Empowering veterans at UNSW

Alex Chan served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for 12 years, starting as an Aircraft Technician and advancing to a maintenance manager and team lead for the C-17A Globemaster. His military education included various certifications in training, WHS, and aeroskills, which supported his technical leadership roles. After transitioning to civilian life, he furthered his education with certifications in organisational complexity, Lean Six Sigma, and project management, among others. His pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Project Management from UNSW was driven by a desire to enhance his skills and open new career opportunities, which he successfully balanced with his military duties. 

Transitioning to a civilian career, Alex joined Raytheon Australia as a Project Manager, leveraging his UNSW degree and military experience. He found Defence contracting to be a smooth transition, allowing him to work in a familiar environment. His leadership and management skills, honed in the ADF, helped him quickly prove his worth in the civilian sector. Alex’s journey highlights the importance of formal education and the value of military experience in achieving career success. He advises future student veterans to keep an open mind, connect with other veterans, and not underestimate the value they bring to civilian employers.

Davina is the Chief Operating Officer at Viden, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an MBA Candidate at UNSW Sydney’s AGSM. As a Soldier On Service Ambassador, Davina brings a wealth of military experience from her six years in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps. Her educational journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, has seen her navigate the challenges of being a member of The Australian Defence Force, a military spouse, and a solo parent during deployments.

Davina is the Chief Operating Officer at Viden, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an MBA Candidate at UNSW Sydney’s AGSM. As a Soldier On Service Ambassador, Davina brings a wealth of experience from her six years in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps. Her educational journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, has seen her navigate the challenges of being an ADF member, a military spouse, and a solo parent during deployments.

Matthew is a Business Development Associate at UNSW Canberra with a robust educational background, including a Certificate 3 in Mechanical Engineering, Certificate 4 in Government, multiple diplomas, and a Master of Business (expected Dec 2024). He served in the Australian Army for over a decade as a Parachute Rigger, reaching the rank of Corporal, and participated in significant operations, including humanitarian aid drops in the Middle East.

After leaving the military, Matthew pursued tertiary education to enhance his career prospects, leveraging Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to expedite his studies. His transition to civilian life was challenging, but his family members and a veteran-friendly work environment supported him. He emphasises the importance of education for vets to broaden career opportunities beyond traditional roles.

Penelope, a UNSW alumna and former Royal Australian Navy officer, is a Senior Director at Ashurst Risk Advisory and Co-Founder of Women in Power. She advocates for veterans, mental health, and women’s empowerment and holds multiple board positions and accolades. Penelope began her military career in 2001, transitioning from a maritime warfare officer to a naval police coxswain officer and later serving as a naval reservist. She holds numerous qualifications, including two Master’s degrees, and emphasises the importance of education and preparation for civilian careers.

Scott’s journey is a testament to resilience and leadership, transforming personal struggles into a mission to support fellow veterans through Saltwater Veterans. After a distinguished naval career, including deployments to Iraq and roles as a Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer, Scott faced significant mental and physical health challenges, leading to his medical discharge in 2016. 

Discovering sailing as a therapeutic outlet, he co-founded Saltwater Veterans in 2018, creating a community where veterans and their families use sailing to stay active and connected. Scott emphasises the importance of social connections and peer support in recovery, urging veterans to seek help and highlighting the crucial role of his wife, Jen, in his journey and the success of their initiative.

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