2nd Annual

change forum

June 11
 – 12, 2025

Presented By

“The American soldier is not only fighting for freedom abroad but setting the standard for citizenship at home.”

General Omar N. Bradley
1st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
1893–1981

Zeroing in on

Change

Respect is earned through action, not applause.

Join us in taking another leap forward in creating cultures and communities where Veterans, military spouses, and their families lead, thrive, and inspire the next generation to serve in and out of uniform. We will share best practices and lessons learned since our inaugural Change Forum; spotlight partners that are changing the narrative and demonstrate how they are giving Veterans opportunities to engage with young people at the local level; and map out where we are going next with a coalition committed to creating a Military Thriving® movement. We’re Zeroing in on Change and you’re part of the solution.

June 11
– 12

Georgetown University

37th and O Streets, N.W.
Washington, DC 20057

Sessions

Reception

June 11 • 6pm–8pm ET

Join us for a night of fellowship and camaraderie when we come together as a community and rekindle the ties that make us the strongest tribe in the nation.

Run to Remember

June 12 • 6am–7am ET

(Optional)

Join wear blue for a circle of remembrance and community run that strengthens the ties that bond us.

Change Forum

June 12 • 8am–1pm ET

Building on the inaugural national Change Forum at Georgetown we will share best practices and lessons learned and chart the path forward for our Military Thriving movement in select regions of the country.

Uniting in Service

June 12 • 1pm–4pm ET

Come hear, see, and take part in changing the narrative. Uniting In Service – Washington DC will demonstrate the positive outcomes of service with America’s youth in partnership with Soldiers to Sidelines and sponsor, Wells Fargo.

Join the Movement

Help support our movement on your socials.

Change Forum
9:00 AM • Opening Remarks

Dr. Joel Kupersmith • Director of Veterans Initiatives, Georgetown University, and ZeroMils

9:15 AM • Morning Keynote

Commissioner James Hendon • NYC Department of Veterans’ Services

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM • Panel

Military Thriving® Cultures • Go Beyond Friendly
with Sean Passmore and Jarrett Brant, Wells Fargo; Gena Pirtle, formerly of Cisco; Laura Schmiegel Orion Talent; and Tommy Jones, ZeroMils

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM • A Panel with National University

Creating Military Thriving® Cultures & Communities through Strategic Partnerships
with National University Leadership Team Gerardo de los Santos, Joe Patterson, and Sheno Fuzita

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM • Panel

Military Thriving® Communities • Regional Impact in Action
Regional Leaders with James D. Rodriguez, MA; Josh Cramer; Ashley Huderson, Ph.D, MBA; and Michael Batt

12:15 PM – 1:00 PMWorking Lunch • Fireside Chat

Public-Private Sector Collaboration • Building a Coalition of the Committed
with Secretary Mallette (NC) and Secretary Ross Cohen (MD)
Moderated by ZeroMils

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM • Military Thriving® Nonprofits

Uniting in Service • Changing the Narrative
with Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors; Heather Kelly, Travis Manion Foundation; Jim Lorraine, AWP; and Brian T. Kelly, MOAA

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM • Closing Remarks

Military Thriving® Community Huddle
with Harrison Bernstein, Soldiers To Sidelines; Dr. Joel Kupersmith, Georgetown University; and ZeroMils.

2:30 PM – 6:00 PM • Coaching Clinic

Uniting In Service DC • Youth Skills Clinic
Featuring Soldiers To Sidelines in partnership with Wells Fargo, Vehicles for Veterans, and Marine Corps Recruiting Command

 

And for everyone who won’t be joining us in-person, watch our livestream in collaboration with National University to see dozens of the most influential Veteran changemakers in America participate in dynamic discussions that lead to action.

Livestream

June 12, 9am–2:30pm ET

Our Speakers

Joel Kupersmith, MD
Professor Emeritus of Medicine
Georgetown University
Dr. Lynda C. Davis
Chief Veterans Experience Officer
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
David A. Lee
Lead Director
CVS Health
Kevin Schmiegel
CEO
ZeroMils
James Hendon
Commissioner
NYC Department of Veterans’​ Services (DVS)
Sean Passmore
Head of Military Talent Strategic Sourcing and Enterprise Military and Veteran Initiatives
Wells Fargo
Jarrett Brant
Financial Advisor
Wells Fargo
Tommy Jones
Director of Military Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
ZeroMils
Gena Pirtle
Founder and Principal
Gena Pirtle Consulting LLC
Laura Schmiegel
Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Orion Talent
Joe Patterson
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and National Outreach
National University
Sheno Fuzita
Executive Director of National Partnerships
National University
Gerardo de los Santos
Vice President, Community College Relations
National University
Mike Batt
Vice President, Talent
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)
Josh Cramer
Associate Vice President, Workforce Development
BlueForge Alliance
Dr. Ashley Huderson
Senior Director of Programs
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
The Honorable James D. Rodriguez
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Development
University of Health and Performance (UHP)
Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette
Secretary
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Ross Cohen
Acting Secretary
Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families (DVMF)
Jim Lorraine
President and CEO
America’s Warrior Partnership
Heather Kelly
Director of Advancement
Travis Manion Foundation
Robin Kelleher
Co-founder and CEO
Hope For The Warriors
Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret.)
President and CEO
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
Harrison Bernstein
Founder and CEO
Soldiers to Sidelines
Exclusive Media Partner

About ZeroMils

ZeroMils is a term of both science and art, used in the military to describe a state of perfection that accounts for accuracy and effectiveness. Once attained, ZeroMils allows  you to achieve maximum impact on a target.

ZeroMils’ mission is to create Military Thriving cultures and communities by serving alongside our partners and clients in the places where we live, work and serve.

We are intentional in our efforts to serve alongside organizations and leaders who focus on what we know to be true:  that although Veterans and their families face unique challenges, the vast majority of us overcome them and thrive as a result of our service and not in spite of it.

The 5 Components of Military Thriving

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

$100,000
  • 10 premier seats
  • Company brand logo on featured table signs
  • Premier inclusion with pre, day-of, and post event marketing communications, which may include but are not limited to:
    • Press release(s)
    • Earned media (if applicable)
    • Paid event advertising (if applicable)
    • Social media posts
    • First-party HTML Email campaigns
    • Nonprofit partner member and network outreach communications
    • Branded logo on event jumbo step-and-repeat
  • Premier acknowledgement of organization on event website campaign landing page(s)
  • Placement of organization branding on event’s digital and offline asset(s)
  • Stakeholders included within professional photo opps
  • Branding and access to VIP reception/networking room (if applicable)
$75,000
  • 8 premier seats
  • Premier inclusion with pre, day-of, and post event marketing communications, which may include but are not limited to:
    • Press release(s)
    • Earned media (if applicable)
    • Paid event advertising (if applicable)
    • Social media posts
    • First-party HTML Email campaigns
    • Nonprofit partner member and network outreach communications
  • Premier acknowledgement of organization on event website campaign landing page(s)
  • Placement of organization branding on event’s digital and offline asset(s)
  • Stakeholders included within professional photo opps
  • Branding and access to VIP reception/networking room (if applicable)
$35,000
  • Event seating for 6
  • Premier inclusion with pre, day-of, and post event marketing communications, which may include but are not limited to:
    • Press release(s)
    • Earned media (if applicable)
    • Paid event advertising (if applicable)
    • Social media posts
    • First-party HTML Email campaigns
    • Nonprofit partner member and network outreach communications
  • Acknowledgement of organization on event website campaign landing page(s)
  • Placement of organization branding on event’s digital and offline asset(s)
  • Stakeholders included within professional photo opps
  • Access to VIP reception/networking room (if applicable)
$15,000
  • Event seating for 2
  • Promotional acknowledgement within
    social media posts
  • Acknowledgement of organization on event website campaign landing page(s)
  • Placement of organization branding on event’s digital and offline asset(s)
$5,000
  • Event seating for 1
  • Acknowledgement of organization on event website campaign landing page(s)

In-Kind Sponsorship Opportunities

$25,000
  • Branding on and throughout Event Live Stream
  • Extended visibility through ongoing traffic and engagement with the recorded live stream after the event
$10,000
  • 5 minute speaking opportunity during event reception
  • Company branding on event signage
  • Acknowledgment of company as sponsor
    during speaker introduction
$10,000
  • 5 minute speaking opportunity during
    breakfast dining
  • Company branding on breakfast boxes
  • Acknowledgment of company as sponsor
    during speaker introduction
$10,000
  • 5 minute speaking opportunity during lunch dining
  • Company branding on lunch boxes
  • Acknowledgment of company as sponsor
    during speaker introduction
$5,000
  • Company branding on event attendee lanyards
  • Acknowledgment of company as sponsor
    through social media content
$5,000
  • Company’s branding on the official event gift bag distributed to every attendee
    Please note: Sponsorship includes the bag only and does not cover individual item(s) placed inside
$1,000
  • Include company’s promotional item inside every event gift bag distributed to every attendee

Social Sharing Toolkit

Right-click on the image to download.

Speaker only:

Attendee only:

Copy and paste into your post.

Version 1 – General

I’m standing shoulder to shoulder with ZeroMils at the second annual Military Thriving Change Forum at Georgetown University.

This year’s theme of “Zeroing in on Change” is about aligning leaders and organizations that are committed to collaborating and creating communities where Veterans and their families thrive. Together, we’re showcasing the positive outcomes of service, changing misperceptions and false narratives, and inspiring the next generation to serve. 

Join the Military Thriving movement: https://www.zeromils.com/events/zeroing-in-on-change/

Version 2 – Fact

I’m standing shoulder to shoulder with ZeroMils for the second annual Military Thriving Change Forum at Georgetown University.

Did you know Veterans are a significant part of the economy, owning 2 million businesses and employing 5.5 million Americans?  ​As successful business owners, community leaders, and civic assets, Veterans and their families are thriving. It’s time more people saw that.

That’s why I’m proud to be attending the Zeroing in on Change Event along with local and national changemakers. Together, and through service, we’re showcasing the impact Veterans are making and what’s possible when communities empower them to thrive and reach their full potential. 

Join the Military Thriving movement: https://www.zeromils.com/events/zeroing-in-on-change/

Version 3 – Uniting in Service

I’m proud to be Uniting In Service with ZeroMils for the second annual Military Thriving Change Forum at Georgetown University.

Veterans and their families are thriving in the workplace and society, and have a role to play in sharing the positive outcomes of military service and moving the needle on historically low propensity to serve among young people.

That’s why joining forces with local and national changemakers at Georgetown on June 12 — to not only help change the narrative but to “Zero in” on what we must do together to create a movement that inspires the next generation to serve.

Join us at Georgetown and help America thrive with Veterans and their families leading, serving, and being the vehicle for change: https://www.zeromils.com/events/zeroing-in-on-change/

ONLY CONNECTED, 

CAN WE THRIVE.

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