You know you’ve found someone special when your first mentoring session feels less like a kick-off and more like a collaboration. That’s exactly what it’s been like working with De’Unte Randolph.

A former US Army Bridge Crew Member and current Claims Specialist at the Social Security Administration, De’Unte embodies that rare blend of steady professionalism and insatiable forward momentum. From navigating large-scale organizational changes in the federal government to laying the groundwork for a pivot into private sector tech, De’Unte’s trajectory is as strategic as it is inspiring.

He doesn’t just “show up”—he shows initiative. Midway through our mentorship, De’Unte made the bold move to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s in Information Technology through Western Governors University, all while working full-time and maintaining an active Public Trust Clearance. He’s now on track to graduate with both degrees in August 2025. Along the way, he’s earned certifications like CompTIA Security+, Network+, and is soon adding AWS Cloud Practitioner to the list.

Our work has been wide-ranging—from elevating his LinkedIn profile and decoding private sector job titles, to framing his federal experience in terms that resonate with hiring managers. De’Unte brings thoughtfulness, humility, and intention to every session. He’s not just reskilling—he’s future-proofing, with a clear sense of where he wants to be and what impact he wants to make.

What stands out most is his quiet determination. There’s no flash, just substance. He listens deeply, thinks critically, and acts decisively. And while he’s constantly absorbing and applying new concepts, he never loses sight of the mission—whether it’s serving the public, supporting his peers, or building a career grounded in integrity and innovation.

As Director of Product Management & UX at Brightline Trains, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring high-performing individuals across industries. De’Unte’s commitment, grit, and growth mindset place him firmly in that top tier. He’s not just preparing for the next phase—he’s poised to lead it.

Mentor: Gregory Camp, Winter Garden, FL, Brightline Trains 

ACP’s mentorship program brought me and Adrian together, two Marines, different eras, same mindset. She was right in the thick of a job search. From day one, she wasn’t just looking for any job, she was aiming for the right career, one that matched her leadership style and long-term goals. We tackled that search together, refining strategies and weighing options to make sure every step lined up with her vision. After much back and forth, she accepted an exciting role with a legal firm.

She’s already driving digital transformation by embracing data analytics and business intelligence, building dashboards that turn raw data into real insight. Her work helps teams make smarter decisions, because she’s thinking about the people behind the screens, tailoring what she builds for executives, customer support, and everyone in between. Through every challenge, the moves, the long ops, the firefights, Adrian stays locked on. Focused. Reliable. Mission-ready. That Marine mindset runs deep.

Her problem solving really stands out. Whether she’s managing vendors, advocating for better tools, or pitching bold ideas, she brings calm confidence and sharp reasoning to every conversation. She’s not just driving transformation at work, she’s transforming herself. It’s been a real privilege to watch.

Mentor: Wally Beddoe, Mahwah, NJ, Volvo Cars USA

I’m proud to nominate CPT Elijah Forbes for the Protégé Spotlight. From day one, Eli has approached this mentorship with genuine curiosity, humility, and a clear drive to grow. He consistently shows up prepared, takes feedback seriously, and applies it immediately — whether it’s translating military experience into civilian terms or fine-tuning his approach to job applications.

Eli takes the initiative, asks thoughtful questions, and isn’t afraid to get uncomfortable in the pursuit of growth — the hallmark of someone who’s going to thrive in the civilian world. Even while navigating the life-changing experience of becoming a new dad (he and his wife recently welcomed a baby girl!), he’s remained committed and engaged.

He’s the kind of veteran who will inspire others in this program — not just because of what he’s done, but because of how he keeps showing up.

Mentor: Boris Clayton, Greenville, SC, Hearst Corporation

When transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce, having the right mentoring relationships can make all the difference. For Luis Juarez, a former U.S. Marine Corps Avionics Chief Master Sergeant, ACP’s program provided the key support he needed to navigate his next career move successfully.

Luis and I began our mentorship in March 2024, as he was preparing for his retirement from the Marine Corps. His goal was clear—he sought a career in quality engineering within the aircraft industry. From the very beginning, I was impressed with Luis’s professionalism, unwavering dedication to learning, and laser-focused career aspirations.

Over the course of the year, we worked together to refine his resume, develop his job search strategy, and practice interview skills to effectively showcase his extensive experience and technical expertise. Understanding the importance of networking, we ensured his online presence reflected his skills and aspirations, making him a standout.

Mentor: Jeff Miller, Peachtree City, GA, General Motors

I am pleased to report on a very successful mentorship of Calvin Davies, a Navy veteran, who has made remarkable strides in his pursuit of a career in the financial industry. Over the past several months, Calvin demonstrated significant growth and increased understanding of the valuable skills learned during his service as he embraced and applied key lessons from our mentorship sessions.

Drawing on his disciplined military background, Calvin effectively translated military principles such as leadership, strategic thinking, and project management into tangible examples that showcased his value to prospective employers. His ability to prepare and communicate these experiences clearly and effectively during interviews was a great outcome, making him a stronger candidate for the competitive positions he was seeking.

Through hard work, persistence, and the application of the lessons from our collaborative sessions, Calvin successfully navigated the competitive job market. His focus on the adaptability of his military skills to the finance sector has proven invaluable in his career transition, culminating in positive outcomes from his interviews.

Calvin’s journey reflects a strong commitment to professional development, and his success serves as a testament to his drive, discipline, and ability to pivot into a new field.  I look forward to seeing him succeed in his new career. 

Mentor: Sean Andersen, Somerset, NJ, Aon

I've had the chance to get to know Chardonnay ‘Char’ Scarset over the past couple of months, and I have to say, she's a total rockstar - a classic superwoman who's still figuring out just how capable she is. We've been working together to help her make the transition from military to civilian life, which has involved everything from tweaking her resume to coming up with a comprehensive job hunting strategy. It's been really fun to see her take charge of her career and start making plans for her future by calling in all the experts, including ACP.  When you’ve got a specific skills set like hers, cybersecurity, you need to know who to ask for assistance.

One thing that's really stood out to me about Char is her positive attitude and motivation - she's got a great energy about her, and she's always looking on the bright side. She's already started making plans for her next chapter (even though there are plenty of folks who say “you’re too early”!), and I'm excited to see where she ends up because there’s no time like the present to plan for the future you want. She knows that and I’m glad the initiative is clear. Through her suggestions, I've also been introduced to some cool new spots, like a great coffee shop in Fredericksburg, VA called Agora, which has been a fun bonus of our time together.

I'm looking forward to continuing to support Char as she navigates the job market - we're even going to hit up a job fair together that focuses on her background specifically, where I'll get to be her wing woman and help her show off her skills. I've got no doubt that she's going to knock it out of the park and find a job that's a new cultural fit. It's been an honor to work with her, and I'm expecting that our paths will cross again in the future - maybe even at Lockheed Martin, where I think she'd be a fantastic addition to the team.

Mentor: Leslie Wilson, Fredericksburg, VA, Lockheed Martin