Alison (Alie) Cardenas joined the Student Veterans of America team in December 2021. She began as the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO. In July 2022, Alie shifted to the Operations team as the Operations Manager. She serves the organizational mission by ensuring that HR needs are met in a timely manner including benefits and accounting management.

Prior to joining SVA, Alie worked as the administrative assistant for the Local 5 Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Facility and Apprenticeship. In that capacity, she maintained records and communication with potential apprentices, organized classes for journeypersons, tracked attendance, and work performance for apprentices. Ahead of working for Local 5, Alie worked for a Maryland real estate brokerage as their marketing specialist directing marketing for three separate offices. In addition, she assisted over 100 agents with social media, creating marketing materials, and establishing a strong social media presence to support their growing businesses.

Alie received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service with a focus on Culture and Politics and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Her thesis focus was on the juxtaposition of women in the military and military spouses. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered with the American Cancer Society and WorldTeach and studied abroad at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. When she’s not working, Alie enjoys doing CrossFit and going for bike rides with her young daughters.