In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), MIL is proud to celebrate the vibrant cultural traditions, rich histories, and remarkable contributions of our Hispanic and Latino colleagues. This year’s national theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reflects the spirit of unity, resilience, and innovation that continues to shape our communities and our workplace. Throughout the month, we are sharing a special interview series featuring members of our MIL team who generously share their personal journeys, cultural influences, and professional perspectives. By highlighting these voices, we honor the legacy of Hispanic and Latino heritage while recognizing its vital role in shaping MIL’s future and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Brieann Jaso
Can you share a proud accomplishment from your career that reflects your heritage or cultural values?
Brieann: My proudest moment was being hired as an Assistant Facility Security Officer with my first DoD contractor. Back in 2015–2016, I was working at the front desk and found myself inspired by my FSO’s leadership and the impact she had on the company. I realized that was the career I wanted to pursue, so I quietly began taking the necessary training and courses to earn my certification. Once I completed them, I applied for the AFSO position and got it. Sharing the news with my parents and seeing the pride on their faces is a memory I’ll always cherish. In my family, we hold the cultural value of working harder than anyone so that each generation can reach higher than the last. That moment was proof to me that we honor our parents’ struggles by growing and building upon them.
How has your Hispanic/Latino background influenced your professional journey?
B: My Hispanic heritage instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and determination. Growing up, I saw the value of hard work and perseverance, which has guided me in my career. No matter the challenge, I strive to approach it with dedication and optimism.
Who has inspired you the most, and how has their example shaped your path?
B: My mother has been my greatest inspiration in life. Like me, school didn’t come easily to her, and she even dropped out of high school. But when she became pregnant with her first child, she went back and earned her diploma because she believed she couldn’t expect something from her children that she hadn’t accomplished herself. She worked tirelessly to provide for us and was the one person who always believed I could build a successful life, even without a college degree. Being able to show her that I found a career I love and worked hard to thrive in it has been incredibly meaningful. From an early age, she taught me that nothing is impossible with hard work and dedication, a lesson that continues to guide me every day.
What excites you most about the next generation of Hispanic/Latino professionals entering your field?
B: What excites me most about the next generation of Hispanic/Latino professionals entering our field is the creativity, energy, and new perspectives they bring. Their presence strengthens our community, promotes diversity in thought, and inspires future generations to pursue careers they might not have considered possible. I look forward to supporting, learning from, and collaborating with them as they help shape the future of our industry.
What opportunities do you see on the horizon for greater representation in our industry?
B: I see significant opportunities for greater representation in our industry through increased mentorship, recruitment, and leadership development programs for Hispanic/Latino professionals. By creating pathways for diverse talent to thrive, we not only strengthen our teams but also bring new perspectives that drive innovation and collaboration. Greater representation ensures that the industry reflects the communities it serves and inspires future generations to pursue these careers with confidence.
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Carolina Gil Ochoa
Honoring the Past
Can you share a proud accomplishment from your career that reflects your heritage or cultural values?
Carolina: One of my greatest accomplishments has been the ability to pioneer processes, build teams, and develop programs from the ground up—not only during my time at MIL but throughout my professional career. I consider it a profound honor to have contributed to the creation of something new wherever I have been. This achievement stems from the persistence I learned from those who raised me and the cultural values that shaped me as a child. These experiences taught me never to let anyone convince me that something was impossible. My heritage always showed me that with hard work, and not being afraid of taking risks, anything is achievable. Persistence is key, even when the odds are stacked against you.
How has your Hispanic/Latino background influenced your professional journey?
C: Growing up in Colombia taught me the importance of never taking anything for granted. My Hispanic/Latino background instilled in me an understanding of needs and challenges that can differ greatly from those in other parts of the world. When I moved here, seeing the drive in other fellow Latinos from different countries than mine, plus my upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for every opportunity, encouraging me to go the extra mile and approach each experience as a chance to learn and grow.
Who has inspired you the most, and how has their example shaped your path?
C: The women in my family—my mother, grandmother, and aunts—have been my greatest sources of inspiration. They always carried a smile and showed remarkable patience in serving and welcoming others, regardless of the circumstances. Their example taught me the importance of staying positive in the face of life’s challenges. Colombia, the country I am originally from, has been recognized in the past as one of the happiest countries in the world. I believe this to be true; despite the visible needs, I remember seeing countless smiles. That resilience and joy left a lasting impression on me and shaped the person I am today.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?
C: It means remembering where I come from, embracing the pride in how my heritage has shaped me, and blending it with the incredible culture and values of my new home and citizenship. Now that this is my home—a place I love deeply—I feel proud knowing that my heritage contributes to enriching the culture of the United States.
Looking back, what is a milestone at MIL that you’re proud to have been part of?
C: I am proud to have played a key role in establishing the DS/CFO RPA Program from the ground up. Reflecting on its beginnings, I take pride in the patience and perseverance I maintained through the initial challenges. Today, it is rewarding to see the solid program it has become, the exceptional team that drives it forward, and the meaningful benefits we have delivered to the directorate. I am committed to fostering that same pioneering spirit in everything we do within the program.
Inspiring the Future
What excites you most about the next generation of Hispanic/Latino professionals entering your field?
Carolina: It is inspiring to see this generation’s boldness and willingness to challenge standards and stereotypes. They are embracing risks and exploring fields less traditionally associated with Hispanics, such as technology. At the same time, they are revitalizing a passion for Hispanic traditions and values. I believe this blend of cultural heritage and local influences will foster the development of exceptional individuals.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting their careers?
C: We must continue to uphold the best of our values, ensuring they endure and are passed on to future generations. These values set us apart and make us unique. It is essential to remain honest and hardworking, as these qualities ultimately lead to success.
How do you hope your story can inspire others at MIL and beyond?
C: I hope my story demonstrates that success does not look the same for everyone and does not follow a single, predefined path. My journey has been different from others, and at times, I felt isolated because of it. However, I have come to realize that challenges and limitations are part of the process—they serve as training to make us stronger and more resilient. My path has not been traditional; I lacked access to conventional educational opportunities, resources, and even language fluency. Despite these obstacles, hard work has been the driving force behind my achievements. I hope my story leaves a lasting impact and inspires others to persevere in their own journeys.
What opportunities do you see on the horizon for greater representation in our industry?
C: I see big opportunities emerging as the industry becomes more inclusive of minorities and women, particularly in technology. It is encouraging to witness many fellow Latinos pursuing careers in fields such as cybersecurity, programming, and artificial intelligence. This trend gives me hope that they will have access to meaningful opportunities and achieve great success in the future.
If you could pass along one lesson or value from your heritage to future generations, what would it be?
C: We must continue sharing the stories of those who came before us—individuals who paved the way and achieved great success. These stories remind us that we are part of a legacy of perseverance and accomplishment. It is equally important to uphold our values while respecting the values and cultures of others. By embracing the best of all perspectives and maintaining a strong work ethic, we can continue to grow and thrive.