My journey from abuse survivor to aerospace leader, law enforcement officer, and transformational coach.
I grew up in a household marked by physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse. My father was the source of most of the violence, ultimately stabbing me before my mother found the courage to take my brother and me away. My uncle added another layer of trauma through sexual abuse. My mother, though she saved us, worked tirelessly to support us financially. While she provided for our basic needs, I took on the role of caring for my brother, navigating my own childhood while trying to create stability for both of us.
At 19, I became pregnant. Too young and unprepared, I made the heartbreaking decision to place my son up for adoption. Years later, we reconnected. Though our contact is intermittent, it remains one of the most meaningful parts of my life.
Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a police officer. I fulfilled that dream, serving with the Clovis Police Department and even joining the SWAT team. But a close friend noticed how the job was changing me—hardening me in ways I didn't recognize. That observation led me to pivot into aviation, where I found a new sense of purpose.
I served as a United States Air Force Veteran for nearly a decade. Subsequently, as a contractor I deployed to Afghanistan as a Women's Police Corp Mentor and Trainer, and fulfilled security roles in Iraq. My career has taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of mission-driven leadership.
For over a decade at Sierra Nevada Company, LLC, I managed a multitude of contracts and stepped into business development roles when priorities shifted.
Currently (Jan 2026) I am transitioning to BAE Systems as a Director, bringing 20+ years of workforce experience to a new chapter of my career. I hold a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Strategic Leadership from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Bachelor of Arts in University Studies, with a focus on Business & Psychology from Eastern New Mexico University.
Organizational Leadership with emphasis in Strategic Leadership
University of Colorado Boulder
University Studies: Business & Psychology
Eastern New Mexico University
Nearly a decade in USAF, Police Officer, SWAT, Afghanistan & Iraq deployment
20+ years workforce experience, Director-level leadership in defense industry
I don't do motivational speeches or surface-level pep talks. My coaching is rooted in real-world experience—military discipline, law enforcement decision-making under pressure, and corporate leadership at scale. I work with high performers who are ready to do the work, not those looking for quick fixes or excuses.
We focus on three pillars: Truth over performance (authentic leadership without the facade), Execution over motivation (action-driven results, not just feelings), and Rebuilding without burning out (sustainable transformation, not crash-and-burn cycles).
I'm on my second marriage. Life isn't perfect, and I don't pretend it is. But I've learned that transformation isn't about having it all figured out—it's about showing up, doing the work, and believing you're capable of more.
Outside of work, I'm an avid reader, a believer in lifelong learning, and someone who values honest conversations over small talk. I recharge through time with my family, staying physically active, and creating space for reflection. I practice what I preach—balance, boundaries, and forward motion.
My story isn't unique in its pain—many have faced worse. But it's unique in its message: no matter what life throws your way or what circumstances you were brought up with or are currently in, you have the power to change it. You just have to believe in yourself and know that you're capable.
That's The Rebecca Effect. It's not about perfection. It's about resilience, choice, and the relentless pursuit of a better life.