By Janet Nalls, Chief of Staff at NetCentrics
Enlisting in the United States Air Force (USAF) was the best decision I ever made. I was in limbo after graduating high school, with no real path to a career and unable to afford to go to college. I had no expectations, but knew I had to do something with my life.
My USAF career thrust me into the world of national security as an intelligence analyst and took me all over the world, including Germany, South Korea, Turkey, and Qatar. Thanks to the education benefits afforded to military members and veterans, I’ve earned two degrees and, even more importantly, gained an extended family of forever friends who have since become family. My immediate family is also full of veterans. My father, uncle, older sister, younger sister and nephew have all served with distinction and honor, taking away some lasting principles.
My favorite of these principles is Integrity First, and it has guided me throughout my 12-year USAF career. In national security, where trust and ethical decision-making are paramount, I learned that maintaining integrity meant holding myself accountable to the highest standards, especially as I transitioned into leadership roles. When supervising teams and managing programs, I prioritize transparency and open communication, understanding that a leader’s integrity sets the tone for the entire team.
Now that I am 20+ years in the game, mentoring others, especially women aspiring to excel in national security, has become a deeply fulfilling part of my journey. I strive to offer guidance rooted in authenticity and a commitment to lifting others as they navigate this complex field. Encouraging the next generation of women leaders means not only sharing technical knowledge but also fostering confidence, resilience, and the importance of standing by one’s values. This is why I chose to volunteer as a mentor with Girl Security. Witnessing these emerging leaders grow and succeed has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and it’s a legacy of service I am honored to uphold.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about continuing to strengthen the values I gained in the military—adaptability, integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence—in my current role as Chief of Staff at NetCentrics. In Northern Virginia’s dynamic government contracting environment, I see these principles as essential to driving our operational success and fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration as we work to secure our nation.