America Builds

Michael Moreno's background in deep tech startups and national security makes him the perfect person for a conversation about global security and resilience. Mike has over a decade of service with the US government in roles within the CIA, DOD, and Department of State. Currently, he works on Space and National Security on the Worldwide Public Sector VC and Startups team and AWS. He's also a founding board member of Sound Off, a pro bono mental health platform for veterans. Mike has an MBA from Berkeley and a Master's in International Affairs from Columbia University.

Alex is a Managing Partner at J2 Ventures. His diverse career has seen him build the enterprise venture investing arm at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, serve as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, and contribute to national security through his work at the Defense Innovation Unit and AFWERX. As a reservist he managed the DIU's investment efforts in deep tech through its early-stage funding vehicle, National Security Innovation Capital. Alex has a B.A. from Columbia University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Kristen Hajduk is an expert in national security and defense policies, currently helping tech companies work with the DOD and IC. Her illustrious career spans across critical roles in the DOD, Special Operations Command, and the National Security Innovation Network. She also co-founded No Exceptions, an initiative instrumental in opening all military positions to women who meet the standard.

Armando Torres is a small business leader in the steel fabrication and manufacturing industry, working as a Custom Fabrication and Metal Tech Manager in North Carolina. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps and received a BS from the United States Naval Academy.

Ethan Batraski is a partner at Venrock, focusing on data infrastructure, developer tools, and hard engineering problems, including space and computing.

Garrett Smith is the CEO and co-founder of Reveal, a UAV edge analytics software platform. He is also a Reconnaissance, Intelligence, and Infantry Officer in the USMC Reserve. He is a graduate of Stanford University's Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies, and earned a master's degree in June 2015. His focus of study was International Security and Cooperation, with background experience in South, Southeast, and East Asia.

Kyle is currently a Managing Director at Fairwater Labs, a venture studio building dual use defense tech companies. Kyle is also a former Marine Raider and Special Operations Officer with worldwide experience.Inspired by the technological challenges he faced in combat, Kyle decided to leave active duty to focus on putting America’s best technology into the hands of those that need it the most. He is passionate about technologies that support intelligence collection, tactical survivability, unmanned systems, and digital privacy.

James Clapper is an esteemed veteran in the intelligence community, with over five decades of service under his belt. He served as the United States Director of National Intelligence under the Obama administration, a position that made him the principal advisor to the President on intelligence matters relating to national security. Clapper has held several other key positions within the U.S. intelligence community: he has served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.Clapper's career is not limited to intelligence. He is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force, and a recipient of numerous military and civilian awards, including two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. His invaluable insights and distinguished experience make him a standalone figure in discussions about intelligence, defense, and national security.Purchase Clapper's book, Facts and Fears, here.

Ashley is currently the Vice President of Business Operations at Merlin Labs. Ashley served as an FA-18 naval aviator in the U.S. Navy for over a decade. Ashley has an MBA from MIT, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, where she earned a B.S. in International Relations and was the basketball team captain.

Get to know our hosts and the story behind the America Builds Podcast.