I love what I do!

I love what I do! Through a blend of entertainment, engagement, enthusiasm, and inspiration, I encourage youth and adults to embrace their uniqueness and enjoy their journey. Based in Raleigh, I will travel anywhere on earth to inspire humans (while making them laugh) at career expos, colleges, companies, and conferences.  

Talks & Workshops: Youth

My love for inspiring youth began in a full-time Career Services role at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in which I educated students on a variety of career management topics through engaging coaching and guest speaking engagements at fraternities, sororities, classes, and clubs.  While at UCF, my dedication to making a difference was recognized when I received a nomination as a Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award Finalist.  In addition to impacting the lives of students at UCF, I've since then been a guest inspirational speaker and continuing education class instructor at Duke University, North Carolina State University, and Wake Tech Community College.

Talks & Workshops: Adults

For more than 20 years, I served as a workshop faciliator at Right Management, a globally recognized career transition (outplacement) firm. In this role, I traveled in 10 states to conduct career transition workshops designed for professionals in a variety of industries whose jobs were impacted by downsizing. Although every project was unique and memorable, the one that stands out took place over a 30-month period in which I collaborated with 18 career coaches to service 3,000 job candidates.  

In addition to facilitating outplacement workshops and giving talks on college campuses, I have been a guest speaker at events sponsored by Wake County Lifelong Learning, YMCA, Capital Area Workforce Development Board, and the Raleigh Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. One of the most exciting things I experienced took place in a 24-hour period in which I delivered two keynotes on opposite coasts; the first in California, the second in North Carolina.

Adversity

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A cornerstone of inspirational speaking is persevering through adversity. I’m an "open book" who enjoys sharing excerpts from a massive library of challenges that have put me to the test, time and time again. At age six, I was the sole witness to my adoptive dad’s death. As childhood progressed, I was bullied, came very close to drowning in the Atlantic Ocean, sustained a severe concussion playing basketball, and miraculously survived a car accident when a bus plowed through a red light. In college, I spent a semester with a roommate who practically never slept and repeatedly tried to light me on fire! 

Since college, I have endured a variety of challenges as a job candidate, employee,  and entrepreneur. As a bonus, I have been living with and learning to manage the unique dynamics of ADHD. To say my journey has resembled that of a rollarcoaster would be a grave understatement. In 2016, my search for details surrounding my biological background produced some startling revelations. Despite all I’ve been through, and continue to face, both my enthusiasm and sense of humor are alive and well. I love life!

Recruiting

Prior to my career in speaking and coaching, I worked in employee recruitment capacities in high-volume, fast-paced environments at three tourism industry leaders: SeaWorld, Hilton (Disney Resort), and Universal Studios. 

Education & MBTI

My Bachelor of Arts was earned at Western Illinois University. Through CPP, Inc., I am certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is a time-tested assessment that I have always enjoyed incorporating into workshops on a variety of personal and professional development topics.