In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” Jo Ann Bjornson, chief human resources officer at V2X, joins to discuss her upbringing in a 900-square-foot house in a low-income suburb of the greater Washington, D.C., area. The daughter of an immigrant and U.S. military veteran, Bjornson connects her experiences to her sense of independence, work ethic and passion for supporting the military via her current workforce.

Bjornson’s path wasn’t always clear, either. She had to navigate many complex parts of her academic life by herself ⏤ as neither of her parents went to college ⏤ and strongly pivoted after experiencing an impactful academic failure. She’d soon find her passion for people, and ultimately, HR, allowing that passion to guide her career forward.

Today, Bjornson reflects on the meaningful influence her parents had, her love for her current workforce, the importance of supporting underprivileged students, and how all of these experiences shape the way she leads at work and at home as a mother.