Welcome to a special edition of Unstoppable Stories. May is a special time of the year for students – especially those who will earn their degrees and officially graduate. This week, we’re excited to share interviews from several UMGC graduates from around the globe as they tell their stories and offer advice on what made their journeys a success. As with most of our students who manage work, family life, military service, and more on the road to earning their degree, you will love these genuine clips of these graduates from UMGC locations worldwide. From Asia and Europe to stateside, these unstoppable stories will give you insights and inspiration as you pursue your own educational goals.

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To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction 

00:39 Kiwamu 

02:15 Ashley 

03:16 Frederick 

04:49 Donald 

06:01 Abigail 

07:29 Scott 

08:39 Jackie 

10:16 Pamela 

11:55 Jasmin 

14:04 Daniel 

16:07 Nikkia 

17:10 Conclusion

Host Nathan James sits down with UMGC cybersecurity graduate, Tamila Urumbaeva, to trace a move from Uzbekistan to the United States, a seven year stretch apart from her father, and the decision to rebuild in a new language and culture. She explains the hardest early hurdle, communicating with care across cultures, and how asking good questions, listening closely, and adjusting tone in real time became a daily practice. 

Tamila shares how she chose cybersecurity, earned an Excellence in Cybersecurity award at community college, transferred to UMGC for the online fit, stacked credentials like CompTIA Security Plus, and balanced four jobs with school through disciplined routines and honest burnout recovery. She also reflects on launching leadership with Women in Cybersecurity, the confidence of conference community, and a vision to secure systems and inspire more women to enter the field. 

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Tamila Urumbaeva, Cybersecurity Specialist, UMGC alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:50) Cybersecurity Impact

(00:50 - 02:59) Delay and move

(03:00 - 05:12) Culture shock

(05:13 - 08:10) Choosing cyber

(08:11 - 10:34) Early wins

(10:35 - 13:10) UMGC fit

(13:11 - 16:35) Four jobs

(16:36 - 19:49) Burnout reset

(19:50 - 24:15) WiCyS leadership

(24:16 - 27:08) Never give up

(27:09 - 30:59) Community and close

Host Nathan James sits down with systems engineer and UMGC alumnus, Ben Thapa to trace the thread from Nepal to night classes, from a first IT role to a multi decade career built on routine, persistence, and family support. Ben explains how early mornings, long commutes, and library nights created momentum, and why staying curious kept doors opening at work and at school.

He shares the story behind playing golf in all 50 states and on every continent, including a bucket list swing in Antarctica, and how the real goal was never the scorecard but the friendships and check ins that followed. Along the way he highlights the master’s decision, the campus resources that helped, and a people first mindset that turns busy schedules into lasting community. Listen for lessons on structure, gratitude, and connection that apply far beyond the fairway.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Ben Thapa, Systems Engineer, Author, UMGC alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:22) People first

(00:22 - 00:53) Welcome

(00:54 - 03:10) Golf origins

(03:11 - 05:04) Work and UMGC

(05:05 - 09:12) Daily grind

(09:13 - 12:34) Family view

(12:35 - 16:08) First IT role

(16:09 - 20:32) Master’s decision

(20:33 - 24:10) 50 states, 7 continents

(24:11 - 29:39) Staying in touch

(29:40 - 32:43) Connection over loneliness

(32:44 - 33:32) Gratitude and close

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, UMGC alumna, Jeannie Lum, joins host Lauren Cardillo to share her story of resilience, compassion, and cultural connection. Born in the Philippines and raised as a military kid, Jeannie’s journey has been defined by movement, adaptability, and heart. When her father decided to stop relocating their family, Jeannie learned the power of staying grounded, keeping connected through collect calls, calling cards, and even pottery, a creative bond she still treasures today.

Now living in Oahu, Hawaii with her two autistic daughters, Jeannie balances motherhood, advocacy, and her role as a former Outreach Partnership Specialist at UMGC. She opens up about embracing challenges, finding purpose through community, and learning to let the rhythm of life, like the ocean, carry her forward.

Jeannie’s story is a reminder that strength isn’t just about perseverance; it’s about leading with love, embracing culture, and staying rooted no matter where the tide takes you.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments for more unstoppable stories!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable 

Connect with Jeannie on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniealum/

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Jeannie Lum (Former Outreach Partnership Specialist, UMGC Alumnas)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:49) Introduction

(00:50 - 04:12) Growing Up

(04:13 - 05:28) Early Responsibilities 

(05:29 - 06:55) It Started With Family

(06:56 - 08:34) Miss Aloha

(08:35 - 13:41) The Accidental Pathway

(13:42 - 19:09) Outreach Partnership Specialist

(19:10 - 20:55) Preventing Burn Out

(20:56 - 30:00) Now From The NICU

(30:01 - 32:18) Raising Children

(32:19 - 35:30) Water is Life

(35:30 - 36:15) Conclusion

Host Nathan James sits down with UMGC student and project manager, Gavata Smith, to trace a path built on faith, forgiveness, and steady self-improvement. She shares how her mother’s addiction, her own early motherhood and other hard seasons sharpened her resolve, why telling the truth about past mistakes gives her family and community real hope, and how healing looks when love and accountability meet.

Gavata breaks down a late-career pivot into technology, the certification stack that keeps her relevant in GovCon, and the time management system that lets work, school, and family coexist. She also explains how service keeps her grounded, from mentoring justice-involved women to relaunching a domestic violence ministry and helping job seekers with stronger résumés and interviews.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Gavata Smith, Project Manager and UMGC student

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:30) Intro and transparency 

(01:30 - 05:13) Early lessons 

(05:14 - 08:00) Tech break 

(08:01 - 11:00) Cert stack & routines 

(11:01 - 13:55) YouTube tips 

(13:56 - 16:46) Family healing 

(16:47 - 21:08) Service work 

(21:09 - 24:39) IC pivot 

(24:40 - 28:00) Volunteer mindset 

(28:01 - 30:53) Reflections and next steps

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with UMGC alumna and HR leader, Erika Lane to trace the path from East Baltimore beginnings to guiding people strategy at a major airline. Erika explains how she refused labels, chose the grind over complaints, and turned early customer service work into leadership by practicing empathy and composure.

She shares the mentors and sponsors who opened doors, why she runs her life like a project manager, and how inclusive leadership starts with relatability and service. Along the way she breaks down her ‘stay ready’ system, updated materials, active networking, and the family legacy that keeps her anchored as the goals move forward. Listen for lessons on resilience, ownership, and building community that apply in any industry.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Erika Lane, Human Resources leader, UMGC alumna

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 03:27) Origin Story

(03:28 - 07:46) First Job & Mentorship

(07:47 - 09:59) Sponsorship vs. Mentorship

(10:00 - 13:57) Staying Ready

(13:58 - 18:09) Work-Life Integration

(18:10 - 21:04) Back to School

(21:05 - 25:40) Leading with Empathy

(25:41 - 27:32) No Ceilings

(27:33 - 29:26) Texas Transition

(29:27 - 31:12) Future Plans

(31:13 - 34:16) Loving the Work

(34:17 - 36:13) Navigating "The Only"

(36:14 - 39:19) Owning Choices & Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, Pedro Diaz, Director of Language and Guest Services at Children’s National Hospital and proud UMGC alumnus, joins host Nathan James, to share his remarkable journey of compassion, connection, and leadership in healthcare. After recognizing the deep disconnect between non-English-speaking patients and the U.S. healthcare system, Diaz made it his mission to bridge that gap through empathy, cultural awareness, and trust.

He opens up about what it means to truly listen to learn rather than just listen to respond, and how taking the time to understand people’s needs and worries can transform care on every level. From leading multilingual initiatives to empowering others through education and teamwork, Diaz reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by titles, it’s a mindset built on influence, humility, and heart.

This inspiring conversation is a powerful reminder that in any career or stage of life, connection is the foundation of impact.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments for more unstoppable stories!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable  

Learn how you can support CNH at: https://www.childrensnational.org/make-a-difference 

Host: Nathan James

Guest: Pedro Diaz (Director of Language & Guest Services, Children’s National Hospital)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:02) Introduction

(01:03 - 06:16) The Backstory

(06:17 - 10:24) Igniting the Passion

(10:25 - 13:31) Helping vs Connecting

(13:32 - 15:03) Stories of Care

(15:04 - 16:34) Polylingual

(16:35 - 21:02) Journey Into Leadership

(21:03 - 24:26) Representation in Leadership

(24:27 - 27:00) Lesson Application

(27:01 - 30:52) Diaz’s Advice

(30:53 - 33:57) Everything Happens for a Reason

(33:58 - 36:20) How We Can Support

(36:21 - 36:56) Closing

On this week’s Unstoppable Stories, Lauren Cardillo connects with UMGC alumna, Ronnette Meyers. She shares her unstoppable journey from braiding hair with her grandma to building JLAN Solutions, LLC. and leaving a lasting impact in her community. Growing up in Germany as a military kid and later leaving her government job to work alongside her mom in back-office support, Ronnette learned the value of dedicated time, perseverance, and making the most of every opportunity. 

Along the way, she earned the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service, a recognition of her dedication to helping others. In this episode, she opens up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned from her upbringing and early work experiences, and how she continues to inspire and empower others through her entrepreneurial spirit, advocacy, and leadership. This conversation is full of practical advice and motivational insights for anyone looking to turn their passion into impact.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable

Connect With Ronnette Meyers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnette-meyers-jlan/ 

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Ronnette Meyers (CEO & President of JLAN Solutions, LLC. UMGC Alumnas)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:40) Introduction

(00:41 - 05:12) Instilling Entrepreneurship Early On

(05:13 - 08:07) Learning How To Climb

(08:08 - 10:36) Juggling Uncertainty

(10:37 - 13:06) A Single Point Of Failure

(13:07 - 14:53) The Room Where It Happens

(14:54 - 16:05) About JLAN Solutions

(16:06 - 18:30) Small Business Advocation

(18:31 - 21:05) A Voice To Power

(21:06 - 25:04) The Degree Journey

(25:05 - 30:08) The Child Rundown

(30:09 - 30:28) Shutdown Reality

(30:29 - 33:46) Where is the Future?

(33:47 - 34:57) Step Out On Faith

(34:58 - 35:47) Closing

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with producer, actor, author, retired Marine and UMGC alumnus, Dale Dye to trace the thread from Vietnam combat tours to Hollywood soundstages. Dale explains how a professor opened the door to writing, how a chance pitch led to three weeks in the jungle with 33 actors and why doing it right matters when stories shape how audiences see service and sacrifice. 

He breaks down staging D-Day for the film, Saving Private Ryan, as well as the lasting impact he’s made on other landmark film and television projects including Platoon, Band of Brothers, The Masters of Air and The Pacific. He details the boot camp method that forges ensembles, and the discipline that keeps egos in check to make all of this possible. Listen for lessons on tenacity, teamwork, and purpose that apply far beyond the set.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable  

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Dale Dye, Producer, Actor, Author, Retired Marine & UMGC Alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 02:23) Origins and storyteller drive

(02:24 - 06:40) UMGC discovery, mentors, serious reading

(06:41 - 08:19) First novel and momentum

(08:20 - 11:30) Why war films missed, fix from the inside

(11:31 - 15:14) Oliver Stone opening, Platoon boot camp

(15:15 - 19:26) Cultural impact, mission to honor service

(19:27 - 23:46) Values on screen, ensemble over individual

(23:47 - 29:00) Saving Private Ryan, D Day orchestration

(29:01 - 33:11) One take lessons, on camera work

(33:12 - 36:40) Masters of the Air, research method

(36:41 - 39:11) Projects and lessons, handling critique

(39:12 - 42:36) UMGC advantage, transition advice, close

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo is joined by Danielle Rowell, a Chief Information Security Officer with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and UMGC alumna. Danielle shares her story about how she went from being an events planner to becoming an executive within the cybersecurity industry, all while raising a family.

Danielle has worked hard in order to achieve where she is. She began without any experience or certifications for cybersecurity, but found a passion for the industry and did everything she needed to do in order to be a part of it. Danielle speaks about how her hard-working ethics lead her to where she is today, as well as what she believes it means to be a great leader. Make sure to tune in to hear her story about persistence and success!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Intro

00:51 Going from Communications to Cybersecurity

2:59 The Appeal of Cybersecurity

4:32 Finding Danielle’s first job in Cyber

6:06 Getting Certifications

7:02 Staying Motivated

7:54 Danielle Proving Herself to her Clients and Coworkers

8:58 Planning out Danielle’s Future Career

10:16 Danielle’s Life Working and Raising a Family

12:36 Switching Positions for Better Work/life Balance

13:41 Being in a Leadership Role

15:31 Advice to Others

16:32 Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

18:58 Surprising Things about Danielle's Position

21:01 Becoming a Life Coach and Mentor

23:20 When to Step Out of a Leadership Role

24:26 Goals for the Future

25:37 Danielle’s Mom’s Effect on her Growth

27:45 Mentors Throughout Danielle's Life

28:49 Working for a Large Organization

30:58 Tips on making it

31:55 Outro