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Mission Next: Empowering Veteran Transitions from Service to Success

Fee: FREE (member); $89 (nonmember);

Audience: All

Add to Cart Order by Phone: 610.625.1026

This dynamic and interactive session equips college career counselors and employers with insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to support military veterans' successful transition from service to civilian careers. Discover best practices for translating military skills, fostering veteran-ready workplaces, and building collaborative pathways that empower veterans to thrive in education and employment.

Summary
This engaging and solutions-focused session is designed for college career counselors and employers dedicated to helping military veterans thrive beyond their service. Participants will gain practical tools, inspiring insights, and innovative ideas to bridge the gap between military experience and civilian employment. The session explores how to translate military skills into marketable credentials, build veteran-ready career services, and foster partnerships between higher education and employers who value the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving abilities veterans bring to the workforce.

Through real-world examples and proven strategies, attendees will learn how to design programs that improve veteran student retention, enhance employability outcomes, and align educational pathways with high-demand industries. Employers will discover ways to strengthen recruitment pipelines, implement veteran-supportive hiring practices, and cultivate inclusive workplace cultures that encourage long-term success.

Whether you’re a higher education professional guiding veterans through career exploration or an employer seeking to tap into a highly skilled talent pool, this session will leave you informed, inspired, and equipped to make a lasting impact. Together, we’ll honor service by building bridges of opportunity—empowering those who have served to achieve purposeful, prosperous civilian careers.

Following this program, you will be able to:
- Identify strategies to translate military experience into marketable civilian skills;
- Design or enhance veteran-ready career support systems; and
- Implement collaborative pathways between higher education and employers.
Presenters

AnnaMaria Bliven, Academic Integrity Evaluator, Western Governors University
Dr. AnnaMaria Bliven is a 26-year Army veteran with over 30 years experience as business professional, 20 years as an academic professional, and 12 years as a certified Global Career Development Facilitator. She has helped thousands of soldiers develop military and civilian careers and has a deep passion for them to transition from military to civilian careers without stress. She has an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, a Masters in Communication degree from West Virginia University, a Master in Business Administration degree from Colorado Technical University-Online and a Doctorate in Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Jenna Piva Laramie, Career Programs and Outreach Manager, Mission Wise
Jenna Piva Laramie is a higher education and career services professional with a background in mental health. She is a military spouse of 13+ years and like most military spouses, she has a career path that has given her various experiences. She is currently working for MissionWise, a company that empowers colleges and universities to increase enrollment, completion and career readiness of students who are active-duty military, veterans, or military family members. She is currently contracted at Golden Gate University as the career programs and outreach manager for the veteran center. She is a Gallup-certified strengths coach and a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers. She graduated from Boise State University with a BS in social sciences and a Master of Arts in counseling.

Jill New, Senior Program Manager, U.S. Chamber Of Commerce
Jill New is a career development and strategic partnerships professional with extensive experience in higher education, workforce development, and military-affiliated programming. She currently serves as senior program manager for military spouse fellowships at Hiring Our Heroes, where she builds employer relationships and supports talent development initiatives. Her previous roles include leadership in student employment and career services at Golden Gate University and Old Dominion University, where she managed federal work-study programs, developed career readiness curricula, and aligned academic programs with workforce needs. She is passionate about bridging education and employment through collaborative programming, data-informed strategy, and inclusive career pathways. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French-international rrade from Auburn University and Master of Arts in international studies from Old Dominion University and is certified as an associate professional in Human Resources.

$Kate Wood$

Kate Wood, Director of Platform Strategy, 50strong
Kate Wood is the director of platform strategy at 50strong, where she leads the development of technology solutions that help military-affiliated students and job seekers connect directly with employers. A U.S. Army Veteran, current military spouse, and former talent acquisition professional, she brings a uniquely practical perspective to building systems that work for job seekers, students, and employers alike.

Victoria Thompson, Senior Operations Associate, American Corporate Partners
Victoria Thompson is a senior operations associate with American Corporate Partners, where she works to pair veterans with mentors to help them achieve their career goals. She is a veteran herself, having joined the Army in 2006 after completing high school and becoming a Psychological Operations Specialist. She deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After leaving the military, she pursued her education at the University of Akron in Ohio, where she earned her B.S. in communication with a minor in Anthropology. While in college, she was the president of her student veterans association and spoke at her graduation ceremony. She met her husband when they were both enlisted, and he has continued his military career. As a military spouse, she has held many positions, predominantly in the nonprofit sector. She coordinates, plans, and executes events for the town that build community. She is committed to helping others and providing resources that lift up the community.