Guillermina Lopau Underwood
Mina Underwood is an accomplished Defense and Space professional with a distinguished career centered on service, mental health support, and military community care. A graduate of the Community College of the Air Force with an Associate Degree in Mental Health Services, she built her foundation through extensive leadership training, earning distinguished honors at the Air Combat Command NCO Academy and the USAF Senior NCO Academy. Fluent in Spanish and highly skilled in counseling, training, and program coordination, Mina has spent years guiding service members and their families through some of their most challenging moments.
During her tenure at Little Rock Air Force Base, Mina served as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, overseeing prevention, treatment, and drug demand reduction programs across 17 Air Force bases—supporting over 102,000 active-duty members and civilians. She provided individual and group counseling, developed workshops on responsible decision-making, and collaborated with commanders and medical teams to ensure comprehensive mental health support. Her dedication earned her recognition as the 2011 Civilian of the Year for the 19th Medical Operations Squadron. Prior to this, her experience at Humana Military Healthcare deepened her expertise in beneficiary services, Tricare policy, and military healthcare briefings.
Earlier in her career, Mina developed strong communication and organizational skills through roles in marketing and operations across Arkansas and Memphis. Whether coordinating events, supporting financial planning teams, or ensuring accurate client services, she consistently demonstrated leadership and reliability. Across every stage of her diverse and impactful career, Mina has remained committed to serving others, strengthening military communities, and leading with empathy, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.
• Community College of the Air Force- A.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my relentless work ethic and my commitment to serving others—qualities that carried me through 23 years in the Air Force and continue to guide me today. I was never the smartest in the room, but I was always the hardest worker, and that determination, along with a deep desire to uplift my community, has shaped every chapter of my journey.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are dedication, service, and staying grounded in the things I love—whether that’s supporting my community, tending to my garden, or spending time with my husband and our two dogs.