Summary: Rochelle “SLAY” Hemingway is a proud United States Air Force veteran.  Rochelle dedicated 30 years of her life to serving her country with honor and distinction. She concluded her distinguished military career as a Command Chief Master Sergeant, the pinnacle of enlisted ranks, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. In this top-tier role, she oversaw the operations of 8,000 personnel on the largest bomber task force base, ensuring combat readiness and power projection anytime, anywhere. She is a highly decorated combat veteran who served at 10 military bases both stateside and abroad, with deployments to 5 different locations around the globe. Now, she channels that same discipline, determination, and leadership into empowering professional women through her groundbreaking business, SLAY To Success.

As a keynote professional speaker, 3x self-published author, talk show host, image consultant, and personal brand expert, Rochelle has become a beacon of inspiration for women who are ready to step into their power confidently and embrace their authentic selves. Her mission is clear: to help women feel good, look good, and be seen, valued, and heard. Whether transitioning into a new career, returning to the workforce, or positioning themselves for executive leadership roles, Rochelle provides the strategies and support they need to dominate their paths to success.

With a keen eye for fashion, a deep understanding of personal branding, and a positive mindset, Rochelle transforms lives. She empowers women to kill, dominate, and nail it, making them unforgettable in their fields. Her approach is holistic, focusing not just on the external image, but also on behaviors, communication skills, digital presence, health, and wellness, ensuring her clients shine from the inside out. She partners with corporate organizations, veteran support organizations, professional women’s networks, educational institutions, health and wellness companies, government and public sector agencies, nonprofit organizations, media and entertainment, coaching, and consulting firms.

Rochelle holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and is a member of the Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce and the Business Women’s Network of Howard County. She has been married to her husband Dr. and Retired Chief Master Sergeant Dominic Hemingway for over 20 years and they have a 14-year-old son named Andrew.

Why would a prospective client want you to be their keynote speaker or to support their speaking event? What are some compelling aspects of your background/career/experience that we should know about? 

Throughout my military career, I navigated numerous challenges and led diverse teams to success under pressure. This experience has given me the ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life, particularly those facing transitions or seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. My story of transitioning from a military career to founding “SLAY To Success” serves as a powerful testament to the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of one’s true calling. Audiences find this journey both relatable and inspiring, as it demonstrates that no matter where you start, with the right mindset and strategy, success is within reach.

Furthermore, my expertise in personal branding and image consulting provides a unique edge to my presentations. I understand the profound impact that a strong personal brand can have on one’s career and personal life. I guide professionals in defining their unique value proposition, leveraging their strengths, and projecting confidence and authenticity. This holistic approach ensures that my keynotes are not only motivational but also practical, leaving audiences with actionable strategies they can implement immediately.

My commitment to empowering women, especially those transitioning from military to civilian life, is a cornerstone of my work. I am passionate about helping women professionals step into their power, embrace their authenticity, and achieve their full potential. This dedication resonates deeply with audiences, creating a strong connection and fostering an environment of trust and inspiration.

What are your primary topics/areas of expertise? Some examples may include: Conflict resolution, International Relations, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Cybersecurity, as well as specific countries or geographical regions. 

• Leadership Strategies & Strategic Thinking
• Team Dynamics
• Build/Refining Personal Brands
• Public Speaking
• Career Transitioning
• Empowering Women
• Coaching
• Diversity and Inclusion

What are some positions you have held in your career that you would like prospective clients to know about?

1. An Independent Duty Medical Technician (IDMT) is the only enlisted health care provider who can give care in the absence of a licensed, privileged or credentialed health care provider at USAF medical treatment facilities, host medical treatment facilities, remote or deployed sites. I had to maintain proficiency in multiple disciplines throughout the medical field and treated anything from common upper respiratory infections to performing minor surgeries, like toenail removals or more lifesaving interventions like endotracheal intubations. I also worked at dental, pharmacy, public health, bioenvironmental engineering, immunizations and the laboratory. When I was deployed, I was the sole medic on the teams and I served as an IDMT for ten years.

2. A First Sergeant reports directly to the unit commander on matters of enlisted morale, welfare and conduct and is the chief enlisted advisor to the commander on all of these factors. This role created stiff personal demands, required breaking away from my medical career field and demanded around-the-clock attention. I served as a First Sergeant in a Maintenance Squadron and Civil Engineer Squadron for four years.

3. An Inspector General Program Manager reports directly to the wing commander and leads unit program managers on process inspections. I was responsible for the compliance of the Management Internal Control Tool system at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA, (Air Force and Army) which is a web-based, real time program that allows individual units and program managers to assess their programs and up-channel their internal inspection results.

4. A Command Chief advises the unit commanders on all enlisted matters, including all issues affecting the command’s mission and operations, and the readiness, training, utilization, morale, technical and professional development and the quality of life of all enlisted members in the organization. During this role, I served in the highest enlisted position for 2 ½ years and led 8,000 members to provide combat power, anytime…anywhere. Ellsworth AFB is one of the Air Force’s two B1-B Lancer wings.

What are some speaking events you’ve supported recently?

I was the Keynote Speaker at:

• Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium Panel, Arlington, VA (June 2024)
• Maryland Small Business Development Center Women’s Virtual Annual Conference (June 2024)
• Gilbert Spruance Elementary School’s Career Day, Philadelphia, PA (June 2024)
• Veteran’s Appreciation Ceremony, Prince George County Circuit Court, Upper Marlboro, MD (May 2024)
• Military Spouse Annual Appreciation Event, National Capital Region, Andrews Air Force Base, MD (May 2024)
• Women’s History Month Panel, Andrews Air Force Base, MD (March 2024)
• Dr. Bruce Xavier’s Uplift Academy “Squared Away” Event, Columbia, MD (February 2024)
• Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce, Bowie Baysox Stadium, Bowie, MD (January 2024)

I have a Podcast called “The #SLAY TO SUCCE$$ SHOW.” I also do weekly live events on my #SLAY TO SUCCE$$ Facebook Group comprised of over 500 women. I have also been a Podcast guest on:

• The Back Channel
• The Lion’s Den with Seth
• The Rose International Group and the Dimensions of Success.

Keynote Speeches:

“From Battlefield to Boardroom: Leading with Authenticity and Power”: This keynote delves into the unique strengths that military experience brings to leadership roles in the corporate world. By sharing my journey from the Air Force to becoming a successful entrepreneur, I inspire others to harness their authenticity and power to lead effectively in any setting. The talk emphasizes resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of being seen, valued, and heard.

“Unleashing Your Personal Brand: Strategies for Success”: In this keynote, I guide professionals through the process of developing a memorable and impactful personal brand. I cover essential strategies for building a brand that reflects their true selves and attracts lucrative opportunities. Packed with actionable tips, this speech covers everything from defining your unique value proposition to leveraging social media and networking to achieve your career goals.

“Empowered Transitions: Navigating Career Change with Confidence”: This keynote addresses the challenges and opportunities that come with career transitions, whether it’s stepping into an executive leadership role, returning to work, or pivoting to a new industry. Drawing on my extensive experience and insights, I provide a roadmap for navigating these transitions with confidence and grace. The talk focuses on mindset, goal setting, and the importance of continuous learning and growth.

Do you have any articles or publications? Have you been featured in any? If so, what were they? 

I have been featured on the front covers of the Black Hills Lifestyle (Sep 2020) and Black Hills Woman magazines (2019) and have authored the following books:

• SLAY To Success: https://a.co/d/9hXqPiR
• Elevate Your Image: Personal Brand Strategies: https://a.co/d/5STSlgf
• Own Your Power! Build A Memorable Personal Brand To Gain Opportunities for Women Over 40 & Beyond: https://a.co/d/0eZrqyl