EXPERT ON:
◉ Women in STEM & Leadership◉ Naval Nuclear Propulsion & Defense Innovation◉ High-Stakes Program Management & Acquisition◉ Resilience, Work-Life Integration & Ethical Leadership◉ Overcoming Adversity in High-Pressure Environments
EXPERIENCE:
◉ Decorated 28-Year U.S. Navy Leader — Rose from enlisted nuclear reactor operator to senior program leader overseeing multi-billion-dollar defense acquisitions and high-performing technical teams.
◉ STEM Expert & Lifelong Scholar — Dual MIT graduate degrees in Nuclear Engineering, dual engineering degrees from Old Dominion University, Lean Six Sigma and Advanced Program Management certified, with a PhD in Nuclear Engineering in progress.
◉ Resilience-Driven Leadership Voice — Military officer, Christian, wife, and homeschooling mother of three who advocates for ethical leadership, workforce excellence, and work-life integration in high-stakes environments.
Rosemary (Moneé) Hardesty is a highly decorated naval officer with 28 years of service, specializing in nuclear propulsion, defense acquisition, and high-performing team leadership. Enlisting in 1997 as a nuclear reactor operator and electronics technician, she rose through the ranks to manage multi-billion-dollar programs for the Department of Defense, including nuclear aircraft carriers.
Her latest endeavor is a PhD in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Michigan, where she combines technical expertise with a passion for innovation and STEM advocacy. She holds dual MIT graduate degrees in Nuclear Engineering, dual BS degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Old Dominion University (top-ranked in her class), and certifications in Defense Acquisition Advanced Level IV Program Management and Lean Six Sigma.
A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR, DC chapter), CDR Hardesty traces her family’s roots to a Mayflower sailor. As a Christian, wife, and homeschooling mother of three—including one with special needs—she champions work-life integration and resilience in demanding environments. Upon completing her PhD, she will become a professor of nuclear engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy, inspiring the next generation of naval leaders.
Speaking Topics• Empowering Women in Engineering & STEM: Lessons from Naval Nuclear Programs & Leadership• Innovations in Naval Nuclear Propulsion: Bridging Theory and Deployment• Leading Digital Transformation in Defense: Lessons from Navy IT Modernization• Mastering High-Stakes Program Management: Navigating Billion-Dollar DoD Acquisitions• Resilience & Work-Life Integration: A Navy Perspective on Leadership in CrisisPast Speaking & Engagements• STEM Outreach, U.S. Navy (2010–Present): Led K-12 workshops engaging 500+ annually at Girls Day Out, Expanding Your Horizons, and other events.• Mentored Girl Scouts and students in STEM; coordinated semi-annual events at Sunset Elementary, Ysidro, CA.• Co-Founder & Executive Steering Committee, Network of Engineering Duty Officer Women (NEW, 2010–2025): Delivered career talks and work-life balance discussions.• Academy Women e-Mentor (2009–Present): Guided young professionals toward Navy STEM careers.• Engineering Duty Guiding Coalition Team Lead (2023–2024): Improved interior communications and outreach.
Available for keynotes, panels, workshops, and consulting on nuclear engineering, defense leadership, STEM empowerment, and resilience.Contact for availability and rates.
