On April 11, 2025, UNC Executive Development welcomed veterans and spouses, military-connected students, and organizational leaders to the Paul J. Rizzo Conference Center in Chapel Hill, NC for Always Learning for Success: Equipping Yourself for Personal and Professional Growth. The half-day event brought together participants for a unique afternoon of inspirational learning and networking.
The event, which was made possible by a generous donation from Apex Service Partners, was the first of its kind for UNC Executive Development. It highlighted the power of lifelong learning and strengthened connections between veterans, leaders in the corporate and public sectors, and the UNC community. With interactive workshops and heartfelt closing remarks, the event demonstrated how professional development and community support can be aligned to create meaningful impact.
A Focus on Lifelong Learning
The program included an interactive workshop led by Brad Staats, professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and author of Never Stop Learning: Stay Relevant, Reinvent Yourself, and Thrive. During the workshop, participants engaged in small-group discussions and explored practical strategies for continuing growth throughout their careers. After the workshop, where participants were focused on planning for development across their entire career journeys, attendees praised the session as one of the most impactful development opportunities they had experienced.
Support for veterans and spouses often focuses on navigating transitions rather than on development opportunities within a specific career or organization. This event’s focus on continuous learning reinforced UNC Executive Development’s commitment to equipping individuals not only for transitions, but for growth at every stage of their professional journeys.
Building Community Through Shared Experiences
Beyond the formal sessions, the event fostered connection and camaraderie. Attendees engaged with veteran service organizations such as Veterans Bridge Home, North Carolina for Military Employment, Raleigh Veteran Connect, and NC Vet Biz. Refreshments and an energetic, welcoming atmosphere complemented networking opportunities.
The final feature of the event was a panel discussion where speakers shared how their professional and personal networks contributed to their success. They emphasized the value of building networks to gain perspective, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful connections.
Grier Martin, Former Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, reflected on how his U.S. Army experience prepared him for challenging environments. Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, current Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, spoke about stepping away from her career to focus on family and reassess her path. Ian Peoples, a retired U.S. Army officer who now serves as President of the Southeast Region at Apex Service Partners, shared how his focus on networking to create lasting relationships has been critical to his professional success.
Finally, Phil Kowalczyk, CEO of Camp Corral, offered resources that translate military roles into private sector jobs and highlighted organizations supporting veterans and spouses.
Closing remarks by Kirk Lawrence, Senior Director of UNC Executive Development’s Government and Defense Sector and retired U.S. Army Colonel, provided a powerful end to the day. Drawing from personal experience, he reminded the audience that expressions of gratitude for veterans’ service carry deep meaning, after which he concluded with the simple yet profound message: “We know you are worth it.” The emotional resonance of the event was clear, as many in the room were visibly moved.
Impact and a Continued Commitment
Attendees, sponsors, and partners alike shared enthusiastic feedback about the event. Two guests shared that it was “the best event for veterans I’ve ever been to.” Another attendee captured the sentiment well: “For a first-time event, this felt effortless, yet it was clear that extraordinary effort went into planning.”
The success of Always Learning for Success reflects UNC Executive Development’s mission to create executive education programs that combine world-class learning with meaningful community engagement and impact. By bringing together veterans, spouses, public service organizations, and corporate leaders, the event demonstrated the potential of executive education to serve not only organizations, but society at large.
As Amy Parker, Program Director for the Government and Defense Sector at UNC Executive Development, shared, “We wanted to showcase what happens when learning and service intersect. This event was only the beginning of what we can accomplish together. Our team, proud veterans, spouses of veterans, and former government civil servants regularly partner to develop programs for both corporate and government, and we brought our passion and experience from that work to this event.”
UNC Executive Development looks forward to building on this foundation, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to invest in programs that honor and empower veterans while advancing leadership across sectors.
