Influential Woman · Defense

Jennifer Aupke

Team Lead, Defense Entrepreneurs Forum

Washington, DC

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree United States Air Force Academy Degree Bachelor of Science Degree Graduated 2001 Degree Duquesne University Degree Master's degree in Leadership and Liberal Studies Member Women Military Aviators Member Special Operations Association of America

Her Story

About Jennifer

I've dedicated 25 years to aviation, with 23 of those years serving as a helicopter pilot in the Air Force. After retiring from the military, I opened my own consulting firm in 2024, where I now provide advice on defense contracts based on my extensive experience in the Air Force and Air National Guard. Throughout my military career, I was blessed to operate at all three levels - tactical, operational, and strategic - which gives me a unique perspective that many people in the defense industry really appreciate. I led a rescue team of 11 men where we had to be ready to launch within 15 minutes to save lives. Beyond my consulting work, I'm the director of the Milieux Project, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting girls with aviation. The most meaningful part of my career has been the people I was able to rescue who came back to thank me and my team - there's no other notability like knowing a person is alive because I was able to bring together that team of people on those helicopters.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Jennifer

01What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The most important thing to me is serving others and living out your purpose. I don't need national recognition - what matters is knowing that a person is alive because I was able to bring together that team of people on those helicopters. When people ask about my most notable achievement, it's not about accolades, it's about the people I rescued who came back to thank me and my team. That's what gives meaning - mankind supporting each other. I also believe in facing challenges head-on with courage. When I was diagnosed with colon cancer three weeks ago, my partner and I decided it just had to go. We couldn't let that sit. You never know what challenge you're going to be faced with, but you pivot. I think it's about being ready for challenges in your life and having the courage to face things.

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