Jordyn Pagan

My military experience has been one of the most defining forces in my professional growth. Serving on two overseas deployments, including a challenging rotation in Syria, taught me how to stay composed under pressure, make sound decisions in uncertain environments, and lead with clarity even when the stakes are high. Those years instilled a level of resilience that continues to shape my success today.

Whether navigating complex operational issues, supporting large cross‑functional teams, or driving improvements in safety reporting systems, I rely on the discipline, adaptability, and problem‑solving mindset I developed in uniform. The challenges I faced in service didn’t just test me; they strengthened me, and they continue to influence the way I show up as a leader, a teammate, and a contributor to my organization’s mission.

“You are your biggest advocate” was some of the best career advice I’ve ever received because it taught me that no one is going to speak up for my goals, my growth, or my value the way I can. Once I really embraced that, it pushed me to take chances on myself that I never would’ve imagined earlier in my career. I stopped waiting for someone to tell me I was ready and started stepping into opportunities that challenged me, stretched me, and ultimately helped me grow. Advocating for myself didn’t just change the way I approached my career; it changed the way I approached life. It changed the way I saw my own potential.

Advocate for yourself early and often: No one will understand your goals, your value, or your potential better than you do. Speak up for what you’ve earned and what you want — it’s not arrogance, it’s ownership.

The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now include adapting to a rapidly changing economy and global landscape, committing to continuous learning, and finding ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others every day.

I’ve built my career at the intersection of service, safety, and operational leadership, shaped by nearly a decade in the military and two overseas deployments that taught me resilience, discipline, and adaptability. In my current role, I support Safety & Security by leading cross‑functional reporting initiatives and helping integrate AI into our safety platforms to strengthen data accuracy and usability. Working in a male‑dominated field has pushed me to advocate for myself, take chances I didn’t know I could take, and lead with confidence even in challenging environments. I’m deeply committed to service, community, and creating space for the women and veterans coming up behind me.