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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