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Changemaker Interviews

From Boots to Business: How Latoyah Saunders is Changing the Career Game

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From Boots to Business: How Latoyah Saunders is Changing the Career Game

Latoyah Saunders is on a mission. As the newly appointed Assistant Director of Career Management at Georgetown University’s Graduate Career Center, she brings a wealth of experience, a passion for service, and an unwavering commitment to helping individuals navigate their professional journeys. But her impact extends far beyond her role at Georgetown University. With over 20 years of expertise in Human Resources from the U.S. Army and a highly decorated decade in the Federal Government, Latoyah has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between job seekers and meaningful opportunities.

A Certified Federal Career Coach, Certified Job Search Trainer, and HR Certified (SHRM-CP), Latoyah has spent years sitting on hiring panels, leading job search webinars, and shaping leadership and career development programs. Her expertise in simplifying the federal hiring process has made her an invaluable resource for veterans, transitioning service members, federal employees, and graduate students who are often overwhelmed by the complexities of job searching.

A Personal and Purposeful Mission

Latoyah’s work isn’t just about helping people land jobs—it’s about empowerment. The inspiration behind her consulting firm, Confident Career Cultivation, is deeply personal. As a veteran, she understands firsthand the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The uncertainty, the struggle to translate military experience into civilian job qualifications, and the need for guidance in an unfamiliar career landscape are all challenges she once faced herself.

Driven by a deep respect for those who serve, she created a firm dedicated to supporting veterans, military spouses, and service members in finding meaningful career paths beyond the uniform. But her work doesn’t stop there. Latoyah is equally passionate about guiding undergraduate and graduate students, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and clarity needed to navigate the early stages of their careers. Whether it’s resume writing, job search techniques, or career planning, she’s committed to helping individuals articulate their value in a competitive job market.

Taking the Leap: From Federal Employee to Full-Time Consultant

Starting Confident Career Cultivation while maintaining a full-time federal government job wasn’t easy. The balancing act between her government responsibilities and her passion for career consulting often left her feeling conflicted. In June 2024, she made the pivotal decision to step away from federal employment and fully dedicate herself to career consulting. This bold move led her to her current role at Georgetown University, where she continues to expand her reach and impact.

The transition wasn’t without its challenges. As a disabled veteran entrepreneur, she had to navigate the world of business ownership, understand available opportunities, and learn how to prioritize both her role at Georgetown University and her vision for her firm. But for Latoyah, every obstacle was just another opportunity to grow, learn, and refine her mission.

A Ripple Effect of Impact

The impact Latoyah hopes to make is multifaceted. She wants veterans and service members to recognize the breadth of opportunities available to them and feel confident in their ability to transition successfully. For military spouses, she aims to create career pathways that offer stability and growth despite the frequent relocations and uncertainties that come with military life. And for students, her goal is to instill a foundation of career confidence that will serve them well beyond graduation.

Ultimately, Latoyah sees her work as a catalyst for a ripple effect—one that empowers individuals to transform their own lives and, in turn, contribute meaningfully to the communities and organizations they serve.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Mission

Latoyah’s vision for the future is ambitious. She plans to partner with military transition programs to teach career development strategies, conduct more webinars for veterans, military spouses, and students, and collaborate with HR recruiters and government hiring managers to streamline the federal hiring process for those unfamiliar with it. Additionally, she aims to increase her presence as a speaker, sharing her expertise as a career strategist with a broader audience.

Her advice for those looking to enter the career consulting field? Be authentic. “We all have our expertise,” she says. “How you stand out is by being confident in the services you have to offer.”

Latoyah Saunders: More Than a Career Strategist

Beyond her work, Latoyah is a dedicated mother of two boys, a wife of 15 years, and a proud New Yorker with a love for travel. Her most recent adventures took her to Thailand and Taiwan, where she immersed herself in new cultures and experiences. When she’s not coaching job seekers or researching career trends, she enjoys cooking, working out, and continuously expanding her knowledge.

For those seeking career guidance, Latoyah offers a free 30-minute consultation through Confident Career Cultivation, giving job seekers a chance to gain clarity, strategy, and direction in their career pursuits.

Her journey—from veteran to federal career expert to full-time entrepreneur and career strategist—is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of service. And for every individual she helps, the ripple effect of her work continues to grow, creating a lasting impact on countless careers and lives.

For more information on how Latoyah can support your career journey, visit Confident Career Cultivation.

Changemaker Interviews

Mike Turner Is Building Brands That Move With Clarity

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Mike Turner Is Building Brands That Move With Clarity

Mike Turner has spent more than a decade helping people and businesses grow—not just in scale, but in clarity, confidence, and direction. His career has spanned brand development, business growth, and customer success. But what ties it all together is his steady focus on delivering results with purpose.

“I’m a builder and a problem-solver,” he says. “I love helping people identify what’s working, remove friction, and scale with confidence.”

It’s that mindset that led Mike to launch his consulting work. Today, he serves as a strategic advisor for entrepreneurs, executives, and teams who want to level up without losing themselves in the process. He brings clarity, presence, and structure to brands that want to grow more intentionally.

 

Making Growth Practical and Personal

One of Mike’s core strengths is helping people move better—faster, clearer, and more aligned. His work helps leaders sharpen their voice, present themselves with more polish, and improve how their business operates behind the scenes.

“I focus on both brand and operational performance,” Mike explains. “It’s not just about the message—it’s how everything flows and supports the bigger picture.”

That focus on sustainable, system-driven success is rare in a world that’s obsessed with hustle. Mike’s approach is different. It’s calm, intentional, and rooted in values.

 

Why He Does the Work

Mike’s motivation comes from a simple place: helping people show up stronger. Over time, he noticed how many small businesses and entrepreneurs had a powerful vision—but lacked the systems to scale it. That gap became the driving force behind his consulting.

Through strategy, leadership coaching, and brand alignment, he equips others to lead with excellence and communicate with clarity. And when the foundation is clear, growth follows.

 

Building a Career with Intention

Mike didn’t stumble into leadership—he built it brick by brick. He currently leads initiatives that support both corporate and entrepreneurial ecosystems, and he serves as President of a corporate Toastmasters chapter. He’s also been nominated as a board advisor for a nonprofit, adding service and community leadership to his resume.

Each role he takes on is guided by the same values: structure, clarity, and long-term value. “Leadership isn’t about control,” he says. “It’s about orchestration.”

 

Leading Without Micromanaging

Mike describes his leadership style as calm, focused, and purpose-driven. He values structure and emotional intelligence. And he believes in creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and trusted to lead themselves.

“I don’t micromanage—I systematize,” he says. “That gives others the confidence to operate with autonomy while still staying aligned.”

It’s a balance many leaders struggle to find, but Mike leans into it with ease. He knows when to speak up, when to delegate, and when to let the systems do the work.

 

Lessons in Business and Growth

Mike’s path hasn’t been without challenges. But each one taught him something valuable. The biggest lessons? Clarity matters. Culture matters. And if you want to scale, you need more than talent—you need systems.

“I’ve learned that structure accelerates growth,” he explains. “Ambiguity slows everything down.”

He’s also learned the importance of listening. His strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re informed by what real people need and the environments they’re navigating.

 

What Keeps Him Going

In difficult seasons, Mike relies on purpose and perspective. “When your why is strong, your resilience follows,” he says.

Instead of getting stuck in the emotion of a challenge, he focuses on the data. What can be learned? What needs to be shifted? It’s that mindset—objective and strategic—that allows him to stay grounded and move forward with intention.

 

Staying Innovative in a Fast-Changing World

Mike keeps one foot in execution and one foot in observation. He studies trends, listens to what people aren’t saying, and turns those insights into repeatable, actionable strategies.

“Innovation doesn’t have to be chaotic,” he says. “It can be systematized.”

That approach allows him to bring fresh energy to every project without losing traction. Creativity and efficiency don’t have to be opposites—they can work together to drive results.

 

Looking Ahead

Mike’s not slowing down anytime soon. He plans to keep building platforms and partnerships that support growth-minded individuals while staying grounded in service and long-term strategy. His ultimate mission? To normalize success that doesn’t burn people out—to show that growth can be sustainable, clear, and deeply human.

Every time he helps someone lead better or a brand show up stronger, he moves one step closer to that vision.

 

Connect with Mike Turner
Website: www.miketurnercoaching.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/miketurnerinternational

 

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Changemaker Interviews

Lacey Artemis Is Building the Community She Spent Years Searching For

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Lacey Artemis Is Building the Community She Spent Years Searching For

Lacey Artemis grew up quiet, unsure, and often overlooked. For years, she struggled to find a place in the world—a space where being curious, creative, and deeply thoughtful wasn’t just accepted but celebrated. Today, she is the founder of Arty Mix Events, a speaker, podcast host, performer, and unapologetically multi-passionate creative who’s making that space for others.

Lacey’s journey is one of persistence and self-discovery, built through years of exploring different passions, overcoming self-doubt, and finally realizing that their strength was in being more than one thing. She now uses her voice and work to support other neurodivergent creatives and grownups who long to reconnect with their sense of play and purpose.

 

From Hobbyist to Creative Professional

Lacey’s creative streak started young, but when she studied design in college, the message from instructors was clear: this path won’t pay the bills. So, like many others, she chose a “safe” administrative route and kept their creativity alive as a side project.

“I lived a double life for 15 years,” she said. “I kept working to prove what I could do.”

What Lacey didn’t know then was that their passion wasn’t just a hobby—it was a clue. Over time, she combined skills in writing, performing, media, and design into something that not only worked but lit them up. Eventually, she founded Arty Mix Events, creating spaces for people to connect, play, and express themselves in ways that typical event spaces rarely allow.

 

Podcasting, Performing, and the Power of Conversation

In their late 20s, Lacey started a podcast to learn more about people’s careers. It was a quiet project that slowly revealed something powerful—she loved deep conversations. That podcast eventually evolved into a more expansive show, HAT COLLECTING, which allowed Lacey to blend many of their talents into one platform.

She also realized she had a gift for the stage. Performing became a way to reclaim the confidence their younger self lacked. “Every time I get on stage or have a microphone in my hand,” Lacey shares, “I get further redemption for a younger me who was always doubted or overlooked.”

Even after facing burnout and pauses along the way, Lacey always returns to the mic—and to the communities their work brings together.

 

No One Path, No One Box

Lacey’s biggest challenge wasn’t choosing between creative passions. It was the pressure to choose only one. Coaches and peers told them to focus. But that advice never worked. What Lacey needed was someone who understood what it means to be multi-passionate.

“I thrive when I can meld three or more interests together,” she explains. “Burnout didn’t come from doing too much—it came from doing it alone, without support.”

Late-diagnosed neurodivergence, gender transition in their 30s, and ongoing struggles with money and trauma only added to the uphill climb. But Lacey kept pushing forward. And eventually, she found the right community and the right people to help them grow.

 

Creating the Events She Longed For

After years of craving meaningful, inclusive, in-person events that weren’t centered around bars, clubs, or surface-level small talk, Lacey took matters into their own hands. She launched Arty Mix Events to offer something different—spaces that are creative, accessible, and built for genuine connection.

“The events I wanted didn’t exist. I finally decided to change that,” Lacey says.

As someone who knows the loneliness of being misunderstood or left out, Lacey builds with intention. Their events welcome people who are often excluded elsewhere—those with invisible disabilities, neurodivergent thinkers, and adults who miss the playful parts of themselves.

 

Built on Curiosity, Creativity, and Community

Lacey’s work is guided by three core values: curiosity, creativity, and community. A coach once told them to only say yes to opportunities that fit one of those pillars—and that advice changed everything.

Now, Lacey is seeking stages and spaces where she can share their story, connect with others who’ve felt invisible, and continue shining while encouraging others to do the same. “Some might say I’ve done almost all of this the hard way,” Lacey says, “but as a result, I can help others skip some of the circles I ran in for a decade.”

 

A Life That Finally Feels Like Theirs

For Lacey, success isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about building a life that feels right, one decision, one event, one brave moment at a time.

She has transformed years of feeling unseen into a mission that creates space for others to show up fully as themselves. Every time someone walks into an Arty Mix event or listens to a podcast episode and finally feels like they belong, Lacey knows she is doing exactly what she was meant to do.

“I spent a long time climbing hills alone,” she says. “Now, I want to make the path easier for the next person—and remind them they’re never as alone as they think.”

Lacey Artemis is no longer chasing a place in the world. She’s creating one—and making room for the rest of us to join in.

Connect with Lacey Artemis

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Changemaker Interviews

Rising Above Adversity with Sheldon Crocker

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Rising Above Adversity with Sheldon Crocker

Sheldon Crocker knows what it means to fight through hardship—and win. As an award-winning author, inspirational speaker, and resilience-building expert, he has turned his own story of struggle into a message of hope for people around the world. From childhood trauma and physical limitations to addiction and deep emotional pain, Sheldon has faced more than most. But he never let those challenges define him. Instead, he used them as stepping stones toward a life of purpose, strength, and service. Rising above adversity, his work today empowers others to do the same: to face adversity head-on and come out stronger.

A Voice Born from Experience

Sheldon’s mission began in silence. For years, he carried the weight of abuse and addiction alone, unsure if he had the right to dream of something more. But over time, he realized that his story could become a lifeline for others—if he had the courage to share it.

“I was inspired by my own battles,” Sheldon says. “People around me were suffering in silence, like I once did. I knew I had a voice to help them rise.”

From that realization came a commitment to speak, write, and teach in a way that is raw, honest, and deeply personal. His message is clear: your past doesn’t define you—your response does.

 

Keep on Walking

One of Sheldon’s most powerful principles is what he calls “KEEP on WALKING.” It’s not about giant leaps or instant fixes. It’s about small, steady steps—especially when the path feels impossible.

“I faced physical limitations and emotional scars that nearly broke me,” he shares. “But I kept walking. I surrounded myself with people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.”

That mindset became the core of his resilience work. Through talks, books, and his growing Empowerment Course, Sheldon helps others find their footing when life knocks them down.

 

Rising Above Adversity

Sheldon’s journey has shaped everything he teaches. He doesn’t lead from theory—he leads from lived experience. That’s what gives his work its impact.

“I bring practical tools and authentic storytelling to help people create real transformation,” he explains. “Adversity isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of something powerful.”

His approach is grounded in integrity and purpose. He’s not interested in quick fixes or surface-level motivation. He wants people to dig deep, rise strong, and make lasting change.

 

Connecting Through Truth

At the heart of Sheldon’s work is connection. His audience includes anyone who has struggled—anyone who’s ever felt broken, stuck, or invisible. He reaches them by being real, by offering strategies they can actually use, and by showing up with his full self.

“Relatable stories and actionable steps are how I connect,” he says. “I’m not here to preach. I’m here to walk alongside people.”

That connection is what makes his message stick. People don’t just hear Sheldon—they feel understood by him.

 

Defining Success Through Impact

To Sheldon, success isn’t about awards or applause. It’s about the lives changed. The letters he gets. The people who tell him they kept walking because of his words.

“Success means living with purpose and staying true to my mission,” he says. “It’s about impact. It’s about creating hope where there was none.”

It’s also about staying grounded. For Sheldon, values like authenticity, compassion, and service are the compass points that guide every decision he makes.

 

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Sheldon is focused on expanding his reach. He’s booking more speaking engagements, growing his workshop offerings, and building partnerships that allow his message to spread farther and faster.

He’s also continuing to develop his Empowerment Course, Unleash Your Inner Strength: A 6-Week Journey to Emotional Empowerment and Personal Transformation, and plans to publish more books designed to guide readers through their own journeys of resilience. His free guide, Unlock Transformation: 7 Steps to Unleash Your Potential, is already helping people take the first steps.

But no matter how big his platform grows, his goal remains the same: to help people rise.

Connect with Sheldon Crocker

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