User:Nush99/sandbox

Dawn Halfaker, (born Frances Dawn Halfaker; July 26, 1979) is an American Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist, and Veterans' advocate from San Diego, California.

Career
In 2006, Dawn founded Halfaker and Associates, a global technology firm focused on end-to-end digital solutions for government organizations. As President and CEO, Dawn led Halfaker and Associates to rapid growth within the federal government health information technology sector. The firm was acquired by SAIC in 2021. Dawn credits her capabilities as a business leader to her active military experience and the principles she learned at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Upon the sale of Halfaker and Associates, Dawn established a private investment firm, HAFCO Holdings LLC, and the Continuing to Serve Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting Veteran entrepreneurs.

Prior to founding Halfaker and Associates, Halfaker worked closely with the Defense Sciences Office of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and served as an advisor for the Chairperson of the House of Armed Services Committee with a focus on Department of Defense legislation issues.

Military
During her service in the United States Army, Halfaker held leadership positions in peacekeeping and in training in the United States, South Korea, Kuwait, and Iraq. She also commanded a platoon of ground soldiers in combat. In 2004, she deployed to Iraq as a Military Police Officer with the 3rd Infantry Division. There, she was wounded in combat and earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for her service.

Advocacy
As a retired Army Captain, Halfaker has dedicated much of her life to advocacy for Veterans. She previously served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Wounded Warrior Project. She currently serves as a member of the USO board of Governors and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Vail Veterans Program. She also remains active with several Advisory Committees and Veteran Service Organizations.

Personal Life
Dawn was born and raised in San Diego, California, where she was a standout athlete at Rancho Bernardo High School. A highly recruited basketball player, she chose to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she received her Bachelor of Science. She also holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. Still active in sports and culture, today she is an avid snowboarder, scuba diver, tennis player and art collector.

Awards and Honors

 * 2011: Washington Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award
 * 2011: Worth Magazine Top Entrepreneurs to Watch
 * 2011: Fortune Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs
 * 2012: Civilian Job’s Most Valuable Employer for Military
 * 2012: Aspen Institute Scholar Award
 * 2012: Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award
 * 2012: Ernst & Young Greater Washington Entrepreneur of the Year
 * 2013: Castle Connolly National Health Leadership Award
 * 2013: Red Cross Tiffany Circle Distinguished Woman Warrior Award
 * 2013: Women In Technology Leadership Award
 * 2013: White House Women Veterans Champions of Change
 * 2017: Greater Washington GovCon Executive of the Year
 * 2018: Federal Health IT Impact Award
 * 2018: Federal Health IT Top 100
 * 2019: Federal Health IT Top 100
 * 2020: Federal Health IT Top 100