Biography

Benita Beckles is an accomplished HR professional and military veteran with over 35 years of experience in HR management, training, and military service. She served 7 years active duty and 23 years in the Reserves of the United States Air Force, retiring as a Full-Bird Colonel. For the past 2 years, Benita has worked in Human Resources for the City of Phoenix, Arizona, a retirement job. Her key responsibilities involve overseeing HR, analyzing investigations, processing discipline, conducting trainings and assisting with the various employment departments to ensure that hiring is processed correctly. Benita graduated with a Master's in Education from George Washington University in 1977, and with a Bachelor's in Sociology from Hampton University in 1971. During her graduate program, she was stationed at Langley Air Force Base, so they flew her instructor down from George Washington to teach students there. Originally, Benita was drawn to military service as she always thought it would be a good way to get experience that would be beneficial in life, and that would enable her to start her professional career off in a way that would give her good training and discipline. In addition, Benita is part of the Military Officers Association, USO (United Service Organizations) and is involved with the Tuskegee Airmen program. Going forward, she would like to work on her own business part-time, network with other members and increase her exposure. Benita self-published a workbook called 'The Self Discovery Workbook' and spoke at several workshops, so she's interested in delving into that realm again, as well. The key to her success is never giving up, determination and discipline. The highlight of her career is her 30 years of military service and her role as Mission Support Group Commander. When she's not working, Benita enjoys reading and supports USO (United Service Organizations).