Orange Lutheran High School
Borland Student Union

Hilary Thomas was born and raised in Orange County, California, and received a life changing Christian based education from Orange Lutheran High School, graduating in 2008. She was active in the Missions Club, later serving as president, and completed many formative trips in the US and Mexico.

While attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, she completed the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program and received a commission as an active duty engineering officer in the US Army when she was 23 years old.

During her military career, Hilary served in many combat leadership positions at duty stations across the midwestern and southern United States, often as the first woman to do so. In 2015, she became the 78th woman to graduate from the Sapper Leader Course, and in 2019, she became the 27th woman to graduate from Ranger School. She was the third woman in the US Armed Forces to complete both combat leadership courses. Hilary also deployed to Iraq and served as aide to a one-star general in the Battle of Mosul during the Global War on Terrorism.

Serving in a male-dominated military environment, Hilary often faced physically and mentally challenging situations. In both the Sapper and Ranger courses, she led soldiers and engaged in simulated combat operations for days without sleep and food, enduring the discomfort that often comes with being the only woman in the room. Her grit, strength, and abiding faith sustained her.

Hilary currently lives in Houston, Texas, and works at a global executive search firm that focuses on leadership needs in the renewable and alternative energy market. She is passionate about helping soldiers and veterans and encouraging other women not to shy away from opportunities just because of their gender.