Jasmine Gore had a sense of civic duty inspired by her Veteran parents that enabled her to make history in November 2012. At the age of 25, Ms. Gore became one of the youngest local elected officials within the Commonwealth of Virginia when she was elected to represent Ward 4 for the City of Hopewell, Virginia. In that election, she also became the first African-American and first female ever to hold that seat. For two years Ms. Gore served as one of the youngest Vice Mayors in Virginia. In 2019 she became the youngest African American and female Mayor within the Commonwealth.

Her forward-thinking has earned her the distinction of “Emerging Leader of the Year”, and recognition by Style Weekly as one of “Richmond’s Top 40 Under 40” for being among “young standouts who are lifting the community to greater heights.”

In November 2014, she became the youngest appointed Board Member for the National League of Cities. In addition, she was elected to serve as the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Region 3 Director.

Governor McAuliffe tapped Ms. Gore for a gubernatorial appointment to serve on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Board of Medicine and the Local Government Advisory Board to the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council. She has proven her advocacy for Veterans, rallying the City of Hopewell behind a pledge to end Veteran homelessness. As a result, the City of Hopewell was acknowledged both federally and statewide as contributing to the Commonwealth being the first state to functionally end veteran homelessness.

She holds a B.A. in political science with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University. Contact Jasmine for any questions about the V3 Program at:

jasmine.gore@dvs.virginia.gov

Tracey Hart is an experienced Business Analyst.  Tracey is a subject matter expert in electronic payments, corporate audit, corporate fraud, revenue research, and financial systems Implementation.  An asset Tracey possess is understanding policies while assuring compliance with regulatory standards.  Tracey has experience working with several United States Treasury Departments which include the Bureau of Fiscal Service, Department of Education, and Fedwire Funds. She brings with her more than a decade of knowledge in the financial industry including accounting, audit, process improvement, data sampling/testing, research & data analysis.  She attended Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Business Management.  She is a native of Richmond and still resides in the local area.  Tracey is married with one child, a son.   Tracey is the proud daughter of a Marine Veteran.

Lakendra Hayes serves as the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Regional Program Manager for Virginia’s East Region. A native of Clinton, Maryland, Lakendra began her distinguished career by commissioning into the United States Army, where she dedicated 20 years of service. During her military tenure, she excelled as a Logistics Officer, providing comprehensive logistical and operational support at various levels—tactical, operational, and strategic. Her leadership capabilities were further demonstrated through her role as an Executive Officer, where she offered mentorship and guidance to both enlisted personnel and fellow officers. Additionally, Lakendra contributed to the development of future leaders as a small group instructor at The Army Logistics University. A decorated Operations Iraqi Freedom 05-07 Combat Veteran, she completed three deployments and two remote tours overseas.
Following her transition from active duty, Lakendra participated in the VA Skillbridge Program, gaining valuable experience as a Program Manager with the VA Department of Veterans Services in the Military Education and Workforce Initiatives division. Through this role, she effectively networked with V3 employees and engaged in Career and Skillbridge Expos.
Lakendra holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Morgan State University and a Master’s of Arts in Leadership and Management from Webster University.
Lakendra.hayes@dvs.virginia.gov

Cecil J. Graham currently serves as the Regional Program Manager for the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, overseeing initiatives across Virginia’s Central and Southwest Regions. A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Cecil brings more than two decades of exemplary military service, having honorably retired from the United States Army after 23 years. His career was marked by a series of high-responsibility assignments, most notably his tenures as a Drill Sergeant and First Sergeant, where he was instrumental in developing, mentoring, and preparing the Army’s future leaders. A two-time combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006–2007, 2009–2010), he is a decorated leader known for his strategic insight, operational acumen, and logistical expertise.

Following his military retirement, Cecil continued his commitment to service in the private sector as an Assistant Project Manager, where he played a critical role in ensuring that training Soldiers received the nutritional support necessary for optimal performance.

Cecil holds an Associate of Science degree in Administrative and Management Studies from Excelsior University. He remains deeply dedicated to serving those who have served and is honored to support transitioning military personnel and their families through his current role with the V3 Program.

Cecil J. Graham
Cecil.graham@dvs.virginia.gov

Mike Mullins has been with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services since 2018. He previously worked in the State Approving Agency, which reviews and approves education and training courses, as well as other programs for veterans, spouses, and dependents using their GI Bill® Benefits.

Upon joining the V3 Program, Mike was the primary liaison within the program to establish and approve multiple training programs in support of the V3 Program and various VDVS service lines, MOU partners, and stakeholders. He serves as the V3 Employer Liaison for Central Virginia.

Mike is a Virginia native. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Education from Virginia State University. He started his career in the Insurance Industry before transitioning as a Business and Information Technology teacher in the Richmond area.

Mike is married with a son and a daughter. His father-in-law is a Navy Combat Medic who served in Vietnam and his mother-in-law is a Vietnam-era Navy Nurse.

michael.mullins@dvs.virginia.gov
(804) 297-5719

Tanisha Edwards is an Active-Duty Military Spouse and a proud daughter of her Army Veteran parents. She serves as the V3 Employer Liaison for Eastern Virginia. Tanisha is a mother to three children and two dogs, currently residing in Hampton Roads. After her mother’s retirement from the Army, Tanisha moved to Yorktown, VA, where her mother was born and raised. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of Maryland.

Over the past 11 years, as a military spouse, Tanisha has experienced a wide variety of state-side duty stations. Her husband has been stationed at Fort Campbell, Fort Carson, Fort Riley, and is currently stationed at Fort Eustis. He serves as an Aviation Mechanic with a significant deployment load, completing 10–12-month deployment tours to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea.

Despite the challenges, Tanisha is enthusiastic about helping employers understand the benefits of hiring, training, and retaining military veterans or their family members for employment.

Tanisha. Edwards@dvs.virginia.gov

(804) 898-9196

Jennifer Hodges is the V3 Employer Liaison for Southwest Virginia. A Virginia native, Jennifer lives in Botetourt County with her husband Tommy, youngest son Noah, two dogs, two cats and all the wildlife that visit her home for treats.

Prior to joining the V3 Team, Jennifer spent a little over 14 years working in the Workforce Development programs in the Roanoke Valley. She started working with youth in the Workforce Investment Act Program (WIA). She advanced into a leadership role where she oversaw the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Program (WIOA) for the Roanoke Valley and Lynchburg. When the chance to work with the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) came along, she took leadership roles with that program and assisted individuals in reaching their dreams of obtaining healthcare certificates and licensures to start their careers in the healthcare industry.

Jennifer is excited to be working with employers in Southwest Virginia to expand opportunities for veterans and their families. Jennifer.hodges@dvs.virginia.gov

(540) 200-9090

Amy proudly serves with the Virginia Department of Veteran Services as the Eastern V3 Transition Resource Coordinator. She is a Military to Civilian Transition Subject Matter Expert who specializes in Workforce Development, providing supportive services to thousands of Transitioning Service Members, Military Spouses, Veterans and Eligible Dependents across the Eastern Region. She is a Virginia Certified Workforce Development Professional specializing in employment, resume review, interview preparation, and holisitic needs-based case management. A passionate advocate, mentor and accountability partner, Amy effectively collaborates with local, state, and federal partner agencies and employers to ensure she continually meets the needs of both her clients and partners.

Born in Texas, and raised in the cradle of the United States, her family relocated approxinmately every 3 years on military orders, resulting in her attending schools in Illinois, Hawaii, California and finally, Virginia. Her family settled in Virginia in September of 1993, where sadly, her father passed away after reporting to his final duty station. Amy graduated from High School in 1998, joined the Army in 1999, planning her 20+ year career, attending Basic Training in Ft. Jackson, SC. A career ending injurty resulted in discharge shortly thereafter. She returned home and married her Active Duty Navy Spouse in May of 2000. His career would take them back and forth between Virginia and Florida. He retired in January, 2022. She and her husband have 3 children, and during his multiple PCS’s she attended school at St. Leo University, completing both a B.A. and M.S. in Criminal Justice.

Her employment journey is similar to many military spouses, stints in seasonal retail, and a “never say can’t” attitude resulted in Amy taking her first post-grad position through a Staffing Agency. She was over and underqualified at the same time, having too much education and not enough experience. She took a $9.00/hr. filing clerk position and within 15 weeks would be in charge of the Accounts Payable department. She spent the remaining 8 months at H.T. Hackney building her skills and gaining workforce experience. She would turn to another Staffing Agency upon relocation to Virginia. That resulted in her finding employment in Workforce Development, which resulted in pursuing her career of passion. The staffing agency placement at Opportunity Inc. allowed her to learn about Workforce Development and how reducing recidivism through increased employment with the returning citizen population would allow her to use her degrees in a useful capacity.

The spark was lit. She would turn that temporary position into the Office Manager position, learning as much as she could about the industry, and within 2 years applied for and promoted to a Career Developer position. Two years after becoming a Career Developer, she was presented with the opportunity to become demographic specific, working only with the active duty and veteran population. This allowed her to make use of all of her experiences, education, and to give back to her community in a positive, impactful way. She would go on to earn the JVSG WIOA Partner Case Manager award for 2020.

amy.rodriguez@dvs.virginia.gov

804-297-6147

Stuart Allison is a retired Air Force Veteran with almost thirty years active-duty experience. During his active-duty career, he provided logistics management and personnel leadership focused on readiness, development, morale, and the effective utilization of personnel. He held numerous leadership positions throughout the continental United States and overseas. His deployment history includes Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Djibouti, and Niger. During his military career, Stuart received numerous Meritorious Service and Unit Awards.
He completed all levels of Air Force Professional Military Education, and he attended the Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, California. He also has a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management from Bellevue University in Nebraska and a master’s degree in leadership from Trident University in California.
He was born in Scotland, and he immigrated to America when he was eighteen. He currently lives in Prince George, Virginia with his wife Char and two children TeeAnn and JohnRic. Stuart and his family initially relocated to Prince George in July 2014 and decided to stay permanently in July 2022 upon his retirement from the Air Force.

stuart.allison@dvs.virginia.gov
(804) 489-0552

Shunika Walker serves as the V3 Transition Resource Coordinator for the East Region of Virginia, where she is dedicated to empowering transitioning service members and veterans. A proud native of Atlanta, Georgia, Shunika began her distinguished career by enlisting in the United States Navy, where she honorably served 20 years before retiring.
During her tenure in the Navy, she excelled as a Chief Command Career Counselor, guiding service members through critical career decisions, professional development, and transition planning. Her commitment to ensuring every service member received unwavering support and expert career guidance was the most gratifying aspect of her role. She also completed three deployments and earned multiple awards in recognition of her leadership and service.
Upon transitioning to civilian life, Shunika continued her passion for service by actively volunteering at veteran-focused community events, working to bridge the gap between military and civilian life for her fellow veterans.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Management and Organizational Leadership from American Military University, equipping her with the knowledge and strategic insight to lead and advocate for veterans’ success.
💬 Motto: “Serving those who served—because every veteran deserves a future as strong as their past.”
📧 Contact: shunika.walker@dvs.virginia.gov

Katie is proudly serving with the Virginia Department of Veteran Services as the Northern V3 Transition Resource Coordinator. Katie provides customized one-on-one career readiness support and resource coordination to hundreds of service members and spouses across the NCR region including Quantico, Fort Belvoir, and Joint Base Fort Myer/Henderson Hall. She is a certified career coach, Certified Professional Resumé Writer, and certified in both Federal and Corporate resumes.

She has developed and nurtured strong partnerships with well-known Veteran Service Organizations and regional partners in the local area. Katie has created and facilitated multiple workshops and unique worksheets focused on civilian employment, character assessments, and wants/needs after leaving the military to not only regional partners such as the USO and Hiring Our Heroes, but she has also developed custom workshops for multiple Units and Commands across the NCR Region.

As the daughter of a retired Navy captain, Katie had the opportunity to grow up in places that adults wish they could visit for a week. Adaptability became a core value at a very young age. Katie’s first experience with the bear known as “Transition” started when her father retired after an impressive 20+ year career. As a daughter, watching her hero struggle to figure out who he wanted to be after hanging up the uniform was heartbreaking and with that memory, the spark to help those who have served was born.

Katie took on a new role in the military space, as a wife of a United States Marine. After surviving a deployment and smoothing out the newlywed jitters, Katie experienced the anxiety and stresses of transition once again but this time as a spouse.

After various roles in business management and operations, Katie went out on a limb and applied for a Career Advisor position with ECPI University, a role that she didn’t meet any of the qualifications except a Bachelor’s degree. Within a year she was promoted to Director of Career Services and her department had outstanding graduate employment success for four consecutive years. Katie ended up with a substantial amount of knowledge and experience in Corporate recruiting and private sector company needs which ended up being a perfect blend for her current position.

Katie has always had a soft spot in her heart for helping service members and veterans. The drive and desire to assist and support were always there, but the answer was never clear as to how she could help until she stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to marry her passion for the military and her strong skills of being a career counselor, advocate, and mentor.

Katie has been able to honor not only her father’s legacy but uses his experience as a beacon to be able to provide transparent, honest, and genuine support to her clients while helping them locate opportunities for employment, education, entrepreneurship, and training through programs such as Virginia Values Veterans, Military Medics and Corpsman, Hire Vets Now Fellowship and countless others.

katie.spinazzola@dvs.virginia.gov

(804) 337-1184

Kim is the V3 Military Spouse and Dependent Employment Specialist for the Central Region. She originally hails from Williamsburg and has also lived in the Hampton Roads area. Kim is a mother of 4, and spent 18 years as an Army wife, until her veteran husband’s passing in 2018.

She’s had her share of careers and knows first-hand what it means to have to pick up and reinvent yourself, all while having your resume make sense on a moment’s notice. She’s had various careers in Customer Service, Healthcare Administration, Behavioral Health, Workforce Management and Case Management.

Kim is a Virginia State University alum, where she studied English and Mass Communications, but found herself back in the Central Virginia area, only now as an “empty-nester” assisting military spouses in their own career endeavors. She holds a certification in Human Resources Management and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

During her free time she enjoys spending time with loved ones, cooking, traveling, writing urban fiction and listening to good music of all genres!

Philip “Phil” Rigney is a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia where he returned in 2018 to buy the family farm originally purchased by his grandfather in 1922.
Offered a position with the JVSG program in Roanoke, over the last five years Phil has built a successful JVSG team at the American Job Center collaborating with partner agencies and reaching out to employers to advocate for veterans’ employment.
Joining the Virginia Department of Veteran Services in April 2023 Phil is a retired Navy Chief. He holds a master’s in human resources development and is a Reality Therapy certified counselor.
With his last duty station at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, Phil wrote curriculum first for the Navy and then for a defense contractor until 1999. He went on to teach high school, and for over 10 years was an adjunct at Sul Ross State University & Rio Grande College in Uvalde.
Phil joined the Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments in 2004 as Coordinator of Business and Employment Services in the nine-county region serving six workforce centers. His role expanded over time to include special populations and veterans’ services, before taking on a new challenge in San Antonio as Center and Program Manager in two urban workforce centers administering five federal program grants.
Phil is an advocate for homeless and justice-involved veterans and is always looking to support communities of southwest Virginia. You may contact him by email: philip.rigney@dvs.virginia.gov or call 804.898.9134.