About Me

Dominique Ramirez

Career

1997-2001U.S. Navy – Aircraft Electronics Technician
2005-2009U.S. Navy – Surface Warfare Officer
2009-2011U.S. Navy – Officer Recruiter
2011-2013Federal Student Aid – New Media Analyst
2013-PresentDepartment of Veterans Affairs – Public Affairs Specialist
Career Chronology

I enlisted in the Navy in 1997 after graduating high school. At Recruit Training Division (AKA boot camp) I was promoted from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-2 (Seaman Apprentice). Following boot camp, I attended Seaman Apprenticeship Training Division to become a non-designated Seaman. Having graduated at the top of my class, I was given my choice of A school. I chose Aircraft Electronics Technician (AT) A school in Pensacola, Florida.

I graduated again at the top of my class and was promoted to E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) and given my choice of C school and also my choice of orders. I chose Calibration Technician C school and the USS Tarawa, LHA-1.

While aboard the Tarawa, I took the E-5 advancement exam and passed and advanced on my first try. I had reached the rank of Petty Officer Second Class by the age of 19. At this point, I applied for and was accepted to the Broadened Opportunities for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program. Upon graduation, I was able to attend Drexel University under an ROTC scholarship, but eventually transferred to the University of San Diego, where I earned my bachelor’s in Business Administration.

After graduating from college, I was commissioned an Ensign (O-1E) and reported to the USS Momsen as a Surface Warfare Officer. After completing a deployment to the Philippines, I, unfortunately, developed knee problems and was eventually medically separated from the Navy. However, I was able to join the Navy Reserves and serve as an Officer Recruiter.

I finally left active duty in 2011 and started my career in the federal government at the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) as a New Media Analyst. This was back when social media was a relatively new concept in the federal government. I helped launch the @FAFSA Twitter account and was part of the team that managed social media for FSA. Also while at FSA, I began pursuing my Masters in Information Technology with an emphasis in Web Design.

In 2013, I was hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where I currently work. My new position allowed me to combine my experience in social media management with my education in web design. I currently manage the VA’s main social media accounts, with a total reach of more than 2 million followers across all social media platforms. Additionally, I help manage VA’s main websites, VAntage Point (VA’s official blog) and VA.gov.

Other Employment

WebmasterAFGE Local 17
Other Employment

In 2021, I was hired to build a new website for AFGE Local 17. I currently maintain Local 17’s website, help them publish new content to the site, and also manage their social media presence on Twitter.

Education

University of San DiegoBachelor of Business AdministrationMagna Cum Laude
Southern New Hampshire UniversityMaster of Information TechnologySumma Cum Laude