May 20, 2025 · 49 min
In this podcast episode, Desaree Edwards shares her inspiring journey from a low-income background to serving as a nuclear mechanic in the US Navy. Desaree highlights the importance of leadership and trust within the military, her transition to civilian life, and her pursuit of education at Wesleyan University, where she discovered her passion for neuroscience and human rights advocacy. She also shares her journey to law school, her aspirations in the anti-trafficking field, and offers valuable advice for those navigating their own career paths. Main Topics 00:00 Introduction to Desiree Edwards 03:11 Journey to the Navy and Submarine Service 06:11 Nuclear Submarine Training Overview 09:10 Deployment Experiences and Challenges 12:07 Qualifying as a Nuclear Mechanic 15:07 Deciding to Transition Out of the Military 18:05 Leadership Lessons from the Submarine Experience 26:04 Restoring Trust in Leadership 29:37 Navigating Academic Choices and Personal Growth 31:25 Building Community as a Female Veteran 35:02 The Experience of Commuting to Campus 37:42 Engaging in Human Rights Advocacy 42:02 Preparing for Law School and Future Aspirations 49:09 Advice for Career Exploration and Growth Additional Resources Truman Scholarship Tillman Scholarship