Kat Carlos
Kat Carlos is a strategic human resources and policy advisor with nearly two decades of distinguished military service, holding an active Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS-SCI) clearance. She currently serves as a Policy Analyst on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, where she develops, coordinates, and implements national-level manpower and personnel readiness policies. Kat provides strategic guidance to the Secretary of War and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, prepares senior military leaders for congressional confirmation hearings, and drafts official responses to congressional inquiries, ensuring the long-term readiness and sustainability of the Joint Force. Over her 19-year career, Kat has built a reputation for excellence in executive level administration, Special Operations, Intelligence Community (IC) support, sensitive records management, and project oversight. She has led high-performance, cross-functional teams in complex operational environments, consistently delivering innovative solutions and optimizing manpower and productivity. Her expertise spans human resources, policy analysis, and operational readiness, and she has served in critical roles supporting U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), military intelligence units, and the Department of War. A servant leader with a focus on performance, resilience, and representation, Kat emphasizes emotional intelligence in high-stakes, often classified work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in leadership from Post University, has completed Yale University’s Connected Leadership certification, and plans to pursue PMP certification as she transitions from military service. Known for her integrity, adaptability, and mentorship, Kat is recognized as a trailblazer for women in the military, having held unique qualifications in her MOS and consistently breaking barriers in special operations and policy leadership.
• TS-SCI
• Post University
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Armed Forces Services Medal
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Operation Inherent Resolve
• Operation Allies Refugee
• Combat Action Badge
• Women's Veteran Memorial
• Adjutant General Corps Regimental Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership. Navigating nearly 20 years in the military—often in high-stakes and male-dominated environments like special operations and military intelligence—taught me the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and advocating for others while staying focused on mission outcomes. My dedication to continuous learning, from earning a leadership degree at Post University to completing Yale’s Connected Leadership course, has also been crucial in preparing me to lead teams and influence policy at the highest levels.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Throughout my journey, mentorship, especially from women who have forged paths where few existed, has shaped how I lead and grow. I’d like to honor trailblazers like Sergeant Major Janina Simmons, and my mentor Colonel LaCher Campbell, who exemplify empowered leadership through excellence, advocacy, and lifting others as they rise. Their example reinforces that true leadership is strengthened through mentorship, accountability, and service.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to lead with confidence, authenticity, and resilience. Representation matters, so embrace challenges, take on responsibilities, and use every opportunity to build trust and credibility. Keep learning, connect with others, and let your competence and dedication speak for itself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now is leaders lacking emotional intelligence, which directly impacts people’s trust, engagement, and well-being. This makes mental health awareness more important than ever. The opportunity lies in cultivating leaders who combine competence with empathy, creating healthier teams, stronger cultures, and better outcomes under pressure.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to Kat in her work and personal life are family, curiosity, and shared experiences. She prioritizes nurturing her children, exploring new cultures through travel and food, and creating meaningful, joyful moments both at home and in her professional life.
Locations
The Joint Staff
1000 Defense Pentagon, Room 2B859, Washington, DC 20318