MILCOM Founders Podcast - Episode 33: Building a One-Stop Resource Hub for Military Families with Kristen Ferullo

Join host Rod Loges and guest Kristen Ferullo as she shares her journey from special educator to military school liaison to founding Partners In Purpose, an organization dedicated to curating accurate, timely resources for military and veteran families.

In this episode:

• Kristen's nearly 12 years as a military school liaison helping families navigate K-12 education across moves
• The origin story of Partners In Purpose and its scholarship database with over 1,000 opportunities
• Why military families move 6-9 times during their children's educational careers and how that creates unique challenges
• The growing importance of trade schools and CTE programs as alternatives to traditional college
• How early leadership training shaped Kristen's purpose-driven approach to serving others

Key takeaways:

• Old, outdated information at the top of Google searches creates real problems for military families trying to plan moves and education
• Purpose-driven work requires partners who share that purpose. You don't get there alone.
• Every day you have a positive impact on one family is a success. Figure out the business part later.
• Listening to respond versus listening to understand is a critical difference in communication
• Knowing your "why" is the foundation of everything you do

Guest: Kristen Ferullo, Co-Founder of Partners In Purpose, Military School Liaison (nearly 12 years)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-ferullo/
• Business Website: https://partners-in-purpose.com/

Kristen Ferullo is the Co-Founder of Partners In Purpose, an organization focused on curating accurate and timely resources for military and veteran families. As a Military School Liaison in a geographically dispersed area for nearly 12 years Kristen has become acutely aware and deeply passionate in serving the needs of the military community. 

Kristen brings years of valuable diversified experience to her organizational leadership style. As a former Special Educator, a Navy Fleet & Family virtual Leadership Professional, 2025 Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Leadership Community Team Lead, and Technical High School Advisory Committee Chair, and student mentor, Kristen has shown her ability to work with any audience. In her personal time, Kristen is an educational programming and opportunity advisor, mentor and event volunteer for multiple non-profit organizations. Kristen most enjoys hiking, yoga, travel and spending time with her dog and three amazing, grown(ish) children.

Looking ahead: Kristen aims to build Partners In Purpose into a one-stop shop for military and veteran families, simplifying access to trusted resources for education, spouse employment, and family support. She also hopes to offer leadership coaching and communication training, drawing on her 20+ years working with student leadership programs.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/