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Through Federal Career Connection (FCC), a committed group of public servants, workforce development specialists, hiring managers, teachers, and other community members teamed up to assist those who hope to find their professional calling in public, national, military, or other federal services.
This effort was especially important during the nation's difficult period of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Through their labor of love and compassion, they provided job seekers with the best federal employment resources that fit their needs.
These exceptional individuals serve as living examples of what it means to be community servants and those in government serving citizens. Their combined experience and tacit knowledge in workforce development and human resources offered job seekers invaluable advice and tactics for looking for and applying to fulfilling jobs within the federal government.
The achievements described below illustrate their enormous impact on helping individuals discover their career calling in federal, military, public, or other services.
Founded by Alex Harrington in 2011, FCC started as a community service project. He designed this project originally to meet the Global Career Development Facilitator program's credentialing requirements. He called it Federal Career Connection, and it offered facilitator-led workshops that provided job searchers with the knowledge to effectively navigate the intricacies of looking for, applying, and interviewing for positions in the federal government. These sessions included improving employability skills, creating strong applications for federal jobs, and making the most of the USAJOBS website.
In 2012, with the help of committed volunteers, Alex incorporated FCC into the outreach job ministry program Career Network Ministry. Under FCC, Alex held many workshops that benefited many people in honing their federal job search tactics.
In early 2019, Alex faced a significant health challenge and had to step back on his role in leading the workshops due to cancer treatment. Remarkably, a committed group of volunteers took over and continued the valuable work he had started. By 2021, FCC had transformed into a non-profit educational organization that offered those in career transition the best advice and methods for seeking and pursuing rewarding jobs in the military, public, and national services.
Today, this website serves the mission of Federal Career Connection, which is to enable job searchers by giving them thorough information and useful resources to negotiate the federal employment market successfully.
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Alex has a passion to help individuals in career/vocational transition. He is a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), as well as a member with the National Career Development Association. His passion for community service led him to turn Federal Career Connection, Inc. into an educational non-profit organized to provide individuals in career transition with the best insights on how to search and apply for fulfilling careers in public, national, and military service. Alex also spearheaded the development of the Richland County Young Marines and an internship program between the U.S. Army and three universities in Seoul, South Korea. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War.
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Dr. Jacqueline Charles is a federal government employee with over 23 years of experience supporting multiple Department of Defense acquisition and sustainment programs. Currently, she supports the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Charles serves as a Product Support Manager responsible for life cycle management of software and hardware tools to support mission data file production to meet Warfighter capability needs in the Combat Data Systems Program Office.
Dr. Charles earned her PhD in Education with a specialization in Leadership for Higher Education in March 2020 from Capella University. Her dissertation was titled Leadership of College Presidents from Private and Nonprofit Sectors: A Qualitative Study. She also completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in College Teaching in 2017 and MBA with a specialization in Global Operations and Supply Chain Management in July 2012 from her alma mater. Dr. Charles holds certifications in Life Cycle Logistics and Program Management from the Defense Acquisition University. She is also a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and is currently working toward her PMP certification.
Dr. Charles is a former military spouse of an Air Force veteran of 22 years of service. She and her family were stationed at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, and McGuire AFB, New Jersey. Dr. Charles has been married over 25 years and have two adult children, ages 28 and 19.
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Lora recently joined Medallia as a Principal, Customer Experience Advisor for the Public Sector practice, providing thought leadership and strategies in operationalizing customer experience programs.
Lora’s career in Public Service expands across both Federal and State Government, including four Presidential Administrations. She has served in various mission-critical roles at four Federal Agencies (GSA, DHS, Dept. of Education, and DOJ).
She is a government expert with lots of experience in public administration, workforce transformation, federal HR recruitment, and leadership development. With colleagues at OPM, OMB, and GSA, she’s supported different working groups in the Federal Government over the years: Making Government Cool Again, Hiring Reform Initiatives, IT Modernization and Category Management, and Cap Goal 4 Customer Experience.
(2019-2020), the Presidential Management Fellows Program (2006-2008), and has served with Federal Career Connection, Conversations about Leading, and Young Government Leaders. She obtained a Master of Public Administration from Robert F. Wagner School of New York University, focusing in Public and Non-Profit Management, and she attended Roanoke College, earning a bachelor's in political science and International Relations.
Nathalia Galan is a Colombian native and bilingual professional with 7+ years of experience in digital platforms, project management, multimedia, web technology, social work, and communications across diverse industries such as non-profits, education, software businesses, and TV channels.
She has worked as a web and multimedia specialist at BrightFocus Foundation, a digital media and marketing manager at Dexon Software, a communications intern at America's Promise Alliance, and a peer educator coordinator at Montgomery College. She empowers and supports communities and works as a tenant outreach and education coordinator at the Spanish-speaking Community of MD. Nathalia executes case management activities and the Speaking Community of MD. Nathalia executes case management activities, establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with community-based organizations, schools, and courthouses to guarantee several families' well-being.
Nathalia has a master's degree in information systems from Strayer University, an associate's degree in digital media and Web Technology from Montgomery College, and a bachelor's degree in Audiovisual and Multimedia Communications from University Politecnico Grancolombiano in Bogota, Colombia. She enjoys doing exercise and spending time with her family.
Creative, driven, and educated professional with 20 years of experience in the education, workforce development, and nonprofits sectors. After graduating the University of South Florida with a degree in Spanish, Literature, and Latin American Studies in that late 90’s, Sal devoted his professional journey into what drives him the most – a passion for helping people be better through information sharing, engagement, demystifying systems, research & data, academic and career counseling, and a strategic approach at formulating plans to achieve success.
Born in Mexico, and raised in Tampa Bay, Florida, his values of hard work, dedication, gut and grit, were rooted from his family being migrant farm workers. It was these moments of reflection that have further pushed him to combine vision, imagination, and leadership to support the mission of organizations.
Sal comes with a strong background in higher education access and workforce development. He has facilitated appropriate assessments and interventions required to assist people to identify a career path according to desired major or plan of study through academic advising while auditing their records and notifying working to find solutions with their transcripts, credits, registration, pre-requisites, and tests.
As a Employment Training Specialist for the City of Alexandria he has led the development of career readiness training curriculum that featured 22 different modules of job and soft skills, which include: resume writing, job search skills, networking in-person and online, navigating the virtual career fair, transferable skills, and more. The trainings were implemented to increase career readiness skills for diverse customers both in person and virtually through different platforms.
Additionally, in order to increase the awareness of the delivery of services he has supported initiatives through social media channels, like YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, by creating content in both English and Spanish using video wordsmithing and editing, photography, calendaring, graphics, on-line databases, response to comments, and translation.
Dr. Brandy Hill is a versatile and highly dynamic executive with an impressive background in educational development, technical assistance, and learning policy formulation. She has a successful track record of establishing and driving forward-thinking programs that support community outreach initiatives and propel educational excellence. With expertise in conducting periodic reviews of programs and projects for key stakeholders, Dr. Hill excels at coordinating and facilitating the implementation of institutional capacity-strengthening activities and modernizing regulatory and policy creation procedures.
With a comprehensive history of supporting executives in mobilizing change management educational reforms, Dr. Hill is an expert in areas such as institutional strengthening, education development, program evaluation, staff direction and supervision, budgeting, and forecasting, change management, curriculum development, event management, and process improvement.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Hill has accomplished numerous feats, including supporting over 45,000 members across 175 sites with 250 asset installations worth $80M, and backing various military and government organizations through the implementation of training programs, policy implementation plans, and portfolio management strategies.
Dr. Hill has held various roles, including Business Development –Capture Manager & Director of Training & Curriculum at OWT Global LLC, Health Educator Consultant at the Florida Department of Health - Okaloosa County Health Department, and culminated her 25-year U.S. Air Force career as an Airmen Development Advisor at Shaw Air Force Base. She has also served as the CEO of South Carolina Run for the Fallen and held various positions in the United States Air Force.
Dr. Hill holds a Doctor of Public Health from Walden University, a Master of Science in Public Health from Purdue University, a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science from Kaplan University, and an Associate of Science in Supply Chain Management from the Community College of the Air Force. She also holds certifications and licenses such as Master Resiliency Trainer, Professional Manager Certification, CDC Certified Diabetes Prevention Program Life-Style Coach, Federal Aviation Administration - Part 107 Pilot License/Luftfahrt-Bundesamt EU UAS License, Shipley Certified Business Development Professional, and Human-Centered Design.
Juliett “Jules” McPhaul-Stephan is a Management and Program Analyst with over 15 years of federal experience. Jules, who is dubbed as the “Fixer”, enjoys taking the most complex challenges or situations and turning them into the most unexpected, enduring solutions.
Jules holds a Master’s in Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix and has her Lean Six Sigma Green in Government as well as her Project Management Qualification from the Management and Strategy Institute. Jules is truly passionate about public service and thrives on providing service to others.
Valerie worked 32 years for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in public affairs. During her federal career, Valerie gained skills and experience in management and leadership development. She served as an internal federal coach for six years and has acquired over 500 hours of individual coaching with clients in a variety of Federal Departments including HHS, HUD, IRS, EPA, State, PeaceCorps, DoD, NOAA, and DOL.
Valerie is an Associate Certified Coach and a 2017 graduate of the Federal Internal Coach TrainingProgram (FICTP). Valerie served as a support coach to the FICTP in 2018 and to the Treasury Executive Institute/IRS Coach Training Program in 2021, where she provided guidance, mentoring, and support to the cohort of students. Valerie has served as a group coach for the Federal Presidential Management Fellows program. She has served as a coach for students in leadership development programs at the Administration for Children and Families, the Substance and Mental Health Administration (HHS), the Veteran’s Administration, and NOAA.
Valerie’s experience is coaching mid-level managers on topics such as how to achieve professional andcareer goals, facilitate professional transitions, solve individual leadership challenges, organize and prioritize professional responsibilities, and understand 360 assessment results.
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Malis Rasmussen is a Deputy Director and Chief Financial Examiner of the Financial Regulation & Licensing Division of the Utah Insurance Department. As Deputy Director and Chief Financial Examiner, Ms. Rasmussen is responsible for the solvency and examination oversight of Utah domiciled life, health, and property & casualty insurance companies, in order to ensure the companies’ current and future financial obligations to Utah and national policyholders are met.
Ms. Rasmussen is also a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Metrics Alliance, a firm that specializes in operational streamline, business strategy review, corporate governance review, risks and risks mitigation strategies review, enterprise risk management, Owned Risk and Solvency Assessment, customer service improvement, business continuity review, cybersecurity review, bookkeeping, etc. She currently holds the Certified Financial Examiner designation from the Society of Financial Examiners (SOFE), and Senior Professional in Insurance Regulation designation from the National Association of the Insurance Commissioners.
Ms. Rasmussen hold a Master’s in Accounting and is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honors Society. For the past ten years, Ms. Rasmussen has been serving on the Audit/Supervisory Committee of Utah First Federal Credit Union. She is also a member of the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee, and Co-Chair of the Nomination Committee of SOFE. In addition, Ms. Rasmussen is currently serving as a Board member and Treasurer of the IASA Organization (Utah Chapter), and an incoming Member-at-Large of the Board of Directors of Camp Hobé.
In 2020, under the leadership of Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Ms. Rasmussen was awarded with the Governor’s Award for Excellence for Innovation and Efficiency, in recognition of her innovative and efficient business model and leadership approach, in addition to her outstanding public service and achievement that display dedication to the citizens of Utah. In 2022, Ms. Rasmussen’s leadership and accomplishments was recognized and honored at the 4th Annual Gala, a Celebration of Empowerment and Excellence Global Awards, honoring successful individuals, businesses, communities, and professionals.
Ms. Rasmussen devotes her free time to her family, and various charity projects, which aim to improve the lives of children and struggling families in Cambodia.
Throughout her career, Julie has been a catalyst for data quality, accountability, and process improvement throughout the Human Resources enterprise with subject matter expertise in areas to include staffing, recruitment and placement, compensation, classification, position management, leadership and employee development and training across a variety of pay systems, authorities, and organizations. Embodying the values of countless leaders and mentors, Julie serves in every role with the goal to add value not only to her clients but back into the HR community. She is an avid reader; a world-traveler; enjoys running and physical training; and building the future of tomorrow by volunteering with middle schoolers in her community.
James Steele uses his skills as a communication professional and educator for many communities. A full-time instructor with Northern Virginia Community College, he educates students in subjects such as public speaking, introduction to communication, and intercultural communication. Previously, he served as full-time faculty with the Communication Department at George Mason University.Working with the Center for International Student Access, he developed an adapted public speaking curriculum for undergraduate international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency skills. He served as the liaison to and primary communication instructor for the INTO Mason program for six years.
Additionally, he serves as the Assistant Director of Communications for Federal Career Connection, Inc. An all-volunteer, educational non-profit, FCC’s mission is to educate federal jobseekers on applying for a federal career and help current employees mature in their careers. He and his team oversee the internal and external communication activities for the organization. He also serves as the Assistant Director of CNM Live for Career Network Ministry. One of the largest job search ministries on the east coast, CNM offers online and in-person resources to help job seekers in time of transition and career development resources for people seeking to grow professionally. He and his team of fellow volunteers oversee the delivery of the in-person events for CNM which include networking opportunities, job seeker assistance, and special speakers.
He holds a Master of Arts in Communication from George Mason University. While pursuing his graduate studies, he completed a thesis which was based on examining the processing of breast cancer messages based on different source perceptions. He has presented papers and professional posters at the conventions for the Interdisciplinary Network for Group Research, the DC Health Communication Conference, the Eastern Communication Association, and the National Communication Association. He served as the Social Media Manager for the DC Health Communication Conference for three years. With over a decade of experience in a variety of areas, he enjoys using his expertise to help people and organizations achieve their communication goals.
Dr. Joi Brown, a Career Strategist, Life Coach, International Bestselling Author, Empowerment Speaker, and Entrepreneur known as the “Positive Energizer.”
Dr. Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of 3EEE Consulting, where she continues to educate, equip, and empower people through coaching, conversations, and workshops in career and entrepreneur development, conflict resolution, goal setting, health and wellness, leadership development, and personal and professional branding. She has over 25 years of demonstrated human resource development and management expertise in developing and executing human capital programs that achieved organizational success. Dr. Brown is living her dream as the HR Director within the Federal Government.
Dr. Brown shares empowering messages as an author of three anthologies, Passion Purpose Peace: The Pathway through Trials and Tribulations, Step Into Leadership Greatness: Leadership Is Not A Title, and Silhouettes of Strategies From Authentic Coaches For Mind, Body, and Soul. As an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, she provides strategies globally on how to be prepared and positioned for life’s next opportunity. Dr. Brown is recognized in Brainz 500 Global Awards 2021 and 2022 for entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to empowering others.
She empowers audiences to believe in their greatness and walk in their purpose and is one of the most sought-after names for podcasts and shows. She has been featured in magazines such as Tap-In, VIP Global, Women of Dignity, My Sisters Keeper, K.I.S.H., UP Words, Making Headline News, Women Who Win, and Phoenix Fitness Magazine. Dr. Brown has also been recognized as a Phenomenal Women of 2023, International Women’s Day Woman of the Year for 2023, Top 20 Business Coach, Top 25 Most Inspiring Woman, Top 25 of Global Influencers, Speaker of the Day, Top 50 of Unstoppable Women Innovators in Business, Top 20 Christian Coach, and Top 50 Pioneers of Change.
Dr. Brown is walking in her purpose to educate, equip, and empower people to their greatness.
Christine (Chris) Westbrook is a talent-development leader who guides individuals and organizations to achieve maximum performance through high-impact, strategic personal and organizational change.
Chris currently facilitates leadership, management, and professional skills training for public, private, and nonprofit audiences. She also consults and provides career counseling services through a variety of nonprofits. She serves as Curriculum Director for the Federal Career Connection, Inc.
Ms. Westbrook served in three directorates of the Central Intelligence Agency as an intelligence analyst, manager, and talent leader. She served last as Deputy Director of CIA’s premier foreign-language school. Prior to this, she served on the CIA Director’s team to create a Talent Center of Excellence to hire, develop, and oversee management of CIA’s workforce. For her last nine years at CIA, Ms. Westbrook also created and facilitated leadership and management training, with a focus on change leadership. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Ms. Westbrook recruited a new generation of analysts for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Chris received her BA in Government from The College of William and Mary. She earned a Master’s degree in Political Science and a second Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University.
Krystle Cluen is a national security professional and policy analyst working at the Department of Defense. Prior to her work at the Department of Defense, Ms. Cluen worked as a policy analyst at Brownstein Hyatt, BGR Group, and U.S Congress. Ms. Cluen has s B.A. from Vanderbilt University and is currently pursuing her Masters of Art in Security Studies from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. In addition to her work with FCC, Inc. / CNM, she is involved in INSA, WIIS, YPFP, and is a member of the Junior League of Washington.
Katherine "KC" Coffman is a certified executive coach and the visionary behind Coffman Coaching LLC, where she empowers federal female executives and leaders to achieve their career aspirations. With over three decades of public service experience, KC's true passion lies in helping female executives thrive in their leadership roles and reach their utmost potential.
As a retired federal C-Suite executive, KC's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service. Her remarkable career path, which commenced as a GS-03 clerk-typist in 1981 and culminated in 2009 to serve nine years in the Senior Executive Career Service. Throughout her distinguished tenure, she held pivotal leadership positions, including serving as the Chief Human Capital Officer for the Internal Revenue Service and as Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources Management, for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Her contributions also extended to the Department of the Navy and the Defense Intelligence Agency.
With a unique perspective shaped by her own journey, KC intimately understands the challenges and aspirations of federal executives. Her experience includes 11 years of overseas assignments and leadership of comprehensive human resources and leadership development programs for large federal organizations. She has also served as a Human Resources Director in both the competitive and excepted service. As a military spouse of over 45 years, she comprehends the nuances of a federal career and is wholeheartedly committed to supporting federal executives and leaders on their path to success.
KC's commitment to advancing women's careers is evident through her coaching of over 200 women executives and leaders, guiding them to surmount challenges and realize their visions of success. She has played a pivotal role as a core guide for Chief, facilitating core groups of C-suite women within this rapidly growing woman’s executive community.
Beyond her professional pursuits, KC finds immense joy in being the proud mother of two exceptional adults, a devoted mother-in-law, and a doting grandmother to three remarkable individuals. Above all, KC cherishes the adventures she embarks on with her husband during their travels.
Describing herself as a “human connector," Maura has a decade of social impact-focused public affairs and communications experience. She introduces mission-driven people and brands to the tools, resources, and people they need to be successful. Her background includes delivering high-level, measurable public affairs success, while overseeing policy and human resource communications and programming – namely diversity, equity, and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, learning and development. She has served as communications advisor for Ambassadors and Fortune 100 C-Suite executives; written for one of the former Presidents of the United States; and managed public affairs teams through internationally publicized crises.
Tony possesses a unique combination of education and direct experience in the areas of assuring that initiatives, plans, goals, and policies are consistent with established Agency/Company-wide goals and reflect a pro-growth potential. Proactive, persuasive, and energetic personality with years of overall operational supervision, management and program management nationally and internationally between Federal Government and the Private Sector as a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Successful hands-on business operations and management experience in strategic planning, educational training, program/project management and operational leadership, includes a successful career exhibited in liaison and executive management experience with the Federal Government and the Private Sector.
Ms. Angela Freeman is an experienced Human Resources professional having served more than 25 years in progressively responsible senior management positions in the Federal government and several HR leadership positions in the private sector. She has served in Senior Executive Service positions directing the full range of human capital management programs and has had the unique opportunity to serve as a HR expert for each branch of Federal service managing and developing diverse staffs and building team-oriented workplace cultures, leading strategic human resource management programs and resources to maximize proficiency and improve program effectiveness while supporting the agency mission.
She holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Marymount University and professional certifications from the National Career Development Association (Certified Master of Career Services), the University of South Florida, (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), and the Society for Human Resources Management (Senior Professional in HR).
Bibi is an IT Professional with over fifteen years of experience managing Service Desk Management, Vendors, IT Operations and Security Operations. Performance focused, results-driven and highly organized with extensive experience in all facets of Information Technology globally, focusing on Innovation, Strategy and Data Analytics. Able to expertly guide and improve processes, drive efficiencies, achieve goals, lead teams, and solve complex problems. Built mentoring and training programs that nurtured employees' mindset and were rolled out across departments.
Certified Professional Emergency Manager with more than 7 years of progressive, documented success. Skilled at delivering comprehensive emergency management and homeland security programs supporting the organization’s strategic goals and priorities. Compelling record in gathering and researching various issues to develop well-thought-out recommendations, with an outstanding ability to implement them within delegated authority. Documented success in strategizing the best solutions to solve problems, identifying training needs for others, developing and administering various programs, and building performance teams. Regarded in ability to establish priorities, multitask, meet time-sensitive deadlines and work independently or with a team to achieve goals. Excellent communicator and negotiator possessing the skills and aptitude to excel in results-driven environments, providing leadership and mentorship in a professional manner.
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Bob Korzeniewski had a 25+ year career in high tech as a finance executive. Previously VP of Finance for SAIC, CFO of Network Solutions and EVP of Corporate Development for VeriSign. Bob transitioned (retired) from the corporate world 13 years ago and has been focused 100% on the non-profit sector with a primary focus of leading the amazing team at CNM. Bob has had over 5,000 one-on-one coffee meetings in the last 10 years and enjoys providing advice around all aspects of the transition process – with a particular focus on networking and interviewing.
Co-Founder of Your Next Jump, a SBA 8(a) certified company providing human resources, professional branding, and career coaching services.
Co-Founder of Your Next Story, a non-profit partnering with local justice systems, corporations, and volunteers to help the formerly incarcerated, along with their families, to rewrite their own narrative by assisting them in their transition to find meaningful employment.
Deliver on schedule, on or under budget, operation management with ability to build winning partnerships that produce revenues and/or increase awareness of campaigns.
Sales and marketing leader specializing in the design and execution of strategic business and community partnerships. Proven ability to exceed aggressive revenue, and renewal targets, with attention to new business development as well as account service and stewardship.
Passionate about preserving and protecting our environment for future generations. Recently, joined the Board at EcoAction Arlington and excited to contribute to their goals.
Stephanie Soza Marsh has 30 years of experience helpingfederal government agencies and private companies optimize their performanceand managing teams. After 17 years of working as a Management Consultant in theDMV Stephanie found her organizational home at the Department of HomelandSecurity (DHS). Stephanie currently serves DHS Customs & Border Protection(CBP) as a member of their Enterprise Services Portfolio Management Team thatguides many of the Mission Support Offices through the annual Planning, Programming,Budgeting, and Accountability/Performance Management-Measurement (PPBA) Processwhich includes leading and supporting Portfolio Management activities for manyof the Mission support Offices within CBP.
Stephanie started her time with DHS CBP in 2005 as aPerformance Management Analyst and has held positions to include, Branch Chief,Associate Director and Director, and spent 18 months at DHS Headquarters whereshe served as the Human Capital Strategy Branch Chief.
Throughout her career Stephanie has led organizationsthrough the process of identifying their pain points and weaknesses, designedand developed plans for improvement, and worked with organizations to achievetheir desired end state and goals. Stephanie provides expertise inprogram/project management, strategic planning, performance measurement, changemanagement, ISO9000, CMMI, and leading teams and organizations through change.
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistryfrom Randolph Macon College, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) fromVirginia Tech, a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, and is agraduate from the DHS Customs & Border Protection (CBP) LeadershipInstitute (LI).
Outside work, Steph enjoys giving back to the communitythrough volunteering on local non-profit Boards and with a variety ofnon-profit organizations to include: Northern Virginia Therapeutic RidingProgram (NVTRP)/Cloverleaf, Jill’s House, CrossLink, she is a member of theCapital Speakers Club, and Federal Career Connections (FCC). Stephanie lives inNorthern Virginia with her husband and 2 sons, and enjoys spending time withthem outdoors, practicing yoga, and gardening.
Michael Mau is the President of M2 Consulting & Advising and a 2022 candidate for the City Council. He currently provides partnership development and strategic planning guidance to organizations. Michael has worked within the private, public, and nonprofit sectors and has extensive experience within the areas of Program Development, Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, and Community Outreach. He retired from the Central Intelligence Agency as an Executive Staff Officer with over 27 years of service and is a US Air Force veteran. Michael serves on two Boards, volunteers as a mentor, reviews scholarship applications for a variety of diversity organizations, and is active within his community.
Victoria has a passion to positively influence, engage, and motivate others. She began her Federal career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2009 as a student in the Student Educational Employment Program. She works for CBP’s Office of Human Resources Management Processing and Servicing Center where she serves as an Administrative Officer. Victoria is a highly qualified Human Resources professional providing support in multiple areas of internal operations. She is a subject matter expert in creating strategic options for new Human Resources programs/training and career development. She is detail-oriented and a team player with great analytical, administrative, planning and organizational skills. Victoria is confident in managing various programs and is a capable and reliable leader.
She has a Master of Business Administration in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and an undergraduate degree in Merchandise and Marketing from Indiana University. She has received recognition and numerous acknowledgments for her work in Human Resources and has served on various work groups for process improvements, career development and training, employee engagement, and new employee orientation programs. Victoria is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, traveling, and serving at her church. All in all, she believes in simplicity by focusing on what’s important to ensure a desirable outcome.
One quote she lives by, “Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.”- John C. Maxwell
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Ivy Oyegun has spent over 10 years as a public health Epidemiologist serving in private, federal, and state service and most recently leading special projects to address the COVID-19 response.
Pulling from her experience in cross-sector collaboration and working across ideological and geographical boundaries to address health challenges, she provides her expertise in developing and managing partnerships (with Apple, Google, and CDC’s technology office) and infrastructure to improve disease management efforts and reduce the burden on national health systems. She collaborated with CDC’s respiratory disease unit to maintain a national platform used by over 99 US counties for early detection of COVID-19 cases. She also worked with US State and Local Territories to track COVID-19 management strategies among K-12 schools. Results from this surveillance were used by 245 school districts to identify successful school interventions for wide-spread adoption. She has also been invited as guest lecturer at Georgia State University’s Organizational Transitions Course.
Ms. Oyegun’s devotion to public service is evident through her various public service functions including serving as the Vice President of the International Students Organization at Boston University, where she partnered with colleagues at Harvard University to co-sponsor a fundraiser to support children born to mothers with HIV in Uganda. She also led a community project that promoted careers in public service among students to increase graduation rates and awareness of public health service opportunities for minority groups.
For the past six years, Ms. Oyegun has served as a volunteer with the United Way NGO, delivering food and other essentials to those in need. She has received accolades for her service including Outstanding Leadership, Outstanding Performance and Exceptional commitment to teamwork for program evaluation (CDC), and for her work with the Hosea Feed the Hungry organization. She is a National Institutes of Health Diversity Supplement Grant recipient, and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Her collaboration on national program evaluation was also highlighted at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ms. Oyegun holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a Masters in Public Health practice (MPH). She enjoys reading and connecting to people through travel, and one of her oft-used quotes is “Everything in moderation, including moderation itself”.
After working a total of 41 years Bob Plummer is twice retired, first from the US Army in 1998 as a Lieutenant Colonel, and then from IBM in 2017 where he was a Senior Program Manager. In Bob’s current season of being in retirement, rather than holding onto past accomplishments and titles, his passion is to care for, serve and invest in others. He serves with the Career Network Ministry providing job search consultation to people in a career transition. He also serves as a responder to Disaster Relief & Rebuild efforts by providing help & hope to families & communities beset by crisis, and natural & man-made calamities. In his former season of life in the private-sector, his passion was to work with and drive organizations to achieve major transformational improvement opportunities – having them imagine a bright future beyond the range of their horizon, so that they could develop & convert concepts-for-change (strategic, technical, process, organizational) from the abstract of thoughts & ideas to concrete solutions that matter, add value, and are real. His professional experience included the successful management, execution, and delivery of a broad range of strategic, organizational, process and technical solutions in support of customer needs across multiple Federal civilian agencies and in support of the military services. Bob is filled with gratitude to those who invested in him throughout his life.
Joiel’s career spans higher education to healthcare and non-profit philanthropy and is marked by executive experience in sponsor partnerships, corporate key relationships, community engagement, marketing communications, and strategic leadership. Previous leadership roles held by Joiel include Senior Vice President for Key Relationships and Transformational Giving at Covenant House International, to Centene Corporation, a large multi-line managed care company, WellCare Health Plans, and the State University of New York system administration, the largest public university system in the USA. As Assistant Vice Chancellor of Public Relations, Joiel led oversight of enrollment processes resulting in access policies and programmatic enhancements impacting more than 400,000 students, domestic and international.
At WellCare Health Plans, Ms. Ray-Alexander advanced the healthcare company brand image as the lead for marketing communications for the New York market, and three regions across the country including advertising efforts and sponsorships. At WellCare, Joiel led the city-wide tribute recognition event honoring 46 NYPD Community Engagement Officers including a donation presentation for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Joiel received the Excellence in State Service award from the New York State Office of the Governor and the Visions for Life award by the NAACP as a visionary and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all. Joiel is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Brockport and earned the Master’s in Science, Strategic Marketing Communications from The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University and is certified in Thoughtful Leadership Coaching, The Gabelli School of Business. Joiel is guided by her Faith and love of God; is extremely proud of her 39 years of marriage, their three adult children and the family dog, Samba.
Debbie is passionate about helping people find jobs. She is Program Manager and Administrative Coordinator for Career Network Ministry (CNM) overseeing all operational aspects of the organization including scheduling 3,000 workshops, managing 380 volunteers, connecting hundreds of jobseekers to resources, developing strategic plans, designing, and creating all outreach materials and social media. You name it – she does it! Debbie has worked with FCC Inc. previously in conjunction with their partnership with CNM.
Debbie has had a successful career in public education both as a theatre teacher and founding faculty member for a magnet high school for the performing arts as well as an instructor at Auburn University in her hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. After moving to the DMV area, she became a certified Master Trainer and Instructional Designer developing and delivering training to Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Debbie has experience in theatre, radio, and television.
Ms. Rice has always had a passion for education and assisting others with their development. As a former Special Education and General Education teacher of 5 years, Ms. Rice has used her time to increase her knowledge of technology and the tools students and teachers need to thrive in this ever-changing world. She taught in low-income districts as Title 1 schools using her skills to bring students the education they deserve. Ms. Rice has also worked for a program to help bring tools and resources to teachers across North America to aid in building teacher capacity.
With a Master of Education degree in Learning, Cognition and Development from Rutgers University, she is a passionate and skilled learning and development professional. She has been leading and managing multiple learning projects at HCLTech since September 2023, ensuring a smooth and effective learning experience for our clients and learners.
Gail is a custom support specialist and project manager. She has worn many hats from providing top-notch customer service within a training department to providing technical support to users in the hospitality field, to creating schedules for trainers who all did not teach the same subject across multiple locations. She is service oriented and enjoys helping people.
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Renee Small is a talent acquisition and executive recruitment expert who is passionate about building best-in-class cybersecurity teams. In 2017, Renee received the Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year.
She is a #1 Amazon best-selling author of Magnetic Hiring, a contributing editor to several cybersecurity magazines, and she co-hosts a podcast called “Breaking into Cybersecurity.” She is currently working on her second book focused on how top cyber leaders upskill and reskill talent.
As the founder and CEO of Cyber Human Capital, she brings a uniquely powerful background of almost 20 years of experience in both human resources and cybersecurity to her clients. Her direct experience with both fields gives her valuable insight into the challenges that companies face in attracting and retaining top cybersecurity talent. A consummate HR professional, Renee has worked across all disciplines in the field. She has made significant contributions at Fortune 500 companies including Freddie Mac, Verizon, Charter Communications, AXA Equitable, and Citigroup’s Investment Bank.
Renee’s business acumen and understanding of the increasing sensitivity surrounding confidential information naturally led her to work in the field of cybersecurity within Freddie Mac. In her role as Cybersecurity Program Manager, Renee was charged with strategic direction of internal security projects, management of cross-functional teams, task force creation, threat risk analysis and more. She holds a BS in Information Systems from Stern School of Business at New York University and holds an ITPM Certification. Renee currently blends her knowledge of the complete HR life cycle with a hands-on knowledge of the challenges facing the cybersecurity industry today, to bring concrete solutions to her clients.
She holds a BS in Information Systems from Stern School of Business at New York University and holds an ITPM Certification. She lives in McLean, VA with her husband and three children.
Nathan Smith has coached dozens of job applicants through the Federal job application and interview processes to help them land their Federal job, and he’d like to share his ideas and methods with others. Nathan has worked for the Federal Government for over 20 years, and served as a hiring manager and in hiring roles for the last 10 years. He has been with the General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service for the bulk of his career, working in offices in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. His roles within the agency have varied greatly: from Environmental Protection Specialist to the national Director of Fire, Safety, and Environmental programs; from Real Estate Portfolio Manager to the national Director of Portfolio Analysis. Through these roles he has learned how to work with Human Resources and the Federal hiring process to build teams that require wide ranges of expertise. He has hired engineers, data analysts, financial analysts, industrial hygienists, and many other roles. Nathan has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Finance and Economics, and he volunteers as Chair of the Board for the GSA Federal Credit Union. All of his free time is spent in Northern Virginia with his wife and five children.
Senior Executive with expansive 30-year career working across multiple agencies within Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Department of Justice and Department of Veterans Affairs. With a strong background in EEO, Diversity & Inclusion and Human Development, she is currently executing business operations for a large component. She is skilled in Coaching, Career Development, Conflict Resolution, Team Building, Public Speaking and Business Operations.
Rachel Weaver serves as the human capital advisor within the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Human Resources Management, Talent Management Directorate, Business Operations Unit. In this role, Rachel oversees business operations related to human capital programs, advises leadership on human capital matters, administers budgetary relations of talent and position management, and manages a diverse portfolio of human capital initiatives in support of the Human Resources Management mission. Prior to joining CBP, Rachel held several business development, human capital and project management positions. Most recently, she served as management analyst for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Office of Translational Alliances and Coordination (OTAC) to facilitate in the development of small businesses under the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. She built successful cross-functional relationships and advised leadership on business processes. As a Change Agent, Rachel implemented process improvement of human capital, scientific, and administrative programs; including engineering innovative transformation of NHLBI’s collaborative system to develop the NHLBI Extramural Platform.
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