Advertise on podcast: Career Practitioner Conversations with NCDA

This episode is part of the DEI Symposium Series, developed from the DEI Symposium presented at the 2025 NCDA Global Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. In this episode Dr. Cheryl Love hosts a conversation with Shelby McIntyre about updating career development classes and workshops with relevant DEI materials and activities. The discussion focuses on integrating liberatory outcomes into career development work. Shelby McIntyre, a career counselor at Pasadena City College, explains the importance of moving beyond traditional outcomes like graduation and employment to include broader goals such as civic engagement, social agency, and critical consciousness. She shares practical examples of how to implement these concepts, addressing challenges like systemic oppression. Dr. Cheryl Love is a Career Counselor and a College Specialist for the Arts, Humanities, School of Education and School of Public Policy in the Career Center at the University of California, Riverside. In this role she also serves as the Liaison to the African Student Programs, the Black Student Success Initiative, Basic Needs, UCR Transfer Work Group, and the Kessler Scholar Program.  Shelby McIntyre is a career counselor at Pasadena City College. She also serves on the Board of the California Career Development Association and as a member of the NCDA Government Relations Committee. Resource: Toolkit for Integrating Practices for Collective Liberation

In this podcast episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA's Director of Professional Development, co-hosts with Dr. Michael Stebleton a conversation about a new NCDA publication titled, Analyzing Current and Future Workforce Issues, Students' Perspectives on Career Development. Written by students enrolled in Dr. Stebleton's University of Minnesota course in Spring 2025, the publication explores various career development topics through the lens of graduate and undergraduate students.  The episode features students Nathan Price, Shannon McCrady, and Kirsten Koerth, who share their experiences and insights on the writing process. The discussion also highlights the importance of integrating theory and practice, the challenges and benefits of the editing process, and the potential value of similar educational projects in the future. Key contributions and topics such as AI in career development, the role of HR in supporting LGBTQ employees, and declining male college enrollment are also examined. Michael J. Stebleton, PhD, is a Professor of Higher Education at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He teaches both undergraduates and graduate students in the Department of Organizational, Leadership, Policy, and Development. Contact Dr. Stebleton at: [email protected]. Nathan Price is a PhD student in the Higher Education track of the OLPD program at the University of Minnesota. I/O Psychology practitioner and founder of The Academic I/O, a platform dedicated to advancing academic leadership and workforce development through evidence-based organizational strategies. Shannon McCrady is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. She is pursuing a Master of Education in Human Resource Development. She also works at the University of Minnesota and lives in Minneapolis with her family. Kirsten Koerth is an Undergraduate Programs Coordinator for Horticulture and Agronomy at the University of Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Agriculture Education master’s program in 2025. Kirsten obtained her undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College in Biology and Environmental Studies, and she grew up in Helena, Montana. Her academic interests include sustainable agriculture research and education. 

This episode is part of the DEI Symposium Series, developed from the DEI Symposium sessions presented at the 2025 NCDA Global Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Maisie and Nulty Lynch are veteran teachers and a husband and wife duo. They address the communication nuances between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, the significant barriers in traditional interview processes, and the importance of inclusive practices. Maisie and Nulty also advocate for creating accessible systems and intentional, empathetic communication to better support neurodivergent individuals in achieving meaningful employment. Nulty Lynch is the English Language Arts department chair at a large public middle school and a certified autism specialist and coach. He openly shares his personal journey, including his autism and ADHD diagnoses and the challenges of masking. Maisie Lynch is an internship coordinator and career services provider, as well as President of FutureReadyU. She discusses her experiences assisting students with neurodivergencies. 

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Erik Hines and Angie Thompson, co-chairs of the NCDA Technology Committee. They discuss their roles, experiences, and the committee's key focus areas, including the integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in career development. Angie recounts her journey to joining the committee and emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship. Erik highlights the significance of using technology ethically and efficiently in educational and counseling settings. The conversation also delves into the committee's vision of staying ahead of technological advancements and fostering a supportive environment for members interested in tech innovations. Listeners are encouraged to get involved and utilize the resources, demonstrations, and network opportunities offered by the committee. Erik M. Hines, Ph.D., is a Professor of Counseling in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Educational Sciences within the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. Dr. Hines research agenda focuses on the postsecondary readiness and career development of Black men and boys across various contexts (P-12, community college, 4- year college/university) and critically examines how high impact programming shape their educational and career outcomes and experiences. Additionally, Dr. Hines studies the career exploration of educationally vulnerable students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He has secured over $12.5 million dollars in research and program funding.  Angie Thompson has worked in higher education for over two decades and currently serves as the Assistant Director of AI Education and Student Engagement at the University of Montana. A certified federal application specialist and career coach, she teaches career courses and is nationally recognized for her expertise in AI, career readiness, and federal hiring processes. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the NCDA Technology Committee and is actively involved in the University of Montana’s AI Future Project and AI Community of Practice, where she helps shape campus-wide AI guidelines, initiatives and ethical frameworks. Angie has recently written an article on AI and, this year, will also serve on the NCDA AI Task Force and the NACE AI Content Special Interest Group.  Resources Learn about the activities of all of NCDA's CommitteesNCDA's AI Resources

This episode is part of the DEI Symposium Series, developed from the DEI Symposium presented at the 2025 NCDA Global Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. In this episode, Dr. Frank Gorritz discusses the important topic of racism in the workplace as part of the 2025 DEI symposium series. Dr. Gorritz emphasizes the need to address not just individual instances of racism but also systemic issues including white supremacy culture and its covert manifestations. He highlights the impact of microaggressions on minoritized employees and introduces the Theory of Work Adjustment to explain how workplace dynamics affect these employees. Dr. Gorritz also stresses the importance of career counselors creating a safe space for clients to discuss their experiences and feelings about their workplaces. This discussion reiterates the value of addressing political, social, and identity-related issues in career counseling. Several resources are recommended for further exploration on the topic. Frank Gorritz, PhD, LPC, LMHC, NCC, ACS, QS is a counselor educator in Florida. Resources dRworksbool (2021). White supremacy culture. https://www.dismantlingracism.org/white-supremacy-culture.html Iyer, D. (2022). Social change now: A guide for reflection and connection. Thick Press. Jones, K. & Okun, T. (2001). Dismantling racism: A workbook for social change groups. dRworksBook.

In this podcast episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA's Director of Professional Development, interviews Dr. Sujata Ives, a private practitioner at Connect The Neuro-Dots who specializes in employment psychology. Dr. Ives discusses the influence of her worldview, shaped by her vocal cord disability and bicultural background, on her career development work. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and articulating one's worldview and provides strategies for maintaining a positive worldview amid challenges. Dr. Ives introduces concepts from her latest book, Wisdom to Know the Difference, including perspicacious intelligence, which blends sharp discernment with emotional and ethical insights. She offers actionable advice for career development professionals, such as using active and reflective listening, insight-based questions, and mindfulness practices. The episode concludes with Dr. Ives encouraging listeners to define wise leadership for themselves and integrate deep insight with ethical clarity in their professional lives. Dr. Sujata Ives, PhD, CCC, GCDFI, OWDSI is an awarded career services leader, certified employment psychologist, and professional speaker with a distinctive voice. Through her vocal disability, she inspires as a work, life, and success Guru. She is a pursued national and international speaker that has published three books. Activate Success – Tips, tools, & insights to be a Leader in Your Niche made the international best-selling status on Amazon and Kindle. There is a Workbook by the same title. Her second book is “Wisdom To Know The Difference”.  Sujata is the 2025 recipient of the All-Star Award from the Maryland Counseling Association. 2023 recipient of the National Career Development Association’s (NCDA) Diversity Initiative Award. She was chosen to participate in the 2024 NCDA Leadership Academy class, where she conducted a study through a needs analysis on intercultural leadership. As a result, she wrote and published two best-selling books and a workbook.  As a military spouse, she collaborated with military and community leaders through her nineteen moves on three different continents that gave her the opportunity to help multi-million-dollar systems. She leverages global talent to hold candid conversations regarding interculturalism and peacebuilding. In this vein, she was the 2023 recipient of the title “Global Visionary” given to her by the 6th Congress, OtroMundo, Colombia, South America. Sujata is the Chair of the Leadership Academy of the NCDA; the Chair of the Program Committee of the APCDA; Community Coordinator of the World Council on Global & Intercultural Competency, UNESCO.  Sujata is past president of the Maryland Career Development Association, past chair of the International Committee of the American Counseling Association. And treasurer for the Maryland Counseling Association.  Sujata has an earned Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, is a Harvard trained Mediator, and Johns Hopkins trained in leadership and supervision.  She has a limited private practice and can be reached for counseling and keynote-speaking at www.drsujataives.com. Resources Wisdom to Know the Difference

In this episode, Elle O'Flaherty, Co-Chair of NCDA's Government Relations Committee, hosts a conversation with Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the current labor market, focusing on SHRM's Education-to-Employment (E2) Initiative, designed to bridge the talent gap through collaboration among various stakeholders including schools, employers, policymakers, and career development professionals. Emily emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, and discusses the untapped potential in diverse workforce segments such as people with disabilities and formerly incarcerated individuals. She also underscores the role of artificial intelligence and demographic shifts in shaping the future workforce. Elle O’Flaherty, JD, PCC, CCSP, ACCG is the Founder & CEO, Interlace Solutions Coaching. She is a speaker and coach known for her science-based and hyper-practical presentations, and a pioneer in inclusive leadership and neurodiverse workforce development with a specialization in ADHD coaching.  Emily M. Dickens, J.D., is an accomplished attorney, strategist, and senior executive at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - the world’s largest HR trade association - where she serves as Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary. In her role, Dickens oversees SHRM’s advocacy and policy agenda, guiding the work of the “A-Team,” a 340,000-member grassroots network of HR professionals who shape workplace policy nationwide. She has executive oversight for four divisions: corporate governance, government affairs and policy, legal and administrative affairs, and the SHRM Foundation. Resources SHRM Toolkits

This episode kicks off a series of conversations that originated with the DEI Symposium, held at NCDA’s 2025 Global Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  Dr. Cheryl Love leads a panel discussion of the challenges and strategies for providing career services amid today's social and political turmoil. The panel - including Dr. Natasha Barnes-Gwynn, Dr. Frank Gorritz, and Ruben Britt - shares insights into the impact of the current political and social climate on career development. The discussion emphasizes the importance of wellness, cultural competence, empathy, and advocacy for minoritized communities. The speakers also highlight the role of career counselors as frontline responders, providing not just career advice but also emotional and psychological support to their students and clients. The episode concludes with a call to action for practitioners to join the NCDA's Diversity Initiative and Cultural Inclusion (DICI) committee and contribute to the ongoing movement for social justice and equity in career development. Dr. Cheryl Love is a Career Counselor and a College Specialist for the Arts, Humanities, School of Education and School of Public Policy in the Career Center at the University of California, Riverside. In this role she also serves as the Liaison to the African Student Programs, the Black Student Success Initiative, Basic Needs, UCR Transfer Work Group, and the Kessler Scholar Program.  Dr. Natasha Barnes-Gwynn, CCC, NCC, FCD-I is a Clinical Professor at Southern New Hampshire University. She also serves as a career consultant through her private practice, Increasing Our Understanding (I.O.U.) Consultation, LLC. Dr. Barnes-Gwynn is a newly appointed board member for the Council of Accreditation and Related Educational Programs. Dr. Frank Gorritz FitzSimons, LPC, is a counselor educator in Florida. He is a nationally recognized scholar and counselor educator on topics including providing affirmative counseling care to queer and transgender communities of color, providing multicultural supervision, utilizing diverse approaches to counseling work, as well as addressing and disrupting white supremacy in counselor education.  Ruben Britt, Jr. is an educator, author, lecturer, and nationally certified career counselor with over 49 years of experience in education as both a teacher and career planning counselor. A nationally recognized expert on career coaching and educational issues, Ruben has served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education, the Educational Testing Service, the New Jersey Department of Higher Education, and several colleges and community organizations.  Resources NCDA's DICI CommitteeDEI Symposium 2026 - Proposal Submissions FormNCDA Social Justice Resources

In this episode Allie Remm and Jody Burum discuss how you can transform your classroom and workshop presentations by moving away from traditional PowerPoint slides. Jody, with 25 years in career services, explains the disconnect she observed with traditional PowerPoint presentations and her transition to a more engaging method based on brain-based counseling insights. This approach involves interactive handouts and activities that prioritize student engagement and memory retention. Both Allie and Jody share their successes and challenges in implementing this method, offering practical advice and encouraging others to experiment with this student-centered approach. Allie Remm works in Career and Employment Services at Central Community College and is a NCDA Certified Career Services Provider. With five years of experience in higher education, she supports students in becoming confident, capable professionals. Her favorite part of working in Career Services is working with a wide range of students and local employers. Holding a master’s degree in English, Allie’s humanities background informed her roundtable presentations on transferable skills for humanities majors at both the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention and the 2025 NCDA Global Conference. She is also the recipient of the New Professional at a Two-Year College Award from ACPA: Commission for Two-Year Colleges. Jody Burum brings over 20 years of experience in Student Affairs, providing direct career counseling and leading campus-wide advising initiatives. As a Senior Career Counselor, she co-manages Fresno State’s Career Everywhere program, promoting inclusive career development through a network of Career Champions. Jody also serves as the liaison for undeclared and major-transitioning students, collaborating with academic counselors to guide career exploration. She supervises Career Coaches and Peer Mentors, building a strong student support team. A Certified Career Services Provider, Global Career Development Facilitator, and Strong Interest Inventory Practitioner, Jody empowers students to make informed, lifelong career decisions and succeed academically and professionally. Resources Click to open and download the handouts discussed in this episode. Career Discussion - TemplateCareer Discussion - ResumeCareer Discussion - Interview  

In this episode Erica Mattison and Mike Wysocki discuss their work and insights on career readiness. Erica Mattison, an executive coach and author, integrates narrative assessment and strengths-based coaching in her approach, while hosting her own podcast. Mike Wysocki, also an author, discusses his upcoming book, which reports on career readiness insights gathered from college students. The conversation highlights the significance of developing soft skills, such as public speaking and teamwork, which are often overlooked in traditional education. Mike shares his journey and his passion for understanding job satisfaction, leading him to interview professionals for his books. Erica and Mike also reflect on the shifting focus of educational institutions towards better preparing students for the workforce, underscoring the importance of career exploration courses and involvement from career professionals. Mike Wysocki is a speaker and author focusing on career readiness. Wysocki published the two-time award-winning and Amazon best-selling book, Careers By the People: Candid Career Advice from 101 Experienced Professionals. It got rave reviews from Forbes and Kirkus Reviews. Moreover, Careers By the People received endorsements from educators of Harvard, Stanford, UMass, Northeastern, Boston University, Alcorn State, Western Kentucky, UHawaii and many more. Wysocki produced over 120 YouTube videos on career readiness and built a Udemy course. Wysocki has spoken at Boston University, UMass, Hawaii Pacific University, Suffolk University, UNH, Cal State University and many more colleges and high schools. Also, Wysocki has spoken at ACTE Hawaii, ACTE Alabama, ACTE Region V and Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMWorks. Website: www.careersbythepeople.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-wysocki/YouTube Channel @careersbythepeopleEmail: [email protected] Mattison is an executive coach, speaker, and author who supports organizations and professionals to strengthen direction, sharpen focus, and achieve lasting impact. Drawing on her background in sustainability and social impact, she works with leaders and teams to enhance effectiveness, navigate change, and build thriving workplace cultures. For individuals, she provides career coaching and development support, helping professionals clarify goals, build confidence, and move forward with intention. Erica is the author of Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career and host of the Conversations with Erica podcast, where she explores themes of purpose, leadership, and growth. Her approach integrates narrative assessment and strengths-based coaching to foster clarity, resilience, and meaningful progress. A certified career coach and Master Certified Life Coach, Erica holds degrees in psychology (BA), public administration (MPA), and law (JD), and has supported thousands of professionals across higher education, government, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses.

In this episode, Dr. Pankaj Desai, Ellen Zold Goldman, and Leigh Oliveras from NCDA’s International Student Services Committee (ISSC) introduce the annual ISSC Mini-Conference taking place on Friday, August 8, 10:00-4:00pm CST. The conference theme – Cultivating Confidence and Career Readiness in a Changing World – includes presentations related to a strengths-based micro-coaching model tailored for Gen Z international students, a micro-session on valuable topics such as NCDA Credentialing, the International Student Resource Guide, leveraging AI for career practitioners, strategies for enhancing campus collaboration, developing cultural competence as career coaches, immigration updates, and more. The discussion also includes information about the International Student Services Committee and how you can get involved.  Registration is free and open to all NCDA members. Attendance earns up to 5 CEs. Registration FormInformation and AgendaJoin the NCDA ISSC Committee (Interest Form)  Resources ISSC and other NCDA CommitteesISSC YouTube ChannelDr. Pankaj Desai currently serves The Career Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as the Senior Assistant Director for Inclusion Initiatives. Multiculturalism in higher education, career education, international student support, globalization in education, college student persistence and engagement, and student development are some of his areas of interest. Dr. Desai currently serves the NCDA ISSC as the Chair of the annual mini-conference planning committee within the Professional Development and Community Connections Team. Dr. Desai is honored to be also a part of the 2026 cohort of the NCDA Leadership Academy. Ellen Zold Goldman is the Co-Chair of the NCDA ISSC and Associate Director of Career Design at Northeastern University, where she specializes in career counseling and programming for international students. She also served as an NCDA conference proposal reviewer and currently serves on the NCDA Higher Education Advisory Board for the Higher Ed Career Counselors and Specialists Constituency. Combining her love of cross-cultural work with experiential education, her background includes teaching a Working in the U.S. course for international students, advising Malaysian government-sponsored students, and supporting home country co-op programs. She was a J1 Alternate Responsible Officer, oversaw study abroad, and volunteered with refugees in an early employment program. Her M.Ed. in College Student Development and Counseling focused on cross-cultural counseling, international student support, and career development. Leigh Oliveras is the Associate Director of Career Services at Carnegie Mellon University, Silicon Valley. She is a career consultant who is passionate about helping students see their strengths and how they can create positive change in their community. Leigh serves as the Co-Chair of the NCDA International Student Services Committee (ISSC) for 2024-2026. She holds a master’s degree in Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco.

In this podcast episode, Melissa Venable hosts a discussion on mentoring relationships with Dr. Sharon Givens and Rasha Madkour. Sharon, a former NCDA president, and Rasha, a career coach from Saudi Arabia, share their cross-continental mentoring journey. They detail how their mentoring relationship began through a formal NCDA program and evolved organically. Both talk about the mutual benefits and growth they experienced, including Rasha becoming an instructor and learning to market her practice. Sharon and Rasha emphasize the importance of trust, commitment, and the potential future of mentoring programs, especially with the aid of emerging technologies. They conclude by discussing the value of their relationship and its ongoing positive impact. Dr. Sharon Givens is a psychotherapist specializing in individual, family and group therapy. Among her areas of expertise are career and work issues, depression, domestic violence and depression. In addition to being a therapist, Dr. Givens is a life coach, career counselor, and a  prominent career development consultant that has presented at global and national conferences speaking on the topics of self concept, career exploration and integrating mental health and career development. Sharon is also the former president of the National Career Development Association. Radha Madkour is a CCSP credential holder and FCD instructor certified by (NCDA), and ACC certified career and team coach (ICF) with a pharmaceutical background and more than 20 years experience as a sales manager and trainer in a multinational company. Her diversified experience in coaching and training makes her passionate about supporting partner clients (individuals & students) to find their career pathways, unleash their potential for career development and career transition. Rasha supports team members in organizations to develop better alignment and performance to achieve their goals.

In this episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA's Director of Professional Development, talks with NCDA President Marty Apodaca about the upcoming NCDA 2025 Global Career Development Conference, scheduled for June 18-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Marty discusses the theme he selected, Autonomy to Change: Evolving and Adapting Career Development in Revolutionary Times, drawn from the significant changes in the career development landscape, especially influenced by AI and workforce dynamics. He highlights key speakers, including Sonny Wong, Dr. Marian Higgins, and JP Michel, and emphasizes this year's DEI symposium and the event's historical and cultural significance, being held during Juneteenth in Atlanta. Additionally, Marty introduces new conference formats, including mini-sessions on diverse topics such as AI and resilience. He reflects on his tenure as NCDA President, sharing the establishment of an AI task force, the organization's commitment to DEI, and his personal and professional growth through global relationships. Marty Apodaca, MA, LPCC, CCC, NCC is a Senior Counselor at the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) Student Health and Counseling where he assists his clients in exploring the intersections of career and mental health. For over a decade, he previously served as a Career Development Facilitator at UNM Career Services, where he supervised and trained both individual and group counseling interns. Marty presents to counseling graduate students on career related topics and has taught undergraduate career development courses. Marty’s NCDA roles include being the Trustee-at-Large for Leadership Academy and a co-associate editor for the Features section of NCDA's web magazine, Career Convergence. Previously, he served on the President’s Strategic Planning committee and is an alumnus of Leadership Academy. Marty is an active board member and former president of the NMCDA, where he helps facilitate workshops aimed at educating community providers, career practitioners, and school counselors on serving their populations' career needs. Marty has also been faculty at two Career Construction Institutes and offers supervision and guidance to UNM staff and graduate students who use the Career Construction Interview with clients. Marty has publications in the Career Development Quarterly, Career Planning and Adult Development Network, and Career Convergence. Marty has also been published in the Journal of Individual Psychology, Teaching and Supervision in Counseling, and ACA’s VISTAS web magazine. Marty received his BA in English and MA in Counseling from UNM. While working on his MA, he served as a board member and president for Chi Sigma Iota, the counseling honor society. Marty is a Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Career Counselor, and National Certified Counselor. At UNM, Marty has received the People Appreciate Wonderful Staff Award and was recognized as an American Indian Student Services Campus Partner. Resources NCDA 2025 Global Career Development Conference NCDA AI Task Force - Artificial Intelligence Resources

In this episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA Director of Professional Development, discusses writing and publishing career development books with guests Sujata Ives and Paula Brand. They discuss their motivations, the long and challenging process of publishing, the costs involved, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Sujata and Paula offer practical advice, including the importance of planning, asking critical questions, and reading extensively. The episode provides valuable guidance for anyone interested in writing a book. Sujata Ives, PhD, GCDFI, OWDSI, is a workplace global consultant and leader in the field of career development and employment counseling. She is a sought-after international speaker and international best-selling author of the book and workbook “Activate Success, Tips, Tools, & Insights to Be a Leader in Your Niche” available on Amazon & Kindle. Her keen approach to leadership takes a novel approach through storytelling, self-leading and introspection as foremost to change management, conflict-resolution, and sustainable impact. She was the first to publish an article for SHRM association on the topic of “Common Sense Leadership” and published her counselor story as a foreign-born counselor in ACA’s Counselor Stories series. Sujata is the 2023 recipient of the National Career Development Association’s Diversity Initiatives Award. She was chosen to participate in the 2024 NCDA Leadership Academy class, where she conducted a national and international study through a needs analysis on intercultural leadership, and after graduating she was chosen to become Chair of the Leadership Academy Class of 2026. In addition, she is also Chair of Programs at the Asia Pacific Career Development Association; member of the Awards Committee; member of the Global Connections Committee; Treasurer of the MCA; and Community Coordinator for the World Council on Global & Intercultural Competencies, UNESCO. Sujata has a limited private practice and can be reached at www.drsujataives.com Paula Battalia Brand is the author of The Purple Parachute: A Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Winds of Career Change. This DIY manual walks you through a step-by-step process to learn about yourself and move you through career transitions successfully. It’s available in all formats (eBook, audiobook, and hard copy). This book is a manifestation of Paula’s passion to empower women in the workplace. Paula is a Global Career Coach & Consultant, LinkedIn Expert, Speaker, Trainer and Author with a background in human resources, workforce development, training and career counseling.  She founded Brand Career Management to provide career services to individuals and employers. Organizational clients have included the World Bank Group, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Executive Educations programs at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Her formal education includes a master’s degree in applied psychology (Industrial/Organizational) from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Greensboro. Additionally, Paula currently holds three industry certifications including Global Career Development Facilitator, Certified Salary Negotiation Specialist, and Job and Career Transition Coach. Learn more about Paula’s book at http://www.purple-parachute.com/. You can learn more about Paula at www.brandcareermanagement.com. Resources Resources for Aspiring Authors

This episode features a conversation about representation in the workplace in which LaChish Rigg, CEO of LJR Training & Coaching and Past President of the New Jersey Career Development Association, hosts Blanca Rosales-Ahn, founder of BRAHN Career Educational Consulting Services. The discussion covers the impact of representation on workplace culture, profitability, and the inspiration it can provide for all employees. LaChish and Blanca also discuss overcoming challenges, professional courtesy, and the need for open communication and mentorship. This episode provides actionable advice for career practitioners helping clients embrace their authentic selves while maintaining professionalism, leveraging their cultural backgrounds, and advocating for inclusion and representation. LaChish J. Rigg is the owner of LJR Training & Coaching, a private practice based in South Florida offering the Facilitating Career Development training course along with career coaching services. LaChish has over 15 years of experience in higher education, including experience providing career and academic advising services to diverse populations. She also has experience as a K-12 teacher, college instructor and workshop presenter. She teaches high school social science courses, college and career readiness courses and has presented workshops on resume writing, networking, interview skills, and job fair professionalism. She is a counseling student and talk show host for the Black Mental Health Matters show. She served as President of the New Jersey Career Development Association, Sub-committee co-chair of the New Jersey Association for Multicultural Counseling, and Member-at-large for the Middle Atlantic Career Counseling Association. Her educational background includes graduate studies in counseling, education, and business. Connect with LaChish: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Blanca Rosales-Ahn is the Founder and Chief Executive Director of BRAHN Career Educational Consulting Services. A strategic professional with over 20 years of experience, she specializes in Career and Leadership Development, Career Counseling, Education and Business Management. She has extensive expertise in assessment and program development for diverse populations. Blanca earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education and a B.S. in Business Management. She is also a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS). Blanca has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of the New Jersey Career Development Association (NJCDA), the New Jersey Employment Counseling Association (NJECA), and LUPE Fund, Inc. She has also served on the Executive Boards of organizations such as the New Jersey American Council on Education for Women in Higher Education, the Hispanic Association of College Employees, the National Career Development Association (Professional Development Committee), the New Jersey Counseling Association (NJCA), and the United Way’s Hispanic Leadership Advisory Council, among others. She is an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and Union College of Union County. Resources https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-matters-even-more-the-case-for-holistic-impacthttps://www.eeoc.gov/data/eeo-1-employer-information-report-statistics#Explore