Meet our Team
President and
Founder
Matthew Docchio
Retired Special Forces Green Beret
Founding Director of 501(c)3 Non-Profit
Board of Directors
Father​
"In order to avoid becoming a victim, you must avoid ever becoming the target."
Our Instructors
Empower Academy prides itself on retaining the finest instructors in the world. We recognize that for decades, United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) have dedicated most of their careers to working overseas, mentoring, and training our Partner Nations Forces. The skills and techniques they’ve imparted to these forces are the same ones they’ve used in real-world operations across the globe. Now, they bring this wealth of experience to Empower Academy, where they mentor, coach, and teach the next generation.
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.