Join Lauren Cardillo on Unstoppable Stories as she sits down with Giovanna "Gia" Williams, a two-time UMGC master’s graduate - earning her MBA and MS in Project Management - whose life journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

In this episode, Gia shares her incredible story of growing up in Panama amidst systemic unfairness, moving to Brooklyn at age ten, and navigating an abusive household. She reveals how she broke generational cycles by using education as her ultimate strategy for stability, eventually pivoting from a dream in criminal justice to a profound career in healthcare management after the tragic passing of her mother.

Today, Gia leads a massive federal web modernization program for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). You’ll hear her powerful insights on the importance of self-awareness in leadership, why empathetic leadership always beats top-down management, and how therapy helped her uncover her blind spots. If you’re looking to turn your toughest circumstances into your greatest strengths, this episode will show you what it truly means to be unstoppable.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Learn more about the UMGC community at umgc.edu

Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro

01:11 Growing Up in Panama

05:56 Moving to the US

08:07 Overcoming Abusive Environments

10:00 Breaking the Cycle

11:15 Education as a Strategy

13:12 Reconnecting With Mom

15:58 Shifting to Healthcare

22:47 Pursuing Two Master's

27:15 Leading with Empathy

35:08 The Power of Mentoring

38:01 Moving to Baltimore

40:30 Navigating Complex Situations

43:56 Self-Awareness in Therapy

47:18 Closing

In this bonus episode of Unstoppable Stories, UMGC President Dr. Gregory Fowler sits down with Dr. Angie Besendorfer Martin, UMGC's Chief Learner Experience & Success Officer, to talk about the new role Dr. Fowler created to unite the university's approach to the entire student journey. Angie reflects on what drew her to the position, from Dr. Fowler's explicit vision for change to her own experience leading through crisis as an administrator in Joplin, Missouri, following the historic 2011 tornado.

The conversation explores what it really means to build a student-centered institution: rethinking degrees around demonstrated skills rather than seat time, using AI to enhance rather than replace the human elements of teaching, and creating a consistent UMGC experience for learners everywhere from military bases overseas to fully online classrooms. Dr. Fowler and Angie also discuss UMGC's recent trip to visit learners and staff across Asia, the new Digital Student Experience team charting individual learner journeys, and why practitioner faculty with real-world experience are central to closing the gap between a degree and a job.

In closing, they offer a vision for the next five years, explain why UMGC maintains rigorous standards alongside its open-enrollment policy, and reflect on how a nearly 80-year legacy of serving students in remote military outposts and war zones continues to define the university's mission today. 

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit UMGC.edu

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome To The Bonus Episode

00:31 Creating A New Kind Of Role

01:47 What Student Centricity Really Means

02:36 Being Intentional About Disruption

03:00 Leading Through The Joplin Tornado

04:55 A Fulbright In Brussels And The Bologna Process

05:40 Rethinking Skills And Competencies

07:15 Making The Case For Skills-Based Hiring

08:07 Scaffolding Skills From K-12 Through Career

09:43 Credentialing Learning That Happens Outside The Classroom

11:03 A Plug-And-Play Model For Degrees

12:10 Rebuilding The Team Around The Strategic Plan

14:24 Broadening UMGC's Global Perspective

17:05 Serving 175+ Locations In 24+ Countries

18:30 Charting The Learner Journey

21:08 Learning From Disruption In Other Industries

22:52 Where AI Fits Into The Future Of Education

26:16 AI As Augmented, Not Artificial, Intelligence

27:50 Rethinking Assessment And Skill Signals

31:20 Holding UMGC Accountable For Outcomes

32:38 Moving From Inputs To Outputs

34:07 Why Practitioner Faculty Matter

35:00 Building A Skills-Based Culture Internally

39:01 Defining What Success Looks Like In Five Years

42:02 UMGC's 80-Year Mission And Closing Thoughts

Host Nathan James sits down with Air Force veteran and UMGC alumnus Matthew Ruchie to trace his remarkable path from academic probation to becoming a logistics supervisor for UMGC in Europe. As a first-generation college student, Matthew initially struggled at a private university, dropping out to enlist in the Air Force where he served as a mental health specialist. He shares how transitioning out of the military triggered a deep depression, leading to a 1.8 GPA and failing a foundational writing class multiple times. 

Through the vital support of his wife, a life-changing meeting with a dedicated academic advisor, and leveraging AI for structured planning, Matthew completely reversed his trajectory. Today, he oversees educational operations and complex logistics across forward operating stations in Germany and Poland. Matthew shares powerful insights into removing self-imposed barriers, treating mental health like proactive car maintenance, and why a fifth attempt can change your entire life.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Time Stamps:

00:00 Breaking Self-Imposed Barriers

00:39 Introducing Matthew Ruchie

01:23 Mission of UMGC Europe

03:35 First-Generation College Obstacles

05:03 Enlisting for Higher Purpose

07:39 Mental Health Specialist Role

09:06 Preventing Personal Breakdowns

13:48 The Academic Downward Spiral

15:16 Finding the Way Out

16:36 Advisor Intervention in Europe

19:26 Building Confidence through Skills

22:02 From Sweeping Floors to Supervisor

22:38 Coordinating Logistics in Poland

24:43 Agility and Pivoting Under Pressure

26:48 Running Classes in Base Chapels

32:28 Mastering VA Benefit Policies

37:12 Leveraging AI for Study Blocks

42:28 Mindset Shift for Failing Students

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Joe Arden, who spent 40 years with UMGC as a professor and director. Joe recounts his incredible journey from serving as an Army intelligence officer in Vietnam to accepting a traveling teaching position in 1967 that changed his life forever. Taking a massive pay cut to leave a think tank, Joe found his true calling teaching American military personnel across Asia and Europe. 

He shares powerful stories of his time in the classroom, including teaching armed soldiers in Vietnam, helping a former Vietnamese faculty member escape as a "boat person," and receiving a life-changing letter from a student nearly 30 years later. Reflecting on his transition to administration and his decision to live in Thailand, Joe proves that doing your best is the key to an unstoppable career.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Joe Arden, Veteran, Retired UMGC Faculty Member

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

00:00 Do Your Best 

01:08 Favorite Career Stops 

02:26 A Fortuitous Interview 

05:52 The Value of the Experience

08:33 Impacting Students' Lives 

12:29 Origins of UMGC Asia 

17:15 Passion for Travel 

19:52 Moving to Europe 

21:45 Transition to Administration 

28:54 Settling in Thailand 

32:17 The Fall of Saigon 

36:29 Advice to Younger Self

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Jesse Varsalone, a cybersecurity guru, UMGC faculty member, and the coach of UMGC’s award-winning cyber competition team, the Shells. Jesse shares his 32-year teaching journey, explaining how he transitioned from a high school math teacher to the fast-paced world of cybersecurity. He breaks down the biggest misconceptions about the field, emphasizing that it requires curiosity rather than advanced math, and boasts incredibly low barriers to entry. Jesse also dives into the diverse makeup of his championship team—which includes everyone from bartenders to military personnel—and how their online, flexible model helped them conquer major professional competitions and reach the Final Four in "Hack the Madness". Whether you are a career changer or a tech hobbyist, Jesse proves that anyone with passion can go pro in cybersecurity.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Lauren Cardillo 

Guest: Jesse Varsalone, Associate Professor & Cyber Team Coach

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

00:00 No Barriers to Entry

01:03 A 32-Year Teaching Journey

04:07 Pivoting to Cybersecurity

09:12 Diversity on the Cyber Team

11:50 Naming the Shells

15:12 Coaching Adult Learners Online

22:12 Recruiting Cyber Team Members

24:41 Inside a Cyber Competition

32:20 Beating Professional Cyber Teams

35:34 Reaching the Final Four

Host Nathan James sits down with Christina Barlas, a Senior Regional Marketing Specialist and UMGC MBA graduate who turned a life-altering trauma into a story of absolute resilience. At age 16, Christina’s world was shattered by a violent home invasion that left her feeling unsafe and disconnected from her education. 

After initially dropping out of school to work in the salon industry, Christina realized that her true potential lay beyond the stylist's chair. She shares the pivotal moment she rediscovered her childhood love for art and technology, leading her to enroll at UMGC. Balancing multiple jobs with a rigorous academic schedule, she not only earned her bachelor's degree but went on to complete her MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Today, Christina advocates for "making the most of wherever you go," using her past experiences as a foundation for leadership, mentorship, and a future dedicated to helping other victims of crime.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Time Stamps:

00:00 It Is All Worth It

01:11 The Sixteen-Year-Old Self

02:56 Surviving a Home Invasion

04:40 Processing PTSD and Survival

07:12 Pivoting from Salon Life

10:33 Finding a Fit at UMGC

13:19 Falling in Love with Learning

15:04 The Hectic Dual Grind

16:47 Impact of Micro Internships

19:43 Achieving a 4.0 MBA

23:11 Climbing the Corporate Ladder

27:22 Leading Through Service

30:28 Advice for the Lost

32:58 What Felt Like the End

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Kwame Johnson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, an author, and a UMGC graduate. Kwame shares how a wrong turn at age 17 led him to prison, where a year in solitary confinement forced him to figure out his life's purpose. He recounts the persistence it took to become the first person in the U.S. to take the SATs behind bars, paving the way for his college education. Guided by civil rights leader Bob Woodson, Kwame learned to view his past mistakes not as a stigma, but as his "superpower". Today, he dedicates his life to being a "defender of potential," advocating that mentorship is the most effective solution to poverty in America. Kwame emphasizes that anyone can be a mentor by simply incorporating a young person into their existing routines, proving that it truly takes little to be big.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Defender of Potential 

02:59 Finding A Way Out 

04:13 Solitary Confinement Awakening 

05:59 SATs Behind Bars 

09:51 Meeting Bob Woodson 

11:58 Human Antibodies 

16:50 Journey to CEO & Challenges

22:37 Creating Safe Spaces for Men

26:13 Simple Mentorship Moments 

29:35 Vision to Solve Poverty

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with UMGC student and nonprofit leader Sharon Grassi to explore her profound transition from a corporate career to becoming a full-time caregiver for her combat medic son. Sharon opens up about the "mama bear" advocacy required to navigate the VA healthcare maze, the loss of her professional identity, and the pivotal moment a paracord dog leash sparked a new mission.

Sharon explains the science behind her nonprofit, Co-Op Survival, revealing how the simple rhythm of weaving leashes provides bilateral brain stimulation that helps veterans and caregivers lower stress and connect. She also discusses her return to education as a Pillars of Strength scholar, proving that even after life-altering setbacks, it is possible to find a new tribe, a new degree, and a renewed sense of self.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro and The Leash 

01:48 Becoming a Caregiver 

05:09 The Turning Point 

07:40 Navigating The VA Maze 

10:59 The Mama Bear Advocate 

12:43 Leaving Corporate Life 

17:34 The Dog Leash Origin 

24:27 The Science of Healing 

32:13 A New Academic Path 

39:12 Finding Your Tribe

Host Nathan James sits down with Marine veteran and UMGC alumnus, Ehsan Jamshidi to trace a journey that begins in Afghanistan and evolves into a life of service, study, and purpose in the United States. Ehsan shares how his mother’s sacrifice and the challenge of learning English shaped his mindset, why the Marine Corps Embassy Security Program became a proving ground, and how discipline, attention to detail, and gratitude guided each decision along the way.

He recounts the 2021 Kabul evacuation turning personal when his own family needed a way out, then describes rebuilding after medical retirement, transitioning into a Department of Defense role, and finishing both a bachelor’s and a master’s with top grades. The conversation highlights practical lessons for veterans and adult learners, why it's important to use every resource, keep your network active, and move forward with steady routines that compound over time. 

His incredible story of perseverance and his commitment to excellence in the classroom earned him the 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the Year award. 

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Ehsan Jamshidi, Marine veteran and 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the Year

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Kabul crisis response

01:11 New country start

04:24 Mother fuels grit

07:23 Choosing purposeful service

11:28 Embassy duty momentum

14:46 Family rescue mission

19:01 Medical setback reset

23:28 Defense career pivot

27:11 Degrees driving gratitude

31:09 Forward focused advice

Welcome to a special edition of Unstoppable Stories. May is a special time of the year for students – especially those who will earn their degrees and officially graduate. This week, we’re excited to share interviews from several UMGC graduates from around the globe as they tell their stories and offer advice on what made their journeys a success. As with most of our students who manage work, family life, military service, and more on the road to earning their degree, you will love these genuine clips of these graduates from UMGC locations worldwide. From Asia and Europe to stateside, these unstoppable stories will give you insights and inspiration as you pursue your own educational goals.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction 

00:39 Kiwamu 

02:15 Ashley 

03:16 Frederick 

04:49 Donald 

06:01 Abigail 

07:29 Scott 

08:39 Jackie 

10:16 Pamela 

11:55 Jasmin 

14:04 Daniel 

16:07 Nikkia 

17:10 Conclusion

Host Nathan James sits down with UMGC cybersecurity graduate, Tamila Urumbaeva, to trace a move from Uzbekistan to the United States, a seven year stretch apart from her father, and the decision to rebuild in a new language and culture. She explains the hardest early hurdle, communicating with care across cultures, and how asking good questions, listening closely, and adjusting tone in real time became a daily practice. 

Tamila shares how she chose cybersecurity, earned an Excellence in Cybersecurity award at community college, transferred to UMGC for the online fit, stacked credentials like CompTIA Security Plus, and balanced four jobs with school through disciplined routines and honest burnout recovery. She also reflects on launching leadership with Women in Cybersecurity, the confidence of conference community, and a vision to secure systems and inspire more women to enter the field. 

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Tamila Urumbaeva, Cybersecurity Specialist, UMGC alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:50) Cybersecurity Impact

(00:50 - 02:59) Delay and move

(03:00 - 05:12) Culture shock

(05:13 - 08:10) Choosing cyber

(08:11 - 10:34) Early wins

(10:35 - 13:10) UMGC fit

(13:11 - 16:35) Four jobs

(16:36 - 19:49) Burnout reset

(19:50 - 24:15) WiCyS leadership

(24:16 - 27:08) Never give up

(27:09 - 30:59) Community and close

Host Nathan James sits down with systems engineer and UMGC alumnus, Ben Thapa to trace the thread from Nepal to night classes, from a first IT role to a multi decade career built on routine, persistence, and family support. Ben explains how early mornings, long commutes, and library nights created momentum, and why staying curious kept doors opening at work and at school.

He shares the story behind playing golf in all 50 states and on every continent, including a bucket list swing in Antarctica, and how the real goal was never the scorecard but the friendships and check ins that followed. Along the way he highlights the master’s decision, the campus resources that helped, and a people first mindset that turns busy schedules into lasting community. Listen for lessons on structure, gratitude, and connection that apply far beyond the fairway.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Ben Thapa, Systems Engineer, Author, UMGC alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:22) People first

(00:22 - 00:53) Welcome

(00:54 - 03:10) Golf origins

(03:11 - 05:04) Work and UMGC

(05:05 - 09:12) Daily grind

(09:13 - 12:34) Family view

(12:35 - 16:08) First IT role

(16:09 - 20:32) Master’s decision

(20:33 - 24:10) 50 states, 7 continents

(24:11 - 29:39) Staying in touch

(29:40 - 32:43) Connection over loneliness

(32:44 - 33:32) Gratitude and close

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, UMGC alumna, Jeannie Lum, joins host Lauren Cardillo to share her story of resilience, compassion, and cultural connection. Born in the Philippines and raised as a military kid, Jeannie’s journey has been defined by movement, adaptability, and heart. When her father decided to stop relocating their family, Jeannie learned the power of staying grounded, keeping connected through collect calls, calling cards, and even pottery, a creative bond she still treasures today.

Now living in Oahu, Hawaii with her two autistic daughters, Jeannie balances motherhood, advocacy, and her role as a former Outreach Partnership Specialist at UMGC. She opens up about embracing challenges, finding purpose through community, and learning to let the rhythm of life, like the ocean, carry her forward.

Jeannie’s story is a reminder that strength isn’t just about perseverance; it’s about leading with love, embracing culture, and staying rooted no matter where the tide takes you.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments for more unstoppable stories!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable 

Connect with Jeannie on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniealum/

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Jeannie Lum (Former Outreach Partnership Specialist, UMGC Alumnas)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:49) Introduction

(00:50 - 04:12) Growing Up

(04:13 - 05:28) Early Responsibilities 

(05:29 - 06:55) It Started With Family

(06:56 - 08:34) Miss Aloha

(08:35 - 13:41) The Accidental Pathway

(13:42 - 19:09) Outreach Partnership Specialist

(19:10 - 20:55) Preventing Burn Out

(20:56 - 30:00) Now From The NICU

(30:01 - 32:18) Raising Children

(32:19 - 35:30) Water is Life

(35:30 - 36:15) Conclusion

Host Nathan James sits down with UMGC student and project manager, Gavata Smith, to trace a path built on faith, forgiveness, and steady self-improvement. She shares how her mother’s addiction, her own early motherhood and other hard seasons sharpened her resolve, why telling the truth about past mistakes gives her family and community real hope, and how healing looks when love and accountability meet.

Gavata breaks down a late-career pivot into technology, the certification stack that keeps her relevant in GovCon, and the time management system that lets work, school, and family coexist. She also explains how service keeps her grounded, from mentoring justice-involved women to relaunching a domestic violence ministry and helping job seekers with stronger résumés and interviews.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Gavata Smith, Project Manager and UMGC student

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:30) Intro and transparency 

(01:30 - 05:13) Early lessons 

(05:14 - 08:00) Tech break 

(08:01 - 11:00) Cert stack & routines 

(11:01 - 13:55) YouTube tips 

(13:56 - 16:46) Family healing 

(16:47 - 21:08) Service work 

(21:09 - 24:39) IC pivot 

(24:40 - 28:00) Volunteer mindset 

(28:01 - 30:53) Reflections and next steps

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with UMGC alumna and HR leader, Erika Lane to trace the path from East Baltimore beginnings to guiding people strategy at a major airline. Erika explains how she refused labels, chose the grind over complaints, and turned early customer service work into leadership by practicing empathy and composure.

She shares the mentors and sponsors who opened doors, why she runs her life like a project manager, and how inclusive leadership starts with relatability and service. Along the way she breaks down her ‘stay ready’ system, updated materials, active networking, and the family legacy that keeps her anchored as the goals move forward. Listen for lessons on resilience, ownership, and building community that apply in any industry.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Erika Lane, Human Resources leader, UMGC alumna

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 03:27) Origin Story

(03:28 - 07:46) First Job & Mentorship

(07:47 - 09:59) Sponsorship vs. Mentorship

(10:00 - 13:57) Staying Ready

(13:58 - 18:09) Work-Life Integration

(18:10 - 21:04) Back to School

(21:05 - 25:40) Leading with Empathy

(25:41 - 27:32) No Ceilings

(27:33 - 29:26) Texas Transition

(29:27 - 31:12) Future Plans

(31:13 - 34:16) Loving the Work

(34:17 - 36:13) Navigating "The Only"

(36:14 - 39:19) Owning Choices & Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, Pedro Diaz, Director of Language and Guest Services at Children’s National Hospital and proud UMGC alumnus, joins host Nathan James, to share his remarkable journey of compassion, connection, and leadership in healthcare. After recognizing the deep disconnect between non-English-speaking patients and the U.S. healthcare system, Diaz made it his mission to bridge that gap through empathy, cultural awareness, and trust.

He opens up about what it means to truly listen to learn rather than just listen to respond, and how taking the time to understand people’s needs and worries can transform care on every level. From leading multilingual initiatives to empowering others through education and teamwork, Diaz reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by titles, it’s a mindset built on influence, humility, and heart.

This inspiring conversation is a powerful reminder that in any career or stage of life, connection is the foundation of impact.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments for more unstoppable stories!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable  

Learn how you can support CNH at: https://www.childrensnational.org/make-a-difference 

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Pedro Diaz (Director of Language & Guest Services, Children’s National Hospital)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:02) Introduction

(01:03 - 06:16) The Backstory

(06:17 - 10:24) Igniting the Passion

(10:25 - 13:31) Helping vs Connecting

(13:32 - 15:03) Stories of Care

(15:04 - 16:34) Polylingual

(16:35 - 21:02) Journey Into Leadership

(21:03 - 24:26) Representation in Leadership

(24:27 - 27:00) Lesson Application

(27:01 - 30:52) Diaz’s Advice

(30:53 - 33:57) Everything Happens for a Reason

(33:58 - 36:20) How We Can Support

(36:21 - 36:56) Closing

On this week’s Unstoppable Stories, Lauren Cardillo connects with UMGC alumna, Ronnette Meyers. She shares her unstoppable journey from braiding hair with her grandma to building JLAN Solutions, LLC. and leaving a lasting impact in her community. Growing up in Germany as a military kid and later leaving her government job to work alongside her mom in back-office support, Ronnette learned the value of dedicated time, perseverance, and making the most of every opportunity. 

Along the way, she earned the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service, a recognition of her dedication to helping others. In this episode, she opens up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned from her upbringing and early work experiences, and how she continues to inspire and empower others through her entrepreneurial spirit, advocacy, and leadership. This conversation is full of practical advice and motivational insights for anyone looking to turn their passion into impact.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable

Connect With Ronnette Meyers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnette-meyers-jlan/ 

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Ronnette Meyers (CEO & President of JLAN Solutions, LLC. UMGC Alumnas)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:40) Introduction

(00:41 - 05:12) Instilling Entrepreneurship Early On

(05:13 - 08:07) Learning How To Climb

(08:08 - 10:36) Juggling Uncertainty

(10:37 - 13:06) A Single Point Of Failure

(13:07 - 14:53) The Room Where It Happens

(14:54 - 16:05) About JLAN Solutions

(16:06 - 18:30) Small Business Advocation

(18:31 - 21:05) A Voice To Power

(21:06 - 25:04) The Degree Journey

(25:05 - 30:08) The Child Rundown

(30:09 - 30:28) Shutdown Reality

(30:29 - 33:46) Where is the Future?

(33:47 - 34:57) Step Out On Faith

(34:58 - 35:47) Closing

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with producer, actor, author, retired Marine and UMGC alumnus, Dale Dye to trace the thread from Vietnam combat tours to Hollywood soundstages. Dale explains how a professor opened the door to writing, how a chance pitch led to three weeks in the jungle with 33 actors and why doing it right matters when stories shape how audiences see service and sacrifice. 

He breaks down staging D-Day for the film, Saving Private Ryan, as well as the lasting impact he’s made on other landmark film and television projects including Platoon, Band of Brothers, The Masters of Air and The Pacific. He details the boot camp method that forges ensembles, and the discipline that keeps egos in check to make all of this possible. Listen for lessons on tenacity, teamwork, and purpose that apply far beyond the set.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable  

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Dale Dye, Producer, Actor, Author, Retired Marine & UMGC Alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 02:23) Origins and storyteller drive

(02:24 - 06:40) UMGC discovery, mentors, serious reading

(06:41 - 08:19) First novel and momentum

(08:20 - 11:30) Why war films missed, fix from the inside

(11:31 - 15:14) Oliver Stone opening, Platoon boot camp

(15:15 - 19:26) Cultural impact, mission to honor service

(19:27 - 23:46) Values on screen, ensemble over individual

(23:47 - 29:00) Saving Private Ryan, D Day orchestration

(29:01 - 33:11) One take lessons, on camera work

(33:12 - 36:40) Masters of the Air, research method

(36:41 - 39:11) Projects and lessons, handling critique

(39:12 - 42:36) UMGC advantage, transition advice, close

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo is joined by Danielle Rowell, a Chief Information Security Officer with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and UMGC alumna. Danielle shares her story about how she went from being an events planner to becoming an executive within the cybersecurity industry, all while raising a family.

Danielle has worked hard in order to achieve where she is. She began without any experience or certifications for cybersecurity, but found a passion for the industry and did everything she needed to do in order to be a part of it. Danielle speaks about how her hard-working ethics lead her to where she is today, as well as what she believes it means to be a great leader. Make sure to tune in to hear her story about persistence and success!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Intro

00:51 Going from Communications to Cybersecurity

2:59 The Appeal of Cybersecurity

4:32 Finding Danielle’s first job in Cyber

6:06 Getting Certifications

7:02 Staying Motivated

7:54 Danielle Proving Herself to her Clients and Coworkers

8:58 Planning out Danielle’s Future Career

10:16 Danielle’s Life Working and Raising a Family

12:36 Switching Positions for Better Work/life Balance

13:41 Being in a Leadership Role

15:31 Advice to Others

16:32 Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

18:58 Surprising Things about Danielle's Position

21:01 Becoming a Life Coach and Mentor

23:20 When to Step Out of a Leadership Role

24:26 Goals for the Future

25:37 Danielle’s Mom’s Effect on her Growth

27:45 Mentors Throughout Danielle's Life

28:49 Working for a Large Organization

30:58 Tips on making it

31:55 Outro

In this powerful episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Zachry Flores; military veteran, UMGC alumnus, and current UMGC professor. Zach shares the raw realities of serving as a military police officer, both stateside and overseas, and opens up about his journey before, during, and after his time in uniform.

From childhood dreams of police work to unexpected deployments, Zach’s path was anything but predictable. Even after sustaining a brain injury in the line of duty, he pushed forward earning a bachelor’s in criminal justice, a minor in business, and an MBA from UMGC, where he now teaches. His passion for the military runs deep, and he’s devoted his life to supporting those who serve in mind, body, and spirit.

Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at what it really means to serve, and to keep showing up, no matter what.

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Connect with Zachry on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachry-flores-mba-23b1b5ab/ 

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Zachry Flores (Military Veteran, UMGC Alumnus, UMGC Professor)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:47) Intro

(00:48 - 02:24) Zach’s Beginnings

(02:25 - 05:12) Military Life

(05:13 - 07:36) Iraq and Afghanistan

(07:37 - 12:51) A Memorable Day in the Life

(12:52 - 14:29) The People Being Taught

(14:30 - 18:09) Zach’s Brain Injury

(18:10 - 20:36) The After Care

(20:37 - 22:03) Daily Challenges

(22:04 - 23:23) Coping Mechanisms

(23:24 - 27:00) The College Journey

(27:01 - 30:11) Day to Day

(30:12 - 33:46) The Student in Me

(33:47 - 34:27) In the Office

(34:28 - 35:45) Graduation

(35:46 - 38:49) The Defining Feature

(38:50 - 39:38) What’s the future?

(39:39 - 40:17) Closing