Meet Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick, Military Friendly®’s 2025 Veteran of the Year®—a U.S. Army Veteran, global CIO and founder of Brown Girls in the Boardroom. In this inspiring interview with Kayla Lopez from G.I. Jobs and Military Friendly®, Melissa shares her powerful journey from humble beginnings to becoming a transformational leader in business and technology.
Learn how a chance encounter with an Army recruiter changed her life, how she developed her G.R.E.A.T. Leadership Model (Grit, Responsibility, Equity, Action, Transformation) and why she’s dedicated to empowering veterans, women and underrepresented communities through mentorship and upskilling programs.
Whether you’re a veteran transitioning to civilian life, a leader looking for motivation, or someone who believes in the power of perseverance and purpose, this story will move you.
0:00 Introduction – 2025 Veteran of the Year®
1:25 Melissa’s Early Life & Why She Joined the Army
4:15 Lessons from Basic Training & Leadership Beginnings
7:42 Civilian Career Journey & CIO Leadership Insights
11:00 The G.R.E.A.T. Leadership Framework Explained
13:20 Faith, Family and Staying Grounded
15:10 Founding Brown Girls in the Boardroom
17:45 Advice to Her Younger Self
19:20 What’s Next for Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick
#VeteranOfTheYear #GIJobs #MelissaFulmoreHardwick #MilitaryFriendly #VeteranLeadership #WomenVeterans #VeteranSuccess #ArmyVeteran #VeteranTransition #LeadershipDevelopment
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In this bonus episode, we discuss the October 2025 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.
Find out more at MilitaryFriendly.com
Meet Kenneth Rains, U.S. Army Veteran and now Director of Intermodal Customer Logistics at Norfolk Southern. From leading transportation convoys in Iraq to managing global supply chain operations in Atlanta, Kenneth shares how his military roots shaped his career in rail and trucking. Hear his journey, challenges, and advice for Veterans looking to transition into the transportation industry.
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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Are you a veteran, military spouse or transitioning service member exploring your next move? Discover why Ohio is setting the national standard for Military Friendly® policy, opportunity and community support.
Hosted by Aaron Shaw of Military Friendly®, this in-depth conversation features:
• JP Nauseef, President & CEO of JobsOhio
• Ryan Squire, VP of Marketing & Communications
• Alex Conley, Director of Find Your Ohio
Together, they share how Ohio is building a thriving ecosystem for military-affiliated talent—through strategic investment, community integration and veteran-first workforce initiatives.
What You’ll Learn:
• Why Ohio aims to be the most military-friendly state in the U.S.
• How JobsOhio supports veterans across aerospace, defense, AI, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing
• Benefits like tax-free military retirement, license reciprocity for spouses and Purple Star schools
• What “Find Your Ohio” does to help transitioning veterans land meaningful careers
• Real examples of industry giants like Anduril and Intel choosing Ohio for mission-critical operations
Helpful Resources:
• https://www.FindYourOhio.com
• https://www.OhioMilitaryFriendly.com
• https://www.JobsOhio.com
• https://www.MilitaryFriendly.com/states
If you’re ready to build your future in a state that truly values your service, watch now and see why Ohio might be your next mission.
#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #JobsOhio #MilitaryFriendly #VeteranJobs #OhioCareers #MilitarySpouseEmployment #FindYourOhio #MilitaryToCivilian #AerospaceJobs #DefenseJobs #VeteransInTech #VeteranSupport #OhioJobs
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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In this bonus episode, we discuss the August 2025 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine: The 2025 Guide to Military Friendly® States.
Find out more at MilitaryFriendly.com
When Marine veteran Jasmine Czarnecki transitioned out of the military, she faced a challenge many Veterans know too well—losing that sense of belonging. After serving as an ammunition technician in the Marine Corps (“basically a bank for bullets”), Jasmine found her civilian footing in commercial property management.
Now thriving as a property manager with Cushman & Wakefield in Manhattan, Jasmine shares her journey from military service to a high-paced civilian career, including hard-won lessons about burnout, financial planning and how military discipline translates to the workplace.
In this inspiring Veteran success story, Jasmine opens up about:
• The emotional hurdles of transitioning from military to civilian life
• How she broke into commercial real estate and property management
• The importance of slowing down and managing burnout
• Practical advice for fellow Veterans making the leap
• Balancing career, motherhood, fitness, and more without losing her mind
Whether you’re a transitioning service member, military spouse or Veteran exploring your next move, Jasmine’s story offers real insight, humor and inspiration.
Subscribe to G.I. Jobs for more Veteran success stories, career tips and transition advice: https://www.youtube.com/@gijobsmagazine
#VeteranSuccess #MilitaryToCivilian #Gijobs #PropertyManagement #MarineVeteran #VeteranCareer #WomenVeterans #MilitaryTransition #CushmanWakefield #VeteransInRealEstate #TransitionTips #VeteranJobs #LifeAfterTheMilitary #WomenInLeadership #GIJobsInterview #MarineToManager
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
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In this bonus episode, we discuss the July 2025 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine: The 2025 Mother of All Transition Guides.
Find out more at GIJobs.com
Join Chris Hale, CEO of VIQTORY, for a powerful conversation with Dr. Lynda Davis, the Chief Veterans Experience Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A veteran, former DoD leader, and champion for military families, Dr. Davis shares how the VA is reshaping its culture to serve veterans, caregivers, and survivors with empathy, respect, and innovation.
In this wide-ranging interview, Dr. Davis discusses:
🔹 The origins and mission of the Veterans Experience Office (VEO)
🔹 How customer experience principles improved trust in the VA (from 55% to 80%)
🔹 Groundbreaking initiatives like MyVA411, Red Coat Ambassadors & Commit to Sit
🔹 How the VA is preparing transitioning service members before they separate
🔹 The importance of early outreach, community partnerships, and VetResources
🔹 Her personal journey from Army officer to executive roles in the VA and DoD
🔹 Why trust is the new core metric for veteran satisfaction
Whether you’re a veteran, caregiver, policymaker, or advocate, this is a must-watch conversation about building a VA that truly puts veterans first.
🔔 Subscribe to G.I. Jobs for more interviews, insights, and resources that empower the military community: https://www.youtube.com/@gijobsmagazine
📬 Sign up for VetResources: https://www.va.gov/vetresources#VeteransExperience
#VA #VeteransAffairs #MilitaryTransition #CustomerExperience #MyVA #DrLyndaDavis #VeteransSupport #GIJobs #MilitarySpouse #Caregivers #VetResources #VeteranBenefits #VeteransDay
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
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In this powerful interview, Chris Hale, CEO of VIQTORY, sits down with Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, the 11th Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and former Under Secretary for Benefits. An Army veteran, airborne-qualified officer, and renowned leader in both government and the private sector, Dr. Lawrence shares his insights on transforming the VA to better serve those who’ve served.
👉 Topics Covered:
• VA modernization and culture change under Secretary Doug Collins
• The latest on disability claims processing and backlog reduction
• How VA is improving healthcare access and appointment wait times
• Updates on Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM)
• Recruiting top healthcare talent to the VA
• Applying private-sector best practices to public service
• The meaning of Memorial Day through the eyes of a military family member
💡 If you’re a veteran, military spouse, transitioning service member, or someone who cares about the future of veteran services in America, this conversation is a must-watch.
🔔 Subscribe to G.I. Jobs for more interviews, insights, and resources that empower the military community: https://www.youtube.com/@gijobsmagazine
#VeteransAffairs #PaulLawrence #GIVeterans #VAHealthcare #DisabilityClaims #EHRM #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBenefits #MemorialDay #GIVeterans #ChrisHale #Veterans #VAJobs #MilitaryToCivilian #GIJobs
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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In this exclusive sit-down, Chris Hale, CEO of VIQTORY and G.I. Jobs, interviews the 12th Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Doug Collins. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and Air Force Reserve, Secretary Collins shares powerful insights from his first 100 days in office and his bold plans to reshape the VA’s future.
📌 Topics Covered:
• VA culture change and employee empowerment
• The growing VA benefits and healthcare system
• Cutting the disability claims backlog by over 20%
• The critical importance of supporting transitioning service members
• Modernizing VA operations and policies
• Survivors, Memorial Day, and honoring the fallen
🔔 Whether you’re a veteran, military spouse, or supporter, this interview dives deep into how the VA is transforming under new leadership—and what it means for 9.1 million veterans and their families.
👉 Don’t miss this honest conversation about accountability, innovation, and the future of veterans’ care in America.
#VeteransAffairs #SecretaryDougCollins #VAReform #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBenefits #Gijobs #ChrisHale #MemorialDay #VeteransHealthcare #DougCollinsInterview
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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In this bonus episode, we discuss the June 2025 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, featuring the updated 2025 Military Friendly® Employers list.
Find out more at MilitaryFriendly.com
In this bonus episode, we discuss the April 2025 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, featuring the 2025–26 Military Friendly® Employers.
Find out more at MilitaryFriendly.com
Veterans, Are You Ready for 2025?
The February 2025 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine is packed with insights, tips, and success stories to help military veterans transition into high-demand careers, maximize GI Bill® benefits, and thrive in civilian life. Whether you’re looking for hot jobs for veterans, education opportunities, or expert transition advice, this issue has you covered!
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Issue:
✅ The Top 25 In-Demand Jobs for veterans in 2025 (cybersecurity, management, trades & more)
✅ How to maximize your GI Bill® and avoid costly mistakes
✅ The power of veteran leadership in higher education & business
✅ Real success stories from veterans who made a smooth transition
✅ Career & transition advice from industry experts
🎖 Key Takeaways:
💡 Veterans report higher financial, social & workplace well-being compared to non-veterans
💡 Military skills translate directly into leadership roles & stable careers
💡 Early planning & networking are critical for a successful transition
💡 Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) can help extend GI Bill® benefits
📢 Thinking About Your Next Career Move?
💼 Explore the best jobs for veterans and how to stand out in the hiring process
📚 Learn how to maximize your education benefits for long-term success
👥 Connect with the Military Friendly® Talent Exchange for job opportunities
🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated!
🎥 Don't miss out on veteran career advice, transition tips, and the latest job market trends!
👍 Like, comment, and share with fellow service members looking for their next mission!
#VeteranJobs #MilitaryTransition #GIBill #CareerAdvice #HotJobsForVeterans #VeteransInBusiness #MilitaryFriendly #VRE #GIBenefits Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/ Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/ _________ _________ Be sure to check out our FREE upcoming events at https://www.gijobs.com/events. Follow us on social! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gi-jobs-magazine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GIJobsMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gijobsmagazine/ X: https://x.com/GIJobsMagazine TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gijobsmagazine Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GIJobsMagazine/ Email: contact@gijobs.com
From Navy Pilot to Healthcare Leader | Shannon Kelly’s Transition to Civilian Success Shannon Kelly had to be confident as a Navy pilot—lives depended on it. But stepping into the civilian workforce? That was a whole new challenge. She faced uncertainty, struggled to adjust her direct military communication style, and wondered if she’d ever find a career with purpose. Today, she’s thriving as an Orthopaedic Account Director at Johnson & Johnson, negotiating contracts and pricing for J&J MedTech customers across the Pacific Northwest. Her role gives her the same sense of mission she had in the Navy—helping people heal. In this exclusive interview, Shannon shares: ✅ Her first job after the military ✅ Why she chose healthcare sales ✅ How military skills translate to corporate success ✅ Mistakes transitioning service members should avoid ✅ Her incredible global impact with J&J Ventures in Kenya Don’t rush into a job just because you feel pressure—Shannon’s journey proves that the right fit is worth the wait. Watch now to get her top advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers! 📺 Watch the full interview: GIJobs.com/Shannon-Kelly 🔔 Subscribe for more veteran career success stories!
#podcast #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSuccess #HealthcareSales #JohnsonAndJohnson #CareerAfterService Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/ Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/ _________ _________ Be sure to check out our FREE upcoming events at https://www.gijobs.com/events. Follow us on social! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gi-jobs-magazine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GIJobsMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gijobsmagazine/ X: https://x.com/GIJobsMagazine TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gijobsmagazine Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GIJobsMagazine/ Email: contact@gijobs.com
In this bonus episode, we discuss the December 2024 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, featuring the 2025 Military Friendly® Employers.
Find out more at MilitaryFriendly.com
Army veteran Kimberly An’s journey beyond military orders was hard, but ultimately rewarding.
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/ Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/ _________ _________ Be sure to check out our FREE upcoming events at https://www.gijobs.com/events.
Follow us on social! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gi-jobs-magazine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GIJobsMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gijobsmagazine/ X: https://x.com/GIJobsMagazine TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gijobsmagazine Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GIJobsMagazine/
Email: contact@gijobs.com
Gabriela Castillo, who graces the cover of the G.I. Jobs August 2023 issue, is an Army medic-turned medical student at the University of Georgia (UGA) who logged more than 450 hours serving at a medical clinic that provides free quality medical care to low-income students.
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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Follow Vincent Vargas, Army veteran and actor as he opens up about his experience in the Army, his transition out of service and eventually landing acting roles in the entertainment industry. Gain insights and advice and use it to help yourself in your career search.
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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Follow Matt Disher, Marine Corps veteran and Program Leader, Military & Veterans Chairman, Veterans ERG at Cushman & Wakefield as he opens up about his experience in the Marine Corps, his transition out of service, and eventually landing his position at Cushman & Wakefield. Gain insights and advice and use it to help yourself in your career search.
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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Follow Tyler Merritt, Army veteran and Founder & CEO of Nine Line Apparel as he opens up about his transition out of service to starting and running his business from the ground up. Gain insights and advice and use it to help yourself in your career search or entrepreneurial endeavors.
Learn more at https://www.gijobs.com/
Articles: https://www.gijobs.com/article/
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