Dr. Katherine Hayes is a woman of many talents—an author, podcaster, editor, speaker, and even a volunteer art teacher for Light for the Future school in Guatemala. But beyond the titles, she is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose journey into the publishing industry is as inspiring as the stories she writes. Chasing the dream of becoming a full-time writer, she embraced the challenges that came with stepping into a new chapter of life.

For many years, Katherine worked in education, serving as both a teacher and a school principal. But life has a way of redirecting us when we least expect it. After experiencing a near-death illness, she made a bold decision—to chase her lifelong dream of writing, editing, and speaking for a living. It wasn’t an easy transition. “The challenges I faced pursuing a new career were a learning curve,” she shares. “I also faced a lot of rejection and closed doors. It was tempting to return to what I’d always done.”

Yet, Katherine pressed forward. She didn’t let setbacks define her journey. Today, she is the author of two books, a contributor and compilation editor for two additional works, and an active voice in the literary world through her devotionals, thrillers, and podcasts. Her mission? To encourage, entertain, educate, and inspire readers while broadening their horizons.

The Power of Influence and Faith

Katherine credits her parents as her first and most influential mentors. “They taught me to love and appreciate literature and the art of writing,” she says. But as she navigated her writing career, she also found invaluable guidance from mentors like Cecil Murphey and Edwina Perkins, who helped shape her craft.

Faith has been her anchor through it all. “My faith in God helps me to keep motivated even during the hardest valleys and most difficult challenges,” she says. That faith carried her through the struggles of balancing family life and writing, especially when her husband was deployed, and her children were in school and college.

One defining moment in her career came during a particularly chaotic season. She was working on her first thriller while juggling family responsibilities. Despite her packed schedule, she submitted work to her mentor, Cecil Murphey, even while traveling to her daughter’s track meet. His response changed her perspective: “He said he was proud of me for acting like a writer. He said writers always write no matter what.” That moment solidified her commitment—she wasn’t just someone who wanted to write. She was a writer.

Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

If there’s one thing Katherine wishes she had known earlier, it’s the importance of building an author platform. “I wish someone had advised me to start working on my platform much earlier than I did,” she admits. But she remains grateful for the guidance she has received along the way, helping her refine her brand and establish herself in the publishing world.

Her tagline, “Dressing in God’s love through the spoken and written word,” isn’t just a phrase—it’s the foundation of her work. Whether she’s writing devotionals, tackling controversial topics, or crafting thrilling narratives, she approaches each project with an attitude of respect and a commitment to truth.

Looking ahead, Katherine has ambitious plans. She is determined to complete the remaining five books in her series, expand her podcast network, and see her thrillers turned into films. Given her track record of resilience and dedication, there’s little doubt she will accomplish these goals.

Chasing the Dream: A Story Worth Telling

Katherine’s journey is one of courage, persistence, and faith. She stepped away from a secure career to pursue an uncertain path, faced rejection, and kept going despite the obstacles. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and trusting the process—even when the road gets tough.

For anyone struggling to chase their own dreams, Katherine’s message is clear: don’t give up. The learning curve, the closed doors, and the moments of doubt are all part of the journey. Keep going, keep believing, and most importantly—keep writing your story.

To connect with Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes and follow her journey, visit www.drkatherinehayes.com or find her on Instagram at @AuthorDrKatherine.

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.

In a world where challenges can often overshadow purpose, Tysheema Wilkins stands as a beacon of faith, resilience, and empowerment. Her journey is not just a story of personal triumph but a testament to the power of transformation and the unwavering belief that obstacles can become stepping stones toward a greater calling.

Tysheema is more than an author, Business Success coach, and advocate—she is a visionary dedicated to helping others walk boldly in their purpose. Through her work, she has touched lives across the globe, from the readers of her blog Protected & Paid to the individuals she mentors and coaches through Empowered Path Coaching. But her journey to becoming an influential leader wasn’t without trials.

Turning Pain into Purpose with Tysheema Wilkins

Like many who find themselves on a path of self-discovery, Tysheema’s journey has been shaped by moments of uncertainty, rejection, and self-doubt. At times, she questioned her worth and struggled to see the bigger picture of her life’s experiences. Yet, through faith, she found clarity and strength.

Instead of allowing hardships to define her, Tysheema chose to redefine them. She leaned on prayer, meditation, and scripture to navigate the storms and emerged with a clear vision: her pain was not meant to break her—it was meant to guide others toward healing. This realization became the foundation of her work, inspiring her to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and equipped to overcome their own challenges.

From this foundation, Protected & Paid was born. What started as a personal blog quickly grew into an international platform, reaching readers in 13 countries and 22 states. Through her writing, Tysheema shares insights on faith, resilience, and empowerment, proving that no matter the struggle, one’s purpose remains intact.

Building a Legacy of Empowerment

Tysheema’s impact extends beyond her blog. As a certified Life Coach and founder of Empowered Path Coaching, she works closely with individuals who feel lost, disconnected, or uncertain about their next steps. Her mission is to help people align with their calling, cultivate their strengths, and build meaningful, purpose-driven lives.

Her passion for empowerment also comes alive in her work as a speaker. Whether addressing intimate groups or large audiences, she shares her message of faith and transformation with authenticity. She reminds people that their struggles do not define them—their ability to rise above those struggles does.

In addition to coaching and speaking, Tysheema is a mental health advocate. As a Senior Case Manager at an Office of Mental Health facility, she works tirelessly to break the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in underserved communities. She understands that true empowerment includes emotional well-being, and she is committed to fostering safe spaces where people can heal and thrive.

Her service extends beyond U.S. borders. As a Youth Mentor in South Africa, she empowers young people to embrace their potential and dream beyond their circumstances. Her global outreach is a testament to her belief that empowerment has no boundaries—it is a calling that transcends geography.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision

Tysheema’s journey is far from over. Her vision for the future is one of expansion, impact, and innovation. She envisions Empowered Path Coaching growing into a global platform, providing faith-based resources, online courses, workbooks, and coaching programs that cater to a broader audience, including single mothers and youth.

Her love for writing continues to drive her forward, with upcoming projects such as Too Many Secrets and Conversations with God in the works. She also plans to develop a youth-focused journal and reflective card decks designed to encourage deeper introspection and growth.

In addition to publishing and coaching, Tysheema is determined to strengthen her speaking career, gracing larger stages and sharing her message of faith and empowerment with the world. Her mental health advocacy will expand through strategic collaborations with organizations dedicated to healing and emotional well-being in marginalized communities.

On the business front, she is working toward securing LLC status, launching a personal website with an e-commerce platform, and establishing a recognizable brand. Financially, she aims to generate multiple streams of income through digital products, affiliate marketing, and coaching services, with a long-term goal of creating a stable monthly revenue of $20,000.

Beyond business, her heart remains set on mentorship. She plans to continue working with youth internationally, developing scholarship opportunities for underprivileged students, and ensuring that her literary works reach even more lives. Every endeavor she pursues is guided by her commitment to walking in alignment with God’s purpose and helping others do the same.

A Legacy of Faith and Impact

For Tysheema, success isn’t measured by accolades or financial milestones—it is measured by the lives she impacts. Her work bridges the gap between faith, mental health, and personal empowerment, providing individuals with the tools they need to heal, grow, and thrive.

Through her books, coaching programs, speaking engagements, and advocacy efforts, she is building a legacy of resilience, purpose, and transformation. Her goal is to ensure that long after she is gone, her work continues to inspire individuals to step boldly into their God-given purpose.

To those who are searching for direction, Tysheema’s message is clear: you are not defined by your struggles—you are defined by your ability to rise above them. Through faith, resilience, and intentional action, you have the power to create a life of meaning and impact.

As she continues to walk in her calling, Tysheema Wilkins remains a guiding light for those who need hope, reminding us all that we are protected, paid, and empowered by faith.

For more information about Tysheema’s work, visit www.sheemaw.net.