Ms. Serafina L. De Los Santos
Executive Director
502d Force Support Group, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)
United States Air Force, (Enlisted), United States Army Retired (Major)
Photography by David Teran
How has your military career prepared you for your current job?
Throughout my military career, I served as a logistician, and the Army provided me the opportunity to receive my Master of Science in Logistics and Business Management. When I retired from the Army in 2004, my first job was serving as the senior logistics officer for a military intelligence organization. In that position, I applied my knowledge of resource and logistics management. I served as the project manager for the construction of a multimillion-dollar facility on Fort Sam Houston to house the intelligence organization. In 2008, I began work at the Fort Sam Houston US Army Garrison and served as planner to transition the Garrison into an Air Force organization as part of Joint Base San Antonio. In my current job as the Executive Director, I continue to apply all the skill sets I learned throughout my military service. I oversee an organizational budget in excess of $90 million. I help the organization’s military Commander manage a support organization of over 3,000 personnel. It was my experience in the military that provided me with the skill sets that have allowed me to have a successful career as a civilian. As a military leader, I learned to lead under pressure, managing diverse personnel, always ensuring mission success. I created and executed detailed operational plans. I learned to be responsible for myself and others within my organization. My military experience made me adept at assessing risks and making critical decisions with limited information and resources. Now, working in an organization that must make programmatic and personnel decisions in a fiscally constrained environment, I am able to provide advice to help leaders make tough decisions. As a military leader, I had to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, set clear goals, and delegate based on strengths while maintaining morale. That focus on communication and accountability continues to provide me with the tools I need to help lead a diverse organization. More importantly, military service instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and dependability. When I commit to something, I follow through. The team building experience that I learned in the military was instrumental in standing up the Joint Base San Antonio Workforce and Transition Alliance, which has brought together external community organizations to support active duty military members and their families assigned to JBSA.
What advice do you have for other women who are transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce?
The advice I would give to women transitioning from the military is to first believe in yourself and in your experiences. Regardless of your rank, you will be an asset to any organization. Prepare yourself, figure out where your passions lie. Seek the advice and mentorship of others who have transitioned. Networking can help you learn about corporate culture and about artificial barriers from others who have gone before you. Ensure you obtain any certifications or education in areas that require additional training or education. You already bring many skills as a military professional, discipline, adaptability, problem solving, leadership, team building, and many more. Focus on your strengths. Above all else, be confident!
Who or what has helped you the most in your career?
My military experience not only helped me in my civilian career, but it also helped instill in me a commitment to service to others and to my country. It taught me to be a servant leader who tries to put the needs of others first by prioritizing the development and welfare of the community and organization that you are a part of. Service to others above self has been my hope, whether I have succeeded or not, only time will tell.
Any additional thoughts or questions you’d like to add?
I am honored to be a woman Veteran. Throughout our history, Women in the military have broken many barriers in numerous roles. We need to continue to recognize the positive impact that women have brought to military service, and now, as Veterans, we need to ensure we continue to support our sisters in arms.
One Response
Incredible 46 year career! What an accomplishment Mrs. De Los Santos leaves for our future women in uniform.
Congratulations Sera may the Lord continue to guide you, bless you and give you strength.