Name:  Joanna DeMott

Where were you born and raised?
Woodbridge, VA

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
The biggest transition I’ve faced is two weeks after I married my Marine, we moved to Okinawa, Japan. I had to acclimate to 2 new cultures and adjust to married life all at once. The transition from the familiar to the unknown was overwhelming. Back home, my life had been a comfortable routine – friends, family, work, the community I’d grown up in. Now it was all different. The roads were unfamiliar, I didn’t understand the language, and the culture was a maze of new experiences. My husband, though incredibly supportive, was often busy at work and gone a lot. I knew he was proud of our new life and wanted me to feel at home, but he had work to do. I started school and finished 2 degrees, found work, volunteered, made friends for life, and traveled extensively. This transition, though challenging, became a testament to our resilience and adaptability. The road from comfort to uncertainty was paved with determination and love. I found that Okinawa & the military lifestyle, with all its differences, became two cultures I cherished deeply. In the end, it wasn’t just about adapting to a new country and a new lifestyle but about embracing change with grace and finding beauty in the unknown. Through every challenge and triumph, our journey had become not just a move across the globe, but a profound adventure in building a life together.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Embrace conflict as a natural and valuable part of growth, rather than something that should be avoided. It’s through facing and resolving disagreements that you gain deeper understanding and build stronger relationships. Don’t shy away from difficult conversations; they often lead to personal and professional breakthroughs. Remember, growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.

Your Personal Why?
My Personal Why is to serve the community by actively contributing to its well-being and growth. By dedicating myself to meaningful work that supports others, I not only enhance the lives of those around me but also continually change and expand my own capabilities. This ongoing journey allows me to refine my aspirations while addressing the needs around me, creating a dynamic path of mutual growth and fulfillment.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
My desire to serve the community aligns seamlessly with THF’s mission to serve others with honor for life. By embracing this purpose, I contribute to the organization’s vision by bringing dedication, empathy, and a commitment to excellence in every interaction. My personal journey towards professional and personal growth enriches my ability to support the organization’s mission, ensuring that I honor and uplift those we serve while continuously striving to enhance the impact we make together.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
My journey has been deeply rooted in supporting service members and their families. I was born into a military family, my Father served in the Air Force during the Korean War, my Sisters served in the Army, Air Force, and Air National Guard, my Grandfathers served in WWI and WWII, and I am a proud Marine Corps spouse. I developed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by service members and their loved ones. While navigating the military lifestyle as a spouse, I’ve dedicated myself to impactful roles in military personal and family readiness. In one of these roles, I supported Marines and their families attached to SOCEUR and SOCAF. Helping them navigate the specific challenges of serving in the Special Operations community in a foreign country, gave me a deep respect for the sacrifices made daily. It is an honor to continue to support the community in this role.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
My favorite THF Value is exemplify trust. Trust is the foundation upon which every relationship is built. Trust fosters open communication, mutual respect, and a sense of security, which are essential for forming strong, lasting connections. By consistently demonstrating trustworthiness, I contribute to an environment where relationships can flourish and thrive.

Area/Industry of expertise:
Military Community Advocacy, Program and Project Management, Training Design & Development, Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Networking, Process Improvement, Public Speaking

Contact Joanna directly at joanna@honor.org.