National Invest In Veterans Week®: Angel Shuford’s Revolutionary Leadership in Veteran Advocacy
As National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) approaches its 2025 celebration, it cements its reputation as a transformative force for empowering veteran entrepreneurs. Founded to bridge the gap between military service and civilian success, NIVW amplifies the voices of veterans, creates systemic change, and provides unparalleled resources to veteran-owned businesses. At the core of this groundbreaking movement is Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of NIVW. Shuford’s multifaceted career as a military leader, entrepreneur, and advocate exemplifies the resilience, innovation, and determination of veterans striving to build a better future.
Angel Shuford: A Trailblazing Leader in Aviation, Technology, and Advocacy
Angel Shuford’s career represents a pioneering journey of excellence and service. As a Black woman veteran, military spouse, and leader in aviation—a field where representation is rare—Shuford has continuously shattered barriers. Balancing full-time military service with her role as co-founder and executive of transformative organizations like NIVW and Tech From Vets, Shuford has not only redefined expectations but also created opportunities for others to follow in her footsteps.
Shuford’s ability to thrive in challenging environments is underscored by her pursuit of higher education while leading and serving. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management at Thomas Edison State University, maintaining a stellar 3.87 GPA. This commitment to growth, alongside her remarkable accomplishments, has solidified her reputation as an innovator and changemaker in the veteran advocacy space.
Military Service: Excellence in Action
Joining the U.S. Army
In late 2017, Angel Shuford enlisted in the U.S. Army with a vision to serve her country and leverage her technical and leadership skills. Choosing one of the most demanding and critical roles in aviation, Shuford became an Air Traffic Control Specialist, where she excelled in managing high-stakes operations with precision and focus.
Unparalleled Impact as an Air Traffic Controller
During her military tenure, Shuford managed over 170,000 air traffic movements with a perfect safety record—an extraordinary accomplishment in one of the most demanding operational environments. Her work directly supported the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and the 110th Aviation Brigade, ensuring the seamless execution of flight training missions and operational readiness.
Her responsibilities extended beyond technical expertise:
Mentorship and Training: As an ATC Training Supervisor, Shuford trained and mentored four soldiers to achieve Control Tower Operator (CTO) certifications, a critical milestone for Army aviation.
Safety and Compliance: In her role as Stagefield Safety Officer, she spearheaded initiatives that led Goldberg Stagefield to achieve an 87% Quality Assurance Inspection score and a commendable safety rating during the Initial Command Inspection (ICI).
Leadership as NCOIC
As an Aviation Company Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Shuford exemplified operational and personnel leadership. She oversaw training readiness across her company, achieving an impressive 90% Digital Training Management System (DTMS) score. Her leadership was instrumental in maintaining high levels of readiness and performance within the battalion.
Entrepreneurship During Military Service
While serving in the military, Shuford co-founded Tech From Vets, a pioneering organization focused on equipping veteran-owned businesses with technology solutions. The initiative’s innovative approach earned the 2017 BizTech Award from Comcast Business and the Jacksonville Business Journal, spotlighting Shuford’s ability to balance service and entrepreneurship seamlessly.
In 2018, she co-launched National Invest In Veterans Week®, which has grown into a global platform for veteran advocacy. NIVW is recognized for its efforts to amplify the voices of veterans, providing resources and opportunities through initiatives like the Progressive Web App (PWA) and its extensive network of partnerships.
Educational Excellence and Lifelong Learning
Despite her demanding roles, Shuford has prioritized education as a means of personal and professional growth:
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management (In Progress): With a near-perfect 3.87 GPA, Shuford is poised to bring advanced knowledge to her roles in aviation and advocacy.
Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Support and Military Technology Leadership: These dual degrees provided the foundation for her success in aviation operations and leadership.
Florida Real Estate Institute Graduate: Expanded her expertise into real estate, with a focus on helping military families transition seamlessly.
Shuford also serves as an alumni ambassador for Thomas Edison State University, encouraging other veterans to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
Certifications: A Testament to Expertise
Shuford’s wide-ranging certifications reflect her versatility and mastery across multiple industries:
FAA Control Tower Operator Certification: Validates her expertise in managing complex air traffic operations.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License: Revolutionized real estate marketing with drone photography, facilitating over $6 million in sales.
Secret Security Clearance: Highlights her trustworthiness and capability in handling sensitive operations.
Military Relocation Professional Certification: Demonstrates her expertise in assisting military families during transitions.
HarvardX Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate: Showcases her ability to bring innovative concepts to market.
These certifications underscore Shuford’s ability to excel in technical, operational, and entrepreneurial capacities.
National Invest In Veterans Week®: A Platform for Change
As Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week®, Shuford has played a pivotal role in elevating the organization’s impact and expanding its global reach. Her contributions include:
Technology Innovation: Spearheaded the development of the Progressive Web App (PWA), a platform that connects veterans to mentorship, funding, and entrepreneurial resources.
Global Advocacy: Strengthened NIVW’s presence with domains like FloridaVeterans.com and GermanyVeterans.com, providing digital hubs for veteran support worldwide.
Legislative Advocacy: Championed the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act, which expands access to government contracts for service-disabled veterans.
Representation and Diversity in Leadership
Shuford’s success as a Black woman veteran in the male-dominated fields of aviation and entrepreneurship represents a significant step forward in diversity and inclusion. Her advocacy for STEM education and veteran empowerment has opened doors for underrepresented groups, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
“Angel Shuford is not just a leader—she’s a force for change. Her journey inspires veterans and underrepresented communities alike to dream bigger and achieve more.” — Lonnell McCall I, Senior Spokesperson, NIVW
Awards and Recognition
Shuford’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors:
Army Achievement Medal: For exemplary service and dedication.
BizTech Award Winner: Celebrating her entrepreneurial accomplishments.
Top Sales Award: Rookie of the Year: For excelling in real estate with over $4 million in listings.
National Honor Society: Acknowledging her academic and professional excellence.
The Future of Veteran Advocacy
Shuford’s vision for NIVW is ambitious and impactful:
Technological Expansion: Enhancing the PWA to provide veterans with advanced tools for networking, funding, and training.
Global Collaboration: Building international partnerships to create a network of veteran entrepreneurs.
Legislative Success: Advocating for systemic changes that address the challenges faced by veteran-owned businesses.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Angel Shuford’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and service. Balancing the demands of military service, entrepreneurship, and education, she has not only achieved remarkable success but also paved the way for others to thrive. Her leadership at National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to inspire and empower veterans worldwide, creating a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
For more information, visit InvestInVeteransWeek.com.
Explore the Comprehensive National Invest In Veterans Week® Domain Portfolio
National Invest In Veterans Week® is dedicated to creating a global ecosystem of resources, advocacy platforms, and entrepreneurial opportunities for veterans. Its extensive domain portfolio ensures veterans across the globe have access to tailored support for their unique needs. Explore the full network below:
State-Specific Platforms in the United States
Each of these domains provides localized resources and support tailored to the specific needs of veterans within individual states:
Global Veteran Platforms
These domains connect veterans across the globe, fostering collaboration and providing access to international resources:
The Core Platform
InvestInVeteransWeek.com – The central hub for National Invest In Veterans Week®, offering information, updates, and access to veteran-focused resources.
These domains reflect National Invest In Veterans Week®’s commitment to creating a globally connected network of support for veterans. Whether through state-specific initiatives or international collaboration, each platform is designed to empower veterans with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. Visit any of these sites to learn more about our mission and how we serve the veteran community worldwide.