beyond in every role she takes on. Her military background inspires her to elevate every task and “leave the position better than she found it”—a value that shines in her work at Sprouts.
Women Who Inspire Her
“There have been many female mentors during my career, but I have to give the most credit to my father who was a Vietnam Veteran and my grandfather who served in WWII and Korea. They are the reason I wanted to serve!”
Britney Odom, U.S. Navy
Administrative Coordinator | Team member since 2024
Military Service
- Branch: U.S. Navy
- Years Served: 16 years
Skills That Carry Into Sprouts
Britney brings a strong set of service‑shaped strengths to her store each day, including: Customer service, leadership, team development, attention to detail, and integrity.
How Her Military Experience Helps Her Thrive at Sprouts
Serving alongside people from many cultures and backgrounds taught Britney how to connect, listen, and support others. That experience helps her build strong relationships with customers and team members, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels understood.
Women Who Inspire Her
Britney is surrounded by incredible women who have shaped her journey, including:
- Her mom — always strong, supportive, and willing to help.
- Her past military managers — women who taught her how to lead with strength, show up for others, and push through challenges even when the work felt tough.