How do you go from homeless to thriving? This week my guest is Janae Sergio. She is a Navy veteran. Her mom dropped her off at a homeless shelter at 16 and after a friend suggested she join the military she originally said no. But a free meal was a desirable meal and she met with the recuiter and was quickly on her way to serving in the Navy. In this episode we talk about her experience in the Navy. She worked on an aircraft carrier in supply and was one of the first ships deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom. She also shared about being raped during A-School (training after bootcamp) and how it led her to advocate for women later in her career and something she still does today.
From Homeless to Thriving
She also wrote her story in a book Perfectly Flawed: A Veterans Journey from Homeless to Hero.
Sixteen-year-old Janae Sergio walks the streets of Hollywood, California terrified and focused on how to survive while avoiding attempts to be lured into drug addiction and sex trafficking. This led her to the military. She wasn’t interested at first but a free meal led her to talking to a recruiter. This led her to join the Navy. While in the Navy, she was raped. She also deploying shortly after September 11th on a carrier.
Overcoming challenges
In this episode, Janae opened up about the challenges she experienced in the military. Not only being raped but having to prove her worth. Opening the door not only for her but the women who followed her. She also talked about the importance of giving back to the next generation of service women who would follow her path.
After military service
She went on to become a successful businesswoman. Recently, she was selected as the Chief of Air Force Lodging managing a portfolio of 88 Air Force Hotels. After gaining a large social media platform she turned her childhood dream into a reality by opening an online fashion boutique where she helps women step out of their comfort zones and embrace their own “flaws” as what makes them unique.
