Born and raised in Southern California, Serena enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2000 as an AV-8B Harrier Airframes Mechanic and became an Intelligence Analyst in 2005. She retired in 2021 as the first and only female Chief Warrant Officer 4 0205, Intelligence Operations and Fusion Officer, and the most senior Intelligence CWO on the West Coast. Serena completed combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and supported numerous operations throughout the Pacific, Yemen, Syria, and the Horn of Africa.

Throughout her USMC career, Serena’s most inspirational moments were when Marines reached out months or years later to thank her for influencing them to continue their education. She was intent on transitioning to the education field after years of leading, mentoring, developing, and training young Marines.

Serena is currently a Mathematics and Special Education Teacher as she continues to serve her community, inspire the next generation as a positive role model, and motivate students to learn and attain their educational goals. Her passions of helping veterans and education aligned as a mentor for Operation Socrates!

Serena has a B.S. in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University, an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma, an M.A. in Teaching from the University of Southern California, and she is a doctoral student at Pepperdine University.

Serena resides in Oceanside, CA with her son and youngest daughter. She enjoys spending time with her oldest daughter (who is attending law school at USC) and the newest addition to the family, her granddaughter. Her hobbies include yoga, swimming, and traveling.