Alumna Chelsea Mandello wins National Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business proudly congratulates Chelsea Mandello, EMBA ’21, founder of Troopster, on being named Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural U.S. Forces in Business Awards. The ceremony, held on November 21, 2024, in Washington, DC, celebrated the exceptional contributions of military veterans to the business world.
Mandello, a U.S. Navy veteran, founded Troopster in 2016 to address the challenges service members face when receiving care packages while deployed. Since its inception, the nonprofit has delivered over 60,000 care packages worldwide, spreading comfort and support to troops stationed far from home.
“This monumental achievement underscores Chelsea’s dedication to improving the lives of military personnel and highlights the invaluable impact of veteran-led businesses,” said Dean Todd Mooradian.
Selected from an elite group of finalists representing major corporations such as American Airlines and GE Aerospace, Mandello’s recognition marks a significant milestone for veteran entrepreneurs. Her recent collaboration with QTS Data Centers to deliver 10,000 care packages to deployed troops across 20 locations exemplifies Troopster’s expanding influence.
“This award recognizes the incredible work of our entire Troopster team – the veterans, military spouses, volunteers, and corporate partners who pour their hearts into supporting our deployed service members,” Mandello said. “What started as a mission to solve a problem I experienced during my own Navy service has grown into something much bigger thanks to our dedicated team. Every care package we send represents countless hours of work and unwavering support from our sponsors. This recognition belongs to everyone who has helped make Troopster’s impact possible.”
In addition to QTS Data Centers, Troopster has cultivated partnerships with esteemed organizations such as BAE Systems, Ferguson, TPG Financial, and Black Rifle Coffee Company, amplifying its capacity to serve over 38,000 troops currently on its waitlist. This collaborative approach reflects Mandello’s commitment to fostering a supportive community for military servicemembers and their loved ones.
The U.S. Forces in Business Awards celebrates the unique skills and qualities veterans bring to the business world. As part of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards, established in the UK in 2017, the program emphasizes the value of military experience in driving innovation and excellence in civilian careers. Proceeds from the event also support SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.
