President
Originally from Kansas City, MO, Dawson proudly served seven years in the United States Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. His service taught him precision, discipline, and the art of staying calm under pressure — traits he carries into both his studies and leadership. Dawson is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Applied Math while working as a Lab Assistant. Outside the classroom, he enjoys woodworking, home improvement projects, and — believe it or not — calculus for fun. Known for his calm humor and analytical mind, Dawson approaches every challenge like he’s defusing a bomb: steady hands, clear focus, and a touch of courage.
Vice President
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Giselle is of Mexican and Ecuadorian descent, with Spanish roots according to her 23andMe results. She served six years in the Navy as a Nuclear Engineer before realizing it wasn’t the path she wanted to continue, and she’s now pursuing Mechanical Engineering on her own terms. While she’s still exploring which industry she wants to take on, if you know Giselle, you know she’ll make that decision and go all in. When she's not in the books, you can find her at the beach, browsing the farmers market, or working out on the punching bag—because balance is everything. She’s genuine, fun, and exactly who she says she is.
Secretary
A dedicated scholar and Air Force veteran, Juwon majored in Cybersecurity and served four years specializing as a C-130H & J Subject Matter Expert. His analytical mind and attention to detail led him to play a key role in uncovering a massive data leak involving the FBI, OSI, and Pentagon — a career-defining moment that reinforced his passion for security and integrity. Juwon’s mission now is to inspire other veterans to channel their experiences into meaningful futures. He lives by the belief that success means paying it forward, one veteran at a time. If your WiFi suddenly goes down, chances are Juwon knows why — and how to fix it.
Treasurer
From Martinsville, IN, Annie proudly served 20 years in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handler, retiring with a reputation for leadership, mentorship, and unmatched work ethic. A proud mother of twin daughters, Annie now combines her military discipline with academic ambition as she pursues a degree in Accounting with minors in Maritime Logistics and Marketing. She already holds an Associate’s in Business and brings decades of real-world experience to the SVA team. Annie is known for her humor and grounded spirit — she loves softball, offshore fishing, and joking that when she joined the Navy, no one even knew what “email” was. Her dedication to her community and her craft proves that leadership doesn’t end with service — it evolves.
Public Affairs Officer
Sariyah is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University. With a strong commitment to serving the veteran community and their families—a value shaped by her family’s military service—she is dedicated to keeping members informed, connected, and supported throughout their academic journey. Her professional background includes roles as a Restaurant Supervisor and Client Services Coordinator in the marketing industry, where she fostered a collaborative, service-oriented environment and developed processes that enhanced communication, organization, and operational efficiency. Outside of her responsibilities, she enjoys spending time in her garden, going to the beach, and caring for her two dogs. Known for her creativity and attention to detail, Sariyah brings both structure and personality to her role.
Advisor
Kim keeps the SVA leadership team on track, on time, and (mostly) out of trouble. With a knack for organization and a sixth sense for impending chaos, she’s the calm voice of reason behind every great idea — and the gentle reminder when deadlines mysteriously sneak up. Known for her quick wit and unwavering support, Kim somehow manages to guide student veterans, juggle a thousand responsibilities, and still keep her coffee cup perpetually full.
