Our Team
Our leadership consists of a talented staff and powerful volunteer council of reserve, veteran and retired service women. Feel free to scroll through and meet us.
Elisa Cardnell, Veteran, US Navy
President and Chief Executive Officer
Elisa Cardnell is an experienced leader, a military veteran, and a former educator.
Elisa Cardnell served in the Navy on active duty for five years, and in the Navy Reserves for six years. During her time in the military, she specialized in anti-submarine warfare and operational level of war planning. She served onboard USS Ramage (DDG 61) and worked on the staffs for Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic and Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. She also provided support as a Reservist for theater anti-submarine operations for both training and real-life events. Elisa is a service-connected disabled veteran.
Elisa taught high school math and physics while she was in the Reserves. When medical issues ended her Navy Reserves career, Elisa ran for office. As a single mom, her campaign made history as the first federal campaign to have a childcare provider on staff. She then started an educational non-profit, and has worked to support moms and working-class candidates running for office. Her awards include Rookie Teacher of the Year, the Reserve Officer Association Department of Texas Sea Service-Navy Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year 2015-16, and leading her team on USS Ramage to win the Bloodhound Award for excellence in anti-submarine warfare.
Elisa joined SWAN in 2021 as the Director of Operations and has been the Chief Executive Officer of SWAN since July 2023.
Terrell Chandler, Veteran, Navy Reserves
Director of Operations
Terrell Chandler is a dynamic leader with a rich history of service, having proudly served for over a decade in the US Navy Reserves.
Throughout her tenure, she completed multiple active duty assignments and was attached to an array of military units, including the Marine Corps and Naval Special Warfare. Notably, in 2014, Terrell completed a combat tour in Afghanistan as part of Naval Special Warfare's Cultural Engagement Unit. Deploying with SEAL Team 1, she played a key role supporting Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces as a member of a Cultural Support Team (CST). She also contributed to the Women In Service Review which led to the Armed Services opening of all positions and occupations to women.
Transitioning her expertise into nonprofit leadership, Terrell has spearheaded international programs, leading projects in over 70 countries, and directly influencing US Government policy and objectives through entrepreneurial public-private partnerships. Terrell was pivotal in spearheading global operations, where she led extensive project development and was congressionally recognized for her role in supporting our Afghan allies after the fall of Kabul in August of 2021. Beyond her operational accomplishments, Terrell has a passion for team building, strategic analysis, and impact investing. As the Director of Operations at the Service Women's Action Network, she brings a blend of strategic oversight, steadfast dedication to service, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of service women everywhere.
Patricia Olivares, Veteran, Marine Corps Ret.
Director Of Government Relations
Three generations of Patricia’s family have served in the military. Her Grandfather Raymond fought in Korea, her Uncle Al and Uncle Henry fought in Vietnam and Desert Storm, respectively, and she served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Patricia enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2001 and served overseas in Iraq in 2008 and Afghanistan from 2010-2011. While serving in Afghanistan, Patricia led a team of 47 women Marines known as the Female Engagement Unit (FET). Her team supported counter-insurgency operations in the province of Helmand. As a young Sergeant, she developed strategic partnerships with high-level members of the Afghan government to conduct medical outreach, establish local school systems, and support governance and economic impact programs. Her team built schools for girls, funded woman-owned businesses, and provided healthcare access, all while fighting on the front lines. Patricia received a Combat Action Ribbon and a Navy Commendation Medal for her service.
In 2013, Patricia returned to Houston and enrolled at the University of Houston-Downtown. She majored in English with a concentration in creative writing and graduated in 2016. During this time, Patricia worked with the ESPN sports network. She helped produce XGames, a live sporting event consisting of skateboarding and BMX biking, all while raising two children as a single mother.
She has worked as a policy advocate with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. In doing so, she has advocated before Congress to help pass veterans’ legislation, including the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, which expands healthcare to 2.1 million veterans.
Alejandra Mann
Creative Director
Born in Colombia and immigrated to the US at age 15, Alejandra brings a unique perspective and versatility to her professional endeavors. With over 7 years of experience spanning marketing, digital strategies, and public relations, she has honed her craft in various environments including civilian roles, non-profit organizations, and as an officer in the US Army Reserves.
Currently, Alejandra is shaping the future of digital engagement as a Creative Director at Service Women’s Action Network, where she leads a talented team to create impactful graphics and social media content that resonate with diverse audiences. Additionally, her role as a Digital Marketing Strategist at Operation Homefront has further solidified her expertise in driving brand visibility and engagement across digital platforms.
Her earlier experiences in marketing and sales coordination have been instrumental in developing integrated campaigns that elevate brand awareness and foster meaningful connections.
As a Medical Services Officer in the US Army Reserves, she navigates the complexities of logistics and project management with effectiveness. This experience has instilled in her the principles of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Fluency in English, French, and Spanish enhances her ability to communicate and connect with a broad audience, enriching her work in public relations and content creation. With a track record of innovative marketing strategies and a dynamic leadership style, Alejandra is committed to making a significant impact in the digital marketing and communication realms.
Sydney Gilland
Case Manager
Sydney is SWAN’s case manager. She is a Tiffin University graduate, with a Bachelor’s degree in both Forensic Psychology and Psychology with a concentration in Addictions Counseling. In the future, she plans to obtain a Master’s degree in Social Work. Sydney has a particular interest in advocating for social care, breaking down barriers, and helping vulnerable groups overcome obstacles to reach their full potential. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a powerful organization that strives to make a difference in so many lives by passionately advocating for the equal treatment of servicewomen and veterans.
Carra Mann
Executive Assistant
Carra Mann is Executive Assistant. She is a Stockton University graduate with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. She plans to obtain her Master's degree to further her education in the Criminal Justice field. Carra has always had a vested interest in justice and hopes to create a fairer justice system. She is honored to be a helping hand in aiding SWAN to achieve their mission to advocate and demand equal justice for all women in service and veterans.
Ugoma Smoke
Development Assistant
Ugoma Smoke is SWAN's development assistant. She is a Kent State University graduate with a Master's degree in Library and Information Science specializing in Archives and Special Collections. Ugoma has been fortunate to work at a variety of libraries, both public and academic. Previously, she was the Access Services Librarian at Northwest Arkansas Community College. She is excited to be part of SWAN team and passionate about supporting female veterans and women in service.
Ellen Haring, Colonel, US Army Retired
SWAN Research Fellow
Dr. Ellen Haring is SWAN’s research fellow. In addition to being a West Point graduate and a retired Army colonel, she is also a senior fellow at Women in International Security where she directs the Combat Integration Initiative. Ellen’s research and work focuses on women and gender in the military. She holds a PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and she is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University where she has taught courses on Human Security and Women, Peace and Security. Ellen has published numerous articles and papers on a wide array of military and security related topics. She has been a guest speaker on foreign and domestic news shows, she guest lectures and has testified as a subject matter expert at Congressional hearings.
Our Directors
Providing executive oversight for SWAN’s programs and services, our board includes influential veterans, business and civic leaders with decades of experience helping lead organizations in multiple sectors.
Jennifer Hogg, US Army Veteran
Board Chair
Jennifer Hogg is a Co-Founder of the Service Women’s Action Network as well as the current Co-Chair of the Board of Directors. She served five years in the New York Army National Guard as a 63Y Track Mechanic and left in 2005 at the rank of Sergeant. Jennifer also participated in the 9/11 activation as part of the NYARNG. She received a B.A. in Philosophy from Hunter College of The City University of New York in May 2009 and a J.D. from The City University of New York School of Law in May 2012.
Melina Selimbegovic
Secretary
Melina Selimbegovic is a Private Client Relationship Associate at Brown Advisory. She is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor and has over 10 years of industry experience. Melina is responsible for managing relationships with high-net- worth individuals and families in the Washington, DC office. Prior to joining Brown Advisory, she was a founding member of Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association Wealth Management and Trust where she spent 7 years working to build the trust company and later managing client relationships. Melina holds a BA in Psychology and International Relations from UNC Chapel Hill.
Charles Zielinski
Charles Zielinski is an AV-Preeminent rated lawyer in the Lexis-Nexis/Martindale-Hubbell peer review system. He has focused his professional career on the legal and policy issues presented by economic, safety, reliability and environmental regulation in the energy and telecommunications industries. He served as a member and Chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission and has significant experience serving on boards and committees. He chaired a national committee that produced reports on implementation of the ground breaking National Energy Act of 1978, was a member New York State’s Environmental Board and of Governor Hugh Carey’s cabinet. Charles received his law degree from State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law.
Terri-Ann Grant
Terri-Ann is a U.S Army Veteran, health operations leader and dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Leader with clinical experience in Emergency medicine, Cardiac-Thoracic Surgery and OB-GYN. As a visionary leader, her career focus remains in areas of health care operations, staffing development, operational excellence, and strategic collaborations. She is passionate about the impact of transitional care on female veterans and committed to working on bridging the divide related to care delivery. Terri holds a MBA in Health Care management and dual Masters of Science in Nursing degrees with specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Leader.
Robyn Fink
Robyn Fink is an accomplished public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience, serves as director of public relations and partnerships at CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. She is responsible for cultivating and maintaining a positive perception of the Company’s restaurant brands, across a broad range of stakeholders including media, advocates, guests, and the general public throughout the US. Prior to joining CKE Restaurants, Fink served as director of consumer public relations for Carnival Cruise Line for four years prior to the pandemic where she was responsible for proactive, consumer PR for the world’s most popular cruise line. Before moving in-house, she served as vice president at Taylor PR in New York specializing in sports-related public relations for a variety of consumer brands companies, including MasterCard, Verizon Lenovo, KT Tape, and Capital One. She also has led major PR initiatives from sports (with on-site PR initiatives surrounding five Super Bowls) and entertainment initiatives to charitable organizations and community relations.
Dr. Jenny D’Olympia
Dr. Jenny D'Olympia, LMHC, LP-Dr. D'Olympia is the Associate Chair for the Counseling and Behavioral Health Program and the Director for the Military and Veteran Psychology and Train Vets to Treat Vets programs at William James College. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Service Woman’s Action Network and a consultant to the Department of Veterans Affairs for a research project to prevent homelessness and death by suicide in recently discharged veterans and is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Family Therapists. Dr. D'Olympia has been in the mental health field for nearly 18 years, during which she has had the opportunity to work and train in a diverse range of settings the most significant of which was counseling veterans returning from Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF) at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston Vet Center. Prior to her career in mental health, Dr. D’Olympia served in the United States Air Force Special Operations Command as an intelligence officer charged with supporting Special Tactics operators across the spectrum of combat and training operations. She served three deployments to Oman and Afghanistan in support of the 720th Special Tactics Group. Her extensive experience with service members, veterans, and their families has given her deep insight into the specific mental health needs of this underserved population.
Julia Metcalf
Julia is a proven strategic leader with 25+ years of people leadership experience spearheading national programs to deliver results. Over 15 years of experience in Fortune 100 companies leading large, multi-functional teams that execute enterprise strategic initiatives and deliver on key performance metrics spanning multiple lines-of-business. Effective communicator able to influence employees from the C-Suite to the front line. Former US Air Force officer with 11 years of service. My passion is creating a culture where employees are inspired to bring their whole selves to work and can reach their full potential. Julia is currently the Assistant Vice President for DI&B for the largest credit union in the world, NFCU, supporting over 11.6 million members comprised of all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. She has the privilege of leading a diverse team of professional, who establish the strategic imperatives for 22,000+ employees worldwide, helping to create a culture where employees are inspired to bring their whole selves to work and can reach their full potential.
Adam L. Shaw, USAF Veteran
Adam Shaw is an experienced commercial litigator at a global law firm. Based in Washington, DC, he focuses his nationwide legal practice on a wide range of business cases including commercial and government contract disputes, tort claims, consumer finance litigation, and internal investigations. Adam routinely provides legal support to veterans pursuing benefits claims and other matters in and out of court. Prior to his legal career, Adam was an Airborne Surveillance Officer and Air Weapons Officer in the U.S. Air Force, supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe as well as U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) in South Korea. He later served as a defense policy consultant at the U.S. Department of the Army, where he developed and coordinated policies for biometrics and identity management programs throughout the Department of Defense. Adam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The University of South Carolina and a Master’s degree in International Relations from The University of Oklahoma. He received his law degree from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC.
Allison McFarlane
Allison McFarlane, founder of Allison McFarlane Inc. (AMI), has a successful career in finance, including roles at Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America. She's a dedicated advocate for women's empowerment, actively involved in organizations like the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, and WISE. Allison is a sought-after speaker on growth mindset, leadership, and community connections. She holds a Bachelor's in Communication, Sales, and Marketing from the University of Phoenix and is pursuing an MBA, emphasizing her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. Her motto: "Practice What You Preach" and "No Hypocrite."
Dr. Genevieve Lester
Dr. Genevieve Lester is the De Serio Chair of Strategic Intelligence at the US Army War College. Her areas of interest are intelligence; accountability; leadership, and decision-making. She is also an Associate Fellow for Strategic Intelligence at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. She holds a Ph.D. and MA in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, an MA in International Economics/International Law and Organizations from the Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, and a BA in history from Carleton College.