Michael Tollerton, 29

A graduate of West Point Prep and West Point, Michael Tollerton served as a second lieutenant and later, captain, in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2016, holding roles such as battle future operations planner, unit movement officer, brigade budget comptroller and battalion operations office for basic training. Her military career took her from the U.S. Military Academy in New York to Fort Lewis, Wash., and as far afield as the United Arab Emirates.

Despite her success and bright future prospects in the military, in 2016 Tollerton decided it was time to give the private sector a chance.