Veterans have a leg up in the business world, thanks to countless qualities mastered during service, including leadership skills, risk assessment abilities, discipline, commitment and focus -- just to name a few. Female veterans are no exception, and many women who have established great military careers have gone on to excel as entrepreneurs and CEOs. Keep reading to learn about how three female veterans transitioned from successful military service roles to top positions in the business world.
Phyllis Newhouse
After a 22-year career in the military, Phyllis Newhouse turned an idea on a vision board into a multimillion-dollar company by founding the information technology (IT) services provider Xtreme Solutions. Based in Atlanta, the company has racked up numerous accolades and was selected as one of 50 fastest-growing, female-led companies in North America.
Newhouse, a service-disabled veteran, was recognized as one of the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneurial Winning Women" in 2013 and was the recipient of a 2014 Womenetics POW! Award.
In an interview with Womenetics, she pointed to her military experience in finance, leadership, strategic road mapping, mission planning and talent development as excellent preparation for starting and growing her business.
Dawn Halfaker
After holding several leadership roles in the U.S. Army, Dawn Halfaker's military career ended in 2004 when she lost her right arm after a grenade exploded near her Humvee in Iraq.
In 2006, the Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient founded Halfaker and Associates, an Arlington, Virginia-based professional services and technology solutions firm. The company experienced rapid growth, earning about $300,000 in revenue in its first year. According to Inc. Magazine, the company currently employs more than 125 people and earns approximately $25 million in annual revenues.
Halfaker and Associates has received the distinction of "Most Valuable Employer for the Military" six times and was recently chosen a "2015 Best Place to Work" by the Washington Business Journal.
Halfaker has earned a White House "Champions of Change" award, a "Woman in Technology Leadership Award" and a Castle Connolly "National Health Leadership Award," among other accolades. She also serves on the Reserve Forces Policy Board and was chosen one of the "100 Most Influential People" in U.S. Defense by Defense News in 2013.
She says her injury has helped her maintain perspective, be resilient and stay focused on solutions when adversity and challenges arise in the business world.
Louisa Long Jaffe
Following a 28-year career with the U.S. Army, the Women's Army Corps (WAC) and the Army Reserves, Louisa Long Jaffe drew from the skills she gained during service to co-found, along with her husband, Technical and Project Engineering, LLC (TAPE).
The systems engineering company, which provides a number of solutions for government agencies, has repeatedly received the Smart CEO's "Future 50 Award"; the CRN "Top 500 Solutions Provider" recognition; and a spot on the Inc. list of fastest-growing companies. The Washington Business Journal also named TAPE as the "Top Woman-Owned Company" in 2014 and the "Largest Veteran-Owned Company" in 2015.
Jaffe was honored as the "First Annual Women Vetrepreneur of the Year" by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association, as well as a "Champion of Change" by the White House. The leadership skills she gained as an Army officer continue to help her lead her company to further successes.
Whether these former military members take on entrepreneurial pursuits, accept top positions at companies or enroll in an online MBA program, they have the benefit of possessing strong business foundations. Female veterans have contributed their acumen to companies in every industry and will continue to serve as major influencers in the business world.
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