WASHINGTON D.C. – The HillVets 100 Gala is the premiere black tie event for the veteran and military community that highlights the most influential and impactful veterans, service members and supporters from 2017. The HillVets 100 includes veterans of all eras, from the Vietnam War to the more recent Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Selectees represent a broad spectrum of veterans from artists to elected officials to business executives, among others, and local veteran Janaia Nash of Atlanta, will be one of those recognized.

After 6 years of service in the United States Army, Janaia transitioned from active duty in 2009, but continued her dedication to a life of service by volunteering with multiple community organizations. In 2015, Janaia’s passion to serve led her to volunteer for Travis Manion Foundation as a Character Does Matter Ambassador, where she could directly shape the character of future generations. In her professional career, Janaia would build a name for herself in the veteran service organization landscape, being recognized by senior executives for leading, transforming and motivating understaffed sections to exceed expectations time and time again.

After several years in the VSO space with The Mission Continues and Points of Light, Janaia joined Travis Manion Foundation full-time in 2017, where she helped grow the Foundation’s expansion into the Southeast United States, and currently serves as the Director of Programs.

Nash said, “Veterans are not only leaders during wartime but they have a prowess unmatched by many to lead in their communities. The strength of character and professional experiences they have may be unique to the military culture, but those same attributes can be used as the foundation for building stronger communities.”

Proceeds from the function will support HillVets House, the flagship congressional fellowship program, which places veterans in a congressional fellowship as an entrée into politics, public policy, and government service. In less than two years, HillVets House has assisted more than 30 veterans transition into a successful career pathway in policy and government. The event will be hosted by Rear Admiral John Kirby, USN (ret), who is a CNN Military and diplomatic analyst, and most recently served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs.