Breanna DeLong
Breanna DeLong is a program leader committed to strengthening systems that support veterans, military families, and their communities. Her work centers on bringing together organizations, data, and collaborative networks to better understand the challenges facing the military-connected community and to expand access to opportunity and support.
She currently serves as a Program Manager on the Community Insights & Impacts team at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. In this role, she helps lead the implementation of the Face the Fight MAP Reach initiative, a national effort designed to help veteran-serving organizations better understand social and community factors that influence wellbeing and to coordinate more effective support across networks of care.
Breanna’s professional background includes workforce development and career readiness programming for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. During her time at Operation New Uniform, she supported the growth of employment initiatives that helped military-connected individuals navigate the transition to civilian careers and access meaningful professional opportunities.
Across her career, Breanna has focused on building partnerships, strengthening programs, and improving the ways organizations work together to support the veteran community. She believes that meaningful impact happens when communities, nonprofits, and institutions collaborate to address the broader factors that influence wellbeing, including economic opportunity, education, and social connection.
As a mother of two and a professional working to advance opportunities for military-connected families, Breanna is deeply committed to helping create systems that empower individuals and communities to thrive.
• Generative AI Overview for Project Managers
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Workflow specialist certificate
• Certificate in Veteran Employment and Development
• Google Project Management Professional Certificate
• Fundamentals of Predicitive Project Management
• Nonprofit Essentials Certificate Program
• Excellence in Public Speaking Institute Certificate
• Introductory Sandler Bootcamp Program
• Certified Associate in Project Management
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• Central Michigan University
• The Honorable Molly Pitcher Award
• Great Lakes Bay Veteran Coalition
• Tampa Bay Juniors Hockey Club
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying grounded in the people the work is meant to serve. Keeping veterans, servicemembers, and military families at the center of every decision helps me build programs that are not just well-run, but genuinely meaningful and effective.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I was told not to wait until I feel ‘ready’ to take on responsibility. Growth usually comes from stepping into things before you feel fully prepared and learning by doing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to talk to everyone and get involved in their community. Building relationships and networking are key to opening doors and discovering opportunities. The more people you connect with, the more support and guidance you’ll have as you grow in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is educating employers on the value of hiring military veterans. Helping organizations understand how veterans’ skills, experience, and discipline can make a vital, positive impact is both a hurdle and a chance to create meaningful change in workforce development.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are trust, leadership, and clear communication, along with flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I’m also deeply committed to my family—I’m a proud mom of two. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and participate in a mom’s book club, love staying active through sports, and treasure thrifting adventures with my family.
Milestone Moments
In Washington, D.C. at the MSEP event, I stood in a room with policy leaders and decision makers focused on military spouse employment. As a military spouse, that moment was personal. I’ve lived the relocations and career pauses. Being in that room wasn’t just professional. It was representation. We’re not just part of the conversation anymore. We’re helping shape it.
Locations
D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
101 Waverly Ave., Syracuse, Florida 13244
Midland
Midland, MI