Hello,
As we close out the first quarter, I wanted to share the momentum building through Vanguard Rising and the real value it is already creating for veterans, military spouses, and employers.
In Q1, we launched eight teams across Vanguard Rising: four cybersecurity teams, two logistics teams, and two people operations teams. Of those, four teams have already graduated, including seven veterans and military spouses from the cyber teams. Each graduate now has a digital portfolio of applied work experience and a certification in Agile workflow, giving employers something far more valuable than a résumé alone. They now have proof of how these individuals think, contribute, collaborate, and perform in motion.
The impact of the cyber teams has been especially exciting. Their work in the lab culminated in the launch of a veteran-owned business that will provide cyber assessments, cyber training, and cyber process improvements for schools. In other words, the work product created in the lab is now becoming a real service offering in the market. That creates immediate economic opportunity for the veterans and spouses who helped build it, while also generating a pathway for that business to bring work back into the lab so future participants can gain meaningful experience in cybersecurity.
At the same time, our two People Operations teams are building an online skills-first HR training course for small business leaders. That work will also culminate in a veteran-owned business that will sell the training as a service, creating another cycle where veterans and spouses can gain applied experience while contributing to a market-facing solution that helps employers strengthen hiring, onboarding, performance, and engagement.
This is where the economic value of Vanguard Rising becomes clear.
For veterans and military spouses, the lab creates tangible workforce value by helping them build marketable experience, earn certifications, develop digital portfolios, and move from “potential” to demonstrated capability. That improves readiness, reduces underemployment, and creates stronger access to meaningful work.
For employers who participate in the lab, the value comes from getting real work accomplished while also observing talent in action. Rather than relying only on résumés and interviews, employers can see communication, accountability, coachability, and execution through real-world, employer-aligned projects.
And for employers who hire Vanguard Rising graduates, the upside is a lower-risk hiring path. They are not hiring based on polish and promise alone. They are hiring candidates who already have applied project experience, portfolio evidence, and demonstrated performance in a structured team environment. That means stronger hiring decisions, faster productivity, and lower turnover risk over time.
We are proud of what has been built in just one quarter, and even more encouraged by what is ahead. Vanguard Rising is proving that when talent is given the chance to build, demonstrate, and contribute, everyone wins.
Thank you for being part of this journey. If you would like to learn more about how Vanguard Rising can support your business, your hiring strategy, or your workforce goals, I would love to connect.
Best,
With gratitude,
Robyn
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