
Champion of Empowerment

Matthew Docchio - President/Founder
Matthew Docchio's odyssey began with a call to duty, as he embarked on a distinguished career in the United States Army Special Forces Green Berets. With unwavering dedication and valor, he navigated the complexities of conflict, earning accolades such as the prestigious Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart. However, his path was altered in 2018, when injuries sustained in combat necessitated his retirement. Undeterred by adversity, Docchio transitioned seamlessly into a new chapter of purpose and advocacy.
Driven by his unwavering commitment to service, Docchio founded Empower Academy, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to combatting the epidemic of rape and sexual assault plaguing colleges and universities nationwide. Motivated by the harrowing statistics revealing the prevalence of trauma among graduating women, Docchio resolved to effectuate change through education and empowerment. His innovative curriculum has revolutionized the landscape of higher education, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships and safeguard their well-being.
Docchio's visionary leadership has garnered widespread recognition, earning him a prominent feature in USA Today for his outstanding contributions to business and community empowerment. Furthermore, his collaboration with the TeamTrek Podcast has provided a platform to raise awareness about the pressing issue of veteran suicide and the far-reaching impact of trauma on individuals and their communities.
In his pursuit of societal transformation, Docchio has emphasized the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and accountability, as showcased in his insightful discussions on platforms like the Reformed Sports Project Podcast. Through his advocacy, he seeks to cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding, fostering meaningful connections and bridging the divide between veterans and the wider community.
Today, Matthew Docchio remains steadfast in his mission to empower not only the next generation of women, but every individual is informed, aware, and prepared to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. His unwavering commitment to service and advocacy serves as an enduring testament to the transformative power of compassion and leadership. As a beacon of hope and empowerment, Matthew Docchio, along with a very talented team, continues to inspire individuals to embrace their inherent strength and champion positive change in their communities and beyond.
Meet the Team
The Empower Academy team brings decades of experience teaching these same skills to Partner Nation Forces, often in a second language. Beyond instruction, our team has applied these techniques in real-world operations, allowing them to bring firsthand expertise into the classroom—not just as teachers, but as coaches and mentors.
Past
Experiences
With decades of experience in the United States Army Special Forces Green Berets, Empower Academy brings unparalleled expertise into the classroom. Here are just a few of the accomplishments our team has achieved.
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Delivered specialized training for the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Partner Nation Forces across the globe
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Extensive Operational Experience in Cental and South America conducting counter-narcotics, anti-terrorism, and counter-smuggling operations
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Force Protection, Threat Vulnerability Assessments and Red Cell Operations for U.S. Government.
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Personal Security Detail (PSD) for the President of the United States, Vice President, First Lady and Secretary of State.