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 Form
• Information and Agenda
• Join the NCDA ISSC Committee (Interest Form) 

 Resources

• ISSC and other NCDA Committees
• ISSC YouTube Channel

Dr. 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-impact
• https://www.eeoc.gov/data/eeo-1-employer-information-report-statistics#Explore

In this episode hosted by Melissa Venable, NCDA Director of Professional Development, Deborah Sgro, founder of Beyond the Glass Ceiling, LLC, and the global mentoring director for Women in Big Data, explains the work and interconnectedness of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity career fields. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the rapidly growing and transforming tech landscape, highlighting market trends, job roles, essential skills, and training paths. Deb also addresses common misconceptions and the need for continuous learning and adaptability in these professions. The discussion underscores the non-technical career opportunities in these fields and provides advice for career counselors and coaches on how to stay current and support their clients effectively.

Deborah Sgro is a certified career professional with a private practice, Beyond The Glass Ceiling, LLC.  She specializes in coaching technology and business professionals at all levels to achieve their envisioned career. As a former senior financial technologist professional, she worked on Wall Street for over 40 years developing technical solutions addressing business objectives for the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, and BNY Mellon. Throughout that time, she also groomed emerging talent by establishing and running mentoring programs, providing on-the-job training sessions, and personally coaching to assist people with their career advancement goals. 

Deborah holds a CCSP certification from the National Career Development Association.  She is also a certified project manager and certified Agile Professional from the Project Management Institute. Deborah holds two master's degrees from Stevens Institute of Technology, one in Computer Science and the other in Technology Management. 

She is on the Board of Advisors for Women in Big Data, and is the Global Mentoring Director for that non-profit professional association. Deborah also addresses corporate women resource groups, university audiences, and presents at NCDA conferences on all aspects of career advancement.

For more information: www.linkedin.com/in/deborahsgro

Resources

• World Economic Forum - Future of Jobs Report 2025
• McKinsey and Company - Featured Insights
• Women in Big Data
• Udemy

In this episode, Melissa Venable hosts Dr. Resa Lewiss, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Dr. Adaira Landry, an emergency medicine doctor at Harvard/Brigham and Women's Hospital for a discussion of takeaways from their book: MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact. The conversation emphasizes skills like communication, conflict resolution, and self-care, applicable across various industries and in the context of career development. The authors highlight their personal experiences, the importance of rest, the role of an employer in employee self-care, and the power of storytelling in career development.

More about Adaira and Resa:

Adaira Landry, MD, MEd, is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her academic interest focuses on mentorship of early career professionals. She has been awarded for her dedication to mentorship and education. Dr. Landry speaks nationally on mentor-mentee relationships and strategies for career development. She is a healthcare contributor for Forbes. She has published in Academic outlets such as Nature, Science, New England Journal of Medicine and for the general public audience in Vogue, Teen Vogue, Harvard Business Review and Fast Company. She is co-author of MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact, a book to help early-career professionals navigate the workplace. She is also a wife and a mother to 3 children. She hopes to raise her 3 children to understand and value the importance of supporting others in need. Website | LinkedIn

Resa E Lewiss, MD, is a Professor of emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, TEDMED speaker, designer, and award winning educator, mentor, and point-of-care ultrasound specialist. She studied at Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the NIH Howard Hughes Research Scholars Program, Harvard Emergency Medicine, and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Roosevelt. She hosts the Academic Emergency Medicine Education & Training podcast, and her own The Visible Voices Podcast, amplifying content in the healthcare, equity, and current trends spaces. Her writing is widely published in science journals, and the popular press. She has written for CNBC, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Nature, the Philadelphia Inquirer, MedPage Today, Doximity,and Slate. Her podcast has been featured in the Guardian, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Brown Alumni Monthly. She is co-author of MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact, (HarperCollins) published in April 2024. Website | Instagram | LinkedIn 

In this podcast episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA's Director of Professional Development, hosts a conversation on creating neurodiverse-affirming practices with Janine Rowe, a licensed mental health counselor, and Elle O'Flaherty, Principal of Interlace Solutions Coaching. They discuss the concept of neurodiversity, which includes conditions like autism and ADHD, and emphasize moving from a deficit to a strengths-based model. They share personal insights and experiences, highlight the importance of understanding individual needs, and offer practical advice for career development professionals working with neurodiverse clients. Key topics include understanding communication differences, the importance of interest-based strengths for ADHD clients, and navigating the complexities of the disclosure process under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The conversation underscores the need for flexible, collaborative approaches to support neurodiverse individuals in career development.

Janine Rowe is a doctoral student in Counselor Education at the University of Rochester, in Rochester, NY. She is a licensed mental health counselor, a certified career counselor, and nationally certified counselor in private practice in Rochester, NY. She is currently a counselor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She was most recently a career counselor and Assistant Director of Disability & Career Services at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). She is the winner of the New York State Career Development Association (NYSCDA) Early Career Professional award (2014) and the RIT Presidential Award for Excellence (2018). Janine was a participant in National Career Development Association’s Counselor Education and Leadership Academies and is the previous Vice-President and President of the NYSCDA. 

Elle O’Flaherty, JD, PCC, is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and founder of Interlace Solutions Coaching. Specializing in performance optimization and ADHD strategies, she empowers professionals and organizations to excel. She has been featured in national media outlets including Medium, Yahoo Finance, and Atlassian. Elle delivers research-backed insights and practical tools with humor to enhance productivity, leadership, and career growth. In her previous life, Elle was a litigator and international trade negotiator for nearly 17 years.

Resources

• Person-first language
• ADA and Disclosure
• Investigating Markers of Rapport in Autistic and Nonautistic Interactions - Autism in Adulthood

Want to learn more? Career Planning Academy:

• Certified Autism Career and Employment Specialist - Instructor: Janine Rowe
• Certified ADHD Career Strategist - Instructor: Elle O'Flaherty

This episode concludes our series of DEI conversations originally featured in the DEI Symposium of the NCDA 2024 Global Career Development Association Conference in San Diego, CA. Thank you to Dr. Elif Balin & Ivette Mekdessi, Kelly Woods, Sanaz Nabati, and Delyash Tsartsaeva who were all presenters for the original DEI Symposium session.

In this episode, Dr. Elif Balin and Sanaz Nabati discuss challenges international students face at the intersection of career development and mental health. They emphasize the importance of culturally-responsive practices and the need to normalize mental health support. The Multicultural Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) framework is introduced as a tool to promote cultural competency and advocate for holistic career development. The conversation highlights acculturative stress, the impact of policy changes, and the importance of community support and proactive resources.

Elif Balin, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, GCDF is an Associate Professor of Counseling and the Coordinator of the Career Counseling Program at San Francisco State University. Elif actively volunteers in community settings to support the cultural transition and work/career experiences of international students, new immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. She served as a co-founding chair of the NCDA International Student Services Committee (ISSC)(2013-2015) and later led this committee’s research team until 2020. Elif also serves in the NCDA task force as one of the subgroup chairs to revise multicultural career counseling competencies and on the NCDA research committee.

Sanaz Nabati, M.S. is an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Education and Development at University of California, Los Angeles, serving Students with Disabilities and International Students. As liaison to international students, she has become very knowledgeable and passionate about their employment issues and strives to support their unique challenges in their career development. She also leads the Pre-Law Advisor and Professional Graduate School Programming initiatives. 

Resources

• NCDA Committees – International Student Services Committee (ISSC)
  • NCDA’s ISSC Committee LinkedIn Group
  • ISCC Resource Guide
  • ISSC YouTube Channel
• NCDA Code of Ethics
• NCDA’s Multicultural Counseling Competencies
• NCDA Webinars
• CDQ article by the NCDA International Student Services Committee
• ACA Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC)
• CPT and OPT

Corrections/Clarification:

• The study and publications referenced at 8:29 began almost 5 years ago, not 3.
• The initial task force, which began in 2012 was not half international like the committee formation and status in 2015.

This episode continues our series of DEI conversations that were originally featured in the DEI Symposium of the NCDA 2024 Global Career Development Association Conference in San Diego, CA.

In this episode Dr. Frank Gorritz, a counselor educator at Florida Gulf Coast University, hosts Ken Meeker a Certified Professional Coach providing services through his company, Vitality Career Coaching LLC. Both are active members of NCDA’s Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion (DICI) Committee. Ken shares his insights from presenting at the NCDA conference, emphasizing that visibility and individualized support are crucial for career practitioners. They discuss the need for developing a toolbox of resources, using tools that cater to specific disabilities, and avoiding assumptions about a client's needs. The episode also covers person-first language to avoid dehumanizing clients, the prevalence of invisible disabilities, and the importance of asking respectful questions to understand a client’s needs. Frank and Ken inspire and equip counselors to better serve clients with disabilities by building trust, understanding their rights, and maintaining a network of resources.

Frank Gorritz FitzSimons, Ph.D., LPC is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida Gulf Coast University and a licensed professional counselor. Dr. Gorritz FitzSimons 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. His ongoing research interests include enhancing an understanding of minority stress, improving social justice counseling competencies, and promoting affirming approaches to substance use counseling practice. Dr. Gorritz FitzSimons has also received the Counselors for Social Justice 'Ohana Award in 2022 for his dedication to social justice across communities in both counseling and advocacy work. 

Ken Meeker is the owner of Vitality Career Coaching LLC, a boutique leadership, executive, and career coaching company. In addition to one-on-one client coaching, Ken develops customized workshops and training tailored to the unique needs of business clients. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility consulting are essential aspects of his work. Ken is a Certified Professional Coach, Certified ADA Coordinator, and has extensive DEI training and education, participated in numerous seminars and summits, and is Inclusive Behaviors Inventory Certified. Ken is the creator and host of the “Dissing My Ability" Podcast and has appeared on several other shows and podcasts. Ken is a regular contributor to the Bold Blind Beauty lifestyle magazine, Beyond Sight and serves on the NCDA private practice advisory board. 

Resources

• NCDA Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion Committee
• National ADA Resource Centers
• Person-First Language Guide
• CDC Stats on Americans with Disabilities
• Ask JAN (Job Accommodation Network)

This episode continues our series of DEI conversations originally featured in the DEI Symposium of the NCDA 2024 Global Career Development Association Conference in San Diego, CA.

In this episode, Nikkie Bailey, a licensed clinical social worker and counseling psychology doctoral student, and Dr. Emily Bullock-Yowell, a psychology professor at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, delve into their research on career development factors impacting academic satisfaction among marginalized and majority undergraduate students. They discuss the challenges universities face in supporting marginalized students, the differences in career aspirations between groups, and the significance of future decent work versus occupational prestige in shaping academic satisfaction. The episode highlights the necessity of tailoring support strategies, the importance of culturally-sensitive methods, and the need for continued research on retaining and supporting all students in higher education. More information about their research can be found here: Additional information about their research can be found here, http://emilybullockyowellphd.weebly.com/.

More Information about Nikki Bailey and Dr. Emily Bullock-Yowell:

Nikkie A. Bailey is a second-year Counseling Psychology doctoral student from Florence, Mississippi. She received her M.S. in counseling psychology from USM. She received her BSW in Social Work from Mississippi College and her MSW in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Social Work from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She is also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Currently, Nikkie is working on research with career decision-making difficulties (e.g., indecision and indecisiveness), negative career thoughts, and their possible relation to serious mental health outcomes such as feelings of hopelessness, lack of purpose, and suicidal ideation. This research aims to contribute to the development of effective interventions and support processes to assist individuals struggling with career decision-making difficulty by informing targeted career counseling and mental health services to prevent the escalation of distress. Nikkie’s goal is to disseminate research focused on possible association(s) between career and academic decision-making difficulties and severe mental illness as well as vocational matters involving minority and diverse populations.

Emily Bullock-Yowell is a Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Florida State University in 2006.  Currently, she is a faculty member in USM’s School of Psychology, serves as the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program Training Director, and is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Mississippi. At USM, Dr. Bullock-Yowell’s research program focuses on career development and vocational psychology. She teaches a Vocational Development course for Counseling Psychology doctoral and master’s students and supervises students seeing individual and group career clients. She leads a Vocational Psychology Research Team composed of doctoral, masters, and undergraduate students. More about her work can be found at, http://emilybullockyowellphd.weebly.com/, where you can also download some of her and her colleagues’ recent, free books on Holland’s RIASEC Theory and Cognitive Information Processing Theory. She can be contacted directly at Emily.Yowell@usm.edu or https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-bullock-yowell-67690a179/. 

Have you thought about working as a private practice career development professional? This episode explores the process of making that decision and some of the first steps to get you started on the right track. In this episode, Courtney Warnsman, an NCDA Trustee, and Katie O'Malley, founder of (en)Courage Coaching, discuss transitioning to private practice. Courtney and Katie discuss their journeys and challenges, particularly Katie's shift from roles in nonprofit, corporate, and academic settings to a successful coaching practice. They emphasize the importance of having a clear "why," building strong client relationships, and ensuring financial stability before making the leap. Katie shares her experiences of balancing a side hustle while working full-time, the importance of betting on oneself, and strategies for sustainable business growth. The episode also teases an upcoming webinar focused on the business nuts and bolts of establishing a private practice.

Courtney Warnsman, Ph.D. has been a career development facilitator for nearly 20 years. She works at Austin Career Connections in Austin delivering career transition and development services to individual clients across functional roles and industries. She is an Executive Development Program Consultant for the Baylor University Executive MBA Program and was recently tapped to serve on the advisory board of The Chiral Project, a startup venture exploring the unique challenges that women have experienced as they have either chosen or been forced to step back professionally during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Courtney received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.

Katie O'Malley is a career coach and workplace strategist with 20 years of professional experience serving the nonprofit, corporate, and education sectors. Across these workplaces, Katie noticed her strengths and values consistently steered her toward the support and development of others. In 2012, she translated this observation into action, earning a Master's Degree in Counseling and Board Certification in Coaching. Since 2018, Katie has worked alongside hundreds of individual, team, and organizational clients as the Founder and Principal Coach of (en)Courage Coaching. Founded with the noble mission of providing exceptional, financially accessible coaching services to Chicago area professionals, (en)Courage Coaching has grown to support individuals and businesses from coast to coast, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Resources

• CliftonStrengths
• Mel Robbins 5-Second Rule
• Simon Sinek – Figuring Out Your "Why"

Check out NCDA's January 2025 webinar, "Taking the Leap: How to Start and Thrive in Private Practice," featuring Courtney, Katie and a panel of private practitioners: NCDA Webinar Series.

In this episode, host Melissa Venable discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and digital presence with guests Dr. Sheetal J. Patel and Michael Joiner-Hill from Stanford University's Integrative Learning Portfolio Lab (ILPL). Their conversation explores the importance of digital presence in career development, the role of personal branding and storytelling, and approaches to help students and clients navigate the digital space. The episode emphasizes the dynamic nature of digital presence and offers a framework for effectively guiding students and professionals that addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations.

Dr. Sheetal J. Patel has 20 years of experience across industries helping organizations and people understand how to have the greatest impact. She is currently the co-founder of the Integrative Learning Portfolio Lab at Stanford University and 95z consulting, founder of A2O, Inc, a researcher and strategist at LinkedIn Learning, a published author, and speaks and consults regularly. She is also a CTI (CoActive) trained and Design Your Life and ICF ACC certified Career Coach working with early career professionals through C-suite executives. Her recent research has focused on Generative AI in storytelling, meaningful work, multigenerational workplaces, learning, DEI online, ePortfolios, digital presence, and brand management. Dr. Patel earned a PhD in Mass Communication with focus areas on media psychology, consumer research, strategic communication and advertising, and nonprofit public health communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; a master’s degree in Advertising; and two bachelor’s degrees in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin.                

Michael Joiner-Hill possesses a decade of experience as an educator and leader in higher education. He currently serves as an Associate Director for Career Coaching and Education at Stanford Career Education, leading the Center’s efforts in providing high quality career education support for undergraduate and master’s-level students pursuing degrees in the humanities & sciences. Prior to joining Stanford Career Education, Michael was the Director of the Humanities & Arts Student Success Center at San Jose State University and Assistant Director of Student Engagement for 18,000+ liberal arts undergraduate students at the University of Michigan. He has a BA in Psychology and MSW in Interpersonal Practice with a focus area of mental health, both from the University of Michigan.  

Resources

• Integrative Learning Portfolio Lab
  • ILPL Digital Presence Framework
  • Story Strategies
  • Example portfolios 
• Learn more about this topic through Sheetal and Michael's upcoming NCDA webinar.
  
  

In this episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA Director of Professional Development, hosts Dr. Tina Persson, a global career coach and CEO of Passage2Pro. They discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the job search and career coaching landscape. Dr. Persson shares her experiences of significant shifts in the recruitment industry, including the influence of LinkedIn and AI tools like ChatGPT. The conversation explores the evolving role of career development professionals and the importance of human skills in a technology-driven job market. Key topics include the phasing out of traditional resumes and cover letters, AI-driven job ads and resume evaluations, and the need for a mindset shift towards leveraging AI for career success. Dr. Persson also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in future job markets.

Dr. Tina Persson is a visionary coach with a multifaceted background from the university and the corporate world. She holds an ICF PCC certification as an Executive and Career & Leadership Coach, specializing in emotional and adaptability intelligence. These skills have played a crucial role in shaping her educational and coaching business.

Additionally, Tina is a highly sought-after speaker. She frequently facilitates workshops and seminars for senior leaders, C-level executives, and high-potential individuals to help them achieve their goals. She is also an expert in leadership and team coaching facilitation.

Having spent nearly two decades in academia, Tina transitioned to the recruitment industry, gaining eight years of expertise as a Recruiter, Talent- and Brand Manager. Leveraging her diverse experience, she empowers researchers to transition smoothly from academia to rewarding business-driven careers. Her guidance has helped hundreds of researchers worldwide launch their new careers successfully.

As a successful businesswoman with an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, Tina is the Founder of Passage2Pro AB, an educational and coaching company, and Aptahem AB, a biotech start-up featured in over 20 scientific publications. Furthermore, Tina is the inventor of 2 scientific patents. This passionate professional works out at the CrossFit Gym when she isn't coaching.

This episode continues our series of DEI conversations originally featured as part of the DEI Symposium at the NCDA 2024 Global Career Development Association Conference in San Diego, CA.

In this episode, Dr. Cheryl Love, a career counselor at the University of California, Riverside, hosts a conversation with Dr. Frank Gorritz, a counselor educator from Florida Gulf Coast University, about the topics of quiet quitting and quiet firing in the workplace, analyzed through the theory of work adjustment and social justice. They highlight the importance of recognizing race and culture in the workplace, the impact of structural violence, and the role of power dynamics. The need for culturally responsive career counseling is emphasized along with the importance of including marginalized voices in the counseling profession. They also explore the pandemic's role in exacerbating these issues and offer resources for further understanding.

Cheryl Love, PhD 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.

Frank Gorritz FitzSimons, Ph.D., LPC is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida Gulf Coast University and a licensed professional counselor. Dr. Gorritz FitzSimons 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. His ongoing research interests include enhancing an understanding of minority stress, improving social justice counseling competencies, and promoting affirming approaches to substance use counseling practice. Dr. Gorritz FitzSimons has also received the Counselors for Social Justice 'Ohana Award in 2022 for his dedication to social justice across communities in both counseling and advocacy work. 

Resources

• NCDA - Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion Committee
• NCDA - Social Justice Resources
• Theory of Work Adjustment

Dr. Gorritiz FitzSimons's Must Reads:

• Ibram X. Kendi
• Michelle Alexander
• Patricia Hill Collins
• Angela Davis

This episode continues our series of DEI conversations that were originally featured at the NCDA 2024 Global Career Development Conference's DEI Symposium in San Diego, CA.

This episode - hosted by Reuben Britt and featuring Lauren Standish - focuses on employment barriers and the importance of neuro-inclusive career advising. Lauren shares her non-linear career journey and insights on neurodiversity, explaining terms such as neurodivergent, neurotypical, and neurotype. The conversation delves into the significant challenges neurodivergent individuals face, with unemployment rates higher than the national average. Both Lauren and Reuben emphasize the need for tailored career advising practices to support neurodivergent students, considering their unique strengths and challenges.

Resources: Click to access the PDF resource list from this symposium presentation.

Lauren Standish is a graduate student pursuing her master's degree in adult, continuing, and higher education administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). In addition to her studies, she works in Career Services, a segment of UWM's Center for Student Experience and Talent (SET). Lauren considers herself a jack of many trades, some of which include career advising, training and development, and instructional design. Her passions include mental health advocacy, accessible educational and professional development opportunities, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, making music, and spending time with her cats, Tucker and Jack. You can reach Lauren at: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-standish

Ruben Britt, Jr. is an author, lecturer, career coach, and educator. He is a National Certified Counselor who has over 47 years of experience in education as both a career planning counselor and as a teacher. A nationally recognized expert on issues related to career coaching and educational issues, he has worked 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. He is an author who has written a book on the social issues entitled Winter in America: The Social and Moral Decline of a Great Nation; a self-empowerment book entitled Reflection and Restoration: Quotes for Self-Empowerment and Motivation, a career planning guide for high school and college students entitled Black and Powerful: The Career Guide for Tomorrow’s Top Leaders, and he has written a children’s book on cultural diversity entitled Lakota. Ruben also wrote two chapters for the book The Last Job Search Guide You’ll Ever Need--"Networking: A Proven Tool for Job Seekers" and "The Portfolio: Your Ticket to Successful Interviewing." Ruben is also the co-author of the textbook Don’t Dismiss My Story: The Tapestry of Colonized Voices In White Space. He has been a contributor, and he has written a number of articles related to education, career development and social issues for such publications as Black Issues in Higher Education, Upscale Magazine, Black Enterprise, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Diversity in Ed Magazine. Ruben was a teacher in the Boston Public School District (MA), the director of Cooperative Education at Bloomsburg University (PA) and the coordinator of Career Services at Stockton University (NJ). Presently, he is a career planning coach at Rowan University and the host of Career Talk on WGLS-FM a show offering tips and advice on career planning and finding employment.

In this NCDA podcast episode, Dr. Natasha Barnes-Gwynn hosts a conversation with Dr. Linda Holloway about using career theories to address the career issues of Veterans. Dr. Holloway, a Veteran herself, shares personal insights into the mental, physical, and transitional challenges faced by Veterans, such as combat fatigue, frequent relocations, and adapting to civilian work culture.

The discussion highlights the importance of translating military skills into civilian job qualifications and explores how theories like Holland's Career Types, Schlossberg's Transition Theory, and Cochran's Narrative Theory can aid career practitioners in supporting Veterans. Ethical considerations, the need for professional development, and useful resources are also shared to equip career development professionals with the tools to effectively help Veterans.

Natasha Barnes-Gwynn Ed.D, GCDF, CCC, NCC 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. Linda J. M. Holloway is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Alabama State University with over 30 years of teaching experience. She is known for her electrifying teaching style where she engages the classroom with the community. She lives and teach by her teaching philosophy, “Classroom Without Walls” where she strategically moves students from theory to application using videos, movies, and books. Dr. Holloway teaches the following courses: Counseling Diverse Populations, Career Counseling, Group Counseling, and Counseling Across the Lifespan. She is also multi-award-winning children’s book author who has published 8 children’s books thus far, a poet, and story activist. Dr. Holloway is a true servant leader who lives by her life motto, Always Willing to Serve. She retired from the United States Army Reserves Medical Service Corp as a Colonel after serving over 27 years and successfully completing 4 combat tours of duty. Her research interests include Black women’s mental wellness and career counseling for Black children. Her life philosophy is Dream Your Own Dreams, where she inspires others to dream and achieve the dream their heart desires. Dr. Holloway has been featured in multiple media outlets, popular podcasts, and magazines to include The Roland Martin Show, The Grio with Eboni K. Williams, Living Strong: The Flip Side of Adversity, Zoom into Books, Story Monster, Resilience magazine, and KISH magazine. You can find her books on Amazon.

Resources

• CareerOneStop
• G.I. Jobs
• O*Net
• Veterans' Employment & Training Service
• VA for Vets

This episode delves into supporting trans and non-binary clients in career development amidst rising political challenges. Dr. Cheryl Love, a career counselor at the University of California Riverside, hosts Kyle Inselman, the Director of Alumni Career and Professional Development at the University of Denver and independent career coach at Pride in Your Path, LLC.

The conversation covers recent legislation impacting the trans community's healthcare access, identity recognition, and job security, particularly in educational and professional settings. It underscores the importance of tailored and informed career services, emphasizing strategies to cope with discriminatory policies, use of chosen names and pronouns, and the need for flexible support measures. Resources are recommended for up-to-date guidance on policy changes.

Cheryl Love, PhD 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. Love has served NCDA at many levels. In 2024 she was recognized with the Association's Diversity Initiative Award. Dr. Love was also the recipient of the NCDA Diversity Equity and Inclusion Champion Award in 2023 and received the NCDA 2022-2021 Presidential Recognition Award for her work within NCDA around DEI issues and Community Engagement.

Kyle Inselman, MA, MEd, is the Director of Alumni Career & Professional Development at the University of Denver and also operates an independent career coaching practice, Pride in Your Path, LLC. He served NCDA as co-chair of the Committee on Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion from 2020-2022 and is a past-president of the Collegiate Career Services Association of Colorado/Wyoming. In 2022, he received the Colorado Career Development Association’s Diversity Initiative Award.

Resources

• NCDA's Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion (DICI) Committee
• Trans Legislation Tracker 
• The Movement Advancement Project  
• Human Rights Campaign 
• LGBT Map 
• Supporting Trans & Nonbinary Clients - Symposium Session Handout [PDF]

This episode continues our series of DEI conversations originally featured during the DEI Symposium of the NCDA 2024 Global Career Development Association Conference in San Diego, CA. Dr. Natasha Barnes-Gwynn hosts a discussion with Denise Felder that explores how career advising can be reimagined through a lens of decolonization.

What does it mean to decolonize? In many aspects of our lives, the concepts we live by were not developed by people like us. This discussion includes the intersections of career readiness and social justice, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. The conversation covers practical ways to make career development more inclusive by addressing systemic inequalities and reshaping traditional advising approaches. 

Natasha Barnes-Gwynn Ed.D, GCDF, CCC, NCC 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.

Denise Felder (she/her; @DeniseMpls) is a Workforce Equity Advocate and Career Coach with nearly 20 years experience exploring the intersections of career readiness and social justice. She supports the work and life plans of job seekers and career changers from marginalized communities in numerous K-12, higher education, community, and public organizations. Denise is a past president of the Minnesota Career Development Association, a Certified Poverty Awareness Coach, an Offender Job Retention Specialist, and a YWCA Racial Justice Facilitator. Her credentials also include the Equity Works Leadership Institute at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota’s ECHO (Equity Certificate Hosted Online) Diversity Certificate, and the Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy with the Twin Cities African American Leadership Forum. Denise earned a master’s degree in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University. Her consulting business DeniseMpls Career Services is based in Minneapolis, MN, operates in cyberspace, and lives in the hearts of many.  

RESOURCES

• DEIBA Roundtable Handout from 2025 NCDA Conference
• Decolonizing the Workplace: How to Rethink Your Organizational Culture and Leadership Approach (Berret-Koeler)
• A consciousness-raising approach to career development (Career Guidance for Social Justice)
• Equity Expansion Glossary: bit.ly/Glossary-DeniseMpls 
• Equity Expansion Media List: https://bit.ly/media-list-DeniseMpls

This episode kicks off a series of conversations that originated with the DEI Symposium, held at NCDA’s 2024 Global Career Development Conference in San Diego, CA. Dr. Cheryl Love leads this conversation: State of the Union DEIBA Panel: Allyship, Accomplice, and the Mental and Emotional Costs Associated. Panelists include: Dr. Nathaniel Brown, Dr. Natasha Barnes-Gwynn, Kyle Inselman, and Dr. Alicia S. Monroe.

The panel discussions the impacts of the current political climate on social identities and career development and address the mental and emotional costs of being allies and accomplices in DEIBA work, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, cultural competence, and servant leadership in supporting students and clients. The conversation also covers strategies for maintaining self-care, the significance of role models, and the ongoing need for training and community support in this critical work.

Cheryl Love, PhD 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.

Nathaniel Brown, PhD, CSWA, LMSW, LPC, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Clinical Director of Field Experience Placement in the counseling program at Johns Hopkins University.

Natasha Barnes-Gwynn Ed.D, GCDF, CCC, NCC 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.

Kyle Inselman, MA, MEd, is the Director of Alumni Career & Professional Development at the University of Denver and also operates an independent career coaching practice, Pride in Your Path, LLC.

Dr. Alicia S. Monroe is a PK–20 experienced educator, international education consultant, and career coach. At Rowan University, she serves as Assistant Director, Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Career Advancement and adjunct faculty in the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Monroe is also the CEO and founder of Solutions for Sustained Success, LLC. 

Resources

• NCDA's Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion (DICI) Committee
• NCDA Multicultural Competencies (currently in revision)
• NCDA Social Justice Resources

In this episode LaChish Rigg, owner of LJR Training and Coaching and Past President of the New Jersey Career Development Association, hosts Steph Jones, a minister, marriage and family therapist, and mindfulness life coach. Both LaChish and Steph work in the school counseling arena, while balancing other roles in the career development space. Their conversation captures the importance of having empathy in your career, teaching, or training roles, while also establishing healthy boundaries. They also share actionable ways to set realistic expectations and incorporate self-care strategies throughout your day, and in your professional interactions with clients and students.

More Information about LaChish and Steph:

LaChish J. Rigg is the owner of LJR Training & Coaching, a private practice based in South Florida offering the Facilitating Career Development (FCD) 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:

• www.linkedin.com/in/lachishrigg 
• www.youtube.com/@ljrtrainingandcoaching
• https://www.instagram.com/ljrtrainingandcoaching/

Steph Jones (Lilac Calandra) is a minister, marriage and family therapist, and mindfulness life coach whose life mission is to assist people back to the road of peace, wholeness, and wellness. She encourages full expression of emotions, open honest conversations, high levels of self-awareness, and uses meditation to help people discover the best versions of themselves. Connect with Steph:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-jones-mft-597b94211/
• https://www.youtube.com/@SelahMindset/videos
• https://www.facebook.com/SelahMindset/

This episode features a conversation about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in career development services. Melissa Venable hosts Dr. Bret Anderson of h2 Communication, LLC and Leeann Fields of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. They discuss the benefits and challenges of using AI tools, sharing examples from their own work. The discussion includes ethical considerations for using AI-generated content, the value of skepticism to vet new tools, and the need for critical thinking by both career practitioners an their students and clients when making decisions about what tools to use, including AI. Cost and budgeting concerns are also discussed. 

More about Bret and Leeann:

Dr. Bret Anderson is President of h2 Communication, LLC, providing job readiness training, executive coaching, and frontline leadership development.

Leeann Fields serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Educational Compliance at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She has rich experience and leadership in online education coming to UNLV after 16 years with the University of Colorado Denver as a Senior Instructor and Instructional Designer. Prior to that, Leeann served as the head of Quality Assurance for the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training (COMET), in Boulder, CO. Her special interest wherever she has worked has been in creating opportunities for growth through professional development offerings. Leeann holds an M.A. in administration, supervision, and curriculum development with an emphasis in instructional technology from University of Colorado Denver’s (UCD) School of Education. 

RESOURCES

• CCSP - Certified Career Services Provider
• CPRW - Certified Professional Resume Writer
• Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
• RAND Veterans Study [PDF]
• ChatGPT
• Gemini

In this episode, NCDA Professional Development Director Melissa Venable meets with Ken Meeker to discuss Disability Pride Month. Ken is a writer, speaker, podcaster and Certified Professional Coach providing services through his company, Vitality Career Coaching LLC. Ken is also a member of NCDA’s Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion Committee and a recent graduate of NCDA’s Leadership Academy.

The conversation provides an introduction to Disability Pride Month and recommended resources for career development professionals who may be working with students or clients who have disabilities. Ken emphasizes that you don’t have to be an expert in disability services, but you can build a network that includes this kind of expertise. We can also be proactive in asking questions, finding effective resources, and expanding our awareness and advocacy related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Resources

• Rocky Mountain ADA Center Course Catalog
• ADA National Network
• Job Accommodation Network - Ask Jan
• Vitality Career Coaching

More information about Ken Meeker:

Ken Meeker is the owner of Vitality Career Coaching LLC, a boutique leadership, executive, and career coaching company. In addition to one-on-one client coaching, Ken develops customized workshops and training tailored to the unique needs of business clients. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility consulting are essential aspects of his work. Ken is a Certified Professional Coach, Certified ADA Coordinator, and has extensive DEI training and education, participated in numerous seminars and summits, and is Inclusive Behaviors Inventory Certified. Several national organizations have featured him as a presenter or panelist for discussions on workplace inclusivity, disability inclusion, accessibility, and other topics. He is a graduate of the AFB Blind Leaders Development Program, National Career Development Association’s Leadership Academy 2023-24 Fellow, and received the 2023 AFB Llura Gund National Leadership Award.

Additionally, Ken is the creator and host of the “Dissing My Ability" Podcast and has appeared on several other shows and podcasts. Ken is a regular contributor to the Bold Blind Beauty lifestyle magazine, Beyond Sight and serves on the NCDA private practice advisory board. Prior to launching his business, he was the Career Specialist for a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation program serving blind/low vision adults. Ken held leadership roles in the commercial insurance industry for many years and maintains an active agent license in Arizona, providing him with key knowledge and insight for businesses on topics such as: discrimination, employment practices, and other important risk management related topics.

In this episode, Melissa Venable hosts Dr. Pankaj Desai from NCDA’s International Student Services Committee (ISSC). This conversation introduces the annual ISSC Mini-Conference taking place on Friday, August 9, 10:00-4:00pm CST.

The virtual conference theme – Charting Your Course: Career Navigation for International Students in a Changing Landscape – includes presentations related to mental health, artificial intelligence, setting up a private practice, non-linear career paths, 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, and attendance earns up to 5 CEs.

• Registration Form
• Information and Agenda

 Resources

• ISSC and other NCDA Committees
• ISSC YouTube Channel

 More Information About Dr. Desai

Dr. Pankaj Desai currently serves The Career Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as the Senior Assistant Director for Inclusion Initiatives. Dr. Desai has a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Multiculturalism in higher education, career development, 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 International Student Services Committee as the Chair of the annual mini-conference planning committee. Dr. Desai is also associated with ACPA as the Chair of the Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development. 

Today’s job seekers face a host of challenges from ageism and ghosting to artificial intelligence tools and one-way interviews. This episode captures a conversation about these challenges with two members of the New Jersey Career Development Association’s Board of Directors. Jeanetta Warren is the founder and CEO of JW Professional Writing Services. Paul Cecala is the author of Take Control of Your Job Search and founder of Cecala Career Consultants, LLC.

The discussion includes consideration of the employer side of the job search and the new technologies increasingly used by both companies and applicants. Jeanetta and Paul share strategies you can use to help your students and clients enhance their approach to preparing for the unique issues of today’s economy, set realistic expectations, and maximize their efforts to connect with hiring managers.

Resources

• Workable - Recruiting Software
• Spark Hire - Interview Software
• Yoodli - Interview Prep
• Turbocharge Your Resume - Jeanetta's Course
• Take Control of Your Job Search - Paul's Book

More information about Jeanetta and Paul:

Jeanetta Warren is the visionary founder and CEO of JW Professional Writing Services, a global premium career branding agency. Jeanetta is a career branding strategist, professional resume writer, LinkedIn profile transformation expert, digital course creator, and educator. She has a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from Wilmington University.

Jeanetta is an advocate for DEIB in the workplace. She actively seeks opportunities to support students graduating from college and underrepresented professionals on their career journeys. Jeanetta was nominated for the Delaware Valley HR Consultant of the Year in 2024.

Paul Cecala specializes in creating job search project plans and is recognized for his empathetic listening skills. He has assisted people from a variety of backgrounds with expertise in DEI&B (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging), aviation, business leadership, project management, technology, pharma/biotech, and healthcare. Since 1999 Paul has assisted over 4000 job seekers ranging from C-Suite executives to college students. 

Paul currently facilitates job seeker networking groups for four different organizations. He has helmed the adult professional education programs for 2 colleges and a NJ Dept. of Labor One- Stop Career Center. Paul has his BS in Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology. He has published two books and numerous articles on career coaching in a variety of publications.