Operation Code

A NPO that is dedicated to providing veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members an opportunity to start a career in tech. Led by a team of veterans and other dedicated passionate volunteers, Operation Code provides mentorships, online scholarships, resources, and an opportunity to connect with a 9000+ member community. In this conversation, we'll be joined by Cynthia Kao, Director of Communications, Marketing and Program Development at Operation Code, Conrad Hollomon, Executive Director of Operation Code, and Operation Code alumni, Vital Boisset, Product/UX Designer.

Cynthia Kao

Arushi Grover

Cynthia Kao is the current Director of Communications, Marketing and Program Development at Operation Code. She is the founder and CEO of Rebirth Media, a digital strategy and innovative technology media company. She is also a documentary filmmaker, the co-host of the Veteran Founder Podcast and a contributing writer at Forbes Magazine. She served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Public Affairs Specialist, deployed twice and spent the first 15 years of her career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Cynthia now calls Washington, D.C. home and enjoys advocating for mental-health awareness, photography, cooking and spending time with her three grown children and her Russian Blue kitten named Chairman Meow.

Conrad Hollomon

Arushi Grover

Conrad Hollomon is the current Executive Director of Operation Code. A former U.S. Army Infantry officer and deployed Afghanistan veteran, Conrad has spent almost a decade working on innovative technology products on multiple platforms. He currently works for Unity Technologies, working to bring the power of real-time 3D development, extended reality and artificial intelligence to large organizations. Conrad has spoken at tech conferences and been featured in publications for advocacy work on STEM education and underrepresented communities. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about organizational behavior and trying out new delicious restaurants.

Vital Boisset

Arushi Grover

Vital Boisset is a Product/UX Designer, working mainly with startups. He is a U.S. Army Infantry Veteran making the transition into the tech world by prototyping delightful experiences and creating design systems. When not in front of the computer, you can find him cooking Italian food (or BBQ) and training to become a ninja with his daughter. Vital lives in Waynesboro, Virginia.