A Distinguished Veteran, Community Advocate, and Empowering Mentor Dedicated to Inspiring Future Generations Through Leadership and Service:
Meet Command Sergeant Major Selena C. Pope
November marks a special time to honor and thank those who have served our country. This Veterans Month, we're dedicating our newsletter to spotlight the incredible stories of our veterans, their sacrifices, and their enduring impact on our communities.
Command Sergeant Major Selena C. Pope is a decorated veteran with a distinguished career in the U.S. Army Reserves. Her extensive experience includes leadership roles in various military operations and successful completion of advanced military education. She is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.
In addition to her military service, CSM Pope is a skilled project manager in the government contracting sector. She leverages her military discipline and leadership skills to excel in her civilian career.
What is your personal and professional story?
My name is Selena C. Pope, and I proudly call Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my hometown. I dedicated over 33 years of my life to serving in the United States Army Reserve, where I developed the leadership skills and resilience that have shaped my journey.
I graduated from basic training with honors, earning the prestigious title of Soldier of the Cycle and first place in the General’s Run, where I ranked number one out of over 500 soldiers. This early recognition fueled my passion for excellence and set the stage for an impactful military career.
In my pursuit of knowledge, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from 美国罗格斯新泽西州立大学新布朗斯维克分校 , followed by a Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies. Additionally, I obtained a certificate in Intelligence National Security Strategies (INSS) focused on Homeland Security from the The University of Texas at El Paso . Education has always been a cornerstone of my development, enabling me to lead effectively in both military and civilian contexts.
Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community in Jacksonville, Florida. I actively volunteer my time to various organizations and causes. As a board member of American Legion Post 197 and the Great Sergeants Major Reunion, Inc., I strive to support my fellow veterans and foster a sense of camaraderie. I also serve as the President of my Toastmasters Club, Empowering Ladies, where I help individuals build confidence and improve their public speaking skills. Additionally, I am honored to be a member of the National Security Leaders Association, furthering my dedication to intelligence and national security.
After a fulfilling career, I retired in 2022 from the U.S. Army Reserves and now reside in the beautiful state of Florida. My journey has been marked by a commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement, and I am excited to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others.
I believe in the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and open communication in leadership. Each lesson learned and every challenge faced has shaped my commitment to developing future leaders. It is my mission to inspire those around me to pursue excellence, foster teamwork, and embrace lifelong learning.
As I reflect on my experiences, I am grateful for the opportunities to lead, mentor, and serve. I remain dedicated to a legacy of leadership that empowers others to succeed, and I look forward to continuing to inspire future generations of soldiers.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Several pivotal moments have profoundly influenced my journey and shaped who I am today. One such moment occurred while I was working at 麦当劳 , where my manager, an Army Reservist, shared her inspiring experiences as a Soldier. Our conversations sparked my curiosity and passion for military service. With my parents' support, I attended one of her training weekends, and at just 17 years old, I enlisted in the Army Reserve—a decision that changed my life forever.
A further defining moment took place in 2007 when I attended the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA). I volunteered alongside 15 other sergeants major for an innovative pilot program with the The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), known as “UTEP 16.” Our collective mission was to evaluate whether enlisted Soldiers could balance the rigorous Academy schedule while pursuing a master’s degree, similar to our officer counterparts. This initiative not only laid the groundwork for the current master's curriculum for enlisted Soldiers at UTEP but also reaffirmed my belief in the potential for growth within all ranks.
The most significant turning point in my life came with my diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, Stage III (Bone Cancer). As a vibrant and active 48-year-old contemplating another deployment, I was suddenly faced with this life-altering challenge when an Army injury led to my cancer discovery. Choosing to share my journey on Facebook, I aimed to foster connection and transparency during a difficult time. I wrapped up my military career as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) at Fort Belvoir, VA, overseeing 1,193 Soldiers across seven cross-continental states. My mission in this role was to instill purpose and resilience in my Soldiers, empowering them to navigate personal challenges while remaining focused on our collective mission.
Each of these key moments—my early inspiration, my commitment to education, and my battle with cancer—has shaped my leadership philosophy and deepened my commitment to serving others. I strive to inspire those around me, showing that with determination and support, we can overcome any obstacle.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion for service is deeply rooted in a family legacy of giving back, inspired by the remarkable women in my life. My grandmothers, who dedicated themselves to their communities in Denver, CO, and Hardeeville, SC, instilled in me the values of compassion and selflessness. My maternal grandmother, a respected pillar in her church, modeled how one individual can make a lasting impact.
As a teenager, my parents encouraged my involvement in community service, allowing me to experience the joy of giving. Whether singing carols at nursing homes during the holidays or providing meals for those in need, I always felt a calling to help. My dedication was recognized by the Milwaukee Community Journal during the week of November 13-18, 1985, and that same year, I was honored as the YMCA Metropolitan Milwaukee Inc. North Central Branch Youth of the Year.
My commitment to service continued to flourish while stationed in El Paso, Texas. During my time at the Sergeants Major Academy, Class 58, I balanced my academic responsibilities with a dedication to service, contributing over 100 hours to Habitat for Humanity - El Paso. This experience solidified my belief in the transformative power of community involvement and reinforced my resolve to make a difference.
These experiences have profoundly shaped me, inspiring a lifelong commitment to serve others. I believe that when we uplift our communities, we not only enrich the lives of those around us but also cultivate a sense of purpose within ourselves.
How can GlobalMindED help or contribute to you reaching your goals?
GlobalMindED can significantly contribute to my goals by expanding my professional network and connecting me with youth who are seeking mentorship. Through their initiatives, I hope to engage with diverse individuals and organizations that align with my passion for leadership and service. This collaboration will not only enhance my ability to mentor young individuals but also foster meaningful relationships that can inspire and empower the next generation.
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