Mission Accomplished: Empowering Women Veterans at Columbia University

“Honestly, if someone had told me I'd be here, I probably would have laughed. I never imagined this for myself, nor did I plan it.”

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Maleny Grace Roman faced her first major challenge at the age of 15 when she moved to the United States alone, leaving behind her family and the familiarity of her homeland. After losing her mother at a young age, she found herself living with an aunt in a new country, grappling with a different language and culture. “I arrived in a whole new world—new seasons, new people, and new expectations,” she recalled. Despite these challenges, Roman was determined to forge her own path, embracing the obstacles as stepping stones rather than barriers.

Roman’s path led her to serve in the United States Marine Corps, which profoundly shaped her identity. After her service, she held various jobs that taught her valuable lessons in perseverance and ambition. She tried going back to school several times but often stopped after a semester or two. Immersed in work, she quickly advanced from supervisor to operations manager in two years, eventually joining JetBlue, where she thought she had found her forever career. “For a while, I felt proud of my progress there,” she explained. However, as she sought advancement, Roman realized she was stagnating. New York’s job market is competitive, especially as a veteran, and seeing the large number of degree-holders around her made her recognize the need for further education.

While contemplating her next steps, Roman stumbled upon a pivotal moment: “I googled ‘veteran-friendly schools in New York City,’ and Columbia GS came up.” Taking a bold gamble, she applied only to Columbia—a decision she now sees as ambitious. “I put all my eggs in one basket without really thinking about it,” she admits, still in disbelief that she’s on campus today.

Transitioning from the military to academia was challenging. The military instilled in her the importance of getting things right the first time, but in school, the expectation is to learn and develop over time. Roman felt at odds with that mindset, as if one is supposed to have it all figured out from the start. “I approach academia almost like a mission: my diploma is the goal, and my job is to make sure I have all the tools and logistics lined up to achieve that.”

Direct support from faculty and advisors has been critical in supporting Roman as she navigates her Columbia journey. The open-door policy offered by senior faculty, advisors, and the staff at the Academic Resource Center (ARC) made all the difference in her experience. She believes the ARC is an incredibly valuable yet overlooked resource, one that many students are not fully utilizing. The care and involvement from faculty have made it easier for her to bring up concerns and feel genuinely supported. “When faculty members genuinely engage with students, saying things like, ‘Let’s talk about this,’ making plans, and following through on their promises—that’s the best resource,” she explained. Roman emphasizes the importance of promoting these resources to all GS students, including women veterans.

As a woman veteran in a male-dominated field, she often felt pressured to prove her capabilities. “You’re constantly having to demonstrate why you belong,” she reflected. This need to advocate for herself extended into her academic life at Columbia GS. Roman serves as Vice President for the Women Veterans of Columbia University, an officially recognized student organization created earlier this year to foster a sense of belonging for women veterans at GS. “This organization is not just about having a space—it is about leaving a legacy for future women veterans,” she explained. Witnessing the birth of this organization was not just a milestone for Roman; it was a triumph for countless women veterans at GS and Columbia who, like her, sought a sense of community and support. The organization not only supports its members but also fosters connections across graduate schools, providing a unified voice for women veterans throughout the university.

In her academic pursuits, Roman is focused on social issues and human capital management, driven by her passion for advocating for veterans. She recognizes the vulnerabilities faced by veterans, particularly in areas like mental health and housing stability. With a desire to create systemic change, she aspires to further her education with a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology, hoping to make a difference in corporate America by promoting better utilization of human resources.

Amid her busy life as a student veteran and a mother, Roman understands the significance of mental health, especially within the veteran community. “We put immense pressure on ourselves to perform,” she noted, highlighting the often unspoken struggles that come with balancing various roles. Her experiences have shown her the importance of creating a safe space for open dialogue, where individuals can share their challenges without fear of judgment.

As she reflects on her journey thus far, Roman emphasizes the power of belief in oneself.

In her vision for the future, Roman hopes Columbia can lead groundbreaking research on veteran mental health, addressing issues that have been overlooked for far too long. “We have a unique opportunity here,” she said, underscoring her belief that GS can be at the forefront of change in supporting its veteran community.

Roman’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the strength of community, and an ongoing commitment to advocating for those who serve. It is a reminder that despite the challenges life presents, there is always a path forward—a path illuminated by support and the belief in oneself. Through her journey, she continues to inspire others, demonstrating that even the most daunting obstacles can lead to profound change and a brighter future for generations to come.