Jessica Downey’s career trajectory has not followed a conventional route. When she was about to graduate from Seminole High School in 2009, she did not have a specific career goal in mind.

“I knew I wanted to do something challenging and make a difference in the world, but I hadn’t nailed down a path,” Downey said.

She attended Seminole State College out of high school, where she was a recipient of the President’s Leadership Class scholarship.

Her journey took a decisive turn when Dr. Paul Gasparro, then Vice President for Academic Affairs at SSC, recommended she apply to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Dr. Gasparro’s guidance and mentorship, along with that of former SSC President Dr. Jim Utterback and current SSC President Lana Reynolds, paved the way for her successful application to the institution.

Suddenly Downey found herself on the grounds of the USAFA, one of the country’s most prestigious military academies, located about eight miles north of Colorado Springs. Here, her mettle was tested, physically and mentally.

“In high school, I competed in track and cross country. Jack Tinsley, my coach, knew how to push us to our limits. I was in good shape. For me, there weren’t any surprises regarding the physical stress at the Academy.”

To maintain her mental wellbeing, she spent as much time outside as possible, a habit she continues to prioritize today.

“My favorite things to do are ride my horses, roping and fishing,” she said. Downey would go on to compete in barrel racing with the rodeo team at the USAFA.

She made the most of her time at the Academy, connecting with fellow cadets and officers.

“The most valuable lesson I learned at the Academy was how important networking is, how important it is to invest in and care for those around you,” Downey said. “It is a big part of the reason I have my current job, which I love. I keep in touch with graduates and other service members around the world.

She would graduate from USAFA in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Management. Her degree was presented to her by then Vice President Joe Biden.

Following graduation, she was commissioned into the Air Force as an Acquisition Officer. She was charged with the procurement and sustainment of aircraft, including the KC-135 and the B-1, while stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. While stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio, she oversaw Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) airborne sensors programs. She then went on to test, launch and ensure operations of overhead intelligence systems at the National Reconnaissance Office. She also worked with the Army at Joint Task Force-Bravo in Honduras for a short time.

During her time with the Air Force, she received a number of accolades, including the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Global

War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and twice received the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

She also continued her education during this time, receiving an associate degree at SSC in 2016 and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University in 2017. Despite her advanced degree, Downey returned to SSC and recently graduated on May 3 with her second associate degree from the institution. This time in Pre-Engineering.

“Working in space and aerospace with radar and other sensors has made me want to understand more about electrical engineering and radar science. Completing an Electrical Engineering degree has been a dream of mine for some time, but work and other obstacles kept me from pursuing it,” Downey said. “When I moved back to this area, I knew SSC would offer an affordable route to brush off my math skills and get to work on Electrical Engineering.”

Although she had not taken a math course in over a decade, she tackled Trigonometry, Calculus III, and Differential Equations in one semester, all while working full time.

“Fortunately, SSC instructors have a lot of experience with adult students, and they are very understanding and flexible,” Downey said.

When asked about what advice she would give other working adults looking to pursue higher education, she said there were three things that helped her succeed.

“First, your employer needs to support your goals and understand the importance of test taking time and minimizing absence from class. Second, get buy-in from your support system early on—your family, friends and co-workers. Third, commitment. You have to be committed to your education goals. You’re not there to do time. You’re there to learn information and skills that will enable you to succeed in your next endeavor,” Downey said.

Her parents, Mike and Mechell Downey have been instrumental in her success. Mike is the Owner of Central Sheet Metal and Mechell serves as the Director of Board Relations and Administrative Operations at Seminole State College. She also serves on the Seminole Planning Commission.

“My parents work so hard in everything they do, lend a hand wherever they can and treat people the way they want to be treated,” Downey said.

Downey currently works for Precision ISR as a Senior Program Manager and Manager of Contracts. She is a consultant for Air, Space, and Cyberspace companies, and connects critical commercial technologies with the Department of Defense to ensure mission success.

She plans to go on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma.

She resides in Earlsboro, where she enjoys spending time with her three dogs, Chief, Zzilly and Ginger, and her horse, Check. At 33 years old, she has already accomplished so much, but has no plans to slow down.

“You never get more time,” Downey said. “You never know what tomorrow is going to bring. The only time you really have is right now. And if you want to do something, you’ve got to just do it.”