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

In this powerful episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Zachry Flores; military veteran, UMGC alumnus, and current UMGC professor. Zach shares the raw realities of serving as a military police officer, both stateside and overseas, and opens up about his journey before, during, and after his time in uniform.

From childhood dreams of police work to unexpected deployments, Zach’s path was anything but predictable. Even after sustaining a brain injury in the line of duty, he pushed forward earning a bachelor’s in criminal justice, a minor in business, and an MBA from UMGC, where he now teaches. His passion for the military runs deep, and he’s devoted his life to supporting those who serve in mind, body, and spirit.

Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at what it really means to serve, and to keep showing up, no matter what.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/unstoppable

Connect with Zachry on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachry-flores-mba-23b1b5ab/ 

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Zachry Flores (Military Veteran, UMGC Alumnus, UMGC Professor)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:47) Intro

(00:48 - 02:24) Zach’s Beginnings

(02:25 - 05:12) Military Life

(05:13 - 07:36) Iraq and Afghanistan

(07:37 - 12:51) A Memorable Day in the Life

(12:52 - 14:29) The People Being Taught

(14:30 - 18:09) Zach’s Brain Injury

(18:10 - 20:36) The After Care

(20:37 - 22:03) Daily Challenges

(22:04 - 23:23) Coping Mechanisms

(23:24 - 27:00) The College Journey

(27:01 - 30:11) Day to Day

(30:12 - 33:46) The Student in Me

(33:47 - 34:27) In the Office

(34:28 - 35:45) Graduation

(35:46 - 38:49) The Defining Feature

(38:50 - 39:38) What’s the future?

(39:39 - 40:17) Closing

In this powerful episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Zachry Flores; military veteran, UMGC alumnus, and current UMGC professor. Zach shares the raw realities of serving as a military police officer, both stateside and overseas, and opens up about his journey before, during, and after his time in uniform.

From childhood dreams of police work to unexpected deployments, Zach’s path was anything but predictable. Even after sustaining a brain injury in the line of duty, he pushed forward earning a bachelor’s in criminal justice, a minor in business, and an MBA from UMGC, where he now teaches. His passion for the military runs deep, and he’s devoted his life to supporting those who serve in mind, body, and spirit.

Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at what it really means to serve, and to keep showing up, no matter what.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/unstoppable

Connect with Zachry on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachry-flores-mba-23b1b5ab/ 

Host: Lauren Cardillo

Guest: Zachry Flores (Military Veteran, UMGC Alumnus, UMGC Professor)

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:47) Intro

(00:48 - 02:24) Zach’s Beginnings

(02:25 - 05:12) Military Life

(05:13 - 07:36) Iraq and Afghanistan

(07:37 - 12:51) A Memorable Day in the Life

(12:52 - 14:29) The People Being Taught

(14:30 - 18:09) Zach’s Brain Injury

(18:10 - 20:36) The After Care

(20:37 - 22:03) Daily Challenges

(22:04 - 23:23) Coping Mechanisms

(23:24 - 27:00) The College Journey

(27:01 - 30:11) Day to Day

(30:12 - 33:46) The Student in Me

(33:47 - 34:27) In the Office

(34:28 - 35:45) Graduation

(35:46 - 38:49) The Defining Feature

(38:50 - 39:38) What’s the future?

(39:39 - 40:17) Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo is joined by Maurice Hicks, an author, former police officer, and UMGC alumnus. We get an incredible insider look into Maurice’s early childhood, and how he was able to not only jump, but run over every obstacle life gave him.

Maurice dives into his experience becoming the second person ever in his family to not only get a high school diploma, but many degrees after and eventually becoming a teacher. We get to hear how he went from being told he would become nothing, to becoming an extremely well respected police officer back in his dangerous home neighborhood, and eventually a successful writer. Maurice is an individual to look up to for his willpower and dedication. Make sure to tune in to hear his story.

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: Maurice Rudolph Hicks, Author, Former Police Officer, UMGC Alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 1:02) Intro

(1:03 - 4:07) Maurice’s Early Childhood

(4:08 - 5:38) Maurice’s Desire for Intellect

(5:39 - 6:45) Familial Ties and Teachings

(6:46 - 8:41) Getting into the Marines

(8:42 - 10:03) Joining the reserves and Getting Academic Dismiss

(10:04 - 10:32) Pursuing Education despite Setbacks

(10:33 - 11:36) Joining the Police Force

(11:37 - 15:39) Making an Impact in Law Enforcement

(15:40 - 18:13) Beating the Odds and Finding a Passion for Helping People

(18:14 - 20:10) Furthering Education

(20:11 - 20:52) Coming Full Circle as a Professor

(20:53 - 22:18) Sacrifices for Marriage and Family

(22:19 - 24:39) Community Connections to Criminals

(24:40 - 29:09) Making the Change to Private Investigator

(29:10 - 30:00) Balancing Life with an Emotionally Hard Profession

(30:01 - 31:10) Maurice’s Career Today

(31:11 - 31:47) Process for Writing and Recalling Memories for his Book

(31:48 - 33:29) Maurice’s Most Memorable Story

(33:30 - 35:37) Pride in Maurice’s Accomplishments

(35:38 - 36:12) Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James is joined by Crevita Moody, an author, data scientist with the FAA, former professional basketball player, and UMGC alumna. In this episode, Nathan and Crevita dive into how Crevita got to where she is today, and how she got past her fears in order to find her passion.

Crevita walks us through her journey, and how her past work as being an actress and then a professional basketball player led her to becoming the first African American female data scientist with the FAA. She discusses how she was able to figure things out even from a young age, and how those strategies have been with her throughout her life. During this episode, we hear how Crevita finds ways and strategies of breaking down barriers in life, to successfully become the person she is today. 

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: Crevita Moody, Data Scientist, Author, and UMGC Alumna

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 1:33) Intro

(1:34 - 4:19) Crevita’s Background

(4:20 - 6:28) Changing Careers and Crevita’s Passions

(6:29 - 10:20) Going to School while Overseas

(10:21 - 14:50) Finding Crevita’s love for Data Science

(14:51 - 17:37) Simplifying Complex Concepts

(17:38 - 19:45) Helping Toddlers Understand STEM concepts

(19:46 - 22:08) Diving into Playhouse STEM

(22:09 - 25:29) Teaching People how to get into STEM

(25:30 - 26:46) Principles and processes of people in STEM

(26:47 - 30:11) Being the First African American Woman in the FAA

(30:12 - 31:49) Crevita as Inspiration for Diversity in the Industry

(31:50 - 32:38) Nathan’s Experience with STEM

(32:39 - 35:31) Overcoming Intimidation

(35:32 - 38:03) What it Takes to Try Something New

(38:04 - 42:00) How Crevita got into Scuba Diving

(42:01 - 43:30) Outro

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James sits down with Samantha Howard, a dedicated leader and advocate who has spent years championing higher education and community service. Samantha shares her journey of perseverance, cultural identity, and breaking barriers in leadership, shaped by her experiences as a UMGC graduate and former Latino Affairs Liaison for Prince George’s County.

Samantha reflects on her time at UMGC, where she found the support and encouragement to push through challenges and complete her education. She also discusses the significance of embracing one's heritage, advocating for underrepresented communities, and balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities.

If you're navigating your own educational or career journey and looking for motivation to stay the course, don’t miss Samantha’s inspiring story!

Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

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

Host: Nathan James, Host

Guest:Samantha Howard, Former Latino Affairs Liaison for Prince George’s County, UMGC Alumna

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 00:29) Introduction 

(00:30 - 01:09) Coming to Colorado 

(01:10 - 03:00) Inspired from a Young Age 

(03:01 - 06:09) The Power of Storytelling 

(06:10 - 08:49) Journey After High School 

(08:50 - 12:19) Going Back to School 

(12:20 - 14:59) Challenges to Graduate 

(15:00 - 18:19) Graduation Day! 

18:20 - 21:19) Mission is Evolving 

(21:20 - 24:09) Building a Foundation 

(24:10 - 28:19) Dreaming Big 

(28:20 - 32:09) Building a Foundation 

(32:10 - 34:59) Dreaming Big

(35:00 - 39:06) Closing

Welcome to Unstoppable Stories, the UMGC podcast hosted by Nathan James. In today’s episode, we’re joined by a special mother-and-son duo, Carolyn and Immanuel Patton, both proud UMGC graduates. What started as a little boy’s promise to his mom—to graduate college together—turned into a powerful journey filled with hard work, determination, and love. With graduation being the beginning of their journey, Immanuel also shares what it’s like to be a Success Coach at UMGC and how his mom’s example helped him become the role model he is today for students finding their way. 

This is a story about family, perseverance, and keeping a promise that you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

To learn more about UMGC and the Patton’s story follow this link UMGC.edu/Unstoppable

Host: Nathan James, Host

Guests: Carolyn Patton, UMGC Alumna 

Immanuel Patton, UMGC Alumnus and Success Coach

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:39) Introduction to education's importance 

(00:40 - 01:09) Podcast welcome with Emmanuel and Carolyn Patton 

(01:10 - 03:47) The childhood promise to graduate together 

(03:48 - 05:09) Carolyn's perspective as a single mom 

(05:10 - 08:47) Emmanuel at age 5 and Carolyn's education journey 

(08:48 - 10:58) Carolyn's struggle and almost giving up 

(10:59 - 13:45) Emmanuel's support and encouragement 

(13:46 - 18:27) PACE program and different learning styles 

(18:28 - 21:23) Daily dynamics and balancing school with fun 

(21:24 - 24:29) Emmanuel's role as UMGC Success Coach 

(24:30 - 27:10) Final message: Show up and don't give up 

(27:11 - 28:10) Closing remarks and thank you

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James is joined by Cory Underwood, a UMGC alumnus and high school assistant principal, to share his powerful story about higher education and leadership.

Cory opens up about the educational struggles he faced throughout his life and what it was like pursuing higher education later on. He highlights the importance of building meaningful relationships with students and demonstrates how to make a lasting impact in your community.

His story is a true testament to the power of leading by example.

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

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

 UMGC.edu/Unstoppable    

Host: Nathan James

Guest(s): Cory Underwood

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

[00:00 - 1:20]: Intro 

[1:21 - 3:20] What do you love about your job?

[3:21 - 7:30 ]: High school struggles 

[7:31 - 9:00]: The importance of role models 

[9:00 - 15:22]: Cory Underwoods educational journey 

[15:23 - 18:30]: The challenges of going back to school

[18:31 - 20:38]: Fears of returning to education 

[20:39 - 24:10]: “What made you join UMGC?”

[24:11 - 28:20]: Life stories and lessons

[28:21 - 31:00]: Overcoming a fear of failure 

[31:01 - 34:20]: Finding your “why”

[34:21 - 37:15]: “What would your younger self say?”

[37:16 - 38:20]: Outro