I grew up in San Diego as part of a large military family. My grandfather retired as Fleet Master Chief of U.S. Pacific Fleet; my father and several uncles also served in the military. It was my close connection to the military that sparked my interest in working with Veterans. I earned my Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Fresno State in May of 2013 where I focused my Master’s project on Veterans in Higher Education. I was also hired at College of the Sequoias in 2013 as the Veterans Coordinator/School Certifying Official, and have spent the last seven years advocating for veteran students on my campus and in the community. I am the current Region V Veterans Rep for the Chancellors Office and sit on the Equity Diversity and Action Committee at College of the Sequoias. In addition to my work with Veterans on campus, Myself and my husband, an Army Veteran, volunteer our time with a local veteran’s organization called A Combat Veterans Hope (ACVH). ACVH’s mission is to empower combat veterans through engagement to ensure that every generation of Combat Veterans successfully integrates back into their local community. I serve as the Family Support Manager providing programs that enhance the quality of life for Combat Veterans and their families.