Military Transition Program Speaker Series
The Goodwin College of Professional Studies is hosting the Military Transition Program (MTP) lunch social, sponsored by the Mr. Thomas A. Masci, Jr. fund, on the fourth Thursday of each month. All MTP students are invited to join their peers, Goodwin College leadership and University campus partners to engage, network and enjoy lunch! Special guest speakers will share their knowledge on special topics such as mental health and service animals. We are excited to have you come to the Goodwin suite, be celebrated as our much valued students, University community members and veterans.
Upcoming Events
Victor LaGroon
Global Health Executive, Assurance Health Data | Fmr Chief Diversity Officer, US Dept of Veterans Affairs | Fmr Army Intel Analyst
Turning Defeat into Victory: The Power of Success in Failure
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
12‒1 p.m.
Veterans Lounge, GHall, Goodwin Suite
Failure isn't the end, but rather a powerful catalyst for growth. In our most challenging moments, we find the seeds of resilience and the insights that propel us forward. I'll explore how embracing failure as a crucial part of the journey leads to greater success, equipping us with the wisdom and strength to achieve our fullest potential.
Register to Attend
Gregory Wright
Director, City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs | Fmr PA National Guard Staff Sergeant
The City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs: Who We Are and What We Do
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
12‒1 p.m.
Veterans Lounge, GHall, Goodwin Suite
Transitioning from military service to academic and professional life comes with unique challenges — and knowing what resources are available can make all the difference. In this session, Gregory Wright, Director of the City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA), will introduce Drexel's military-connected students to the full scope of support the city provides.
From navigating VA benefits and securing housing assistance to finding community-based programs and local job opportunities, this presentation breaks down how OVA serves as a direct bridge between veterans and the resources they've earned. Director Wright will also share how his office advocates for equity and access for veterans across the region — and how Drexel student veterans can engage with OVA during their time on campus and beyond.
Whether you're new to Philadelphia or preparing for your next transition, this is an opportunity to connect with the local office that's committed to standing with you every step of the way.
Register to Attend
Neferteri Strickland
Cybersecurity Strategist | PA National Guard Company Commander | University Lecturer
Mission Ready: Turning Military Skills into Civilian Success
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026
12‒1 p.m.
Veterans Lounge, GHall, Goodwin Suite
Leadership, discipline and adaptability got you through the military, but are you using them to build your next mission?
The civilian world doesn't always see the value of military experience unless you translate it.
Join this lunch and learn for tips on how to reframe your MOS, deployments and leadership in terms of project management, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Civilian students benefit from hearing this reframing so they can recognize these hidden strengths in their peers and team members.
Participants will leave with a link to a Custom GPT that helps them translate military experience into professional strengths on LinkedIn, resumes and interviews.
Register to Attend
Past Events
Andrew Maza
Founder, GriffinTek Solutions LLC | Philadelphia Chapter Leader, Vets in Tech | Full-Stack Developer| US Air Force Veteran
From Air Force to API: My Path to a Career in Tech
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025: Andrew Maza shared a personal story of transitioning from military service to software engineering, with insights on overcoming challenges and navigating a career shift.