Suitcases, Selfies, & Sass Podcast

Join Jennifer, a world traveler who has explored over 40 countries across the globe, on Suitcases, Selfies & Sass. As a military veteran, military spouse, mother of 3 and adventurer, Jennifer’s travels range from deployment to the Persian Gulf to cruising the Caribbean, exploring Europe and everywhere in between. With a passion for travel writing, Jennifer dives into stories of unique destinations, cultural discoveries, and hidden gems. Whether it’s sipping coffee in a remote café or chasing sunsets on sandy beaches, Jennifer shares tips, tales, and travel inspiration to spark your next adventure.

Owner

T-Mobile

As a recruiting coordinator, I specialize in seamlessly orchestrating the hiring process by efficiently coordinating and organizing schedules between candidates, recruiters and senior leaders. My role extends beyond mere coordination, as I actively contributed to the success of two large-scale hiring events, engaging in full-cycle recruiting to ensure the identification and selection of top-tier talent.

One of my notable achievements involves fostering strategic connections between organizational leadership and Hiring Our Heroes fellows, creating enhanced opportunities for military veterans to thrive within our company. This initiative aligns with my commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and the recruitment of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Recruiting Coordinator & Sourcing | T-Mobile For Business- Government/Federal Sales

Conducted talent acquisition initiatives as part of T-Mobile's commitment to the Hiring Our Heroes MilSpo Corporate Fellowship, an initiative supported by the US Chamber of Commerce. Leveraged professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn Recruiter and job search platforms like Indeed to actively source qualified candidates. Implemented a comprehensive pre-screening process by thoroughly reviewing candidates' profiles on LinkedIn and Indeed, followed by virtual and phone interviews to assess their suitability for various roles.

To streamline and organize prospect information, I utilized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, ensuring accurate and accessible data for effective decision-making and strategic planning. Collaborated closely with senior recruiters to conduct in-depth research on potential candidates, identifying and engaging top-tier talent aligned with the company's needs and values.

This multifaceted approach allowed me to contribute significantly to T-Mobile's talent acquisition efforts while actively participating in a program dedicated to supporting military spouses through corporate fellowships.

Corporate MilSpo Fellowship (Hiring Our Heroes) Military & Diversity Recruiter

Target

In my role as a Healthy & Beauty Department Stocker, I brought my dedication and organizational skills to ensure the seamless stocking and presentation of products. My responsibilities involved maintaining the stock levels in the department, arranging displays, and contributing to the overall customer experience.

Health & Beauty DBO

As a Fulfillment Pacesetter, I played a key role in enhancing the efficiency of order fulfillment processes. This involved working collaboratively with the team to meet and exceed performance targets. Through my skills in Workday Integration, I contributed to the optimization of workflows, ensuring timely and accurate order processing.

Fulfillment Pacesetter

In my position as a Fulfillment Expert, I demonstrated my commitment to teamwork and efficiency. I actively participated in the fulfillment processes, contributing to the smooth operation of the department. My role required attention to detail and effective communication to meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment.

Throughout these experiences, I consistently leveraged my skills in Workday Integration to enhance operational processes and collaborated effectively with team members to achieve shared goals. My commitment to excellence, adaptability, and dedication to teamwork have been consistent themes in my contributions to the workplace.

Fulfillment Expert

Engaged in the meticulous process of product selection, where I carefully curated items for shipment. This involved a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to the thoughtful selection of products, meticulous assembly, accurate addressing, and the efficient shipping of merchandise or materials. My duties extended beyond mere preparation, encompassing the orchestration of the entire transportation process to ensure the timely and secure delivery of products to their designated destinations. Through a meticulous and detail-oriented approach, I contributed to the seamless flow of operations in the realm of product handling and shipment logistics.

Fulfillment Specialist

South Sound Productions

While a business owner for South Sound Productions (SSP) I created community events such as:
Battle of the Burger (October 2019)- hosted at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Wa. Hosted over 65 vendors including 6 burger competitors & 9 sponsors (T-Mobile, Costco, IHeartRadio & HelloFresh) which benefitted the USO NW. The event had over 3,000 attendees with a promotional reach of 1M. The event included a mobile stage with 3 bands (including the Army Band), RV show & beer garden. The event was a huge success and was slated to be done again in 2020 but due to COVID was cancelled. 

A Rustic Christmas Market: was a night market located over two venues in Roy, WA which boasted 75 vendors and a title sponsor of Northwest Chevrolet. Had over 2500 attendees on a very rainy evening. Worked with local authorities for a road closure + traffic flow. 

Heavy promotional event for the Military Appreciation events at Cheney Stadium (600 per year) + Costco Lacey (3,000 attendees)

While at SSP, I enjoyed bridging the realms of b2b, c2b & b2c interactions. Our multifaceted approach encompasses four core elements:
Produced numerous local comedy/music shows.

Event Production: We take pride in curating and promoting a diverse range of events, both self-produced and client oriented. Our expertise spans the entire spectrum of event planning and execution.
Public Relations: Created relationships with local businesses and agencies. 
Promotional Productions: Transforming logos into powerful brand assets, we create bespoke products that empower and elevate your business. Our innovative approach to promotional productions aligns with your brand's essence.
Talent Management/Network Referrals:  Fostered meaningful collaborations and referrals within diverse networks.

Company Owner

Northwest Military

I collaborated with Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), engaged in Business-to-Business (B2B) interactions, and partnered with local government and education departments to execute comprehensive print and digital advertising campaigns targeted at the local military community. My role involved establishing strong connections within the community, understanding diverse needs, and tailoring advertising strategies to effectively reach and resonate with the intended audience.

One notable achievement during my tenure was successfully securing a substantial contract with the Seattle Mariners. This accomplishment not only underscored my ability to navigate complex business negotiations but also highlighted the effectiveness of the advertising strategies implemented. Through strategic networking, I cultivated valuable relationships that contributed to the growth and expansion of our advertising initiatives, further solidifying our presence within the military community and beyond..

Account Executive

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) or (DoDDS)

I served as a long-term substitute teacher, taking on the responsibilities of a paraprofessional/teacher in a dynamic Kindergarten classroom from September 2016 to the conclusion of April 2017. My role encompassed various tasks, including providing invaluable assistance to the teacher in day-to-day activities such as escorting children to the nurse, managing restroom breaks, and facilitating their participation in specialized classes like art, music, language, and recess.

Beyond routine tasks, I took the initiative to inject creativity into the classroom environment. This involved conceptualizing and implementing engaging art projects not only within the confines of the classroom but also extending to the door and hallway spaces. These projects not only added a vibrant touch to the surroundings but also contributed to a positive and inspiring learning atmosphere for the young learners.

Moreover, during the teacher's absence, I seamlessly assumed control of the class, ensuring the continuity of the curriculum. This involved effective lesson delivery, maintaining a conducive learning environment, and addressing any queries or concerns that the students may have had. My commitment to maintaining an enriching educational experience for the students was evident in my proactive approach and dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Long Term Substitute Teacher

Kid Friendly World 101

Kid Friendly Europe 101 began as a humble travel blog in September 2014, but it quickly evolved into a substantial platform. Through this endeavor, I shared travel deals and documented our incredible adventures across Europe. As a family—comprising my three children, my husband (who joined us most of the time), and myself—we had the privilege of exploring 21 countries while stationed in Germany. Our travels included multiple visits to Croatia (where we spent nearly an entire month), numerous trips to France (including Paris, Disneyland Paris, and the French Riviera), as well as experiences in the United Kingdom, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Reach and Impact:

Social Media Platforms: Kid Friendly Europe 101 now reaches audiences across three major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Organic Reach: Our content consistently reaches over 3,000 engaged followers organically.
Blog Traffic: The blog website receives between 1,500 and 2,500 monthly visits.
Upcoming Enhancements: Stay tuned! We’re currently undergoing significant maintenance to enhance the user experience.
Self-Hosted Site: In January 2016, transitioned to a self-hosted website, allowing us greater flexibility and control over our content.

Travel Writer

America Veterans Racing

Assisted in the grassroots of an all veterans NASCAR racing team.

Marketing Director

The Mission Continues

Embarked on a transformative journey through a 6-month fellowship with the esteemed nationwide organization, The Mission Continues, where I committed over 400 hours to community service with the Fe-Ma-Le Foundation—a branch of the F7 Group. During this impactful fellowship, I actively engaged in planning, coordinating, and recruiting participants for two bi-annual retreats/business boot-camps, creating a dynamic environment for personal and professional growth.

My commitment extended beyond the organizational realm as I utilized social media platforms to provide unwavering support, essential resources, and valuable tools to veterans, women in uniform, and women standing alongside those in uniform. Through these virtual channels, I aimed to empower and uplift individuals within these communities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

One of the highlights of my community service initiatives was the successful planning and execution of a project at the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children. In collaboration with 50 dedicated volunteers, we achieved remarkable results within a span of 3 hours. The project focused on enhancing the facilities through a thorough cleaning process, contributing to the well-being of the retreat and leaving a lasting positive impact on the surrounding community. This endeavor not only showcased effective leadership and organizational skills but also reflected my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through community-driven initiatives.

Fellowship Alumni

US Navy

As a Personnel Records Clerk at PSD San Diego, I played a pivotal role in managing service records for over 4,500 personnel. My responsibilities included processing service record entries, dependency data, and pay documents. Additionally, I served as an Educational Service Officer, overseeing the preparation of over 2,000 worksheets for the Navy Wide Exam. I actively assisted personnel with pay and benefit issues, demonstrating proficiency in computerized databases such as Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS), Defense MilPay Office (DMO), and Master Military Pay Account (MMPA).

Honorable Discharge for College Attendance.

Personnel Records Clerk

In my role as a Deck Seaman, I contributed to various aspects of ship operations aboard USS Comstock LSD 45. This included general food service work, where I fulfilled duties associated with Deck Seaman responsibilities. As a Helmsman, I steered the ship and performed basic navigation tasks. Serving as Aft-Lookout, I maintained the safety and security of the ship and onboard personnel. Additionally, I excelled as Messenger-of-the-Watch, ensuring ship security by clearing personnel for boarding, confirming identification, and securing belongings. Engaging in general ship maintenance, I utilized hand tools, electric tools, and operated cranes and forklifts. My deployment experience during WESTPAC in 2004 further enhanced my skills in this dynamic environment.

Deck Seamen

During my time as a Recruit/Student at Recruit Command Great Lakes, IL, I honed essential teamwork skills, laying the foundation for collaborative efforts and effective communication within a military setting.

Throughout my tenure in the United States Navy, I consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, adapting to diverse roles and responsibilities, and contributing significantly to the success of the team. My experiences reflect a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a dedication to upholding the values of the U.S. Navy.

Recruit/Student

TFB Recruiting Coordinator @ T-Mobile | Talent 🦄 Sourcer | Navy Veteran | Military Spouse | World Traveler | Y’all

I’ve always been a people-person, finding joy in assisting others and guiding them in the right direction, whether it’s with resources or connecting them with the right individuals. Volunteering is a passion of mine, dating back to my youth when I contributed to the restoration of a theater in Wharton, Texas. 
 Additionally, I’ve completed fellowships with The Mission Continues (2012) and Hiring Our Heroes (2022/2023).

My diverse background encompasses marketing, advertising, content writing (with a focus on travel), event production/planning, talent management, K12 Education (as a paraeducator), sourcing, and military service. I served in the Navy for four years on active duty.

I’ve been honored with multiple awards and certificates of appreciation, including Veteran Business of the Year in 2019 and a Certificate of Appreciation from Costco in Lacey, also in 2019. You’ll find a comprehensive list of my awards and recognitions on my LinkedIn page.

Telling your story is the key to helping you get a new role.

Too many people treat their job search like a checklist.
 📄 Update the resume
 🔍 Apply to twenty thousand roles
 💻 Wait for a reply

But here’s the truth. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t hire bullet points. They hire stories.

Your story is what makes you memorable. It connects the dots between what you’ve done and where you want to go. It’s the reason someone pauses mid-scroll and thinks, "I want to talk to this person".

If you don’t tell your story clearly, someone else will tell it for you. Usually in the form of a rejection email.

So, start here.
 💬 What problem do you love solving?
 🔥 What makes you proud of your work?
 🌍 What’s the bigger impact you’ve made or want to make?

That’s your story.
 Tell it. Loudly. Boldly. Often.

The moment your story connects, doors open.

Jennifer McMillen 

Hello everyone! 

First of all, welcome to my Linkedin page. I am sure you are thinking, "I really should read this About section and learn more about Jennifer"... well, you are in the right place! :)

I am a people-person and I always have been. I enjoy helping others and pointing them in the right direction with both resources & other people.  I LOVE volunteering! I remember in my youth I helped restore a theater in Wharton, Texas. I have other volunteering experience with Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) and Spouse Clubs. You are thinking "umm what does that mean?" Well, that means I am a military (Army) spouse, which I am sure you gathered from my headline. I have also completed fellowships with The Mission Continues (2012) & Hiring Our Heroes (2022/2023). 

My background includes marketing, advertising, content (travel) writer, event production/planning, talent management, K12 Education (paraeducator), sourcing, and military service. I served in the Navy for 4 years active duty & 4 years IRR (Inactive Ready Reserves). 

I have earned multiple awards and certificates of appreciation. To name a few: Veteran Business of the Year in 2019 & Certificate of Appreciation from Costco in Lacey also in 2019.  I have also listed all of my award and recognitions on my LinkedIn page. 

I have been in mentioned in multiple publications such as Military Spouse Magazine & Forbes & those links are on my page for your viewing purposes.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me! I love connecting and networking with other professionals especially other veterans & military spouses!

I want to say Thank You for taking the time to read my About and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day! 

Sincerely,
Jennifer McMillen

Executive Recruiter | Connecting Telecom & Tech Leaders to Purpose | Navy Veteran

⚓️ 250 years of the U.S. Navy 🇺🇸

Today hits different. Because I didn’t just thank the Navy — I served in it.

From long watches to salt air mornings, from paint-stained coveralls to the kind of laughter that only happens after 18 hours on duty… the Navy didn’t just teach me discipline — it taught me resilience.

It showed me what real teamwork looks like.
What quiet strength feels like.
And how to keep showing up — even when the seas get rough.

Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Navy — the branch that shaped who I am, gave me lifelong grit, and built a fire that still burns steady all these years later. 🔥

Fair winds and following seas, shipmates. 💙

#NavyBirthday #Veteran #USNavy #MilitaryAppreciation #WomenVeterans #FairWindsAndFollowingSeas

🚀 Now Hiring: Director / Senior Director of Sales Operations (Hybrid – LA, CA)

If you live for the intersection of data, strategy, and sales enablement, this is your stage. This role leads Sales Operations for a U.S.-based SaaS sales org — driving planning, forecasting, analytics, and performance frameworks that actually move the needle.

You’ll:
 ✨ Build scalable sales ops systems that don’t break under growth
 📊 Leverage Salesforce + Power BI / Tableau for real-time insights
 🎯 Partner with execs to optimize pipeline, process, and performance
 💬 Mentor, influence, and drive operational excellence

We’re looking for:
 ✅ 10+ years in SaaS sales ops or leadership
 ✅ Salesforce + analytics wizardry
 ✅ Experience selling into Gov, Insurance, Education, or Financial sectors

👉 If this sounds like you (or someone in your network), message me directly or drop a comment. Let’s talk.

🧠 Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay 🧠

Mental health isn’t a side hustle — it’s foundational.

Here’s what I’m reflecting on today:
	1.	Vulnerability is strength
We glorify the grind, but the moments we break often teach us more than the moments we “succeed.” Admitting you’re struggling doesn’t make you weak — it makes you real.
	2.	Check in with people — really check in: a casual “How are you?” over Teams or a text can crack open a conversation that someone needs. Don’t let it remain surface level.
	3.	Culture matters
It’s not enough to say you support mental health. Show it. Build systems (flexible schedules, mental health days, peer support) that make it easier for people to take care of themselves without guilt.
	4.	Stigma is still brutal
Many don’t speak up because they fear judgment, losing opportunities, or being seen as “less capable.” Let’s work to dismantle that.
	5.	Commit, don’t just post
Today is a reminder — but action has to last beyond October 10th.

⸻

If you’re reading this and you’re hanging by a thread: you matter. Reach out. One message, one phone call, one moment of honesty can shift the weight.

Let’s normalize mental health in boardrooms, small teams, job interviews, and everywhere in between.

🔁 If this resonated, share it. Your network might need it more than you realize.

#MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #WellbeingAtWork #Leadership #Authenticity

Executive Recruiter @ American Recruiters | Navy Veteran

When the 90-day mark hits and your candidate’s already breaking records…

🔥 Our Senior Government Account Executive placement in the telecommunications space is absolutely killing it.

There’s nothing better than seeing someone step into a new role and make an impact right out of the gate. That’s what happens when talent, timing, and teamwork all line up perfectly.'

Big shoutout to my partner Chris Hummel! 

We love seeing our placements not just succeed but thrive and this one’s off to an incredible start.

☁️💥 Your cloud’s chaotic. Let’s fix that. 💥☁️

We’re looking for an AWS Cloud Ops Manager whose equal parts strategist and problem-solver — the kind of person who automates before their second cup of coffee.

📍 Boston | 🧠 8+ yrs AWS Ops + leadership | 🎓 AWS Certs = must | Full-time | On-site | Zero fluff, all impact.

If uptime, automation, and optimization are your holy trinity, hit my DMs. Let’s talk.

🎖️ Rolling into D.C. for AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition — October 13–15! 🇺🇸

If you’re attending too, let’s not just pass each other in the expo hall pretending we’re not both scanning for caffeine and good conversation ☕️

I’d love to grab a coffee, catch up, or talk shop about all things defense, tech, and talent — or just swap stories about the wild world of recruiting, leadership, and everything in between.

If you’ll be there, drop me a message or comment and let’s get something on the calendar. I’m all about turning those LinkedIn connections into real-life conversations. 💬

#AUSA2025 #Networking #VeteranCommunity #DefenseIndustry #Leadership #WashingtonDC

Every now and then, I look back on an event that just felt alive. Battle of the Burger at Cheney Stadium in 2019 was one of those.

The grills were sizzling, the stadium was buzzing, and the air was thick with that perfect mix of smoke, music, and laughter. Local chefs went head-to-head, flipping burgers like they were fighting for the championship — and honestly, they were.

I can still picture the crowd — people lining up for bites, cheering on their favorites, families dancing between the vendor tents. It was messy, loud, chaotic… and absolutely perfect.

That day reminded me why I love bringing people together. It wasn’t just about burgers; it was about connection, pride, and the kind of joy you can’t fake.

Sometimes the best memories aren’t the big, polished ones. They’re the ones where you’re running on adrenaline, your shoes are sticky from soda spills, and you’re grinning so hard your face hurts.

Here’s to that day and to every event that reminds us how good it feels to be part of something.

#Throwback #BattleOfTheBurger #EventLife #CommunityVibes #FoodieMemories #Tacoma

💰 CANDIDATE SHOUTOUT: WIRELESS POWER PLAYER 💰

I’ve got a telecom exec who doesn’t just move the needle — he builds the entire tower it sits on.

📡 20+ years of experience leading enterprise sales, 5G/IoT programs, and multimillion-dollar deployments across hospitals, airports, and national venues.
💼 Currently managing $7M+ in active wireless infrastructure projects and has delivered $1.2M+ in new business in just six months.
 💸 Previously drove $23.5M in 5G pilots with Tier-1 carriers and recovered $4.5M in unbilled revenue (yes, that’s found money).
 💪 Closed $400M+ in connectivity contracts across transit and public safety — proving he knows how to sell complex, high-stakes tech to both the public and private sectors.

This isn’t a “maybe someday” kind of leader. This is your $10M pipeline-in-motion kind of leader.

If you’re building or scaling in wireless, IoT, or edge connectivity — and your ops or BD team could use a heavy hitter who knows how to close — DM me.

Taplio

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