Purdue University Virtual Mentorship Session

Welcome to the Purdue University Virtual Student Veterans Mentorship Session hosted by SVA Employment Pathways! Please register via the link above to attend this event.

This is more than an information session. It’s a direct connection to someone who is committed to helping you succeed.

You’ll meet veterans who have built careers at leading Fortune 500 companies and are willing to share what they’ve learned, how they navigated their own transitions, and what it takes to build a successful career after service.

And the relationship doesn’t end when the session is over. You have the opportunity to reach out directly to a veteran who is invested in your future— to ask questions, seek guidance, find a mentor, and get advice as you build your career.

Their experience can help shape your path. Their guidance can help open doors. Your future is worth the connection.

In this Information Session, we are honored to be joined by the Purdue University team, as well as the veterans below. Along with the Purdue University team, you will have the opportunity to hear presentations from Ron, Peter, and Matt, as well as connect with them via the Exhibitors tab on this page.

As a benefit for attending, all student veterans who register and attend will receive a free LinkedIn Premium subscription, courtesy of Student Veterans of America. It is a valuable tool to help you grow your network and move forward on your career journey. 

You’ll also receive free access to Google Career Certificates through SVA. These flexible, fully online, self-paced programs cover high-demand fields like Cybersecurity, AI, Data Analytics, IT Support, Project Management, and Digital Marketing, and may even count for college credit at your institution. A link with details will be sent to you after the event.

Ron DeSilva is an Assistant Director within EY’s Talent Function. Ron has been with EY for 16 years, and he has managed the experienced recruiting functions for multiple EY businesses in consulting, assurance, and strategy before taking on the role of EY’s veteran recruiting program leader in 2019.

Ron is a US Air Force veteran who served honorably during Operation Desert Storm as an Air Traffic Controller. Additionally, Ron was on special assignment in Colombia with the U.S. Drug Interdiction Program. After his time with the USAF, Ron spent 4 years in government consulting in Washington, D.C., before moving to Atlanta and transitioning into the HR/ Talent Acquisition field.

Ron holds a Master’s Degree in HR Management from Cornell University and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Wilmington University. Ron has been married for 28 years and has 2 children. In his spare time, Ron enjoys golfing, cooking, and traveling with his family.

Peter Mahmood is a retired Army Officer with twenty-four years’ active-duty service. Peter is currently the Military Relations Manager for Programs and Partnerships at Cox Enterprises. Peter is responsible for the oversight of Military partnerships and Military recruiting programs for Cox and the Cox family of brands, including Cox Communications and Cox Automotive. Peter drives recruiting at twenty-six Military base partners and a dozen Veteran Organizations to support the Cox strategy of recruiting transitioning Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses. Peter has developed outreach programs for the Military, Veteran, and Military Spouse communities, and has served as a Cox Brand Advocate. Peter has led Military Relations at Cox since March 2022. Peter is the 2026 Florida Military Friendly® Veteran of the Year.

Before joining Cox Enterprises, Peter led three Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) High School programs in Broward County, Florida, over his ten years following Military service as a Senior Army Instructor. Peter has coached and mentored hundreds of our future Leaders.

Peter’s Military assignments include Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX. Brigade Air Defense Officer and Plans Officer, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO; Recruiting Company Commander, Colorado Springs, CO; and Senior Fires Officer, Brigade Modernization Command, Fort Bliss, TX. Peter served three combat deployments in Iraq.

Peter holds a Certificate in Leadership from Harvard Business School, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Saint Leo University, a Master’s degree in Health Administration from Webster University, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Matt Lacy is a Senior Project Manager for Mobile Video within Motorola Solutions. Matt joined Motorola Solutions 13 years ago as a Systems Manager at West Point Military Academy. Currently, Matt leads evidence projects for state and local agencies along the East Coast. He is also the Co-President for Motorola Solutions’ Veterans Business Council where he focuses on giving back to the Veteran community, hiring Veterans through DoD Skillbridge and Recruit Military events, and sharing skills Veterans learned while serving in the Armed Forces with non-Veteran employees.

Before joining Motorola Solutions, Matt served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He was a Communications Technician with 8th Communications Battalion at Camp Lejeune, NC. Matt has one combat deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, golfing, hunting, and being outdoors in general. Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Penn State University and currently resides in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.