So you told me before about how, like, you decided to hang up the coaching hat.
 2
00:00:05.739 --> 00:00:06.840 What was that like?
 3
00:00:06.840 --> 00:00:08.942 Like what was your headspace at the time?
 4
00:00:08.942 --> 00:00:12.946 It was very hard to say goodbye to a sport that I had known since I was literally,
 5
00:00:12.946 --> 00:00:13.947 like, six years old.
 6
00:00:13.947 --> 00:00:16.916 I played multiple sports in high school and, like, growing up,
 7
00:00:16.916 --> 00:00:19.319 which is one of the great things that my parents afforded me.
 8
00:00:19.319 --> 00:00:20.987 But basketball was the sport
 9
00:00:20.987 --> 00:00:23.990 I kind of latched on to that I ended up being the better at.
 10
00:00:24.257 --> 00:00:27.761 And there was a bit of a mourning period just because it's a sport
 11
00:00:27.761 --> 00:00:29.763 that got me to college.
 12
00:00:29.763 --> 00:00:32.899 It's a sport that got me to travel in the summer
 13
00:00:32.899 --> 00:00:35.769 to play AAU basketball, all those types of things.
 14
00:00:35.769 --> 00:00:38.938 So I got to experience so many different things through basketball.
 15
00:00:39.005 --> 00:00:42.675 To all then say goodbye to something that was a huge part of my life.
 16
00:00:42.675 --> 00:00:43.743 It was very, very hard.
 17
00:00:43.743 --> 00:00:48.081 I think I always kind of tuned in to say, well, how can I still use
 18
00:00:48.081 --> 00:00:51.217 the skill set that I had in coaching in maybe a new avenue?
 19
00:00:51.217 --> 00:00:53.887 So what I did initially is I said, okay, well,
 20
00:00:53.887 --> 00:00:55.688 then how can I make myself a better teacher?
 21
00:00:55.688 --> 00:00:58.958 And take the things that I've learned from coaching and bring that stuff
 22
00:00:58.958 --> 00:01:02.095 from the court situation into a classroom space
 23
00:01:02.095 --> 00:01:05.098 to make my classroom feel like a family or a community
 24
00:01:05.298 --> 00:01:08.468 so that my kids feel welcome because my players always felt welcome.
 25
00:01:08.468 --> 00:01:10.203 They felt welcome to come tell me anything.
 26
00:01:10.203 --> 00:01:12.038 But I wanted my students to feel the same way
 27
00:01:12.038 --> 00:01:15.241 that they didn't see this as just a class that they were just taking with me.
 28
00:01:15.241 --> 00:01:18.378 But this was something that I want to see you be successful in life.
 29
00:01:18.378 --> 00:01:20.013 And I felt like coaching allowed me to do that.
 30
00:01:20.013 --> 00:01:20.914 And so I wanted to kind of
 31
00:01:20.914 --> 00:01:24.150 take that mindset into the classroom, even though it's just one class.
 32
00:01:24.150 --> 00:01:26.086 Most of those kids six, seventh, eighth grade,
 33
00:01:26.086 --> 00:01:29.622 they don't remember, like now in their 30s, but they do remember.
 34
00:01:29.622 --> 00:01:30.190 Oh, I remember
 35
00:01:30.190 --> 00:01:33.860 you told me like I can always respect and recognize everybody's identity.
 36
00:01:34.160 --> 00:01:35.061 Like, that's the bare minimum.
 37
00:01:35.061 --> 00:01:37.030 That's how we can function as a society.
 38
00:01:37.030 --> 00:01:39.232 If I can sit there and say, I don't know all the identities
 39
00:01:39.232 --> 00:01:42.135 that exist in the world, all the races, ethnicities, cultures.
 40
00:01:42.135 --> 00:01:46.506 But I can recognize that those things exist and I can respect that they exist.
 41
00:01:46.573 --> 00:01:50.543 that to me is like, hey, I brought something from my coaching mindset
 42
00:01:50.777 --> 00:01:54.581 to the classroom that still is kind of long lasting and is leaving a legacy.
 43
00:01:54.581 --> 00:01:56.749 And I think that that kind of keeps me going.
 44
00:01:56.749 --> 00:01:59.319 And I still go and try to support, people that I see.
 45
00:01:59.319 --> 00:02:01.287 Like I have some of my former players
 46
00:02:01.287 --> 00:02:03.389 that are coaching and those type of things. But it was hard.
 47
00:02:03.389 --> 00:02:06.192 But now I see that, like in this time in my life,
 48
00:02:06.192 --> 00:02:09.262 my job is to coach in a different arena, and now it's more or less
 49
00:02:09.262 --> 00:02:12.699 to coach adults to be better people so they can be better for students.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Atlanta, GA USA.
advanced-degree
career-change

I work at the intersection of racial justice and tech, aiming to close gaps for marginalized students in technology and computer science. I support teachers with professional development, help students explore their dreams, and uplift parents’ voices in education. I help build community in classrooms, expand access to computer science, and empower young people to thrive with honesty, confidence, and joy.

Director of CS Equity Initiatives

Skills

Change

Transferring Skills Between Passions

What medicine helped me do is diagnose before you solve.
 2
00:00:04.004 --> 00:00:07.140 That's a key leadership skill I've held on to.
 3
00:00:07.507 --> 00:00:10.310 So many times in business, people see a problem
 4
00:00:10.310 --> 00:00:14.214 and they rush to solution right away before maybe stepping back
 5
00:00:14.214 --> 00:00:17.250 and taking a minute and saying, what's the root cause of this?
 6
00:00:17.250 --> 00:00:22.022 What are the things behind the scenes that are really landing us here?
 7
00:00:22.122 --> 00:00:24.124 It's fascinating when you approach problems
 8
00:00:24.124 --> 00:00:26.292 that way versus being so arrogant.
 9
00:00:26.292 --> 00:00:30.296 You think you know all the answers let's just solve versus being humble
 10
00:00:30.363 --> 00:00:34.501 to what's coming at you, because the human body is so profound and miraculous
 11
00:00:34.934 --> 00:00:38.638 that if you think you know everything, then you're going to miss what the body's
 12
00:00:38.638 --> 00:00:39.606 trying to tell you.
 13
00:00:39.606 --> 00:00:43.143 And so as a principle of design, I think it's helped me change
 14
00:00:43.143 --> 00:00:47.047 careers a lot because I go into everything just asking a lot of questions.
 15
00:00:47.113 --> 00:00:49.115 I had never done supplier diversity before.
 16
00:00:49.115 --> 00:00:50.784 I had never done diversity inclusion before.
 17
00:00:50.784 --> 00:00:53.219 I had never done product recalls.
 18
00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:56.756 But I go into everything and I'm like, okay, what are we trying to solve
 19
00:00:56.756 --> 00:01:00.593 and how do we diagnose why we're getting here or not?
 20
00:01:00.593 --> 00:01:04.197 So that mindset of diagnose, and it can be things
 21
00:01:04.197 --> 00:01:08.968 that are not apparent to you are the reasons why something is emerging.
 22
00:01:08.968 --> 00:01:11.738 Do that homework first, ask a lot of questions.
 23
00:01:11.738 --> 00:01:12.672 Be curious.
 24
00:01:12.672 --> 00:01:17.672 Are skills that I learned in the medical field that carry through to today.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Minneapolis, MN USA.
advanced-degree
career-change

Build your network. It's important to be a person of increase. When you meet someone, make sure they walk away with value from you. Don't just wait to network when you need something. The best way to make connections that will benefit you in the future is to make sure you're benefitting others and helping them too.

I was born in Egypt to a family that didn't see value in women. I was essentially left behind by my parents because I was born a girl. I was always sad as a child so I decided to pursue medical school so that I could help other children feel good.

Every day, I work to weave equity and inclusion into the fabric of our global company. I lead with heart, strategy, and urgency—whether I’m reviewing diversity metrics, shaping policy, or mentoring young talent. I collaborate with leaders to design inclusive systems and launch programs that open doors to education and careers. It’s about healing corporate culture so everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Foundation President & Global Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer

You're not worthy because you're not a doctor anymore.

Transferrable Skills I Gained From The Medical Field

You know, I think the landscape is never static.
 2
00:00:02.969 --> 00:00:04.738 It's always changing.
 3
00:00:04.738 --> 00:00:07.540 And so I would say for those who are aspiring to,
 4
00:00:07.540 --> 00:00:11.311 you know, get into the social impact space, a couple of key skills, for sure.
 5
00:00:11.311 --> 00:00:13.613 I mean, communication, writing,
 6
00:00:13.613 --> 00:00:17.684 I think economics is really a great background because it allows a person
 7
00:00:17.684 --> 00:00:19.986 and it helps person to really understand different
 8
00:00:19.986 --> 00:00:23.023 ecosystems of different countries and all of those types of things.
 9
00:00:23.023 --> 00:00:24.591 But I think, you know, developing
 10
00:00:24.591 --> 00:00:28.661 just a broad awareness of what are the social issues
 11
00:00:28.661 --> 00:00:32.632 that we're all grappling with, and they're very much the same
 12
00:00:32.766 --> 00:00:35.769 around the world, country to country, community to community.
 13
00:00:35.869 --> 00:00:39.205 Understanding those and really honing in a tight skill
 14
00:00:39.205 --> 00:00:43.510 set around communication and developing some hard skills is also around, you know,
 15
00:00:43.510 --> 00:00:47.313 say like data management and of course, like something like technology.
 16
00:00:47.313 --> 00:00:48.615 That's all going to help.
 17
00:00:48.615 --> 00:00:50.717 But it's also going to change, you know.
 18
00:00:50.717 --> 00:00:52.819 So I think flexibility is also key.
 19
00:00:52.819 --> 00:00:56.222 And, I've done so many different things also before coming into the space.
 20
00:00:56.222 --> 00:00:59.592 And I think everything that you do adds to your skill set,
 21
00:00:59.759 --> 00:01:02.929 and helps in the next move and the next move and the next move.
 

The field of social impact is constantly changing so there are a couple of anchors that are vital for success: purpose and people. You need to know what your purpose is, what impact you want to make, and why you're doing what you do. If you're interested in a company, put effort into understanding their work and connecting it back to purpose. It's also important to build your network and surround yourself with people who can help celebrate your successes and support you when you're down.

Each day I connect with nonprofits around the globe to help build pathways in tech through education and training. I work closely with grantees and our internal teams, asking what they truly need—whether it’s funding, mentors, or technical experts—and then I help make it happen.

Director of Social Impact

Helpful Skills For People Interested In Social Impact

You mentioned that you straight out of college founded this organization.
 2
00:00:03.937 --> 00:00:05.672 How was that process like?
 3
00:00:05.672 --> 00:00:08.441 It was a pretty tough, in order to start a company,
 4
00:00:08.441 --> 00:00:12.178 you have to have great passion for what you want to do.
 5
00:00:12.178 --> 00:00:17.178 You also have to have a clear vision on how you are going to achieve the goal,
 6
00:00:17.384 --> 00:00:22.384 but also you have to have the necessary skills to execute every single step.
 7
00:00:22.756 --> 00:00:25.558 Unfortunately, I did not have a clear vision.
 8
00:00:25.558 --> 00:00:28.261 I just know what I wanted to solve the problem.
 9
00:00:28.261 --> 00:00:31.231 And then also, I didn't necessarily right away
 10
00:00:31.231 --> 00:00:33.266 have the skill sets that I needed.
 11
00:00:33.266 --> 00:00:38.266 I think the most essential quality or trait that I think is very important
 12
00:00:39.005 --> 00:00:42.375 to the entrepreneurial journey is, problem solving skills.
 13
00:00:42.776 --> 00:00:44.544 It's not about what you have today.
 14
00:00:44.544 --> 00:00:49.015 It's about how fast can you acquire the skills that you need to succeed.
 15
00:00:49.249 --> 00:00:53.219 So every single thing that we needed to do required me
 16
00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:57.323 to make a fast decision and research very, very quickly
 17
00:00:57.457 --> 00:00:59.092 to make sure that I'm making the right call.
 

To start a company, you need to have a strong passion for the thing you want to create. You also need to have a clear vision for how you're going to achieve the goal. And finally, you need to possess the skills to accomplish each step along the way.

No two days look the same. I bounce between leading strategy, problem-solving across departments, and advocating for our mission. I work closely with districts and volunteer in schools, helping students see their futures. It’s demanding, but I love tackling big challenges and building tools that empower others.

Founder & CEO

Skills Needed As An Entrepreneur

The good thing about cyber security, which is what also attracted me
 2
00:00:03.803 --> 00:00:07.440 to it, is the opportunities that it has is always growing.
 3
00:00:07.440 --> 00:00:08.875 It's not a static field.
 4
00:00:08.875 --> 00:00:09.943 I will say that if
 5
00:00:09.943 --> 00:00:13.713 you want to be competitive in this field, you definitely need a degree.
 6
00:00:13.713 --> 00:00:16.916 Because you're going to be competing with folks that already have a degree.
 7
00:00:16.983 --> 00:00:21.554 And in this big consulting firm, they will not even take a look at you
 8
00:00:21.554 --> 00:00:24.557 if you do not have at least a four year degree.
 9
00:00:24.724 --> 00:00:27.727 I will say certifications in cyber like the RIT certification
 10
00:00:27.727 --> 00:00:29.429 is where you want to like, focus on.
 11
00:00:29.429 --> 00:00:30.663 I will say, a lot of people think
 12
00:00:30.663 --> 00:00:33.466 that they want to be technical as soon as they go into cyber.
 13
00:00:33.466 --> 00:00:35.735 That is not what I would recommend.
 14
00:00:35.735 --> 00:00:39.739 I would recommend that you start more at a strategic level so you can actually
 15
00:00:39.739 --> 00:00:43.610 see the bigger picture first, and then once you're in it, you can decide
 16
00:00:43.610 --> 00:00:47.781 which areas to focus on, like which path you really want to zero in.
 17
00:00:47.881 --> 00:00:51.684 I feel that when I decided that this is what I wanted to focus on,
 18
00:00:51.684 --> 00:00:55.755 I wanted to make myself as competitive as possible, because at the end of the day,
 19
00:00:55.755 --> 00:00:59.292 I did not wanted to give anyone a reason to overlook me.
 20
00:00:59.292 --> 00:01:04.292 So I didn't get my doctorate because it was fun and- and
 21
00:01:05.899 --> 00:01:08.068 I was bored and I had nothing to do.
 22
00:01:08.068 --> 00:01:10.503 It was hard. It was hard. I have six kids.
 23
00:01:10.503 --> 00:01:14.207 I was working full time when a lot of people just take a sabbatical.
 24
00:01:14.307 --> 00:01:17.343 And the reason why I did that was because, once again,
 25
00:01:17.343 --> 00:01:20.947 I did not want to give anyone an excuse to say, "not her."
 26
00:01:21.314 --> 00:01:23.616 I wanted to say, "why not me?"
 27
00:01:23.616 --> 00:01:24.918 With that being said,
 28
00:01:24.918 --> 00:01:29.422 I research what skills should I have? I'm like, what else?
 29
00:01:29.422 --> 00:01:30.857 What else can I do?
 30
00:01:30.857 --> 00:01:32.292 So I started researching.
 31
00:01:32.292 --> 00:01:33.993 It's like, alright, not a lot of people
 32
00:01:33.993 --> 00:01:35.695 want to build architectures. Not a lot of people know about zero.
 33
00:01:35.695 --> 00:01:37.897 Not a lot of people know about zero trust.
 34
00:01:37.897 --> 00:01:40.867 Not a lot of people understand what a cyber lake house is.
 35
00:01:41.134 --> 00:01:44.971 So let me really hone in on that, and research that,
 36
00:01:45.071 --> 00:01:47.407 so I get really good at that.
 37
00:01:47.407 --> 00:01:51.611 So then, again, they don't have an excuse to not pick me for the next stage.
 38
00:01:51.611 --> 00:01:54.781 Another thing that they don't do very often is legislation.
 39
00:01:54.881 --> 00:01:55.849 Why is that important?
 40
00:01:55.849 --> 00:01:58.451 Because any solution, when you want to be innovative,
 41
00:01:58.451 --> 00:02:01.688 you have to be innovative according to what they want to see too.
 42
00:02:01.721 --> 00:02:02.155 Right?
 43
00:02:02.155 --> 00:02:05.024 The government needs to comply with certain mandates.
 44
00:02:05.024 --> 00:02:08.027 So when you're innovating, align yourself with what they need
 45
00:02:08.027 --> 00:02:11.397 to comply with because once again, that's job security for you.
 46
00:02:11.397 --> 00:02:14.834 They want that, they need to comply. Because if not they're going to get fines,
 47
00:02:14.834 --> 00:02:17.637 their budgets are going to get pulled out. So that's important for them.
 48
00:02:17.637 --> 00:02:22.075 So when you're navigating this field, always have that in your back pocket.
 49
00:02:22.075 --> 00:02:24.010 Research and like, okay what is the trend?
 50
00:02:24.010 --> 00:02:26.412 And make a plan. Every year,
 51
00:02:26.412 --> 00:02:28.414 and I've been doing this for over two decades.
 52
00:02:28.414 --> 00:02:29.916 At the end of the year, I sit down
 53
00:02:29.916 --> 00:02:33.753 and I do my own market research and I go like, what is trending right now?
 54
00:02:33.753 --> 00:02:35.155 What has the most demand?
 55
00:02:35.155 --> 00:02:38.791 What is the major gap? And that's the area that you focus on
 56
00:02:38.791 --> 00:02:40.160 and that's how you try to fill in.
 57
00:02:40.160 --> 00:02:41.194 Certifications.
 58
00:02:41.194 --> 00:02:45.398 I will say you start with Security Plus because it gives you a very good baseline
 59
00:02:45.398 --> 00:02:46.666 on where you want to go next.
 60
00:02:46.666 --> 00:02:48.168 And then from Security Plus,
 61
00:02:48.168 --> 00:02:50.303 that's a level two certification,
 62
00:02:50.303 --> 00:02:53.673 then you go on for your level threes which are like CISM,
 63
00:02:53.673 --> 00:02:56.776 which is a certified information security manager position,
 64
00:02:56.776 --> 00:03:00.446 or CISSP, which is a certified information security professional.
 65
00:03:00.446 --> 00:03:02.115 There's several in there.
 66
00:03:02.115 --> 00:03:04.050 But I will say always start,
 67
00:03:04.050 --> 00:03:06.219 don't even waste your time with level one certifications,
 68
00:03:06.219 --> 00:03:08.888 go straight for level two. You can do it.
 69
00:03:08.888 --> 00:03:11.624 And then from there on you start looking at your level three certs.
 

2024 PGCO Roadtrip
veteran
advanced-degree

I recommend pursuing at least a four-year degree in cybersecurity. That will increase your chances of being considered for a job. Then look into certifications. A lot of people want to start out technical right away but I think it's better to start out at a higher strategic level so that you can get a better grasp on the field. From there, you can start to narrow in on the different technical spaced you're interested in.

I dive into the complex world of cybersecurity, drawing from over two decades of experience to protect federal clients and establish myself as a trusted expert. My work is about problem-solving and educating others, making sure systems are secure while promoting inclusivity within the field. I advocate for more women and minorities in leadership positions because I want to create pathways for those like me who faced obstacles but never gave up.

Risk & Advisory Manager

Education

Education And Skills Needed To Be Successful In Cybersecurity

You have to understand, that cyber looks different everywhere you go.
 2
00:00:03.236 --> 00:00:05.472 So what is right here at NASA?
 3
00:00:05.472 --> 00:00:09.009 What needs to be done here may not be the same at a maritime
 4
00:00:09.009 --> 00:00:14.009 institution or at UMGC or UMD, or what does it look like in the NSA?
 5
00:00:14.414 --> 00:00:17.417 What does it look like at a police station, a bank?
 6
00:00:17.650 --> 00:00:22.088 So cyber has helped me understand that it's different everywhere you go.
 7
00:00:22.088 --> 00:00:25.191 So you have to be prepared to be flexible for changes.
 8
00:00:25.792 --> 00:00:28.261 But you can't just hop in and out of these positions
 9
00:00:28.261 --> 00:00:30.630 because they require a lot of experience.
 10
00:00:30.630 --> 00:00:32.999 You have to have a particular background,
 11
00:00:32.999 --> 00:00:35.702 and sometimes you may not always be the right fit.
 12
00:00:35.702 --> 00:00:36.770 That's just being honest.
 13
00:00:36.770 --> 00:00:37.871 With my experience,
 14
00:00:37.871 --> 00:00:40.874 what it's taught me is, again, there are different walks of life.
 15
00:00:41.441 --> 00:00:44.444 We may be in the same career field, but we don't do the same things.
 16
00:00:44.511 --> 00:00:47.080 So it's important to understand perspective, it's
 17
00:00:47.080 --> 00:00:49.249 important to understand culture,
 18
00:00:49.249 --> 00:00:51.951 and you have to know what you're getting into before you do it.
 19
00:00:51.951 --> 00:00:54.387 Cyber is different for each situation.
 20
00:00:54.387 --> 00:00:56.356 Not necessarily a person.
 21
00:00:56.356 --> 00:00:58.224 Cybersecurity has some basics.
 22
00:00:58.224 --> 00:01:01.294 And I always recommend look at Security Plus for a certification
 23
00:01:01.961 --> 00:01:05.331 because it gives you the basis of what cyber security is.
 24
00:01:05.598 --> 00:01:08.368 So again if you wanted to work in a bank,
 25
00:01:08.368 --> 00:01:10.870 what regulations drive the banks.
 26
00:01:10.870 --> 00:01:12.405 What are they protected by?
 27
00:01:12.405 --> 00:01:15.442 Do you secure their systems the same way you do a military system?
 28
00:01:15.742 --> 00:01:17.043 Maybe a little bit of overlapping.
 29
00:01:17.043 --> 00:01:17.944 But you have to understand
 30
00:01:17.944 --> 00:01:20.947 exactly what needs to be done for the job you're going to do.
 31
00:01:21.481 --> 00:01:23.583 So it's important to understand.
 32
00:01:23.583 --> 00:01:24.517 Know what you're doing.
 33
00:01:24.517 --> 00:01:27.720 Know what you're getting into because it's different everywhere you go.
 34
00:01:28.321 --> 00:01:32.725 You always have to be vigilant because the industry pivots a lot.
 35
00:01:33.326 --> 00:01:34.494 There will be one priority.
 36
00:01:34.494 --> 00:01:36.129 You're used to it, and then it changes.
 37
00:01:36.129 --> 00:01:37.297 And then once you get used to that,
 38
00:01:37.297 --> 00:01:39.365 they'll take a step back and go another direction.
 39
00:01:39.365 --> 00:01:41.935 So the biggest skill is to be flexible.
 40
00:01:41.935 --> 00:01:43.369 And that's not a technical skill.
 41
00:01:43.369 --> 00:01:44.704 That's a soft skill.
 42
00:01:44.704 --> 00:01:48.641 You have to know what the trend is, how to deal with it.
 43
00:01:48.641 --> 00:01:50.844 And then when it changes, what does it change to?
 44
00:01:50.844 --> 00:01:52.645 What was a priority to drive that?
 45
00:01:52.645 --> 00:01:56.983 And how can I as a, you know, as a professional, be prepared for that change?
 46
00:01:57.050 --> 00:02:01.054 So it's not always about focusing on the actual devices, the technology.
 47
00:02:01.521 --> 00:02:04.124 The most important technology is you.
 48
00:02:04.124 --> 00:02:07.494 You have to prepare yourself, train your mind, get the studying in.
 49
00:02:07.727 --> 00:02:09.262 Join a professional organization
 50
00:02:09.262 --> 00:02:11.698 that does what you do so you can keep up with what goes on.
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00:02:11.698 --> 00:02:15.168 And you're not just out here trying to figure it out on the fly.
 

2024 PGCO Roadtrip
advanced-degree
veteran
army

I help safeguard one of humanity’s greatest scientific tools—the Hubble Space Telescope. My job requires precision, collaboration, and adaptability. I work alongside experts who’ve dedicated decades to Hubble’s mission, ensuring its continued success. We analyze potential issues, follow strict protocols, and problem-solve in real time. There's no room for error—our work protects a telescope that has reshaped our understanding of the universe.

Sr. Cyber IT Security Engineer

Skills Needed To Work In Cybersecurity

I went through the, JPR program with Jordan Peer Recovery program.
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00:00:04.137 --> 00:00:07.907 It was something that they offered to Mettle Works.
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00:00:08.341 --> 00:00:11.344 So I went through that, you get to take the core
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00:00:11.711 --> 00:00:14.514 and you have to take an examination for the first one,
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00:00:14.514 --> 00:00:17.751 which is to give you your certification as a Peer Recovery specialist.
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00:00:17.984 --> 00:00:22.088 And after that, the forensic comes, and then there's like two more.
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00:00:22.155 --> 00:00:25.458 And then the supervised repop which I'm going through now.
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00:00:25.458 --> 00:00:28.862 So it was like maybe a year, year and a half process.
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00:00:29.062 --> 00:00:32.432 Not a long process is just that you have to be about your work.
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00:00:32.632 --> 00:00:36.102 But I think the most essential skill that you need
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00:00:36.836 --> 00:00:41.274 is to be able to communicate effectively in order to help people.
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00:00:41.875 --> 00:00:43.443 For instance,
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00:00:43.443 --> 00:00:47.347 70% of those coming out of prison right now on a fourth grade
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00:00:47.347 --> 00:00:51.551 reading and comprehension level, so I cannot communicate with them
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00:00:51.551 --> 00:00:54.020 on the 12th grade level or on collegiate level.
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00:00:54.020 --> 00:00:57.057 I have to find something where in between where
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00:00:57.057 --> 00:01:00.226 we can have an understanding so we can be successful.
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00:01:00.794 --> 00:01:03.129 You have to be able to empathize with people.
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00:01:03.129 --> 00:01:04.597 I have a decided advantage
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00:01:04.597 --> 00:01:08.001 because I'm a returning citizen, so I know how to deal with them.
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00:01:08.201 --> 00:01:10.804 I know how to deal with their families and their children.
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00:01:10.804 --> 00:01:13.673 So that's my, decided advantage.
 

2025 PGCO Hub Interviews
formerly-incarcerated

I spent 26 years in prison. It wasn't how I expected my life to go but I used my time in prison to turn my life around, better myself, and work towards reentry. Now I devote my career to helping others going through the same thing.

I work with people who are navigating the challenges of reentry after incarceration. Whether I’m coaching someone who just came home after 30 years or guiding a young first-time offender through a program, my goal is to help them avoid more time behind bars and rebuild their lives. It’s tough work—sometimes they fight me because they’re still fighting themselves. But when they realize I’m on their side and they can see a future for themselves, that’s when I know I’m where I’m meant to be.

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Important Skills For Working With People

The thing with communication, it's always growing.
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00:00:03.136 --> 00:00:06.039 I don't think you've ever mastered communication.
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00:00:06.039 --> 00:00:06.339 Right.
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00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:09.342 Because you have different people, different walks of life in different way,
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00:00:09.342 --> 00:00:10.276 how they communicate.
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00:00:10.276 --> 00:00:15.115 I had some experience in communication because I was working security.
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00:00:15.115 --> 00:00:17.617 So you're forced to communicate with people, right?
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00:00:17.617 --> 00:00:19.185 It's not like a choice.
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00:00:19.185 --> 00:00:21.888 Because somebody might be doing something that you're not supposed to do.
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00:00:21.888 --> 00:00:24.624 How do you deliver that message respectfully?
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00:00:24.624 --> 00:00:26.292 When you're dealing with the public,
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00:00:26.292 --> 00:00:29.929 you don't know what somebody is going through when they come in.
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00:00:29.963 --> 00:00:30.463 Right.
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00:00:30.463 --> 00:00:32.699 So they might be having a bad day.
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00:00:32.699 --> 00:00:34.701 You don't know what's going on with them.
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00:00:34.701 --> 00:00:38.004 So it's very important how you approach someone.
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00:00:38.171 --> 00:00:41.074 You have to give the respect first, regardless if somebody is,
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00:00:41.074 --> 00:00:43.510 you know, might be being rude and everything like that,
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00:00:43.510 --> 00:00:45.678 figure out a tone that you want to use
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00:00:45.678 --> 00:00:48.014 and be respectful on how you deliver your message.
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00:00:48.014 --> 00:00:52.218 Because the one thing you don't want to do is escalate the situation,
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00:00:52.218 --> 00:00:55.455 because then it becomes something that you can't handle it anymore.
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00:00:55.789 --> 00:00:59.325 And also I was intentional on building my communication skills.
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00:00:59.325 --> 00:01:02.095 So making sure I take, courses on how to communicate.
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00:01:02.095 --> 00:01:03.496 You have to communicate with the public,
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00:01:03.496 --> 00:01:06.199 but then you also have to communicate with your team with just that.
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00:01:06.199 --> 00:01:07.834 So different styles of communication.
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00:01:07.834 --> 00:01:11.271 And then, people have different styles of how they communicate as well.
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00:01:11.337 --> 00:01:14.841 So those are skills you have to, pick up and learn.
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00:01:15.208 --> 00:01:18.478 Listen to understand, not to respond.
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00:01:18.711 --> 00:01:19.179 Right.
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00:01:19.179 --> 00:01:22.582 I want to hear everything that you're saying to me first before
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00:01:23.116 --> 00:01:26.086 I respond to you, because I want to make sure I process the information.
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00:01:26.086 --> 00:01:30.790 Also, I want to reiterate the information to you to let you know
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00:01:30.790 --> 00:01:34.494 that I understand what you're saying to me before I respond to you.
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00:01:34.561 --> 00:01:36.796 So that's one of the tactics that I would use.
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00:01:36.796 --> 00:01:39.799 And then pay attention to like, social cues, right?
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00:01:39.899 --> 00:01:43.303 Because communication is not just verbal, it's also body language.
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00:01:43.303 --> 00:01:44.938 You've got to pay attention to how the person
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00:01:44.938 --> 00:01:48.074 is moving things like that, because that's important too, right?
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00:01:48.308 --> 00:01:51.878 For you to de-escalate the situation and make sure that you don't get
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00:01:51.878 --> 00:01:52.612 into a conflict.
 

Every day, I help people move forward—whether it’s finding a book or finding a job. As a public service specialist, I oversee the Life Lab, a space dedicated to workforce development. I meet one-on-one with job seekers, reviewing resumes, connecting them to resources, and guiding them toward new opportunities.

Skills

Transferring Skills Between Passions

Transferring Skills Between Passions

Shana V. White

150 videos on Skills: