Jenny Pacanowski

Jenny Pacanowski is the founder and director of Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, a reintegration program utilizing free writing and performance to empower experiences and facilitate skills to thrive in daily life. In the military, she served as a combat medic in Iraq and in a medical evacuation unit. Jenny was betrayed by the Army when they did not follow through with the educational benefits written in her contract. This betrayal contributed to an extremely difficult transition back into civilian society. Due to almost losing her life to post traumatic stress, Jenny decided to create empowerment programming to help other veterans cultivate skills and rebuild their lives after military service through storytelling, community and retraining their brains to thrive.

Upcoming Programs by Jenny Pacanowski

Memorial Day Death Wail Ceremony

May 25, 2026
Join veterans Chris Antal and Jenny Pacanowski for a time of remembrance,  mourning, and release on the contemplative sanctuary grounds at Cranaleith Spiritual Center. We will build our capacity to both care about the human and environmental costs of US wars, and care for ourselves, veterans and other after war survivors in our communities. 

Paths of Peace: Stories of Courage and Empowerment: Ritual Storytelling by Military Veterans and their Families

June 6, 2026
Cranaleith invites you to a transformative community storytelling experience, where the voices of veterans open a path toward healing, connection, and renewal. In a setting rooted in quiet reflection and shared presence, this gathering offers space for stories to be spoken, received, and gently held in community. This unique performance focuses on veterans sharing their experiences while releasing what no longer serves them. It is a space rooted in reflection, resilience, and connection.