Kanisha Armintia was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Navy. She began her 20-year active-duty career as an Aviation Electronics Technician in support of counter drug operations throughout Central and South America and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She retired a Navy Counselor Chief where she managed career development programs for Navy Reserve support units and squadrons. In addition, Kanisha participated in a variety of military operations held roles as Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer, Security Officer, Equal Opportunity Advisor and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate.
Kanisha’s awards include two Navy Commendation Medals, four Navy Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, six Navy Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
Currently, Kanisha works with NASA Langley Research Center as a Program Analyst and on the Mentoring employee resource group leadership team. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Columbia College and a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University. She has served since 2016 on the Board of Directors for the non-profit Active Veterans with Answers (AVWA).
Kanisha and her husband have three beautiful children.