We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jesse Aguilar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jesse below.
Jesse, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only one in the room is something I’ve experienced many times—both during my military service and now as a student veteran and entrepreneur. Whether it was walking into a classroom full of civilians who didn’t understand military life, entering meetings with business partners as a young veteran, or advocating for underserved communities through Operation Nourish, I often found myself as the only person with my experiences and perspective.
At first, it was intimidating. I had to figure out how to speak confidently, make my voice heard, and translate my experiences in a way that others could understand. Living with fibromyalgia added another layer of challenge—I often had to push through chronic pain while maintaining focus and energy in spaces where I felt different or overlooked.
Over time, I learned that being the only one in the room is actually an advantage if you embrace it. I started seeing my unique perspective as a strength rather than a barrier. My experiences as a veteran taught me resilience, discipline, and the ability to assess situations quickly. My work with Operation Nourish and my business, Gusgeras y Comida Auténtica, showed me the importance of empathy, creativity, and persistence. By combining these qualities, I’ve been able to advocate effectively, build partnerships, and make a meaningful impact even in spaces where I initially felt out of place.
Now, being the only one in the room doesn’t intimidate me—it motivates me. I’ve learned to bring my full story, perspective, and energy into the space, knowing that my presence matters, my voice adds value, and my mission to serve veterans and underserved communities gives purpose to every room I enter.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a student veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Operation Nourish, an organization created to serve veterans, student veterans, and underserved communities. My journey into this work began after my military career was unexpectedly cut short. I was medically retired due to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a condition that brings constant, daily pain and fatigue. It was a difficult reality to face—one moment I was serving my country, and the next I was left with an invisible illness that changed the way I lived my life.
The transition was not easy. As a student veteran, I had to navigate school, family, and the emotional toll of losing the career I thought I’d have for life—all while pushing through pain every day. Yet through those challenges, I found a new mission: to continue serving those who once served with me. Operation Nourish was born out of that commitment.
Operation Nourish provides food assistance, connects veterans and student veterans to resources, and builds community partnerships that address real gaps in support. What sets us apart is that we don’t just provide resources—we provide understanding. Because I live with chronic pain and the challenges of transition myself, I know what it means to feel unseen or to wonder if the struggle is worth it. Every day, despite my condition, I choose not to give up because I know other veterans are out there facing their own battles, both visible and invisible.
I am most proud of the fact that even on the hardest days, when my body is telling me to slow down, I still find ways to make an impact. Whether it’s helping a homeless veteran reconnect with resources, supporting a student veteran who is overwhelmed by school and life, or collaborating with community partners to widen our reach, those victories remind me that service never truly ends—it just takes a new form.
What I want people to know about me and Operation Nourish is that this work comes from a place of lived experience and resilience. My military service may have ended sooner than I planned, but my mission to serve continues. Chronic pain may shape my day-to-day life, but it does not define me—it fuels me to ensure that no veteran or student veteran is left behind.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, adaptability, and empathy.
Resilience has been critical, especially living with fibromyalgia while pursuing school, managing two businesses, and continuing to serve veterans. There were days when pain or fatigue could have held me back, but choosing to keep going and show up consistently made all the difference. My advice for developing resilience is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to avoid. Start with small, consistent steps—overcoming little hurdles builds the strength to face bigger ones.
Adaptability became essential when my military career was unexpectedly cut short. Pivoting into student life, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work required me to learn new skills quickly and remain flexible. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend staying open to change and viewing setbacks as redirections. Seek experiences that push you outside your comfort zone; the more you adapt, the stronger and more resourceful you become.
Empathy has been at the heart of everything I do with Operation Nourish and my business, Gusgeras y Comida Auténtica. Understanding the needs of others—whether veterans struggling with reintegration or customers seeking authentic experiences—has guided how I design programs, products, and services. To develop empathy, actively listen to others’ stories, immerse yourself in communities different from your own, and focus on solving real problems rather than just offering solutions you assume are needed.
Ultimately, these three qualities have allowed me to turn challenges into purpose, create meaningful impact, and continue serving others even when life didn’t go as planned. My advice for those starting out is to cultivate these qualities intentionally: practice persistence, stay flexible, and always lead with understanding. These habits will serve you in every aspect of life and work.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The people who have been most helpful in my journey are a combination of mentors, peers, and the supportive community I’ve found as a student veteran. My military experience instilled discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to service, but transitioning out of the military and managing life with fibromyalgia came with challenges I couldn’t navigate alone.
At Cypress College, the Veterans Resource Center has been an invaluable part of that support system. The staff and fellow student veterans there have helped me develop essential skills like time management, leadership, and advocacy while also providing guidance on educational and career opportunities. They created a space where I could share my experiences, seek advice, and learn from others who understood the unique challenges of military service and student life.
Beyond the Veterans Resource Center, I’ve also leaned on mentors and peers in both my nonprofit, Operation Nourish, and my chamoy candy business, Gusgeras y Comida Auténtica. These individuals offered guidance on entrepreneurship, networking, and strategic planning, helping me turn ideas into action while reminding me to stay resilient despite obstacles.
Ultimately, the combination of military training, mentorship, and the community at the Veterans Resource Center has shaped my ability to overcome challenges, build essential skills, and continue serving veterans and underserved communities. Their support has shown me that success isn’t just about individual effort—it’s about surrounding yourself with people and resources that lift you up and challenge you to grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vets.operation.nourish/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-aguilar-289371344
Image Credits
Juan Carmona
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
