Brig. Gen. Velma Richardson, USA (Ret) graduated from Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C., and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the Women's Army Corps. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University, earning a master's degree in human resources management. In addition to her civilian education, she is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.

At retirement in 2003, she was the senior African-American woman in the active Army. Following her 31 years of active duty, Richardson joined Lockheed Martin as business development executive. She retired from Lockheed Martin after 10 years of service and is currently providing advisory services to start-up companies.

Richardson has strong interests in mentorship, education, youth, and national security. She belongs to organizations and serves on boards that feed those interests.