Tawanda Marie Hanible

About Tawanda Marie Hanible

GySgt Tawanda “Tee” Marie Hanible, USMC (Ret.) is a retired United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, bestselling author, nonprofit founder, and nationally recognized advocate for veterans, youth, and community empowerment.After serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, Tee has dedicated her post-military career to continuing her mission of service through leadership, advocacy, and community impact.She is the Founder and CEO of Operation Heroes Connect, a nonprofit organization established in 2011 that mobilizes veterans and community leaders to mentor youth, support underserved communities, and provide life-changing programs across Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, and beyond. Through initiatives including youth leadership camps, holiday programs for veterans, international giveback missions, and large-scale community events, Operation Heroes Connect has impacted thousands of families and young people nationwide.Tee is also the bestselling author of The Warrior Code: 11 Principles to Unleash the Badass Inside of You, a book that has helped countless veterans and civilians navigate resilience, purpose, and leadership. The book is supported by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and has been recognized as a powerful resource within veteran communities.In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Tee has appeared as a television personality on the FOX series American Grit, co-starring alongside John Cena featured on the award winning tv show Homeland and featured on Lifetime in the documentary Why did I serve. Tee is also a popular public speaker and media commentator on issues including veteran advocacy, leadership, and community empowerment.Tee holds a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and is passionate about advancing research and access to medicinal cannabis to support veteran health and wellness.Her work has earned numerous honors, including being named a Washingtonian of the Year, receiving the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Trailblazer of the Year Award, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of community service.A proud Chicago native and Marine Corps veteran, Tee continues to lead from the front—building programs, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Experience

1. Television Personality on American Grit

   Fox Television Stations

   Oct 2015 — Present · US

Education

• University of Maryland

  Master's degree, Medical Cannabis Science

  2022 — 2024

• University of Maryland University College

  Associate of Arts (AA), Art/Art Studies, General

  2011 — 2012

• University of Maryland University College

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Psychology

• Chicago Vocational High School

  High School Diploma, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

  1992 — 1996

• Harvard University

  Master's degree, Creative Writing

  2018

• Harvard University

  Master's degree, Creative Writing

  2017

Skills

• Military Operations
• Government
• Mentoring
• Force Protection
• Military Experience
• Human Resources
• Emergency Management
• Security Clearance
• Government Contracting
• Tactics
• Program Management
• Marketing
• Counterinsurgency
• Writing
• Afghanistan
• Logistics
• Training
• Policy
• Physical Security
• Information Assurance
• Command
• Security
• Intelligence
• Military
• Creative Writing
• Army
• Veterans
• Combat
• Homeland Security
• Weapons
• Leadership Development
• Navy
• Special Operations
• Enforcement
• Customer Service
• Veterans Affairs
• Team Leadership
• Operational Planning
• Security Operations
• Intelligence Analysis