Janessa Goldbeck

Janessa Goldbeck has built her career around creating a safer and more free world. She is the CEO of Vet Voice Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that mobilizes veterans and military families to have a voice in our democracy.

Goldbeck spent seven years in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer Officer, managing engineering, logistics, and explosive ordnance disposal missions. She also served as a Uniformed Victim Advocate, providing care to service members who experienced sexual assault.

Upon learning that some military jobs were closed to women due to the Combat Exclusion Policy, Goldbeck volunteered to participate in Department of Defense-led research on gender integration in combat arms units. In the course of this research, she volunteered for an infantry course officially closed to women. Following her experience, Goldbeck co-founded an advocacy campaign to repeal the discriminatory Combat Exclusion Policy. In 2015, the Secretary of Defense opened all military occupations to qualified applicants, regardless of gender.

Prior to her military service, Goldbeck worked as a human rights advocate in Washington, D.C., building political will for legislative and diplomatic efforts to protect civilians in conflict zones.

Goldbeck holds a BS in Journalism from Northwestern University and an MA in Public Leaderhip from the University of San Francisco. She serves on the board of EQCA, The San Diego LGBT Center, and MANA de San Diego. She lives in San Diego with her wife and a small flock of animals.