How'd Her Career Get There?

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Jessica Quincosa, Esq., Executive Director of Community Legal Services in Prince George’s County. Driven by a commitment to service, Jessica has built a career focused on expanding access to justice for communities that are often underserved. Raised by Cuban immigrant parents in a close-knit community, Jessica’s passion for public service was shaped early on by the belief that education and opportunity can change lives. Inspired by seeing women in leadership, including a formative visit from then Florida State Attorney Janet Reno, she set her sights on pursuing a career in law. Recognized with the Maryland Daily Record’s 2025 Hispanic Leadership Award and named one of the Daily Record’s Top 100 Women, Jessica shares her journey, values, and dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities through the law.https://www.clspgc.org/https://www.facebook.com/clspgc#

In this episode, Lauren talks with Brooke Lively, a serial entrepreneur, author, and longtime insider in the legal world who knows law firms from the inside out. Brooke shares a peek into her unique career path, from retail and finance to working in her family’s law firm and ultimately building companies that help attorneys grow smarter, calmer, and more profitable practices. With sharp insight, quick wit, and a refreshingly human approach to leadership, Brooke touches on how best to scale a business, what some professionals get wrong about growth, and how clarity can change everything. She also previews her upcoming book, Scaling Law, releasing in February 2026, available to order on Amazon!https://www.linkedin.com/company/scalinglaw/https://linkedin.com/in/brookelively/https://brookelively.com/Pre-order Brooke's new book here!https://tinyurl.com/yx6xn2ub

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Kim McKay, Assistant Secretary of Programs for the Maryland Department of Disabilities, whose career has been shaped by both professional experience and personal purpose. Although she grew up around medicine, Kim knew early on that her path was not clinical. While working in healthcare administration, her son’s autism diagnosis became a turning point that led her to focus on improving systems of support for families navigating disability services. From leading nonprofit initiatives to developing innovative employment and education programs, Kim has dedicated her career to making complex systems more accessible and effective. Recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2025, Kim shares her deep knowledge, hard-earned insight, and commitment to building better pathways for individuals with disabilities and the families who support them.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-mckay-9242b994/https://mdod.maryland.gov/Pages/Home.aspxhttps://mcie.org

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Christian Pulley, nicknamed as the “silent assassin.” A quiet yet confident leader, Christian has made history as the first African American City Administrator for the City of Laurel. Named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record, she is a Certified Public Manager who has spent her career shaping community growth and driving progress since joining the City in 2008. Her no-nonsense leadership style, fierce dedication to her work, and deep love for family and sports make her a force to be reckoned with and a conversation you will not want to miss.Links for Audience:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-l-pulley-1308073/https://www.cityoflaurel.orghttps://www.cityoflaurel.org/list.aspx?Mode=Subscribe#newsFlashhttps://www.cityoflaurel.org/209/Social-Media-Centerhttps://www.cityoflaurel.org/372/Volunteering

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Katie Collins-Ihrke, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County, an organization dedicated to achieving full community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Katie’s passion for advocacy started early, shaped by her experiences growing up with an aunt who had cerebral palsy and later working with a family whose children had autism. With master’s degrees in nonprofit management and business administration, she’s built a career focused on creating meaningful change in the nonprofit world. Named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2025 and a Leading Woman Under 40 in 2023 by The Daily Record, Katie shares her insights on leadership, purpose, and the power of compassion in action.Links:https://archoward.orghttps://www.facebook.com/ArcHoward/

Get ready for KNN! In this episode, Lauren chats with Kelsey Nicole Nelson, an award-winning sports broadcaster whose dynamic presence is immediately captivating. Known for her work with FOX Sports, the Atlantic 10 Conference, American University women's basketball, and MLBbro.com, Kelsey brings energy and expertise to every platform. She's also the creative force behind the award-winning Listen In With KNN podcast, where she mentors future professionals through collegiate internship programs and she also teaches sports reporting at George Washington University. Bubbly, bold, and incredibly driven, Kelsey remains grounded in her roots while passionately creating pathways for women and girls of color in sports media.Links for the Audience:**Check out The Power Huddle: Women in Sports Broadcasting** http://bit.ly/3Ipa7hahttps://kelseynicolenelson.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/KelseyNNelson/https://www.instagram.com/therealknelson/https://www.facebook.com/KelseyNicoleNelsonhttps://twitter.com/therealknelson

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Yvette Diamond, an entrepreneur whose career has been anything but ordinary. She went from selling computer components after a teacher sparked her interest in technology, to serving as COO of an international publishing company, to running a health and beauty enterprise, and now to leading operations at Project JumpStart, Inc. while heading her own company, Our Facets. Through it all, she has pursued work that is deeply fulfilling and aligned with her values, while cherishing the relationships that have shaped her path. She is a wife, mother, soon-to-be published author of a book designed to help people navigate healthcare with confidence, and the co-host of a new podcast with her daughter where they share life experiences and lessons learned. Yvette’s insight, warmth, and wisdom make this a conversation you will not want to miss!LINKS:www.ourfacets.comhttps://www.dyvettediamond.com/https://projectjumpstarttraining.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettediamond/https://youtube.com/@theunconditionalpodcast?si=n10jds04wmdJbnHBhttps://www.facebook.com/yvette.diamond2

Hannah Shuman is the President and CEO of Tricerat, but her journey to the top wasn’t about taking the easy road, it was about proving herself. Growing up with a logical, tech-driven father and a warm, empathetic mother, Hannah embodies both intellect and heart. Her dad sparked her early interest in STEM, and now she’s passionate about doing the same for the next generation of girls. A self-described shy kid with fierce determination, Hannah shares how she worked her way up from intern to CEO, with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to leading with integrity.For more information about the company Tricerat:⁠⁠https://www.tricerat.com⁠⁠Like, Comment, and Subscribe to support and grow this podcast!! 

*****Before we begin, please note that today’s episode contains discussions that may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. If you're struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support—you're not alone, and help is available. While we are joined by a licensed therapist, this conversation is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional therapy.******In honor of May's Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re joined by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Katie Babcock, whose path to healing started in a childhood where she quickly learned to navigate uncertainty. She turned to sports and physical strength, but eventually realized that true safety comes from within. Today, Katie leads a therapy practice supporting high-achieving professionals grappling with burnout, unresolved trauma, attention difficulties, and substance difficulties. She’s on a mission to destigmatize mental health and reframe so-called “issues” as normal human responses to pain. This episode is an honest, empowering reminder that healing is possible and that we all deserve support along the way.****If you're struggling or need support, please know that you're not alone—help is available. You can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 211 to connect with local resources and support services in your area***https://www.counselingforprofessionals.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-babcock-cfp/https://www.facebook.com/katie.babs.9

In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Windon—photographer, journalist, world traveler, and founder of Maryland’s first true cane-to-glass spirits distillery in over 40 years. Jaime shares her one-of-a-kind journey from global storytelling to entrepreneurial spirit-making. We talk about trusting your gut, taking creative risks, and building something entirely new from passion and vision. Whether you're into entrepreneurship, the craft beverage industry, or just love a good story, this episode will leave you inspired to forge your own path.Tune in to hear how Jaime blends creativity, bold decisions, and a deep sense of community to bring people together—one spirited adventure at a time.Links:https://www.lyonrum.comhttps://www.instagram.com/lyonrumhttps://www.facebook.com/lyonrum

Meet Gina Ramsey, president of Pink Dog Digital, whose journey from self-doubt to entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. Starting out in her career, she wasn’t always confident in her abilities. But with the encouragement of mentors who saw her grounded, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving, she started aiming higher. Eventually, she took the leap and built her own full-service digital marketing business—one that not only gives her the freedom to customize solutions for her clients, but also allows her to give back to the community she loves. Tune in as Gina shares her journey, lessons learned, and advice for anyone ready to bet on themselves!Mentioned During the Episode:https://pinkdogdigital.com Contact Gina Ramsey at gina@pinkdogdigital.com or 410-696-3305https://theregoesmyhero.org/https://www.jabcecc.org/https://www.sharebaby.org/https://themmrf.org/https://broadwaycares.org/

Karen Barbour’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and purpose. After losing her mother at a young age, she took pride in caring for her father while developing a strong work ethic that would later define her career. She went on to build a successful surety bond business and became a fierce advocate for small businesses, founding organizations like the Alliance for Hispanic Commercial Contractors. But for Karen, success isn’t just about business—it’s about giving back. As the founder of Party for a Cure Corporation, she also dedicates her time and resources to supporting children and adults with neuromuscular diseases. In this episode, Karen shares how her upbringing shaped her drive, the lessons she’s learned, and why paying it forward is at the heart of everything she does.Links for items mentioned during the episode:https://www.thebarbourgroup.com/https://www.nsbpusa.org/http://www.bgnetworkusa.com/https://www.pfac-md.org/https://www.ahcc-midatlantic.org/

In this episode, we’re joined by Susie Comer, a true trailblazer in the construction industry. As a woman leading her family’s construction business, Susie carries forward a legacy of hard work and trust instilled by her dedicated father. She shares her unique experience stepping into this role, the values that guide her, and how she’s built her own path in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond her work, Susie is deeply committed to giving back, having founded or served in several volunteer organizations to support her community. Tune in to Episode 53 to hear her invaluable insights and the lessons that have shaped her path! Links for Volunteering and Outreach: Charhope Foundation: https://www.charhope.org/ Upper Chesapeake Senator Bob Hooper House: https://www.bobhooperhouse.org/ Toys for Tots: www.toysfortots.org GBMC Walk in their shoes - https://www.classy.org/event/old___10th-annual-walk-a-mile-in-their-shoes/e508619 Touch A truck Events at Highlands School: https://www.comerconstruction.com/community-involvement/touch-a-truck-the-highland-school-2024/ Comer Construction website: https://www.comerconstruction.com Comer Construction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comerconstructioninc/

In this episode, we meet Dana Clark of Clark | Azar & Associates Inc., a trailblazing civil engineer and successful business owner who’s breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Passionate about empowering women, she’s dedicated to mentoring young professionals and creating a supportive environment for them in her industry. Through her leadership, she’s giving women a voice, inspiring the next generation of engineers, and proving that with determination and the right support, women can thrive in any field. Mentioned During Episode: Baltimore Crew: https://baltimore.crewnetwork.org Company website: http://www.clarkazar.com Clark | Azar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clark-azar-associates/ Clark | Azar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100034784871808

Meet Jennifer Dewees, the president of Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation, Inc. and co-founder of Maryland Apprenticeship Connector. Her passion lies in unlocking the potential of tomorrow's workforce. Since traditional paths of college or trade schools aren't always the right path for everyone, Jennifer sees boundless opportunities in apprenticeships. She believes these hands-on experiences offer a direct route to stable careers in the trades, often overlooked and undervalued. But Jennifer’s vision extends beyond just reshaping the future of work; she's also an advocate for mass workforce adoption in traditionally male-dominated fields. She envisions a world where women confidently pursue careers in the trades, breaking barriers and forging new paths. With her unwavering enthusiasm and determination, Jennifer is paving the way for a future where talent knows no gender and opportunity knows no bounds. https://macworkforce.org https://mccei.org https://nawicdc.org/Camp_NAWIC

Pattie Dash joins Lauren in Episode 50 of “How’d Her Career Get There?” where she reflects on her career path through the nonprofit sector. Her trajectory was marked by continual growth, fueled not only by the support of mentors but also by the strong foundation and moral lessons instilled by her parents. Recognizing her potential, these mentors guided her journey, nurturing her talents and empowering her to advocate for roles that sparked her curiosity. Her story highlights the profound impact of mentorship and self-belief in forging a fulfilling career path. Through newfound confidence, Pattie's narrative imparts invaluable lessons for anyone navigating their professional journey. Links for topics mentioned during the episode: National Kidney Foundation for MD & DE: https://www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-maryland-delaware Upcoming Events for National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/events Sante Event: https://support.kidney.org/event/2024-sante-giving-back-for-kidney-disease/e538425 Upcoming National Kidney Foundation Walks: https://www.kidneywalk.org

In this captivating episode of "How'd Her Career Get There?" Lauren delves into the journey of Kathleen Methric, who traded her flute for a lab coat and eventually found her rhythm in the pharmaceutical industry. Growing up, she thought about pursuing a career in music, but her practical father's advice steered her towards a more stable path in the sciences. Embracing his wisdom, she pursued her studies, only to discover that her true passion lay beyond the walls of a laboratory. Join us for this episode as we dive into Kathleen's inspiring journey—a tale of finding harmony between dreams and reality, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose and passion. Links for the listeners: Kidney risk quiz: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-quiz/  March is National Kidney Month: https://www.kidney.org/news/national-kidney-foundation-recognizes-march-national-kidney-month  National Kidney Foundation serving Baltimore and Delaware: https://www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-maryland-delaware  May fundraiser: https://www.kidney.org/events/local-event/2024-sante-giving-back-kidney-disease Get involved: https://www.kidney.org/get-involved

In this episode Lauren talks with Louise Blomqvist, EMEA President of Bambuser.  Coming to New York City from a small town in Sweden, Louise shares her story starting with aspirations of ballet and shifting to retail and working with luxury brands.  The through line of her life is deep-routed in work ethic and personal connection.  Hear how those attributes helped drive her career and propel those around her.  Listen, laugh and take note of what happens when opportunity meets ambition. *****Note: At timestamp 28:14 Louise is referring back to the previous episode Lauren recorded with Shannen Stewart of Heels & Handshakes where Shannen states: "I rent my title but I own my character. I’m Shannen Stewart, I’m not the CEO and founder of Heels and Handshakes, that can go away at any time. So just working on not always having to achieve - that doesn’t link to my identity, my self worth.” ***** Listen to Shannen's episode here:  https://bit.ly/47y0wfi

In this episode, Lauren talks with business owner Tiffany Wondrow, President of C&R Services based in Nashville, Tennessee. Hear Tiffany talk about growing up in New Orleans with an entrepreneurial mom and an alcoholic father. Going into the military before eventually joining forces with her husband in a commercial painting business, Tiffany talks openly about not letting your past define you and how she works hard everyday to provide a positive experience for employees. She's on a mission to get more people, particularly women, into trades and is involved in the community, networking events and organizations doing just that. Recently named a Nashville Women of Influence, hear her compelling story. Find Tiffany on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/candrservicesinc/ Email Tiffany: tiffany@candrservicesinc.com

This week Lauren talks with Dr. Emerald Mitchell, the Founder and Executive Director of Moves and Grooves.  Dr. Mitchell’s journey will leave you clapping, cheering and wanting to get up and dance!  Hear how she founded an organization to help youths in the community because she had such an impactful experience with a similar organization as a child.  Raised by a single mom and one of 5 children, she learned the value of resilience and giving back.  Fast forward to today, her non-profit hits its 20 year anniversary and they’ve got big plans for Antioch, TN (near Nashville).  Join in, spread the word and listen to a journey filled with learning and how intentional small acts can help positively affect youth and future generations. To learn more about Moves & Grooves and its upcoming events: https://movesandgrooves.org/ Giving Tuesday Campaign Link: https://givebutter.com/MAG-GivingTuesday Donate a brick to the new Youth Arts and Innovation Center! You'll have a laser engraved brick in your name and leave a lasting legacy: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E354599&id=32