The Veterans Compass Podcast – Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving (WVET)
About this episode
Jenny Pakanowski discusses her journey as a veteran and the creation of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving to support women veterans.
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…
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