*****Before we begin, please note that today’s episode contains discussions that may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. If you're struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support—you're not alone, and help is available. While we are joined by a licensed therapist, this conversation is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional therapy.******

In honor of May's Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re joined by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Katie Babcock, whose path to healing started in a childhood where she quickly learned to navigate uncertainty. She turned to sports and physical strength, but eventually realized that true safety comes from within. Today, Katie leads a therapy practice supporting high-achieving professionals grappling with burnout, unresolved trauma, attention difficulties, and substance difficulties. She’s on a mission to destigmatize mental health and reframe so-called “issues” as normal human responses to pain. This episode is an honest, empowering reminder that healing is possible and that we all deserve support along the way.

****If you're struggling or need support, please know that you're not alone—help is available. You can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 211 to connect with local resources and support services in your area***

https://www.counselingforprofessionals.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-babcock-cfp/

https://www.facebook.com/katie.babs.9

In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Windon—photographer, journalist, world traveler, and founder of Maryland’s first true cane-to-glass spirits distillery in over 40 years. Jaime shares her one-of-a-kind journey from global storytelling to entrepreneurial spirit-making. We talk about trusting your gut, taking creative risks, and building something entirely new from passion and vision. Whether you're into entrepreneurship, the craft beverage industry, or just love a good story, this episode will leave you inspired to forge your own path.

Tune in to hear how Jaime blends creativity, bold decisions, and a deep sense of community to bring people together—one spirited adventure at a time.

Links:https://www.lyonrum.comhttps://www.instagram.com/lyonrumhttps://www.facebook.com/lyonrum

Meet Gina Ramsey, president of Pink Dog Digital, whose journey from self-doubt to entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. Starting out in her career, she wasn’t always confident in her abilities. But with the encouragement of mentors who saw her grounded, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving, she started aiming higher. Eventually, she took the leap and built her own full-service digital marketing business—one that not only gives her the freedom to customize solutions for her clients, but also allows her to give back to the community she loves. Tune in as Gina shares her journey, lessons learned, and advice for anyone ready to bet on themselves!

Mentioned During the Episode:

https://pinkdogdigital.com Contact Gina Ramsey at [email protected] or 410-696-3305

https://theregoesmyhero.org/

https://www.jabcecc.org/

https://www.sharebaby.org/

https://themmrf.org/

https://broadwaycares.org/

Karen Barbour’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and purpose. After losing her mother at a young age, she took pride in caring for her father while developing a strong work ethic that would later define her career. She went on to build a successful surety bond business and became a fierce advocate for small businesses, founding organizations like the Alliance for Hispanic Commercial Contractors. But for Karen, success isn’t just about business—it’s about giving back. As the founder of Party for a Cure Corporation, she also dedicates her time and resources to supporting children and adults with neuromuscular diseases. In this episode, Karen shares how her upbringing shaped her drive, the lessons she’s learned, and why paying it forward is at the heart of everything she does.

Links for items mentioned during the episode:

https://www.thebarbourgroup.com/

https://www.nsbpusa.org/

http://www.bgnetworkusa.com/

https://www.pfac-md.org/

https://www.ahcc-midatlantic.org/

In this episode, we’re joined by Susie Comer, a true trailblazer in the construction industry. As a woman leading her family’s construction business, Susie carries forward a legacy of hard work and trust instilled by her dedicated father. She shares her unique experience stepping into this role, the values that guide her, and how she’s built her own path in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond her work, Susie is deeply committed to giving back, having founded or served in several volunteer organizations to support her community. Tune in to Episode 53 to hear her invaluable insights and the lessons that have shaped her path!

Links for Volunteering and Outreach:

Charhope Foundation: https://www.charhope.org/

Upper Chesapeake Senator Bob Hooper House: https://www.bobhooperhouse.org/

Toys for Tots: www.toysfortots.org

GBMC Walk in their shoes - https://www.classy.org/event/old___10th-annual-walk-a-mile-in-their-shoes/e508619

Touch A truck Events at Highlands School: https://www.comerconstruction.com/community-involvement/touch-a-truck-the-highland-school-2024/

Comer Construction website: https://www.comerconstruction.com

Comer Construction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comerconstructioninc/

In this episode, we meet Dana Clark of Clark | Azar & Associates Inc., a trailblazing civil engineer and successful business owner who’s breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Passionate about empowering women, she’s dedicated to mentoring young professionals and creating a supportive environment for them in her industry. Through her leadership, she’s giving women a voice, inspiring the next generation of engineers, and proving that with determination and the right support, women can thrive in any field.

Mentioned During Episode:

Baltimore Crew: https://baltimore.crewnetwork.org

Company website: http://www.clarkazar.com

Clark | Azar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clark-azar-associates/

Clark | Azar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100034784871808

Meet Jennifer Dewees, the president of Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation, Inc. and co-founder of Maryland Apprenticeship Connector. Her passion lies in unlocking the potential of tomorrow's workforce. Since traditional paths of college or trade schools aren't always the right path for everyone, Jennifer sees boundless opportunities in apprenticeships. She believes these hands-on experiences offer a direct route to stable careers in the trades, often overlooked and undervalued.

But Jennifer’s vision extends beyond just reshaping the future of work; she's also an advocate for mass workforce adoption in traditionally male-dominated fields. She envisions a world where women confidently pursue careers in the trades, breaking barriers and forging new paths. With her unwavering enthusiasm and determination, Jennifer is paving the way for a future where talent knows no gender and opportunity knows no bounds.

https://macworkforce.org

https://mccei.org

https://nawicdc.org/Camp_NAWIC

Pattie Dash joins Lauren in Episode 50 of “How’d Her Career Get There?” where she reflects on her career path through the nonprofit sector. Her trajectory was marked by continual growth, fueled not only by the support of mentors but also by the strong foundation and moral lessons instilled by her parents. Recognizing her potential, these mentors guided her journey, nurturing her talents and empowering her to advocate for roles that sparked her curiosity.

Her story highlights the profound impact of mentorship and self-belief in forging a fulfilling career path. Through newfound confidence, Pattie's narrative imparts invaluable lessons for anyone navigating their professional journey.

Links for topics mentioned during the episode:

National Kidney Foundation for MD & DE: https://www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-maryland-delaware

Upcoming Events for National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/events

Sante Event: https://support.kidney.org/event/2024-sante-giving-back-for-kidney-disease/e538425

Upcoming National Kidney Foundation Walks: https://www.kidneywalk.org

In this captivating episode of "How'd Her Career Get There?" Lauren delves into the journey of Kathleen Methric, who traded her flute for a lab coat and eventually found her rhythm in the pharmaceutical industry. Growing up, she thought about pursuing a career in music, but her practical father's advice steered her towards a more stable path in the sciences. Embracing his wisdom, she pursued her studies, only to discover that her true passion lay beyond the walls of a laboratory.

Join us for this episode as we dive into Kathleen's inspiring journey—a tale of finding harmony between dreams and reality, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose and passion.

Links for the listeners:

Kidney risk quiz: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-quiz/ 

March is National Kidney Month: https://www.kidney.org/news/national-kidney-foundation-recognizes-march-national-kidney-month 

National Kidney Foundation serving Baltimore and Delaware: https://www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-maryland-delaware 

May fundraiser: https://www.kidney.org/events/local-event/2024-sante-giving-back-kidney-disease

Get involved: https://www.kidney.org/get-involved

In this episode Lauren talks with Louise Blomqvist, EMEA President of Bambuser.  Coming to New York City from a small town in Sweden, Louise shares her story starting with aspirations of ballet and shifting to retail and working with luxury brands.  The through line of her life is deep-routed in work ethic and personal connection.  Hear how those attributes helped drive her career and propel those around her.  Listen, laugh and take note of what happens when opportunity meets ambition.

Listen to Shannen's episode here:  https://bit.ly/47y0wfi