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: steb0004@umn.edu.

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 Committees
• NCDA'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 Committee
• DEI Symposium 2026 - Proposal Submissions Form
• NCDA 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 - Template
• Career Discussion - Resume
• Career 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.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-wysocki/
• YouTube Channel @careersbythepeople
• Email: mwysocki@answerpress.com

Erica 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 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.