Her Story
About Breana
Breana M. Broad, She/Her, is a U.S. Army Civil Affairs Officer, logistics and international engagement specialist, and owner of B&C Real Estate, with a decade of military service spanning leadership, operations, and civil-military coordination. She began her military journey through the Simultaneous Membership Program with the South Carolina National Guard while attending The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. At the time, women represented only a small percentage of the student body, an experience that fostered resilience, close-knit camaraderie, and a strong sense of purpose as she completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Spanish and commissioned into the Army National Guard upon graduation in 2020.
Over eight years in the National Guard, Breana served as a logistics officer, platoon leader, and directorate-level staff officer supporting operations and logistics at scale. Her work included planning and executing mission-critical logistics, leading soldiers in maintenance and operational readiness, and contributing to high-level staff functions. She deployed to Africa for nearly a year, including approximately 9.5 months in support of multinational operations where she developed as a leader in complex, high-tempo environments. In 2024, she transitioned into the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, where she serves as a Civil Affairs Officer—working directly with foreign governments, municipal leaders, and partner forces to support governance, stability, humanitarian coordination, and capacity-building efforts. Her Civil Affairs experience has included engagements with local institutions such as medical, security, and civil infrastructure partners, alongside continued logistics and staff leadership responsibilities in support of regional missions.
After a second deployment experience in Africa, where she also served in a deputy staff leadership role supporting operational coordination and logistics, Breana began transitioning out of active military service due to health challenges and a desire to shift focus toward family and long-term stability. Alongside her military career, she has built an entrepreneurial path in real estate since 2021, beginning with personal homeownership that evolved into rental property investment. She also operates a wedding officiant business. Grounded in service, adaptability, and cross-cultural experience, she continues to apply her leadership skills across military, business, and community roles while preparing for her next chapter beyond uniformed service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Breana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and a commitment to consistently pushing forward even in challenging circumstances. I believe in showing respect to others in every interaction and recognizing the value of teamwork, mentorship, and collaboration. I also strive to reach out and support others whenever possible, knowing that small acts of service and encouragement can have a meaningful impact. Ultimately, I focus on making a positive difference each day through integrity, perseverance, and a strong sense of purpose in both my professional and personal life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to work hard, achieve my goals, and then dream even bigger. I have carried this mindset with me throughout my career, using it as a reminder that success is built step by step through discipline and consistent effort. I have also learned not to limit myself, because with dedication, resilience, and the right mindset, I can pursue and accomplish opportunities that may once have seemed out of reach.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is that the more you know, the more you grow. Stay curious and always be eager to learn because every experience is an opportunity to develop new skills and gain perspective. Commit to continuous education both formal and informal and never stop investing in your personal and professional development. Growth comes from being open, adaptable, and willing to challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I'm learning that the military is still trying to figure out how to best transition people, I think. With women especially, there's so many different things that we could do. I'm in a pivotal position where I've spent the last 10 years of my adulthood in a career I absolutely loved, but I think I'm ready for a family. So what does that look like for me? Do I go back into a career that I pour myself into, or do I find something where I can allow myself to find someone that I can pour into and be in a family with? The military doesn't teach women how to transition into something like that.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, integrity, and perseverance. I believe in being my unique self and standing tall with pride in who I am and what I have accomplished, while remaining grounded and humble. I prioritize being open and honest in all interactions, as trust is the foundation of any strong relationship or team. I also value perseverance and never giving up, even when faced with challenges, because resilience and determination are what ultimately drive growth and success.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · North Carolina
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.