Welcoming our Gold sponsor, NGA to this summit! Did you know NGA is hiring and are going to be at the Virtual Job Fair on November 18th? This conversation will help you understand more about pursuing a career at NGA.

Justine Ramos is a training and development specialist for Raytheon Missiles and Defense based in Dallas, Texas. She has over 10 years of training and curriculum development experience where she single-handedly supervises, records, tracks all training programs, and effective online courses including employee training history and status reports of over 600 employees. As the site's first-ever training coordinator, she re-developed, created multiple online courses, and introduced new designs while utilizing different learning platforms and software to train employees in various learning environments. She also manages the site's company records to protect, control, and oversee vital company information efficiently and cost-effectively. Her passion for training comes from her fellow peers who encouraged her to pursue the career as they enjoyed her training sessions in preparation for the U.S. Navy's biannual advancement rate exams.

Military Experience:

Before her career in Raytheon, she served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman from November 2011 to August 2018 where she graduated top of her class during her technical training school. One of her noted achievements included reaching the rank of E-1 to E-6 in less than 5 years and USS Ronal Reagan (CVN-76) Weapon's Department Sailor of the Year back in 2015. With her superb leadership and technical expertise, she led and directed over 100 personnel in the safe handling and building of 1,583 tons of conventional ordnance including rockets, missiles, and bombs valued at $600 million in support of the 7th fleet operational requirements from 2012-2015. By 2016, she was assigned to NATTC Pensacola as an AO instructor to "lead from the front", mentor, and train all the new sailors and marines who joined the military as an AO. She received her master training specialist qualification and ran the maintenance department as the leading petty officer.

Education:

Her educational background includes graduating from Southern Illinois University as a Cum Laude with a degree of B.S. Workforce Education and Development. She will also be graduating this December from the University of North Texas with a Masters in Learning Technologies. She is also enrolled this coming Spring of 2022 for her MBA in Strategic Management.Justine C. RamosTraining and Development Specialist

Tamiko T. Pickering is Associate Director, Industrial Security serving as Product Line Business Partner (PLBP) for the Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems (ISRS) product line.

As a PLBP, Tamiko supports the Front End of the Business by ensuring that security capabilities and requirements are integrated as early as possible into all classified, Foreign Military Sales, and Direct Commercial Sales contract activities. Tamiko works directly with Product Area Directors, Chief Engineers, and Digital Technology to ensure that ISRS programs are security compliant to meet or exceed customer expectations.

Tamiko joined Raytheon Network Centric Systems (NCS) in November 2010. Raytheon Network Centric Systems was consolidated into Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) in April 2013. Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems merged with Raytheon Information, Intelligence, and Services (IIS) to form Raytheon Intelligence & Space in April 2020.

Before her current role, Tamiko was Manager III, Industrial Security serving as the SAS Eastern Region Security Manager supporting Raytheon SAS locations in North Texas, Largo/St. Petersburg, FL; Warner-Robins, GA; Aberdeen, MD; Forest, MS; and Fort Wayne, IN. Prior to joining Raytheon, Tamiko was the FSO for Booz Allen Hamilton located in Colorado Springs, CO, and has also held positions with ManTech International and Honeywell Corporation.

Tamiko was recognized as a 2018 SAS Technical Honors recipient by her peers for her technical skill, leadership, and contribution to enterprise success. Tamiko served two terms as the Chapter Secretary for the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of The Society of Industrial Security Professionals (NCMS). She has been a member of NCMS since 2006 and is a certified Industrial Security Professional having obtained ISP^® certification through NCMS.

Tamiko holds a master's degree in business administration and a master's degree in management from Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs, CO, and a bachelor's degree in computer networking from Regis University, Colorado Springs, CO.

Military service 1999 � 2006:

USNS Niagara Falls

USS John L Hall

Defense Intelligence Agency

Volunteering:

Member of VFW

Operation Homefront

Operation Gratitude

Career:

General Dynamics (2006 � 2007)

SGIS/Skillstorm (2007 � 2010)

Raytheon Technologies (2010 � Present)

Gather round with PowerToFly members and other fellow attendees and guests. We look forward to learning more about you!

We're proud to welcome our Pride at Work speaker again, Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality; New Jersey's largest LGBTQ advocacy and education organization with over 150,000 members. Join us for this candid perspective and experience of being a LGBTQ partner and the fears that follow when your partner is on service.

Christian Fuscarino

Christian Fuscarino has deep roots in New Jersey, growing up in Belmar and spending much of his youth in and around Asbury Park. Fuscarino has been an activist and organizer in the LGBTQ community for over a decade. He credits his positive experiences in Asbury Park as helping influence him to become an activist. In 2016, PolitickerNJ named Christian the 2nd most influential advocate in New Jersey politics and later that year The Observer listed him on the Power List 100.

At GLSEN, Christian worked with high school Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) for several years. In 2007, Christian joined the Pride Connections Center of New Jersey as a program developer serving gay inner-city youth. That same year, he won a student Emmy award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his End the Silence public service announcement. In 2008, Christian founded The Pride Network, a national leadership development non-profit.

In 2013, Christian joined Alan van Capelle, former Executive Director of Empire State Pride Agenda, by serving as his digital strategist at Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice. They focused on mobilizing Jews to advance social issues by speaking out against injustice and inequality. One of the organization's greatest accomplishments was a campaign that resulted in California Governor Jerry Brown signing The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

Aaron Williams is a United States Marine Corps Veteran, currently attending Monmouth University where he is majoring in Health Science. Born in Camden, Aaron has recently laid down roots in Asbury Park, where he founded the Asbury Park Tennis Initiative–a 501c3 non-profit focused on teaching leadership skills and citizenship through the sport of tennis to underserved communities.

While serving in the Marine Corps, Aaron specialized in logistics with the 2nd Supply Battalion at Camp Lejeune. In 2019, he participated in the Marine Corps first LGBTQ panel dicussion speaking about service in a post-Don't Ask, Don't Tell world. In April 2020, Aaron was decorated with the Navy Achievement Medal for his management of a team responsible for over 4.5 million dollars in military inventory. He currently lives with his husband, Christian Fuscarino, and their dog, Justice and cat, Liberty.

Christian Fuscarino has deep roots in New Jersey, growing up in Belmar and spending much of his youth in and around Asbury Park. Fuscarino has been an activist and organizer in the LGBTQ community for over a decade. He credits his positive experiences in Asbury Park as helping influence him to become an activist. In 2016, PolitickerNJ named Christian the 2nd most influential advocate in New Jersey politics and later that year The Observer listed him on the Power List 100.

At GLSEN, Christian worked with high school Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) for several years. In 2007, Christian joined the Pride Connections Center of New Jersey as a program developer serving gay inner-city youth. That same year, he won a student Emmy award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his End the Silence public service announcement. In 2008, Christian founded The Pride Network, a national leadership development non-profit.

In 2013, Christian joined Alan van Capelle, former Executive Director of Empire State Pride Agenda, by serving as his digital strategist at Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice. They focused on mobilizing Jews to advance social issues by speaking out against injustice and inequality. One of the organization's greatest accomplishments was a campaign that resulted in California Governor Jerry Brown signing The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

Come grab your free LinkedIn and PowerToFly profile headshot at our virtual photo booth, available November 15th to 17th only. Then, show off your new pic at our free Virtual Job Fair on November 18th or share it on social with #powertofly. ! This session is made possible by platinum sponsor Infor.

We're excited to welcome Katy Bell Hendrickson and Ellen Gustafson, Co-Founders of Military Family Building Coalition (MFBC); a non-profit organization committed to supporting military families build the families they want. Join these changemakers as they educate us on the importance of family planning and how that can have a strong effect on our careers.

Katy Bell Hendrickson

Katy Bell Hendrickson is a Military Spouse to a retired career Naval Special Warfare officer and mother of five children. She and her husband have experience with adoption, assisted reproduction and third party reproduction. Katy was the Reserve Flag Spouse Advisor for the Command Spouse Leadership School at NLEC in Naval Station Newport, Flag Spouse Advisor for CORE San Diego, and an Advisor to Naval Services FamilyLine in Washington DC. Katy has been active in the Warrior and Family Support Group at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado as a Senior Peer Mentor and has led multiple workshops on Family Building covering the topics of ART and Adoption. In her spare time, she is an architect by education and training - having spent the last decade working mainly in residential design and historic preservation. She is a former Board of Director for the Coronado Historical Association, Chairperson for the Heritage Committee, Chairwoman for the Coronado Historical Home Tour 2017-2019 and the recipient of the Cobb McCarty Preservation Award. Katy is currently on the Women's Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts and lives in Washington DC with her husband, youngest son, and twin daughters.

Ellen Gustafson

Ellen Gustafson is a social entrepreneur, author, activist, and, most importantly, Mom and Military Spouse. She has done extensive work toward food system change (Authoring "", Co-Founding Food Tank: the food think tank, giving 4 four TEDx Talks on food system change and advising big food businesses like Barilla and start-ups like Food Stand). She is the Co-Founder of FEED and the FEED Foundation, an early give-back fashion brand that has helped provide over 100 million school meals to children around the world, has been the Co-Director of the Summit Institute since 2016, which applies creative solutions to the world's biggest challenges and has helped create diversity, inclusion, and anti-harassment programs at multiple conference companies. She is the and lives with them and her husband in "just seasonal enough" Virginia Beach, VA

Katy Bell Hendrickson is a Military Spouse to a retired career Naval Special Warfare officer and mother of five children. She and her husband have experience with adoption, assisted reproduction and third party reproduction. Katy was the Reserve Flag Spouse Advisor for the Command Spouse Leadership School at NLEC in Naval Station Newport, Flag Spouse Advisor for CORE San Diego, and an Advisor to Naval Services FamilyLine in Washington DC. Katy has been active in the Warrior and Family Support Group at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado as a Senior Peer Mentor and has led multiple workshops on Family Building covering the topics of ART and Adoption. In her spare time, she is an architect by education and training - having spent the last decade working mainly in residential design and historic preservation. She is a former Board of Director for the Coronado Historical Association, Chairperson for the Heritage Committee, Chairwoman for the Coronado Historical Home Tour 2017-2019 and the recipient of the Cobb McCarty Preservation Award. Katy is currently on the Women's Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts and lives in Washington DC with her husband, youngest son, and twin daughters.

Ellen Gustafson is a social entrepreneur, author, activist, and, most importantly, Mom and Military Spouse. She has done extensive work toward food system change (Authoring "", Co-Founding Food Tank: the food think tank, giving 4 four TEDx Talks on food system change and advising big food businesses like Barilla and start-ups like Food Stand). She is the Co-Founder of FEED and the FEED Foundation, an early give-back fashion brand that has helped provide over 100 million school meals to children around the world, has been the Co-Director of the Summit Institute since 2016, which applies creative solutions to the world's biggest challenges and has helped create diversity, inclusion, and anti-harassment programs at multiple conference companies. She is the and lives with them and her husband in "just seasonal enough" Virginia Beach, VA

Come grab your free LinkedIn and PowerToFly profile headshot at our virtual photo booth, available November 15th to 17th only. Then, show off your new pic at our free Virtual Job Fair on November 18th or share it on social with #powertofly. ! This session is made possible by platinum sponsor Infor.

Phil Pettit

I joined the Royal Air Force in 1986 as an entry level propulsion mechanic and served until Nov 1997 when I left the service as a propulsion system engineering technician. During my service I competed in representative sport (football, rugby) and progressed through higher education.

On leaving the service I secured a product quality engineer role at Perkins Engines U.K. and was able to quickly progress through several supervisory and management roles within engineering, and supply chain. In 2001 I was appointed into an engineering operations leadership role within Caterpillar U.K. and subsequently moved into a Master Black Belt role within Caterpillar U.K. from 2006 � 2010

I joined Cummins Inc. in March 2010 as Global Quality Leader for the Generator Technologies and progressed in to Manufacturing and Supplier Quality leadership roles until 2016 at which time I took a Global Aftermarket leadership role, again within Generator Technologies.

In June 2019 I was appointed as General Manager of the newly created EMEA Supply Chain Services organisation which supports the Aftermarket and Distribution Business supply chain in the region.

In 2014 I joined the Cummins Worldwide veterans affinity group and determined the need for a more regional group to support veterans in Europe. I have been actively involved in the work to create our Cummins Veterans strategy which was signed off by the Cummins Leadership team in 2020. Our group charter was signed off in 2018 with the scope of Cummins employees, families, and communities within Europe. We were assigned Cummins senior level sponsorship in 2019 and were able to formally launch our Europe Veterans Employee Resource Group in February 2021.

I am a husband and father of five children and in my spare time I am a school governor, charity fundraiser, footballer and have recently joined a male voice choir.

Kicking off day 2 with a 1 hour special with PowerToFly's resident coach, Heather Coll, Career Coach for Military Spouses. With 20+ years experience in career counseling, workforce development, recruiting and creative connecting, Heather is here to answer any questions you have about making a graceful career pivot. Bring your questions for this AMA session!

Heather Coll

Masters level Career Coach, serving military spouses globally, with 20+ years experience in career counseling, workforce development, recruiting and creative connecting. Former military spouse, who knows first hand the unique struggles military spouses and Veterans face when growing in their educational and career paths while navigating challenging transitions. NYU graduate, constant seeker of diverse experiences and contributions. Proud Mama of two kiddos, now 19 and 18!

We are honoured to welcome Stephanie Brown, Founder and CEO of The Rosie Network (TRN), A non-profit organization that promotes the entrepreneurial efforts of the nation's Veterans and Military Spouses. Come learn how TRN is increasing the financial stability and self sufficiency of American families. Come get inspired with us!

Stephanie Brown

Stephanie is a senior military spouse, wife of recently retired R. Admiral Thomas L. Brown (SEAL). She grew up as an Air Force "brat" moving around the country and overseas. Her father was a Vietnam veteran with over 20 years of active duty service. Stephanie is a sought after subject matter expert and speaker on entrepreneurship. She has dedicated over 20 years to supporting and advocating on behalf of military families, and veterans. Stephanie has been featured on national FOX News, The New York Times, Woman's Day Magazine, U.S. Veterans Magazine, Military Families Magazine, Business Insider, CBS News, Military Spouse Magazine and more. She is a member of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Spouse Ambassador Network and has been presented the Commander's Award for Civilian Service by the Commanding General of Special Operations Command SOUTH. The Rosie Network was founded after spending hours searching Angie's List & craigslist for a contractor to do repair work on their home. Not comfortable having someone unknown coming into their house and preferring to hire a veteran, Stephanie set about creating a means for the American public to locate our nation's military family-owned businesses. Many months later, Rosie's List was born. "We are the only non-profit search tool which features verified veteran and military spouse-owned businesses, provides them with a business profile page and doesn't charge them a dime," says Stephanie. The Rosie Network expanded to include no cost training and mentorship through it's national award-winning Service2CEO program, now offered through chapters nationwide.

"Our mission is to provide business owners and budding military entrepreneurs the kind of business training and support needed to ensure the greatest opportunity for success," Stephanie Brown. The Browns live in San Diego with their horses, dogs, chickens, alpacas (Lulu & "Rosie") on what is referred to as the Brown Family Farm.

Stephanie is a senior military spouse, wife of recently retired R. Admiral Thomas L. Brown (SEAL). She grew up as an Air Force "brat" moving around the country and overseas. Her father was a Vietnam veteran with over 20 years of active duty service. Stephanie is a sought after subject matter expert and speaker on entrepreneurship. She has dedicated over 20 years to supporting and advocating on behalf of military families, and veterans. Stephanie has been featured on national FOX News, The New York Times, Woman's Day Magazine, U.S. Veterans Magazine, Military Families Magazine, Business Insider, CBS News, Military Spouse Magazine and more. She is a member of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Spouse Ambassador Network and has been presented the Commander's Award for Civilian Service by the Commanding General of Special Operations Command SOUTH. The Rosie Network was founded after spending hours searching Angie's List & craigslist for a contractor to do repair work on their home. Not comfortable having someone unknown coming into their house and preferring to hire a veteran, Stephanie set about creating a means for the American public to locate our nation's military family-owned businesses. Many months later, Rosie's List was born. "We are the only non-profit search tool which features verified veteran and military spouse-owned businesses, provides them with a business profile page and doesn't charge them a dime," says Stephanie. The Rosie Network expanded to include no cost training and mentorship through it's national award-winning Service2CEO program, now offered through chapters nationwide.

"Our mission is to provide business owners and budding military entrepreneurs the kind of business training and support needed to ensure the greatest opportunity for success," Stephanie Brown. The Browns live in San Diego with their horses, dogs, chickens, alpacas (Lulu & "Rosie") on what is referred to as the Brown Family Farm.

Kristine Shirley graduated from Bucknell University with a BS in Civil Engineering and a Commission in the US Army. She attended the Officer Basic Course for Engineers in Fort Leonard Wood, MO and was stationed with the 62nd Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy) at Fort Hood, TX . During her four years at Fort Hood she served as Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and S-4 Logistics Officer. She also deployed to Honduras for 6 months in support of Operation Joint Task Force � Bravo.

In April 2002 she left the service and began her career at Raytheon, working in the Bid and Proposal group at Raytheon Precision Manufacturing in Dallas, TX. In September 2004 she was recalled back into the US Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Kristine served as a Company Executive Officer in the 844 Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy) completing many construction projects in Kuwait. In January 2006 she returned back to Raytheon and joined the Facilities Organization at Raytheon Precision Manufacturing.

Kristine Shirley used many of the leadership and construction skills gained during her service to support her career at Raytheon. She currently serves as a Facilities Manager at the RIS North Building Expressway site. While not at work, she enjoys her time off with her husband and two boys.

Christopher DeJesus currently works for NASA as an International Space Station (ISS) flight controller and instructor supporting and executing 24/7 real-time operations with hundreds of real-time hours and execution of thousands of ISS commands since 2018. He is responsible for managing the ISS solar arrays, rotating joints, batteries, External Thermal Control System (ETCS), and power distribution systems from Houston Mission Control Center. Christopher has critical involvement in the development, implementation, modification, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of spacecraft hardware and subsystems. He plans, supports, and executes real-time missions including nominal orbital operations, Visiting Vehicle rendezvous and docking, Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA), and contingency safing for hardware/software failure troubleshooting and recovery.

Prior to NASA, Christopher was hired by the State Department in 2016, serving as manager/instructor for the Overseas Training Branch (OTB) to train diplomats, Ambassadors, and other government employees on hostage and personnel recovery tactics, techniques, and procedures prior to departing to overseas posts.

From 2007-2016, Christopher served in the United States Military as an Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialist. He was stationed at Fairchild AFB, Washington, where he served as lead trainer, group lead, and multiple instructional roles. Christopher was then stationed at Andrews AFB, Maryland serving as the Program Manager for all SERE related activities at the Presidential Airlift and the surrounding areas, where he worked closely with a multitude of federal and state agencies at all differing levels within the government.

Christopher is originally from Talkeetna, Alaska where he enjoys the great outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping, primitive survival, and more. He also likes scuba diving, sky diving, and traveling throughout the world.

Jessyka Alexander is currently an Operations Project Manager and Integrated Product Team Lead with the Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Program. She has been with Raytheon for just under three years holding both Logistics and Operations roles within the program. Jessyka is active in the RAYVETS Employee Resource Group (ERG) and has most recently reached the role of Director of Communications for RAYVETS South Region. She is passionate about working with fellow employees who are veterans and who support our military.

Prior to Raytheon, Jessyka served four years in the US Army as a Signals Intelligence Analyst with a deployment to northern Iraq from 2007-2009. After the military Jessyka pursued her B.S. in Aeronautics and her MBA with a focus in Aviation from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Prior to joining Raytheon, she had the privilege of working for ManTech International, Stericycle Environmental Services, Commercial Jet, and L3/Army Fleet Support� all as a proud military spouse. Jessyka also has passions in the fitness industry. She has taught group fitness classes, yoga classes, and was a Certified Personal Trainer.

As a Senior Solution Architect, Tina is part of a team of senior mission solution engineers who work directly with Raytheon's mission area Capture Managers, Technical Directors, Chief Engineers, and customers to help increase intimacy throughout the customer lifecycle. The Solution Architect team focuses primarily on early pursuit shaping and rapid prototyping, providing direct support in all areas of technology, customer engagement, and business development.

Tina served in the United States Air Force from 1985 to 2014, retiring as a Colonel. Her military service included two commands, including a 600-person Communications Group in Germany, providing network operations supporting sensitive intelligence and critical military operations and emergency communications in Europe and Africa. The group was selected as the Air Force's best large communications unit in Europe.

Angela Brooks is a Navy Veteran and active-duty military spouse. She served for five years on active duty before being honorably discharged and transitioning to a career in Human Resources. Since departing the service Angela has spent over 20 years in Human Resources within the government contracting industry and earned a BS in Business and Master's in HR Management.

At Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Angela works in Talent Acquisition for our strategic hiring and front end of the business team. In addition, she volunteers with Hiring our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network in the Hampton Roads region.

Krystal Shorts

Krystal Shorts is an active-duty Navy wife, mother of three, and a Structural Engineer working for Burns & McDonnell in their world headquarters in Kansas City, MO. Within her company, she is a part of an Employee Resource Group called VETS (Veterans Empowered to Serve) where she hopes to grow military spouse initiatives as well. While born and raised in Southern California, her parents immigrated from American Samoa and the Philippines. There they raised Krystal and her four younger siblings.

Her military life began in Hawaii after meeting her husband, Sam, a Navy Supply Officer. During the last eight years the military has brought them from Hawaii to California, Virginia, and Kansas. After having her first child, Krystal resigned and stayed home full-time. She remained home for 4.5 years and then began her journey back into the professional world. She is currently studying for her Masters in Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas.

When not working or studying, Krystal enjoys exploring the area with her family and envisioning a brighter future in sustainable and equitable communities. She often dreams of creating an organization that will advocate and build these communities with the utmost spirit of investment in people and collaboration of stakeholders. Concepts from her faith, engineering, urban planning, and sociology have fueled her passion to remain involved in whatever city the Navy takes them. While in Virginia, she volunteered and joined a one-year Carnegie funded project that worked to design and innovate collaborative efforts for the public schools district that serves over 60,000 students. Krystal currently volunteers to support students through STEM competitions like Battle of the Brains, organizations such as KC Scholars and a unique city collective, KC Global Design.

Krystal's wide range of perspectives brings a helpful framework to partner with others in building spaces and solutions for the community around them.

Karen Golden

Karen Golden is an experienced legislative lobbyist, military family advocate, and trained social worker known for her expertise regarding military family quality of life issues. She is currently the New Jersey State Advocacy Manager for the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, where she leads state and federal advocacy campaign activities, in part by empowering volunteers to use their voice to influence legislative change.

Prior to joining the Alzheimer's Association, she worked tirelessly for those in the military, veterans, and their families in New Jersey and New York. First, as the Director of Military Affairs for Cornerstone Family Programs in Morristown, NJ, where she led a multi-disciplinary team of outreach and counseling the provided director services to the military community. Then, as the Director of Volunteer Services for the USO of Metropolitan New York, the nation's leading organization serving U.S. military members and their families during their time in uniform.

She previously served as Deputy Director of Government Relations for the Military Officers Association of America in Alexandria, VA where she ardently advocated for military families through state and federal legislation and has lobbied for a variety of issues, including military spouse employment, military children's education, military family quality of life, and the various challenges family members face. She has addressed numerous audiences, from the White House to Capitol Hill, elevating the voice of the veteran community and the military family.

Karen is the recipient of the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Award and the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society's Superior Service Award. She has extensive experience working with military families in a variety of other key positions including with the Department of Defense Education Activity, Family Advocacy, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and the Marine Corps Family Readiness Program. Karen taught "Serving those that Served" an online graduate level course for Columbia University, College of Social Work. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bradley University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Christopher DeJesus

Christopher DeJesus currently works for NASA as an International Space Station (ISS) flight controller and instructor supporting and executing 24/7 real-time operations with hundreds of real-time hours and execution of thousands of ISS commands since 2018. He is responsible for managing the ISS solar arrays, rotating joints, batteries, External Thermal Control System (ETCS), and power distribution systems from Houston Mission Control Center. Christopher has critical involvement in the development, implementation, modification, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of spacecraft hardware and subsystems. He plans, supports, and executes real-time missions including nominal orbital operations, Visiting Vehicle rendezvous and docking, Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA), and contingency safing for hardware/software failure troubleshooting and recovery.

Prior to NASA, Christopher was hired by the State Department in 2016, serving as manager/instructor for the Overseas Training Branch (OTB) to train diplomats, Ambassadors, and other government employees on hostage and personnel recovery tactics, techniques, and procedures prior to departing to overseas posts.

From 2007-2016, Christopher served in the United States Military as an Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialist. He was stationed at Fairchild AFB, Washington, where he served as lead trainer, group lead, and multiple instructional roles. Christopher was then stationed at Andrews AFB, Maryland serving as the Program Manager for all SERE related activities at the Presidential Airlift and the surrounding areas, where he worked closely with a multitude of federal and state agencies at all differing levels within the government.

Christopher is originally from Talkeetna, Alaska where he enjoys the great outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping, primitive survival, and more. He also likes scuba diving, sky diving, and traveling throughout the world.

April Keating

April Keating is the Manager of Military and Community Outreach at iRelaunch, a career reentry consulting, training and events company focused on bringing professionals back into the workforce after extended leave. April is the spouse of a retired Army National Guard Soldier and is passionate about connecting the military community with resources to assist in their entrepreneurial and employment endeavors. She left a corporate job in 2006 to marry her Soldier, move halfway across the country, and eventually start an entrepreneurial venture as a means to hold career continuity while raising two boys and living the military lifestyle.

April gained her Associates of Arts in General Studies from Des Moines Area Community College in 2005, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Park University in 2010. She became a part of the team at iRelaunch in November of 2016, and recognizing the immense value of returnships for the military-connected community, April is at the helm of iRelaunch's military community outreach and champions the advancement of return to work opportunities for military spouses and veterans. She is currently pursuing her Professional in Human Resources certification through the IVMF's Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program.

April also gives back to the military community through a number of volunteer efforts, to include virtual mentorship via the Veterati and eMentor platforms, community involvement with Blue Star Families, and participation in the Quad Cities (IA/IL) Veterans Network.

April Keating is the Manager of Military and Community Outreach at iRelaunch, a career reentry consulting, training and events company focused on bringing professionals back into the workforce after extended leave. April is the spouse of a retired Army National Guard Soldier and is passionate about connecting the military community with resources to assist in their entrepreneurial and employment endeavors. She left a corporate job in 2006 to marry her Soldier, move halfway across the country, and eventually start an entrepreneurial venture as a means to hold career continuity while raising two boys and living the military lifestyle.

April gained her Associates of Arts in General Studies from Des Moines Area Community College in 2005, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Park University in 2010. She became a part of the team at iRelaunch in November of 2016, and recognizing the immense value of returnships for the military-connected community, April is at the helm of iRelaunch's military community outreach and champions the advancement of return to work opportunities for military spouses and veterans. She is currently pursuing her Professional in Human Resources certification through the IVMF's Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program.

April also gives back to the military community through a number of volunteer efforts, to include virtual mentorship via the Veterati and eMentor platforms, community involvement with Blue Star Families, and participation in the Quad Cities (IA/IL) Veterans Network.

I joined the Royal Air Force in 1986 as an entry level propulsion mechanic and served until Nov 1997 when I left the service as a propulsion system engineering technician. During my service I competed in representative sport (football, rugby) and progressed through higher education.

On leaving the service I secured a product quality engineer role at Perkins Engines U.K. and was able to quickly progress through several supervisory and management roles within engineering, and supply chain. In 2001 I was appointed into an engineering operations leadership role within Caterpillar U.K. and subsequently moved into a Master Black Belt role within Caterpillar U.K. from 2006 � 2010

I joined Cummins Inc. in March 2010 as Global Quality Leader for the Generator Technologies and progressed in to Manufacturing and Supplier Quality leadership roles until 2016 at which time I took a Global Aftermarket leadership role, again within Generator Technologies.

In June 2019 I was appointed as General Manager of the newly created EMEA Supply Chain Services organisation which supports the Aftermarket and Distribution Business supply chain in the region.

In 2014 I joined the Cummins Worldwide veterans affinity group and determined the need for a more regional group to support veterans in Europe. I have been actively involved in the work to create our Cummins Veterans strategy which was signed off by the Cummins Leadership team in 2020. Our group charter was signed off in 2018 with the scope of Cummins employees, families, and communities within Europe. We were assigned Cummins senior level sponsorship in 2019 and were able to formally launch our Europe Veterans Employee Resource Group in February 2021.

I am a husband and father of five children and in my spare time I am a school governor, charity fundraiser, footballer and have recently joined a male voice choir.

Started by two army spouses, Instant Teams was formed to revolutionize outdated models of customer support and customer service teams. They do this by accessing the untapped market of military-connected professionals. In this conversation, we'll sit with Erica McMannes, COO and Founder of Instant Teams, and how they are easing the pain of finding, building, and maintaining a remote workforce. Be sure to bring your remote work related questions for Erica!

Erica McMannes

Prior to co-founding Instant Teams, Erica worked for five years as a member of founding teams on two Silicon Valley startups and saw the value of a distributed workforce, tapping into the BEST talent wherever it's found. Through her work consulting with these startups and looking into the military community with strategic marketing opportunities, she built brand communities to drive their markets. Connect with Erica in advance of the session on LinkedIn.

Service and sacrifice should be honored, not an obstacle to starting a family. Legacy is on a mission to build a digital fertility clinic experience for future parents. Join us for this much-needed conversation with Sarina Richard, Chief Operating Officer of Legacy to learn more about how fertility is changing, but that doesn't mean parenthood needs to change.

Sarina Richard

Sarina Richard is the Chief Operating Officer of , and has experience building and scaling global healthcare businesses. She has spent time in Investment Banking with Merrill Lynch and Management Consulting with Bain & Co, as well as started 4 previous healthcare startups (exited 3). Her most recent business success was a gynecology and fertility telehealth company for women in India. Sarina holds an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School, and a Bachelors Degrees in Business Honors, Finance and Spanish Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. She is an avid mountaineer, having completed Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, and lives in Austin with her husband and their two-year-old daughter.

Interested in starting a career at Amazon? Joshua Schmitt, Recruiter of the Amazon Returnship Program has some important insights to share with y'all. As a former Army National Guard and Law Enforcement Chaplain, Joshua understands the unique challenges you may face as you leap into the next career move. Calling all future Amazonians!

Joshua Schmitt

Joshua Schmitt has almost two decades of experience working in HR Consulting and Talent Acquisition. He has built software development teams for companies ranging from Technology start-ups to the Fortune 100, before coming to Amazon in 2021.

Passionate about service, he has served in the Army National Guard and as a Law Enforcement Chaplain. At Amazon, he has been able to utilize his talent acquisition expertise, with his desire to assist those looking to return to the workforce, through Amazon's Returnship program. He is currently building out the program for the Program Manager and Product Manager Job families. Joshua also is active in engaging with the Veteran and Military Spouse communities to share with them the incredible Returnship opportunities at Amazon.

We're excited to welcome our platinum sponsors, Infor. Infor recognizes that a veteran's discipline, integrity, and commitment to excellence is an asset and adds significant value to their company. Come learn about the Veterans Infor Network (VIN) from Jo Nordeen, her 25+ years of experience at Infor and role as Military Family Support at VIN would be a valuable takeaway from this session. Be sure to stop by because Infor is participating in the Virtual Job Fair on November 18th.

Jo Nordeen

Based in the great state of Wyoming with my awesome husband of 43 years. We love all things outdoors but mostly working our golden retrievers in upland bird game hunting. It's a great life!

From 1996 forward, education and training is where I believe that a successful customer journey begins at Infor. Education is at the heart of what we do, it is the building block at the cornerstone of the customer relationship.

I believe that while Infor is a really big place, each of us can make a customer feel like they are amongst friends and family no matter the Infor department. From my point of view, all of our Infor employees deeply care about the success of the customer and want to work toward that end to fulfill the mission.

I have 25+ years at Infor in a variety of roles:

• Infor Support Team
• Distribution SX.e Education and Training
• Infor Partner Network
• Infor Campus Education Engagement