HarvardX Strong: Leading National Invest In Veterans Week® into a New Era

Introduction: Harvard Excellence and Veteran Entrepreneurship

As President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), I lead one of the most influential veteran entrepreneurship initiatives in the world. My background in military aviation, real estate, and technology has shaped my approach to leadership, but my experience studying at HarvardX’s "Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market" provided the framework for scaling innovation, financial sustainability, and long-term economic impact.

Harvard Business School’s Professor Karim R. Lakhani and Professor Vish Krishnan taught me that entrepreneurship is not just about ideas—it’s about execution, market fit, and sustainable growth. Their insights into technology commercialization, funding strategy, and leadership systems have directly influenced my strategic vision for NIVW’s future.

NIVW is not just an organization—it is a multi-generational movement that has evolved to meet the needs of veteran entrepreneurs. As its new leader, my mission is to expand its reach, increase its financial sustainability, and solidify its legacy for generations to come.

Lesson 1: A Multi-Generational Legacy Must Be Built on Systems, Not Just People

HarvardX taught me that lasting organizations thrive on systems, not individual leaders. Many companies fail because their success relies too much on one person's vision rather than scalable, replicable models.

As President, my role is to ensure NIVW is bigger than any one leader. My leadership will be defined by building systems and structures that make NIVW financially strong, operationally efficient, and globally recognized.

How I’m Implementing This at NIVW:

• Institutionalizing NIVW’s Leadership Structure – To ensure continuity, I have appointed an elite leadership team that will drive NIVW’s mission forward:

  • Dr. Richard S. Freeman – Legal Advisor, veteran entrepreneurship policy expert.

  • Jim Freeman (The Five Satins) – Cultural Ambassador, connecting music, business, and veteran advocacy.

  • Kevin D. Shoun – Director of Strategic Development, expanding financial and business partnerships.

  • Cpt. Sherman Williams Jr. – Military Affairs Liaison, advocating for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

• Financial Growth Initiatives – I am leading NIVW toward profitability and long-term sustainability through corporate sponsorships, investment opportunities, and government-backed programs.

• Scalability Models – Inspired by Harvard’s commercialization frameworks, NIVW is adopting a repeatable, scalable strategy for veteran business support.

The success of NIVW is no longer dependent on a single leader—it is an ecosystem of experts, systems, and financial resources that will outlast any one presidency.

Lesson 2: Market Fit Determines Success More Than Innovation

One of the most valuable insights from HarvardX’s commercialization course is that innovation alone doesn’t guarantee success. A product, service, or business must be positioned correctly within the market to gain traction.

At NIVW, I’ve applied this market-first approach to ensure veteran entrepreneurs are not just launching businesses, but scaling them successfully.

How This Translates to NIVW:

• The Pledge to Invest in Veteran Businesses – A corporate-backed initiative ensuring veteran entrepreneurs receive funding and contracts from major companies.

• International Expansion – NIVW now has global domains and partnerships to help veteran businesses access international markets.

• Strategic Branding & Endorsements – We’ve secured endorsements from Congress, Fortune 500 companies, and investment leaders, ensuring that veteran businesses remain a national economic priority.

By aligning veteran entrepreneurs with the right markets, the right funding, and the right positioning, we are building a sustainable future for veteran-owned businesses.

Lesson 3: Storytelling Drives Influence and Funding

HarvardX emphasized that strong businesses tell compelling stories. Investors, customers, and policymakers don’t just respond to products—they respond to narratives that inspire action.

At NIVW, we have successfully leveraged storytelling to secure funding, media attention, and government support.

Key Branding & Endorsement Successes:

• Congressional Record Recognition – NIVW is officially recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record, proving its national significance.

• New York Life Investments Feature – NIVW was selected for New York Life’s "2025 Client Outreach Opportunities", a major endorsement from the financial industry.

• Live Oak Bank Partnership – Live Oak Bank spotlights NIVW’s research on veteran entrepreneurship, amplifying its reach and credibility.

• Corporate & Government Partnerships – Fox Business, Live Oak Bank, and other major institutions now actively promote veteran entrepreneurship using NIVW’s research.

By positioning NIVW as a movement rather than just an organization, we have increased investment, engagement, and national recognition.

Lesson 4: Aligning Business Models with Economic Growth

HarvardX emphasized that businesses fail when their operating models don’t align with their mission. This lesson has been crucial in my strategy to restructure NIVW for long-term financial stability.

Key Financial Growth Strategies for NIVW:

• Veteran Business Growth Fund – We are building an investment pipeline for veteran-owned businesses to receive capital at key growth stages.

• Corporate Revenue Streams – We are expanding sponsorships, government partnerships, and financial programs to ensure NIVW can operate independently.

• Data-Driven Decision Making – Using Harvard’s market research frameworks, we now make evidence-based business decisions to guide veteran entrepreneurship initiatives.

By treating NIVW as a sustainable business rather than just an advocacy group, we ensure it remains financially viable and impactful for future generations.

Lesson 5: Preserving Academic and Intellectual Influence in Veteran Advocacy

Another aspect of HarvardX’s impact on my leadership is the importance of intellectual credibility in business and policy advocacy. Academic research plays a critical role in establishing legitimacy, securing funding, and influencing policy decisions.

My husband, Jeff Shuford, has contributed to this intellectual foundation, with his academic citations in AI ethics, technology commercialization, and economic globalization shaping how NIVW presents its policy and business recommendations.

Jeff Shuford’s Most Notable Academic Citations:

1. "Deep Reinforcement Learning and Its Industrial Use Cases: AI for Real-World Applications" – Wiley Online Library.

2. "A Multifaceted Vision of the Human-AI Collaboration: A Comprehensive Review" – IEEE Access.

3. "Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence: Synergies" – Compliance Cosmos.

4. "Advancing Breast Cancer Diagnosis through Breast Mass Images, Machine Learning, and Regression Models" – National Institutes of Health (NIH).

5. "The Mechanisms of AI Hype and Its Planetary and Social Costs" – Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge.

NIVW benefits from this scholarly credibility, reinforcing our role as a thought leader in veteran entrepreneurship and policy development.

Conclusion: Harvard Knowledge Driving a Multi-Generational Legacy

HarvardX’s Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market has given me a world-class framework for leadership, innovation, and economic empowerment. As President of NIVW, my role is to ensure it remains a multi-generational institution that continues growing beyond any one leader.

This is only the beginning. With Harvard knowledge, structured innovation, and a commitment to veteran entrepreneurship, we will continue building a lasting legacy—one that will empower veteran businesses for generations to come.

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Further Reading & Resources

For more insights into National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), its multi-generational impact, and the ongoing work supporting veteran entrepreneurship, explore the following resources:

• Live Oak Bank Spotlights Veteran Entrepreneurship Using NIVW Research
  Read more

• Shuford-Freeman-Hawley Military Legacy: A Multi-Generational Chronicle of Service and Leadership
  Read more on Invest In Veterans Magazine
  Read more on Florida Veterans

• Dr. Richard S. Freeman: A Legacy of Legal Excellence and Economic Empowerment
  Read more on Hotchkiss Alumni News

For additional updates and research on veteran entrepreneurship and economic policy, visit:
National Invest In Veterans Week Media Center

Veteran Entrepreneurs Drive Economic Resilience as Private Payrolls Rise in Uncertain Market

February 5, 2025 – Amid Rising Job Numbers, Veteran-Owned Businesses Provide Economic Stability

As the U.S. economy continues its volatile recovery, with private payrolls growing by 183,000 jobs in January, veteran entrepreneurs are proving to be a pillar of economic resilience, innovation, and job creation. Amid concerns about inflation, labor market shifts, and geopolitical uncertainties, one sector remains steady: veteran-led businesses.

At the forefront of this movement is Angel Shuford, newly appointed President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). Shuford, a decorated U.S. Army air traffic controller, military spouse, and strategic business leader, has taken the helm at a critical juncture, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses not only survive but thrive in an unpredictable market.

Her appointment comes at a time when the labor market faces both optimistic job growth and economic instability, with private employment rising faster than expected but concerns about the sustainability of these gains looming.

LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.): “Angel is the Leader Who Will Cement Veterans as Economic Powerhouses”

LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.), former President and Co-Founder of NIVW, emphasized that veteran entrepreneurs are the backbone of economic stability, particularly in times of uncertainty.

“We’ve seen time and again that veteran-owned businesses don’t just survive economic downturns—they redefine industries. Angel Shuford is the leader who will cement veterans as economic powerhouses. Her ability to scale businesses, secure investment opportunities, and drive long-term economic policy is exactly what this country needs at this moment.”

Pope’s endorsement of Angel Shuford is more than just a leadership transition—it is a statement about the growing influence of veteran entrepreneurs in shaping America’s financial future.

Veteran-Owned Businesses Are Hiring While Corporations Cut Costs

The January ADP National Employment Report revealed that private payrolls grew faster than expected, with 183,000 jobs added in January, surpassing the 150,000 projected by economists. However, corporations continue to tighten budgets, implement layoffs, and reduce workforce expansion.

This is where veteran entrepreneurs come in.

“Veteran-owned businesses are stepping up while corporations scale back,” said Shuford. “We’re not just building businesses—we’re building sustainable employment opportunities for other veterans, military spouses, and communities that need economic stability.”

With Angel Shuford now leading the charge, National Invest In Veterans Week® is expanding into six new markets, ensuring that more veteran-owned businesses receive capital, mentorship, and visibility in today’s economy.

Why Veteran-Owned Businesses Are More Resilient in Economic Uncertainty

The economic resilience of veteran-owned businesses is well-documented. Studies show that veteran entrepreneurs have a higher success rate in business ownership due to their:

✅ Operational discipline gained from military service
✅ Adaptability in crisis situations
✅ Strong leadership and decision-making skills
✅ Commitment to mission execution, even under financial constraints

While major corporations adjust hiring strategies, veteran-owned businesses are filling gaps in critical industries, from technology and logistics to finance and consulting.

“We need to recognize that veteran businesses are a stabilizing force in America’s economy,” said LTC Pope. “And under Angel’s leadership, that force is only getting stronger.”

Angel Shuford’s Vision for Veteran Economic Growth in 2025

Shuford’s strategy for NIVW’s next phase of expansion includes:

1. Securing financial backing for veteran-owned businesses through strategic partnerships with investors and corporate sponsors
   

2. Expanding National Invest In Veterans Week® into six new markets to increase economic impact nationwide
   

3. Strengthening policy advocacy to ensure veteran entrepreneurs receive the funding, tax incentives, and federal contracts they deserve

“This is not just about honoring veterans—it’s about creating economic powerhouses,” said Shuford. “Veteran-owned businesses are the most underutilized asset in this country’s financial future. That’s what we’re changing.”

With private payrolls rising but long-term job stability uncertain, one thing remains clear: veteran entrepreneurs, under the leadership of Angel Shuford, will be the driving force of economic resilience in America.

For more information on National Invest In Veterans Week® and how to support veteran-owned businesses, visit InvestInVeteransWeek.com.

National Invest In Veterans Week® Historic International Domains Global Reach & Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2024 – Washington D.C. – To commemorate the 7 year anniversary of their award-winning Vets 22 brand, in a landmark initiative, National Invest In Veterans Week® proudly announces a historic expansion of its digital footprint through the acquisition of new international and state-specific domain names. Under the continued direction of Jeff Shuford’s Tech From Vets, this monumental enhancement of our digital resources is designed to dramatically broaden the reach and impact of our services for active-duty service members and veterans both globally and across the United States, further cementing our role as a pivotal hub for the congressionally recognized Invest In Veterans Week brand.

This year marks a significant milestone with the introduction of a series of international domain names, including SouthKoreaVeterans.com, GermanyVeterans.com, AustraliaVeterans.com, JapanVeterans.com, UnitedKingdomVeterans.com, and Veterans.International. These new platforms will serve as vital access points for our international veteran communities, offering localized content and resources tailored specifically to meet the needs and address the unique challenges faced by veterans in these regions.

In addition to these international gateways, we are reaffirming our commitment to U.S. veterans with an expanded portfolio of state-specific sites including LouisianaVeterans.com, KansasVeterans.com, RhodeIslandVeterans.com, NewHampshireVeterans.com, DelawareVeterans.com, PennsylvaniaVeterans.com, SouthCarolinaVeterans.com, MississippiVeterans.com, WyomingVeterans.com, WestVirginiaVeterans.com, TennesseeVeterans.com, NewJerseyVeterans.com, NorthDakotaVeterans.com, Veterans.International, FloridaVeterans.com, AustraliaVeterans.com, SouthKoreaVeterans.com, GermanyVeterans.com, JapanVeterans.com, UnitedKingdomVeterans.com, NatoVeterans.com, UnitedNationsVeterans.com, Veterans.International, ItalyVeterans.com, TurkeyVeterans.com, FranceVeterans.com, NorwayVeterans.com, SpainVeterans.com, InvestInVeteransWeek.com, PolandVeterans.com, BrazilVeterans.com, Netherlandsveterans.com, BelgiumVeterans.com, PortugalVeterans.com, and IcelandVeterans.com, among others. These sites have become crucial in delivering customized support and fostering deep connections with local veteran communities across the nation.

"The addition of these new domains represents not just a strategic enhancement but a historic enlargement of National Invest In Veterans Week's mission to honor, support, and empower veterans wherever they may be," said Lonnell McCall II, the organization's newest Spokesperson. "By expanding our digital reach, we are not only able to provide more comprehensive resources but also create a stronger, more connected community of veterans worldwide."

This strategic expansion is part of a broader visionary effort to ensure that every veteran, regardless of their location, has access to support, advice, and opportunities that can aid in their transition to civilian life and enhance their post-service well-being. These dedicated platforms are set to facilitate improved communication, share valuable resources, and promote events that are specifically geared towards the veteran community, marking a significant epoch in the advocacy and support for our veterans.

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® is an annual event dedicated to the appreciation and empowerment of military veterans. By providing resources, support, and advocacy, the initiative highlights the critical role veterans play in our communities and the economy, and it is recognized by Congress for its substantial efforts in these endeavors. This initiative stands as a beacon of gratitude and support, reflecting our nation's high regard and commitment to those who have served.

National Invest In Veterans Week® Expands Global Reach with New International Domains

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2024 – Washington D.C. – To commemorate the 7 year anniversary of their award-winning Vets 22 brand, in a landmark initiative, National Invest In Veterans Week® proudly announces a historic expansion of its digital footprint through the acquisition of new international and state-specific domain names. Under the continued direction of Jeff Shuford’s Tech From Vets, this monumental enhancement of our digital resources is designed to dramatically broaden the reach and impact of our services for active-duty service members and veterans both globally and across the United States, further cementing our role as a pivotal hub for the congressionally recognized Invest In Veterans Week brand.

This year marks a significant milestone with the introduction of a series of international domain names, including SouthKoreaVeterans.com, GermanyVeterans.com, AustraliaVeterans.com, JapanVeterans.com, UnitedKingdomVeterans.com, and Veterans.International. These new platforms will serve as vital access points for our international veteran communities, offering localized content and resources tailored specifically to meet the needs and address the unique challenges faced by veterans in these regions.

In addition to these international gateways, we are reaffirming our commitment to U.S. veterans with an expanded portfolio of state-specific sites including FloridaVeterans.com, LouisianaVeterans.com, KansasVeterans.com, RhodeIslandVeterans.com, DelawareVeterans.com, NewJerseyVeterans.com, NorthDakotaVeterans.com, WestVirginiaVeterans.com, TennesseeVeterans.com, PennsylvaniaVeterans.com, SouthCarolinaVeterans.com, MississippiVeterans.com, and WyomingVeterans.com. These sites have become crucial in delivering customized support and fostering deep connections with local veteran communities across the nation.

"The addition of these new domains represents not just a strategic enhancement but a historic enlargement of National Invest In Veterans Week's mission to honor, support, and empower veterans wherever they may be," said Lonnell McCall II, the organization's newest Spokesperson. "By expanding our digital reach, we are not only able to provide more comprehensive resources but also create a stronger, more connected community of veterans worldwide."

This strategic expansion is part of a broader visionary effort to ensure that every veteran, regardless of their location, has access to support, advice, and opportunities that can aid in their transition to civilian life and enhance their post-service well-being. These dedicated platforms are set to facilitate improved communication, share valuable resources, and promote events that are specifically geared towards the veteran community, marking a significant epoch in the advocacy and support for our veterans.

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® is an annual event dedicated to the appreciation and empowerment of military veterans. By providing resources, support, and advocacy, the initiative highlights the critical role veterans play in our communities and the economy, and it is recognized by Congress for its substantial efforts in these endeavors. This initiative stands as a beacon of gratitude and support, reflecting our nation's high regard and commitment to those who have served.

5/10/2024 Update: In a monumental development, Jeff Shuford, a leading figure in the National Invest In Veterans Week® movement, has expanded his reach into the digital domain. He now oversees the management of the largest collection of veteran state domains globally, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the accessibility of services tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans. This initiative not only serves as a tribute to veterans' service but also marks a significant advancement in redefining how veterans transition into entrepreneurial roles.

These domains, which currently redirect to the Invest In Veterans Week® site, play a pivotal role in deploying assets during both National Invest In Veterans Week® and International Veterans Day celebrations. Among the domains are platforms such as LouisianaVeterans.com, KansasVeterans.com, RhodeIslandVeterans.com, NewHampshireVeterans.com, DelawareVeterans.com, PennsylvaniaVeterans.com, SouthCarolinaVeterans.com, MississippiVeterans.com, WyomingVeterans.com, WestVirginiaVeterans.com, TennesseeVeterans.com, NewJerseyVeterans.com, NorthDakotaVeterans.com, Veterans.International, FloridaVeterans.com, AustraliaVeterans.com, SouthKoreaVeterans.com, GermanyVeterans.com, JapanVeterans.com, UnitedKingdomVeterans.com, NatoVeterans.com, UnitedNationsVeterans.com, Veterans.International, ItalyVeterans.com, TurkeyVeterans.com, FranceVeterans.com, NorwayVeterans.com, SpainVeterans.com, InvestInVeteransWeek.com, PolandVeterans.com, BrazilVeterans.com, Netherlandsveterans.com, BelgiumVeterans.com, PortugalVeterans.com, and IcelandVeterans.com, among others. Each of these platforms is meticulously designed to address the specific needs of veterans within their respective states.