National Invest In Veterans Week®: Showcasing Elite Speakers and Industry Leaders
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is known for its dynamic lineup of speakers, whose expertise spans industries including cybersecurity, defense, entrepreneurship, and government contracting. This premier event highlights trailblazers who share insights, inspire action, and provide valuable guidance to veterans, entrepreneurs, and professionals from all walks of life.
From seasoned entrepreneurs to thought leaders in technology and defense, the roster of speakers represents the best in their fields. Their collective knowledge and experience make National Invest In Veterans Week® a must-attend event for anyone looking to grow their business, advance their career, or connect with influential leaders.
The Type of Speakers You Can Expect
NIVW is home to some of the most impactful voices in business, technology, and government. Here's a glimpse of the caliber of individuals who often headline this prestigious event:
Veteran Entrepreneurs and Industry Leaders
Speakers include those who have successfully transitioned from military service to leadership roles in business and innovation. These individuals share real-world strategies for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and creating impactful businesses.
Chef Geoff Cole, CEO of Admirals Experience: A veteran-turned-entrepreneur who shares his journey of turning his culinary passion into a thriving business while inspiring other veterans to embrace entrepreneurship.
Francis Rowe, CEO of Rowe Solutions: A seasoned entrepreneur specializing in government contracting, Rowe provides actionable advice on how to scale veteran-owned businesses.
Cybersecurity and Defense Experts
Cybersecurity and defense are core topics, with speakers addressing current trends, emerging threats, and the latest innovations shaping the industry.
Len Noe, Technical Evangelist & Whitehat at CyberArk: A cybersecurity expert who dives deep into critical topics such as biohacking, ethical hacking, and protecting against invisible threats.
Jayton Harps, CEO of Zero To Necessary LLC: A leader in cybersecurity and defense technology who simplifies the complex world of government contracting and security clearance for attendees.
Trailblazers in Leadership and Diversity
Empowering underrepresented groups in tech, defense, and business is central to NIVW’s mission. These speakers inspire with their stories of breaking barriers and fostering inclusion.
Elizabeth Cotton, Executive Director of Black Tech Link: A leading advocate for diversity in the tech industry, Cotton brings actionable strategies for increasing representation and creating opportunities in STEM fields.
Jenn Donahue, President of JL Donahue Engineering: A military veteran and engineering expert who delivers powerful talks on overcoming imposter syndrome and redefining leadership.
Legal and Business Strategists
Speakers in this category provide valuable guidance on navigating legal and business challenges, from government regulations to intellectual property rights.
Maresa Talbert, Founding Attorney of Talbert Law Office, APC: A legal expert specializing in small business development, Talbert offers insights on intellectual property, trademarks, and contracts critical to entrepreneurs.
Audrey Bradley, Founder of ABradley Bookkeeping: A finance professional who equips small business owners with essential accounting knowledge to win government contracts.
Government and Policy Leaders
Speakers in this track focus on leveraging government resources, building public-private partnerships, and advancing initiatives to support veterans.
Julius Wiseman, Naval Officer and CEO of Footprints On The Moon: A leader in public diplomacy and STEM education, Wiseman discusses the intersection of military service and academic innovation.
Dr. Elton Harps, Border Protection Officer, Homeland Security: A speaker who sheds light on addressing mental health challenges, including PTSD, for veterans transitioning into civilian life.
Why the Speakers Stand Out
The carefully curated lineup reflects a mix of expertise, lived experience, and actionable advice. Each speaker brings something unique to the table, whether it’s personal stories of resilience, deep technical knowledge, or strategies for business success.
Key Themes in Speaker Sessions:
Leadership Development: Transforming military skills into leadership success.
Entrepreneurship: Building and scaling businesses through innovation and discipline.
Technology & Cybersecurity: Staying ahead in fast-paced and critical industries.
Diversity & Inclusion: Creating equitable opportunities in STEM, defense, and business.
Government Contracting: Unlocking pathways for small businesses to secure federal contracts.
Signature Events Featuring These Speakers
National Invest In Veterans Week® offers numerous opportunities to hear from these influential leaders through engaging formats:
Keynote Sessions
Inspirational talks that explore leadership, innovation, and personal growth.
Speakers like Chef Geoff Cole and Valerie Ellis inspire with their entrepreneurial journeys.
Panel Discussions
Group discussions on topics such as "Diversity in Defense" or "Cybersecurity in Modern Warfare."
Moderated by thought leaders like Elizabeth Cotton and Jayton Harps.
Workshops
Interactive sessions designed to teach actionable skills like contract bidding, accounting for government work, and cybersecurity certifications.
Learn More
To explore more about the exceptional speakers and sessions offered during National Invest In Veterans Week®, visit the following resources:
National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than an event—it’s a movement powered by the voices of trailblazers committed to empowering veterans and driving innovation. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical skills, or connections with industry leaders, NIVW is your destination for growth and opportunity.
