Soudarak Luangkhot Hoppin is a nationally recognized expert on military spouse and family issues with a career dedicated to working to bridge the cultural gap between government, private and public groups and military communities. She is an advocate, published author and consultant with more than 20 years of experience and expertise in military community programs.
Hoppin makes frequent appearances around the country at conferences and leadership training programs. During her career, she has briefed members of Congress, White House senior staff and flag officers of all military branches.
In 2010, Hoppin founded the National Military Spouse Network, a professional development and networking membership organization supporting the professional career and entrepreneurial goals of military spouses. Her annual NMSM Career Summit draws people from around the country, enjoys high-profile keynote speakers and positive media coverage.
Before founding the NMSN, Hoppin served as the first deputy director for spouse outreach for the Military Officers Association of America, charged with creating and spearheading military spouse initiatives for the 375,000 member association. In 2007, Hoppin co-authored "A Family's Guide to the Military" for the popular Dummies series; the book was selected for a reading list published by Bonnie Amos, the wife of Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Military Spouse Magazine named Hoppin to both their 2007 and 2008 Who's Who of Military Spouses list recognizing those who have made significant contributions in the military community for all military spouses; making her the only person to be named on the list two years in a row.
Hoppin has served on the Board of Directors for Blue Star Families (2010-2013) and as Military Family Liaison to Fairfax County School Superintendent's Business and Community Advisory Council (2009-2012). Recognition for her volunteer efforts include: nominee for Air Force Joan Orr Spouse of the Year (2007), 76th Airlift Squadron Spouse of the Year at Ramstein Air Base, Germany (2002) and Volunteer of the Year at McConnell AFB, Kan. (1999).
She continues to serve the Air Force community with her work on the board of the Air Force Officers' Wives Club. For the past four years, she has also served as the Publicity Chairman on the Air Force Charity Ball Committee, which has raised more than $3.9 million for the Air Force Aid Society since its inception in 2004.
She holds a bachelor's degree in internal studies from the University of Denver and a master's degree in international relations from the University of Oklahoma.