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Public/Private Engagements

Speaker series, fellowships, and mentoring that pair mission leaders with practitioners. Designed to produce next-step actions and introductions.

Public/Private Engagements

Speaker Series

In-person or virtual • Washington, D.C. & beyond

Candid discussions with senior leaders in government, defense, tech, and industry. Our speaker series brings together mission-focused professionals for closed-door exchanges that go beyond surface-level presentations. Each session is carefully curated to address timely national security challenges, with speakers selected for their operational experience and willingness to engage in honest dialogue. Designed to produce next-step actions, meaningful introductions, and practical insights you can apply immediately to your work.

Who it's for

Senior leaders Operators Innovators

What you get

  • Curated speakers and closed-door exchange
  • Practical takeaways you can apply
Request a convening We'll respond within 3 business days

Bi-directional Fellowship

National Security Fellowship

6–12 months • Hybrid • Flexible location

Two-way placement between government and industry professionals that creates deep, mutual understanding. This bi-directional fellowship program immerses participants in each other's operational environments, breaking down the silos that often prevent effective collaboration. Government professionals gain firsthand insight into industry constraints, timelines, and innovation cycles, while industry leaders develop a nuanced understanding of mission requirements, policy considerations, and government processes. Each placement is structured around a specific challenge or opportunity, ensuring participants work on real problems with tangible outcomes. The program concludes with a written deliverable that captures key insights and recommendations, plus a briefing to stakeholders that facilitates continued collaboration.

Who it's for

Government professionals Industry leaders

What you get

  • Immersion in each other's environments
  • Trust-building through mission work
Join the waitlist

Career Transition Support

Veteran Mentoring

Ongoing • Virtual + In-person • Nationwide

Translate your military experience into meaningful civilian impact through a structured transition program. We recognize that veterans bring unique skills, leadership experience, and mission-focused perspectives that are highly valuable in national security and technology sectors, but the transition can be challenging. Our program starts with professional resume development through Operation MOS, an AI-powered platform designed specifically for veterans that helps translate military experience into civilian language that resonates with hiring managers. Once your resume is polished, we connect you with executive mentors from our network who understand both military service and civilian career paths. These mentors provide one-on-one guidance, industry insights, and strategic introductions that accelerate your transition into roles where your experience creates real impact.

Who it's for

Veterans Executive teams

What you get

  • Professional resume via Operation MOS
  • 1:1 mentorship from industry executives

Want to partner with Spades Institute?

If you don't fit neatly into a program but want to collaborate, sponsor, or support our mission, let's talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in Spades Institute programs?

Our programs are designed for professionals in government, industry, and academia who are committed to strengthening national security through ethical collaboration. We welcome senior leaders, operators, innovators, veterans, and researchers.

What's the time commitment for a fellowship?

Fellowship programs typically run 6-12 months and involve immersion experiences in partner organizations. The exact commitment varies based on the specific program and participant availability.

How are speaker series topics selected?

Topics are curated based on timely national security challenges and participant input. We focus on actionable insights that participants can apply to their work immediately.