The Veterans Compass Podcast – Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving (WVET)

Jenny Pakanowski, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving (WVET), shares her journey from serving as a combat medic during the Iraq War to creating a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans heal from trauma.Key TakeawaysMilitary ServiceJoined the Army in 2003 as a healthcare specialist/combat medic.Deployed to Iraq in 2004 and supported convoy operations across the country.Experienced PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a difficult legal battle over promised student loan repayment.Why WVET Was CreatedJenny struggled with reintegration after leaving the military.She found traditional veteran support groups lacked spaces specifically for women.Her mission became helping veterans move beyond survival into empowerment and thriving.The WVET ApproachWorkshops focus on:Guided breathing and mindfulnessCommunity agreements that "secure the space"Free writing and storytellingReflection without judgmentPractical tools participants can use after the workshop endsThe emphasis is on healing without re-traumatizing participants.Women Veterans MatterThe conversation highlights the need for women-only spaces where veterans can openly discuss issues such as MST, pregnancy, menopause, reintegration, and other experiences unique to women veterans.Jenny also offers workshops for LGBTQ+ veterans, family members, and mixed veteran groups.A Different View of ReintegrationJenny believes the military spends billions training service members but provides little structured training for returning to civilian life.WVET aims to fill that gap by teaching veterans how to care for themselves, build healthy routines, and reconnect with their identities outside military service.Valuing Veteran StoriesJenny stresses that veterans' stories have value and should not be given away for free.WVET compensates trained facilitators and speakers, recognizing their lived experience as expertise.Closing Message