Her Story
About Daila
Daila Espeut-Jones is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, veteran advocate, nonprofit founder, and community leader whose life has been defined by service to others. Born and raised in Jamaica, she immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 15 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1982. During her distinguished 22-year military career, she served with honor on active duty, culminating in her retirement in 2004. Her exemplary leadership earned her numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal for service during deployment to Southwest Asia and the Legion of Merit upon retirement, along with multiple Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, and numerous campaign and service awards recognizing her dedication and professionalism.
Following her military career, Espeut-Jones has become a respected champion for veterans, active-duty service members, Gold Star families, and underserved communities throughout Central Florida. She serves as Secretary of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Board of Directors and has held numerous leadership positions, including Chair of the Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council, President of the Association of the United States Army Sunshine Chapter, Vice President of the National Association of Black Military Women Orlando Chapter, and board member of Samaritan Resources Center. She also founded Green 2 Grey, LLC, the Caribbean Veterans Association, and Valor Vixens, organizations dedicated to connecting veterans with essential resources, educating the public about the contributions of Caribbean military veterans, and supporting homeless and abused female veterans and their children. Volunteering more than 20 hours each week, she remains deeply committed to advocating for veterans, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, and strengthening her community through outreach, mentorship, and public service.
Espeut-Jones' extraordinary leadership and commitment to selfless service have earned widespread recognition. She was named one of Orlando Business Journal's Veterans of Influence, inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, honored by the U.S. House of Representatives, received ZelTech's inaugural Citizen of the Year Award, the Caribbean Veterans Trailblazer Award, a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2025 Jamaican American Community Service Award. She is also the co-author of the Amazon bestselling book Girlz Run the World in Pearls. Holding associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in human resource management, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration at Liberty University. Guided by the values of kindness, generosity, fairness, and selfless service instilled by her grandparents, Daila Espeut-Jones continues to dedicate her life to empowering veterans, strengthening communities, and leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and compassion.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Daila
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values my grandparents instilled in me while I was growing up in Jamaica. Although we had very little, they taught me the importance of kindness, generosity, faith, and selfless service, inspiring me through the examples of Mother Teresa and Billy Graham. Those lessons have shaped my belief that true success is measured by the positive impact we make in the lives of others. Even when I am not feeling my best, I remain committed to volunteering at food drives because helping families in need gives me purpose and reminds me that a life of service is the greatest achievement.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering my industry to lead by example, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Get involved in initiatives that support veterans and seek out like-minded individuals who inspire personal growth, collaboration, and a shared passion for making a positive impact. The people you surround yourself with will influence your journey, so choose those who encourage you to grow, serve, and lead with purpose.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Selfless service is the foundation of both my professional and personal life. Inspired by my grandparents' example, I strive to help others with love, kindness, and compassion in everything I do. Traveling the world has broadened my perspective—I have been fortunate to visit 78 countries and embrace the philosophy of "catch flights, not feelings." Above all, I remain deeply committed to supporting veterans and honoring those who have served, believing that a life dedicated to service and compassion is the most meaningful one.
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