CWV Book Corner, November: Navy Veteran Jacqueleen Bido

This month’s Center for Women Veterans Book Corner author is Navy Veteran Dr. Jacqueleen Bido, who served as a Information Systems Technician from 1998 to 2006.  She wrote “The Person Versus The Process,” a reflective look at the practice of leadership and empowerment through the use of “The Person vs. The Process Methodology” with the intention of decreasing attrition and workplace trauma as a result of toxic management.

A Newark, New Jersey native, Bido earned her Doctorate from Seton Hall University in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy. She is the founder of Elevate Newark and BIDOISM, LLC., which are consulting companies created to empower and help people, their organizations and the communities they serve to invoke social change. She continues to expand her mission through business consultation, program development and grant writing to support local and national initiatives. As a community collaborator and dynamic trainer she seeks to engage all stakeholders in a “Strategy for Peace of Mind.” She is a mother to five beautiful children who have been her greatest achievement because their mere existence proves the importance of the work she does to make the world a better place for them and all to live.

Can you share a brief background of your military experience, including your branch of service, years served, and any notable positions or deployments?

At the young age of 18 I entered the United States Navy in 1998 and started a journey that would forever change my life and how I saw the world. I entered as a radioman, which transitioned to Information Systems Technician (IT). In my eight years of service, I evolved as a leader. I had the honor of serving in many duty stations around the world, from Naples, Italy, to the amphibious ship the USS Gunston Hall, LSD 44, which would be the setting for my first military operation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. As I transitioned out to the Navy Reserve to Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit, MIUW 24, and was mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom. The back-to-back deployment solidified in me the leadership characteristics necessary to transcend any challenge as well as the ability to empower others to do the same.

What inspired you to write a book and share your story as a woman Veteran?

What inspired me to write “The Person Versus The Process” was my life experience in dealing with traumatic leadership. As a Woman Veteran, I had to learn how to not let toxic leadership make me bitter, but rather make me better at leadership. Although I entered the military long after 1942, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Navy Women’s Reserve Act into law, creating the WAVES, I understood firsthand some of the discrimination they experienced in my own time of service. I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me who broke down barriers for women in leadership in and out of military service. This book is a testament to the women in my family, especially my grandmothers who immigrated to America. I am an “Educated Latina” today because of their willingness to face all their fears in order to achieve their goals.

How has your military background influenced your writing style and the themes you explore in your work?

My military experience provided examples of leadership on both spectrums, ranging from those who empowered others to be great to those whose behavior in roles of authority left traumatic imprints that took years to undo. The themes I explore within this work is an understanding of the leader coupled with the responsibility that comes with leadership to ensure pathways to and through leadership for those we are entrusted to lead.

How do you hope your book will impact other women Veterans, active duty service members and the general public?

The impact I hope my book has on other women Veterans, active duty service members and the general public is the ability to see the leader within and the resilience to overcome toxic leadership. In addition, the understanding that within any leadership capacity we must cultivate pathways for others to evolve and become the leaders of tomorrow.

What role do you think storytelling and literature play in fostering understanding and support for the women Veterans community?

The expression of storytelling and literature allow us the ability to express our experiences, our emotions and above all our commonalities. As women we have overcome many obstacles through no fault of our own merely because we are women. When we are able to express our journey, we can empower one another to know we are not alone and there is a light at the end of every tunnel.

Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote from your time in the military that has had a lasting impact on your life and writing?

Bootcamp changed my life forever. There was this one RDC who, everytime we would have to PT, would have us chant “Because I wanted this one. Because I wanted two.” As the sweat from our bodies formed puddles on the barracks floor, I can recall the moment I realized why he did that. When you commit to being in the military you sign up to pay the ultimate price in the protection of our country and the freedoms we stand for. So, in the face of pain, fatigue and everything you might experience while serving, it is because you wanted this. In the same vein when you reap the rewards of success and the pride of being in the military, it is because you wanted this. Even now I recall those words as I focus on writing my next book as it reminds me to be ever aware that when the writing gets tough to remember I wanted this and to keep going.

How do you believe the Women Veterans Book Corner can help bring awareness to the civilian and military communities, particularly about women Veterans?

The mere ability to come to the Women Veterans Book Corner is awareness that can’t be put into words. This allows us the ability to not only support fellow Veteran writers but have a place where the author’s lived experiences resonate with other fellow Veterans. There is an understanding of our journey, our highs, our lows and the determination we had to have to even be in the military to begin with.

What advice do you have for other women Veterans or active-duty service members who may be considering writing about their experiences?

The advice I have is that all women Veterans should tell their story. When I finally finished writing my book, I said a prayer: “God, if this book helps one person, then I have used my gifts according to your will.” Since publishing, I have received confirmation of the impact my book has had on others, and it has made all the difference.

How has writing this book helped you?

This book helped me overcome utilizing “the need for perfection” as a method of procrastination because I committed to publishing on a specific day. Nothing would stop me from meeting that deliverable. I had to relinquish the control of perfection and just put the work out there. Since doing so I have been brought in to speak to various groups about leadership and my book.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or events you’re involved in that our audience might be interested in?

I am beginning an empowerment series in order to continue to build the profile of success in myself and others.

Are you a woman Veteran author, or do you know of one?

If so, please visit our website to find out more information.  If you have further questions, contact the CWV Outreach Program Manager Michelle Terry at 00W@VA.Gov.