Harvard has played a significant role in America’s military traditions since the founding days of the nation and continues its historical and ongoing commitment to military and public service, as well as its academic contributions in areas like technology, defense, and diplomacy. In honor of Veterans Day, we checked in with the HBS Armed Forces Alumni Association, the club on campus for student veterans.
The mission of the Armed Forces Alumni Association (AFAA) is to help talented veterans transition out of the military to Harvard Business School (HBS), assist in the professional development and job search process of members, and raise awareness and support for the military among the members of the Harvard University community. We welcome service members and veterans from all branches and nations.
Meet the AFAA Leadership Team
John Hogan (MBA 2025), Co-President, Community
“The transition from active duty to business school can be daunting, and the AFAA was instrumental in helping me to navigate this transition and to succeed at HBS. Many veterans struggle with losing their ‘tribe’ when they leave service, but I quickly found a home at HBS within the AFAA. The club was incredibly supportive in my first year, and the shared experience of our club members lends itself to the tight-knit community we have. I joined the club leadership this year as a way of giving back and to ensure that all veterans feel welcomed and supported as they adjust to life outside of the military.”
Ej Lee (MBA 2025), Chief Financial Officer
"Throughout my time in the military and now at HBS, I’ve come to realize that the legacy I leave behind depends on the impact I have on others. As a female veteran—representing just 1% of our student body—I’m passionate about paving the way for more representation of women, both in and out of uniform. Presence matters, especially in spaces where we have historically been underrepresented. The support of the AFAA was instrumental in my transition from the military to business school. I'm so proud to be part of a community that is unwavering in their willingness to help, whether that's through career advice, networking, or simply being a shoulder to lean on. It’s an ethos deeply ingrained in those who've served—to always have each other’s backs and lift each other up. I'm honored to be able to pay it forward and contribute to a legacy that strengthens our veteran community."
Jim McGrath (MBA 2025), Co-President, Careers
“The AFAA is unique in that all its members self-identify based on past experiences, which yields a strong community with shared values that allow us to quickly form strong bonds. Although I did not interact with members of the AFAA when applying, in hindsight, I realized that was a missed opportunity. My favorite attribute about members of the AFAA is the ‘can-do’ attitude. We all have limited, if any, experience in the corporate world, but that does not prevent our members from having a mindset defined by confidence and determination to pursue whichever career path appeals to us.”
Tom Brown (MBA 2025), Co-President, Admissions
"Leaving the military for business school is a huge life change, and the admissions process can seem intimidating for any servicemember considering this path. While there are plenty of online resources professing to help veterans get into top MBA programs, it can be difficult to get a realistic picture of what everyday life is like at school, or what admissions committees are really looking for. AFAA members went out of their way to help me refine my application and figure out that HBS was the right school for me. I would not be here without that support, and for that reason I joined club leadership to offer that same assistance to the next class of veterans."