Ashley Richardson at the Military World Games in 2015. Courtesy photo
NMEDD News:
SANTA FE — Nonprofit VetsinTech is launching a New Mexico Chapter to support the state’s veterans and growing technology sector. The launch event on May 23 in Santa Fe will facilitate networking and highlight career opportunities.
VetsinTech is a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses secure tech careers through education, employment, and entrepreneurship (“the 3 E’s”).
“New Mexico is home to two national laboratories, two Air Force Research Laboratory directorates, four military installations, a growing space and aviation industry, and is establishing itself as a leader in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy technologies,” CEO and Founder of VetsinTech Katherine Webster said. “This is a perfect place for the launch of our next chapter.”
VetsinTech changes lives. Ashley Richardson had enlisted straight out of high school, but after leaving active duty, she came home to find the civilian positions she was being offered were less than ideal. Her helpdesk job left her underemployed and unable to afford rent. She dropped out of UC Berkley because of the time demands of serving and experienced homelessness for over five months until her family took her in.
Ashley’s life changed when she learned about the VetsinTech 5-day training program. She enrolled and it quickly became clear that she was destined for a career in IT security. After a short stint as a VetsinTech trainer, Ashley was recruited by Google, at over three times her previous wage. Today, Ashley lives in Las Cruces, NM, working as a Senior Solutions Engineer for threat intelligence at Censys Search, and says she owes it all to the VetsinTech program.
With over 100,000 members and 20 U.S. chapters, VetsinTech offers free programs, including skills training in cybersecurity, AI/ML, and cloud computing, job placement with companies like Google and Amazon, and support for veteran-led tech startups. They partner with organizations such as Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Adobe, DraftKings, and more. 91% of trained veterans and military spouses are hired or upskilled within six months.
“This week’s launch presents a tremendous opportunity for our veterans and their spouses,” Director of Military Base Planning and Support Megan Cornett said. “It also gives our industry partners a chance to connect locally to grow the technology workforce across our state.”
The VetsinTech New Mexico Chapter Launch will introduce VetsinTech’s mission and local chapter leadership and offer networking opportunities for veterans, military spouses, employers, and tech professionals.
Event details:
- Date: May 23, 2025
- Time: 1-4 p.m.
- Location: New Mexico Military Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe
- Register: zip2.it/vitnewmexico
Businesses interested in attending should call VetsinTech CEO & Founder Katherine Webster at 650.888.8377. More details about their mission and programs can be found at vetsintech.co.