Her Story
About Derricka
Derricka Vereen is the Executive Officer for the Chief of Staff and G1 Director with the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Commissioned as an Army officer through the ROTC program at Jackson State University in 2014, she began her career as a medical officer before transitioning to the Adjutant General branch, where she focuses on human resources. With 12 years of service, including active guard reserve status, Vereen ensures strategic task management, calendar oversight, and staff alignment for the G1. She earned her bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and is pursuing a master's degree in public administration at Tulane University, with expected completion in 2027. Vereen is Lean Six Sigma certified and holds a certificate in Senior Human Resources Management from Cornell University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for 14 years, she attributes her success to remaining authentic while maintaining professionalism and values transparency, honesty, character, and integrity in all aspects of her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Derricka
01What do you attribute your success to?
Being myself and maintaining my personality while remaining professional at work. I do not have to lose myself or cold switch when I go to work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
As a mom, the best career advice is to always put your family first. What God has planned for you is for you, regardless if you change the path, you're still gonna end up where he wants you to be.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know yourself because this is a male-dominated career field. Be confident within self. If you don't know, ask questions, it's okay. No one is better than you. Sky is the limit. If you want to do it, don't take no for answers. It's multiple ways to get to where you want to go.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Time management and balancing being a mom of two with career progression. Nothing has really been challenging at my job itself, more so the balance between personal and work life.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency, honesty to create trust, character, and integrity. Doing the right thing even when no one's looking. If you don't have integrity, it's truly a character flaw.
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