Her Story
About Christie
Christie Farmer is a Communications Officer with the U.S. Marine Corps. In this role, which she has held since the beginning of 2019, she plans IT networks and radio systems to ensure personnel can communicate across multiple platforms, whether on a regular military base or while deployed. With seven years of experience in the field, she previously enlisted with her undergraduate degree and advanced through the ranks, taking on increasing responsibility for the Marines under her charge. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University, earned in 2014, and a Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation from the University of Maryland Global Campus, completed in 2023. She has also completed the Marine Corps Weapons Tactics and Instructor Course, which provided additional technical expertise in aviation ground support operations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the inner strength I had to dig for after losing my brother at a young age, which forced me to grow up quickly and learn resilience. I've had really good mentors throughout the years who let me be myself behind closed doors and sanity check my decisions, confirming that my gut is telling me I'm going down the right path. It's a self-journey to find that drive and to keep going knowing I'm making him proud.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be the person that you wanted to be looking over your younger self, and give yourself grace.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not give up. You push and you keep pushing even when you want to give up, just know that you have more in the tank. Define your tribe, whatever that looks like, because everybody's village is different.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is complacency and keeping newer generations engaged and interested in the military, wanting to see the same spark I had when first joining. The biggest opportunity is that you can go everywhere - I've been to Europe three times in six months for planning conferences and seen different cultures.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect, mutual respect, honesty, trust, and humor. I tell people to be honest with me if I'm doing something wrong, and criticism is not always a crime. Humor is such magic in life - if you don't laugh once a day, do not go to sleep until you have.
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