Imagine spending a night homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. Now imagine spending two years doing that…as a teenager. When Janae Sergio was 16-years-old, she didn’t realize her homeless odyssey would last two years, but it did. Remarkably, Janae navigated that precarious time and has become an inspiration for young people who feel or have literally been abandoned. Along the way, Janae has developed into an incredible leader who has cleared the way for women in the military during her service, proven that authenticity and vulnerability are essential to creating trust, and has proven the importance of positive thinking regardless of the circumstances.

In this interview, Janae talks about her life as a homeless teen, how her optimism helped her overcome the abandonment she felt, her willingness to advocate for herself and other women during her military service, the role of mentors in her development, and how she managed her self-talk as a homeless teen and now as a leader responsible for 5,000 people around the world. Janae also discusses her role as a leader to her two daughters and she provides advice for young people who may be in vulnerable circumstances.

Janae Sergio is a philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur, social media motivator, and the Chief of Air Force Lodging where she manages a portfolio of 88 Air Force Inns. She is a Combat Navy Veteran who was amongst the first group of service members to be forward deployed aboard the USS John C Stennis one month after the 9/11 attacks to kick off Operation Enduring Freedom. Her Navy achievements include dual warfare certifications and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement (NAMs) medals. In addition to being responsible for the US Air Force lodging around the world and running a fashion boutique, Janae prides herself on being a wife and mother who shares her story of resilience so others can be inspired to become their own hero.