Name: Jillian Staats

Where were you born and raised?
Jacksonville Beach, Florida is home – I was born on the Mayport Naval base and learned to walk in Bath, Maine.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
I’m very comfortable with change – I attended 3 high schools! In 2021 I got engaged, moved states, changed career path, and bought a home, so a ton of transitions are ongoing. My grounding habit has always been running in nature.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Trust your decisions and capabilities.

Your Personal Why?
To live with presence, creativity, and empathy.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
I have personally witnessed the challenges veterans face when transitioning and the rewarding opportunities in front of them if approached with determination and guidance. THF allows me to use my work experience to help others find their new purpose, while encouraging me to be present in my personal life.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
A”Navy brat,” I grew up with my dad serving for 20 years (he and my mom met in boot camp) and have grandfathers, uncles, and cousins serving across all branches. Soon I’ll be a Navy wife – my fiancé supports special operations and I admire his leadership skills and passion for his career.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Be You; I’ve learned that when I’m authentically myself in work, friendships, hobbies, and relationships, my strengths shine and I feel more fulfilled. When I try to fit into an inauthentic version of myself I’m less successful and less happy.

Area/Industry of expertise: I have a design degree and 10+ years of marketing and support experience in commercial industries. I enjoy coordinator roles because we need to be flexible, take on new things, never say impossible, and I live by to-do lists.

Contact Jillian directly at jillian@honor.org.