People / Students
My name is Jessica Vazquez. I am excited to be a part of this cohort. I started my career in the U.S Navy working as a telecommunications technician (IC). For my first duty station I was assigned to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) stationed out of Yokosuka, Japan. It was arduous duty where I had to learn quickly in order to maintain the ship’s alarms and communications systems. While I was stationed in Japan I got to travel to different regions of the country and all over Asia.
After I left, I was stationed on the USS Somerset (LPD 25). It was a new ship which I had the privilege of being a part of the commissioning ceremony in Philadelphia, PA. While I was on the Somerset, I got to travel to Anchorage, AK and lived in New Orleans while the ship was getting ready for commissioning. I got to be a part of the crew that sailed the ship from Mayport, FL through the Panama Canal to its final destination in San Diego, CA. On my last duty station in San Diego, I took the time to invest in myself and higher education. I enrolled and completed an associate’s degree while I was active duty.
After I separated, I was fortunate to have been hired by my supervisor at my old command. I worked as a telecommunications specialist for the Department of Defense. I maintained and oversaw multiple naval installations base communications. I ensured all of my customers ashore and afloat had their communication devices up and running. It has been a year since I relocated to the Chicago area. I have used this time to finish my bachelor’s degree in information technology and enrolled in a cybersecurity bootcamp. I am eager to learn more from all of you and wish you all the best as we start this new journey.
