15 Mission43 members SELECTED to receive a scholarship to attend project management professional course
We are thrilled to announce the newest group of scholarship recipients of the Mission43 PMP Certification Course. This program provides scholarships for up to 60 Idaho military members, veterans, and their spouses each year to attend a 4-day PMP exam preparation course and sit for the PMP certification exam, valued at over $3,000 per participant. Not only does this program eliminate the financial barrier to earning the PMP certification, but it also equips participants with highly sought-after skills in project management.
With a 92% first-time exam pass rate, 100% second-time pass rate, and salary increases of over 35% on average, the Mission43 PMP Certification Course has already demonstrated tremendous value to both course participants and Idaho employers.
By participating in this program, members have the opportunity to hone their project management skills and prove their leadership experience and expertise. The Mission43 PMP Certification Course brings together professionals from a variety of industries, enabling them to demonstrate that they have the globally recognized body of knowledge employers need to succeed in managing projects. In turn, employers benefit from hiring dedicated individuals with the capacity to perform at the highest level. As the need for PMP certified employees continues to grow, military members, veterans, and their spouses are an excellent source of talent for Idaho businesses looking to build an adept and diverse workforce.
Meet the Cohort
Amy Gilbert
Amy Gilbert has a background in nursing leadership. She serves the community that is close to her heart as an Education Specialist at Mission43, supporting military members, veterans, and their spouses as they pursue educational and professional development opportunities. Amy is an Idaho Army National Guard military spouse with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, BSN, and Master’s in Healthcare Administration and Leadership. She plans to combine her education and experience to lead others with positive, informed decision making skills.
Brandon Nipper
Brandon Nipper is a retired Army National Guard CW3 with 25 years of service as a military aviator. Brandon has transitioned to the City of Boise as a Building Inspector and holds a Bachelor’s in Management and Organizational Leadership, is a Certified Plans Examiner, Residential and Commercial Building Inspector. He would like to continue to grow his knowledge and skillset and promote to a managerial or supervisor role, and looks forward to the PMP certification strengthening his resumé and adding certifications that actualize the experience he has into employable skills.
Chris Davis
Chris Davis is a retired United States Air Force Intelligence Officer that is currently seeking new opportunities after transitioning from the military. Chris holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Military Operational Art as well as a Master’s in Theology. His goal is to use his extensive leadership background and project management experience to gain a position where he can effect positive change in an organization in Idaho.
“As I transitioned into civilian life I realized I did not have some of the certifications to go along with things I had done. The PMP certification will help to professionalize my experience and open doors to management opportunities.”
Christina Latta
Christina Latta is a military spouse with experience in Oncology Research as well as a Military Protocol Specialist. Christina holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Illinois in Cultural Anthropology and a certification as a Tumor Registrar. She is no stranger to professional flexibility and is grateful for the many opportunities that have presented themselves to facilitate change and growth as she has experienced military relocation. She is excited to participate in the Mission43 PMP Certification Course to gain skills as she pursues Project Management in the Oncology Research industry.
David Jones
David Jones is a U.S. Army veteran, where he served as a Pacific Training Advisor and retired after a 22-year career. David has a passion for corporate training and development and worked as a Training and Development Specialist for Booz Allen Hamilton. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Studies and a Master Trainer Certification from The Association for Talent Development. David would like to apply his leadership, training, and project management skills to his next role, with the goal of leading a team of training specialists as part of a larger program.
Doug Brock
Doug Brock has over 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, with experience in signals intelligence, vehicle operations, and tactical air control. Outside of his military service, he works as a Senior Associate of Design for L3Harris Technologies and is a small business owner of DOPE, LLC, “Daily Outdoor Packs for Everyone,” where you can find fanny packs and other gear for all of your outdoor activities. Doug has earned an MBA and SSYB. Earning the PMP certification will be reaching a goal that he has had since 2014, and feels it’s the perfect certification to showcase his skills as he transitions from the military.
“I feel like there is a tremendous benefit for me to earn a PMP and apply the knowledge gained to my small business. So, earning a PMP is two-fold: A professional certification to bolster my resume as well as help me run a more successful small business.”
Gloria Alvarez
Gloria Alvarez is an Air Force veteran and currently works with the Idaho Army National Guard as a Traffic Specialist. Gloria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, Radioactive Commodity Identification Certification, and Hazardous Materials Technician Certification. She is seeking to earn the PMP certification to refine her skill set, take on new challenges, and grow professionally. Gloria is excited about the opportunity to work towards her career aspirations and potentially open doors for movement and promotability.
Jaime Lima
Jaime Lima spent 12 years in the United States Marine Corps as an Assaultman and then as a Marine Raider. He has a breadth of professional experience in leading high-performing teams in insurance and technical industries. He also gives back to the community through nonprofit board service. Jaime is a Muay Thai Coach, and is establishing a team building and private events program. As Jaime’s team and partners look to grow and scale, he is excited to expand his skillset and use project management concepts to efficiently and effectively introduce this new venture to the Treasure Valley.
Jay Swanson
Jay Swanson transitioned out of the military, where he served as Cyber Operations in the United States Army, to work in the Risk and Compliance area of cybersecurity as an IT Risk Analyst with Blue Cross of Idaho. Jay has a B.A. in Religion and Theology as well as the CompTia SEC+ certification. Jay is a Certified Information Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). He feels the PMP certification as a critical aspect of management roles within his organization, as well as a key to developing the mindset necessary for the roles he wishes to pursue.
Joseph Bledsoe III
Joseph Bledsoe is an active duty officer in the United States Air Force and currently serves as the Director of Staff to the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home AFB. Joseph attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduate school at the University of Maryland, focusing on International Security and Economic Policy. Joseph has served as a congressional aide, F15E/F15SG evaluator pilot, and board member of the Air Force Academy Associate of Graduates. He looks forward to fostering the growth of future leaders through the Project Everest Seminar Series.
Kacey Nelson
Kacey Nelson is a military spouse with significant leadership and project management experience. Kacey is a Project Manager at HP and Logistics Coordinator for the Aaron Butler Memorial Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering along with EIT, GD&T, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certifications. Kacey plans to combine her experience and education with the PMP certification to grow within her current industry. She is excited about the implications for direct application to the projects she manages on a daily basis.
Kevin Kirkendall
Kevin Kirkendall is a prior Air Force service member, with 15 years of service in both Active Duty and Guard capacities. Kevin is a Contracts Administrator at Brookhaven National Laboratory and holds a Master’s of Business Administration. He is interested in expanding his project management knowledge to increase his professional growth potential.
“Earning my PMP is the first step in the direction of heading into a new field that I have been paralleling my entire career.”
Lauren Samson
Lauren Samson is an Idaho National Guard military spouse. Lauren owns her business, Mental Push Plan, which empowers women to use mindfulness and mental tools to navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Lauren holds a PhD in Sport Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Her professional goals include maintaining and building Mental Push Plan, as well as seeking full-time employment in a mission-driven organization.
“The PMP certification will help me in both of my professional goals by accelerating Mental Push Plan and increase my marketability to other companies. Having participated in Mission43’s Entrepreneur Course last year, and finding it to be extremely helpful, I anticipate the PMP Course will be the same!”
Nathan Jessee
Nathan Jessee is an active duty Air Force service member of 14 years, currently serving as a Deputy Communications Director. Nathan has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s in Public Administration. Upon conclusion of his military career, he plans to seek employment in the public sector, with an ultimate goal of gaining a role in public works projects for a metropolitan area. Nathan feels the PMP certification will expand his career and education portfolio and further his understanding and application of project management.
Winston Tuggle
Winston Tuggle is retiring from the Air Force after 24 years of active duty service. Winston holds a Bachelor’s of Business Management, CompTIA Security+, and IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certifications. Winston is hoping to start his post-military career as an IT Project Manager for a government agency or industry partner. With a breadth of IT Project Management experience combined with workcenter project management, he feels earning the PMP certification will enhance his marketability and increase the value and knowledge base he will bring to an organization.
Learn More
The Mission43 PMP Certification Course is hosted at various times throughout the year in the Treasure Valley, East Idaho, and North Idaho and is open to eligible Mission43 members who are transitioning military members, veterans, and their spouses. Click here to find out more about the next cohort!
If you’re an employer seeking to hire certified project managers, reach out to the Mission43 team at education@mission43.org.