Turning Hard Work into Opportunity: Jolisse Gray ’23

This Alumni of Distinction profile was originally published in Universitas 2025-26, Notre Dame of Maryland University’s award-winning magazine.

“It was really sequential. One opportunity opened the door to the next.”

When Jolisse Gray ’23 arrived at NDMU, she envisioned a future advocating for human rights on the global stage. Today, she is doing just that, though through a path she never expected.

Gray, who completed her coursework ahead of schedule in December 2022 and received her bachelor’s degree in international relations, now serves as a civilian for the U.S. Army working in foreign military sales for Capability Program Executive (CPE) Ground (Soldier Systems). In her current role as acting chief of security assistance in foreign military sales, she oversees the international transfer of defense articles and services to partner nations around the world.

In less than four years since graduating, Gray has already built a remarkable career in national security. Her path into national security began with a series of opportunities she pursued relentlessly while still a student. “The [Transform Mid-Atlantic] Newman Civic Fellowship really opened the first door,” she said.

After becoming the first student from NDMU to receive the fellowship, Gray began building connections and experiences that quickly shaped her career trajectory. Through the Fund for American Studies and Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, she participated in the Leadership + American Presidency Program. She worked as a research assistant with the Global Disinformation Index, analyzing disinformation risks across media markets.

Those experiences helped her secure an internship with the Ronald Reagan Institute, where she later earned the National Defense Fellowship. The fellowship allowed Gray to attend the Ronald Reagan National Defense Forum, an annual gathering of senior military leaders, policymakers, and defense industry experts.

Each opportunity built upon the last. “It was really sequential,” Gray said. “One opportunity opened the door to the next.” Balancing those experiences with a full academic schedule required determination. At one point, Gray carried an 18-credit course load while commuting from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., several times a week for internships and professional opportunities.

“There were days I woke up at 4 a.m. and didn’t get back to campus until 8 p.m., then had a full day of classes the next morning,” she said. “It was exhausting, but I knew I had to put myself in the rooms where decisions were being made.”

That dedication paid off. Gray began working in defense contracting while still finishing her degree and quickly took on additional responsibilities supporting U.S. Navy security cooperation programs. Within a short time, she advanced to a senior foreign military sales analyst role before transitioning into her current position with the federal government.

Her achievements were recognized by the University with the Regina Russo Hammel ’41 Outstanding Recent Graduate Award, which honors alumni who demonstrate early professional success and service.

For Gray, the recognition reflects the persistence it took to pursue those opportunities. “It represents the tenacity it took to get there,” she said. “I worked really hard to put myself in places that weren’t always easy to access.”

Gray credits NDMU for providing the flexibility and mentorship that allowed her to pursue internships, research opportunities, and professional experiences simultaneously. “I had professors who pushed me intellectually and encouraged me to challenge myself,” she said. “Notre Dame opened the door—and I ran through it.”

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best “Regional Universities North” by U.S. News & World Report.