The 2025 Ambassador Impact Awards mark a historic moment for the IVMF Bunker Labs Ambassador Program. As we reflect on a transformative year that saw the program officially become part of IVMF through their acquisition of Bunker Labs, we celebrate the Ambassadors who have adapted to new challenges to drive meaningful change in their communities.

This inaugural awards ceremony recognizes leaders who exemplify what it means to be an Ambassador: building stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems for veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs. We are honored to highlight the outstanding contributions of four individuals and one remarkable team, whose dedication to mentorship, collaboration, and access to resources are creating big, long term positive impacts.

Ecosystem Synergy Award

Atlanta Ambassador Team: Michael Parks, Delisa Clift, and Matt Butler

The Ecosystem Synergy Award honors Ambassadors who successfully bring together key stakeholders in their area to strengthen and connect entrepreneurial ecosystems. This year’s recipients—Michael Parks, Delisa Clift, and Matt Butler—demonstrated the power of collaboration through their leadership in organizing ATL VetsFest 2024.

This groundbreaking event united hundreds of veterans, business leaders, and community organizations in support of military-connected entrepreneurs. By fostering mentorship, business opportunities, and resource sharing, they have built a foundation that will continue to uplift the Atlanta veteran business community for years to come.

While Michael Parks was unable to attend, Delisa Clift and Matt Butler accepted the award on behalf of their team.

Trailblazer Strategy Award

Neferteri Strickland

The Trailblazer Strategy Award is given to an Ambassador who pioneers bold, game-changing approaches to ecosystem challenges. This year’s recipient, Neferteri Strickland, has been instrumental in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Philadelphia.

Neferteri spearheaded a strategic partnership between Penn State and the SBA, leading to the establishment of a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Pennsylvania—a major milestone that will provide critical support to veteran entrepreneurs across the state for years to come. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in organizing Philadelphia’s Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps celebrations, fostering deeper connections between the military, business, and civic communities.

Although Neferteri was unable to attend due to her Guard commitment, we recognize and celebrate her visionary leadership in expanding opportunities for the military-connected community.

Mentorship Excellence Award

Jay Sachetti and Dave Rossberg

Mentorship is a cornerstone of any thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Mentorship Excellence Award recognizes Ambassadors who have developed impactful mentorship initiatives. This year’s winners—Jay Sachetti (Minneapolis) and Dave Rossberg (NYC)—have led the charge in supporting veterans pursuing Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA).

Their ETA mastermind group has provided veteran entrepreneurs with the guidance, resources, and funding strategies needed to acquire and scale businesses. By collaborating with nonprofits and corporate partners, they have expanded access to mentorship, education, and financial pathways—empowering veterans to take ownership of their entrepreneurial journeys.

Capital Catalyst Award

Charles Masters Rodriguez

Access to capital is one of the greatest challenges facing military-connected entrepreneurs. The Capital Catalyst Award honors an Ambassador who has championed funding opportunities for veteran-owned businesses. This year’s recipient, Charles Masters Rodriguez (Miami), made a significant impact by forging a partnership with eMerge Americas, one of the nation’s largest innovation conferences.

Through his leadership, Charles launched a veteran-focused pitch competition, securing strings-free capital for veteran entrepreneurs. His efforts also led to the highest number of veteran attendees in the conference’s history, opening new doors for funding, networking, and business growth.

A New Chapter for the Ambassador Program

The 2025 Ambassador Impact Awards mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Ambassador Program. As we celebrate these inspiring leaders, we also acknowledge the larger movement they represent—one that is reshaping the landscape for veteran entrepreneurs by fostering mentorship, securing resources, and building lasting networks of support.

To all our Ambassadors: your passion, leadership, and relentless drive make this community extraordinary. Your impact will shape the future of military-connected entrepreneurship for years to come.

Congratulations to the 2025 Ambassador Impact Award recipients!

Join us in celebrating these incredible leaders and their contributions to building a thriving, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem!

Ready to Become an Ambassador?

If you have experience navigating your local entrepreneurial landscape and want to share what you’ve learned and serve others, you might be just the person we need representing IVMF as a Bunker Labs Ambassador! As an Ambassador, you’ll work with veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs and help them find connections, solutions, and opportunities to advance their businesses and find success. If this sounds like you, we’d encourage you to fill out an interest form for the next selection cycle of the Ambassador Program today!