How'd Her Career Get There?

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Christian Pulley, nicknamed as the “silent assassin.” A quiet yet confident leader, Christian has made history as the first African American City Administrator for the City of Laurel. Named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record, she is a Certified Public Manager who has spent her career shaping community growth and driving progress since joining the City in 2008. Her no-nonsense leadership style, fierce dedication to her work, and deep love for family and sports make her a force to be reckoned with and a conversation you will not want to miss.

Links for Audience:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-l-pulley-1308073/

https://www.cityoflaurel.org

https://www.cityoflaurel.org/list.aspx?Mode=Subscribe#newsFlash

https://www.cityoflaurel.org/209/Social-Media-Center

https://www.cityoflaurel.org/372/Volunteering

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Katie Collins-Ihrke, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County, an organization dedicated to achieving full community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Katie’s passion for advocacy started early, shaped by her experiences growing up with an aunt who had cerebral palsy and later working with a family whose children had autism. With master’s degrees in nonprofit management and business administration, she’s built a career focused on creating meaningful change in the nonprofit world. Named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2025 and a Leading Woman Under 40 in 2023 by The Daily Record, Katie shares her insights on leadership, purpose, and the power of compassion in action.

Links:

https://archoward.org

https://www.facebook.com/ArcHoward/

Get ready for KNN! In this episode, Lauren chats with Kelsey Nicole Nelson, an award-winning sports broadcaster whose dynamic presence is immediately captivating. Known for her work with FOX Sports, the Atlantic 10 Conference, American University women's basketball, and MLBbro.com, Kelsey brings energy and expertise to every platform. She's also the creative force behind the award-winning Listen In With KNN podcast, where she mentors future professionals through collegiate internship programs and she also teaches sports reporting at George Washington University. Bubbly, bold, and incredibly driven, Kelsey remains grounded in her roots while passionately creating pathways for women and girls of color in sports media.

Links for the Audience:

**Check out The Power Huddle: Women in Sports Broadcasting** http://bit.ly/3Ipa7ha

https://kelseynicolenelson.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/KelseyNNelson/

https://www.instagram.com/therealknelson/

https://www.facebook.com/KelseyNicoleNelson

https://twitter.com/therealknelson

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Yvette Diamond, an entrepreneur whose career has been anything but ordinary. She went from selling computer components after a teacher sparked her interest in technology, to serving as COO of an international publishing company, to running a health and beauty enterprise, and now to leading operations at Project JumpStart, Inc. while heading her own company, Our Facets. Through it all, she has pursued work that is deeply fulfilling and aligned with her values, while cherishing the relationships that have shaped her path. She is a wife, mother, soon-to-be published author of a book designed to help people navigate healthcare with confidence, and the co-host of a new podcast with her daughter where they share life experiences and lessons learned. Yvette’s insight, warmth, and wisdom make this a conversation you will not want to miss!LINKS:www.ourfacets.comhttps://www.dyvettediamond.com/https://projectjumpstarttraining.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettediamond/https://youtube.com/@theunconditionalpodcast?si=n10jds04wmdJbnHBhttps://www.facebook.com/yvette.diamond2

Hannah Shuman is the President and CEO of Tricerat, but her journey to the top wasn’t about taking the easy road, it was about proving herself. Growing up with a logical, tech-driven father and a warm, empathetic mother, Hannah embodies both intellect and heart. Her dad sparked her early interest in STEM, and now she’s passionate about doing the same for the next generation of girls. A self-described shy kid with fierce determination, Hannah shares how she worked her way up from intern to CEO, with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to leading with integrity.

For more information about the company Tricerat:

⁠⁠https://www.tricerat.com⁠⁠

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*****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/