Improve and Sustain

We like to think of January as a time to start fresh–but when you’re undergoing a reset, it can sometimes feel more like an ending. However, with the help of a dedicated Mentor, these disorienting shifts can become watershed moments, leading us to broader and more beautiful horizons. In early 2025, US Navy Senior Chief Robyn Kenny was gliding towards a fulfilling second career when her SkillBridge internship fell through. “To put it plainly, I was in a panic,” admits Kenny,. Despite having little time to pivot, Kenny was well-prepared with a plan B, thanks to her ACP Mentor and fellow Veteran, David Inman. Inman, a senior human resources partner with GAF, assisted Kenny while she brainstormed what to do. They ultimately crafted a plan that launched Kenny into a brand-new career path.

A 20-year US Marine Corps Veteran, Kenny intuitively understood the “fear of the unknown” that many Veterans face at separation. He passed along to Kenny the reassurance his own ACP Mentor had offered in 2023: “All service members go through [challenges]; it may be intimidating, but we’ll work through it together. “The biggest challenge is, how do you take all those years of [military] experience and boil them down to two pages?” Inman explains. Because Kenny initially wanted to find a role in HR, she and Inman worked to refine her résumé, explore niche careers, and beef up her network in the field. Inman went beyond the call of duty, often hopping on evening calls with Kenny to tweak a CV line or look at a job posting. “David’s commitment was unreal,” Kenny marvels. “He was the perfect blend of military and business savvy, with the ability to provide resources to connect me with various programs and employers on a moment’s notice.” With Inman by her side, Kenny’s panic began to dissipate.

After her first SkillBridge opportunity fell through, Kenny landed an internship with the City of Norfolk. The role drew on her military background, offering real-world exposure to civilian operations and HR responsibilities. While Kenny felt she had a lot to learn, she says that “David’s background in HR was instrumental in [her] ability to speak the language of the new industry [she] was joining.” Inman’s support for Kenny never faltered. He continued to guide Kenny through her career exploration as she weighed her options, which included a full-time job offer from the City of Norfolk at the conclusion of her internship. 

While Kenny debated accepting the offer, she ultimately concluded that she wanted to pursue a different, long-simmering interest. Next year, instead of working in a corporate HR role, she’ll be attending culinary school! She also plans to become an ACP Mentor once her transition is complete. “I am forever grateful [to Inman], and I anticipate paying it forward with a Protégé of my own with the program,” Kenny says. “I also intend to continue to communicate with David to ensure I am mentoring my ACP Protégé to the best of my abilities.”After a 20-year military career, working with a Mentor helped Kenny discern her true passion and begin her next chapter armed with confidence. If you can relate to her story, that’s your sign that it’s time to apply for an ACP’s free mentorship program! All eligible Veterans and Military Spouses can benefit from ACP’s customized, year-long mentorships. Get ready to make big waves in 2026!