Unstoppable Stories

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, the UMGC Podcast, host Lauren Cardillo welcomes Brandon Blackwell, Director of Software Development at CyTech Services and UMGC alumnus.

Brandon shares his personal journey, including how he balanced work while earning his degree from UMGC. From family values to striving for excellence and giving back to the community, Brandon's story is one of resilience, impact, and the transformative power of education. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming obstacles, pursuing dreams, and transforming into the best version of yourself. Be sure to leave a like, comment, and subscribe!

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

Host: Lauren Cardillo, Host

Guest: Brandon Blackwell, Director of Software Development at CyTech Services and UMGC alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:39) Intro

(00:40 - 01:30) Brandon's interest in cybersecurity

(01:31 - 04:20) Pivotal moment of ACL injury and career shift

(04:21 - 08:00) Balancing education and work

(08:01 - 10:30) Family support and educational goals

(10:31 - 12:30) Overcoming obstacles and achieving success

(12:31 - 15:00) Role of certifications in career advancement

(15:01 - 17:30) Working with family and building a business

(17:31 - 19:00) Advice for non-traditional students

(19:01 - 20:30) Giving back and mentoring

(20:31 - 22:00) Future aspirations and legacy

(22:01 - 25:00) Continued discussion on family support and educational goals

(25:01 - 27:30) Balancing work and school

(27:31 - 32:20) Importance of certifications and applying coursework to job

(32:21 - 37:28) Giving Back

(37:29 - 39:05) Advice to non-traditional students

(39:06 - 39:32) Conclusion

Welcome to another episode of Unstoppable Stories, the UMGC podcast that celebrates extraordinary journeys. Today, host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Lynnette Lamp, a proud UMGC alumna, who shares her remarkable path—from young mom to Maryland’s Mom of the Year, widow to therapist, and student to graduate. Lynnette’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of mothers and an inspiration to anyone navigating loss and grief. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with strength, hope, and transformation.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

To learn more about UMGC follow this link UMGC.edu/Unstoppable 

Host: Lauren Cardillo, Host

Guests: Lynnette Lamp, Maryland Mother of the Year 2023 & UMGC Alumna

Still Quotes (3):

“My drive goes back to the idea of serving others because if I don’t read the textbook and pass my classes, my dream of becoming a therapist won’t happen.” - Lynnette Lamp, 10:26

“I truly value the idea of healing through serving. When you go out and serve, it cuts your problems in half and makes your suffering less unique.” - Lynnette Lamp, 11:23

“When I transferred to UMGC, the advisors called me often to help with class registration. It was not hard whatsoever to transfer over.” - Lynnette Lamp, 16:30

“Education takes a lot of hard work, and it is important to be clear on what you want to do. I know what I want my career to be and what I need my education to be.”

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:30) Introduction to Lynnette's widow experience 

(00:31 - 01:09) Podcast introduction and welcome 

(01:10 - 03:47) Maryland Mother of the Year 

(03:48 - 05:09) The Path to a Dream 

(05:10 - 08:47) Healing Through Service 

(08:48 - 10:58) Education Anywhere and Everywhere 

(10:59 - 13:45) Grief Camp Volunteering 

(13:46 - 18:27) Educational Journey 

(18:28 - 21:23) The Grad Walk 

(21:24 - 24:29) Becoming a Therapist

(24:30 - 27:10) Just Do It 

(27:11 - 29:20) Professional Help 

(29:21 - 29:50) Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James sits down with Kevin Finkelstein, a theater historian and UMGC alumnus. Kevin shares his lifelong passion for the arts, sparked at a young age, and takes us through his unique journey—from high school Shakespearean troupe to a detour into I.T., and ultimately, his path into higher education.

Kevin reflects on his experience at UMGC, where he found the support and foundation to dream big and pursue his passions. He also shares the unforgettable moment of graduation, where the cheering crowd for every graduate left a lasting impact.

If you're considering continuing your education but unsure how to make it happen, tune in to hear Kevin’s inspiring story and insights!

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

Host: Nathan James, Host

Guest: Kevin Finkelstein, Theater Historian and UMGC Alumnus

Still Quotes (3):

“Theater is a communal experience. The energy of the audience, the energy of the stage, how those combine, and what that brings out in the people who are watching can be a very transformative process.” 11:08

“In a healthy theater environment, as a director, you will never say, ‘This is what I want you to do.’ Instead, you will guide them to a place where the two of you can figure out what the piece looks like together.” 16:35

“As you start, return to, or change your career… don’t constrain yourself to what you know is happening. Think about what you want to do, and then you can start to make the path to make it happen.” 36:33

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:59) Introduction

(01:00 - 03:03) Coming to Colorado

(03:04 - 09:06) Inspired from a Young Age

(09:07 - 12:22) The Power of Storytelling

(12:23 - 17:42) Journey After High School

(17:43 - 21:51) Going Back to School

(21:52 - 25:48) Challenges to Graduate

(25:49 - 28:26) Graduation Day!

(28:27 - 30:36) Mission is Evolving

(30:37 - 34:22) Building a Foundation

(34:23 - 36:52) Dreaming Big

(36:53 - 37:40) Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, the UMGC Podcast, host Lauren Cardillo welcomes D’Yanna Craighead, author and UMGC alumna, to share her journey of resilience, growth, and transformation. From her early experiences overcoming adversity to participating in the Disney College Program, D’Yanna’s story is a testament to perseverance and goal setting.

D’Yanna discusses the inspiration behind her book, The Butterfly Code, and how it reflects her belief in embracing change and stepping out of comfort zones to achieve personal growth. She also explores the importance of empathy, evolving through challenges, and finding motivation in life’s struggles.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming obstacles, pursuing dreams, and transforming into the best version of yourself. Be sure to leave a like, comment, and subscribe!

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

Host: Lauren Cardillo, Host

Guest: D’Yanna Craighead, Author and UMGC Alumna

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:11) Introduction

(01:12 - 05:57) How It All Started

(05:58 - 12:21) Overcoming Early Adversity

(12:22 - 15:13) The Disney College Program

(15:14 - 17:33) Lifelong Goal Setting

(17:34 - 21:42) Having Empathy

(21:43 - 26:36) D’Yanna’s Book “The Butterfly Code”

(26:37 - 29:12) Growing Out of Your Comfort Zone

(29:13 - 35:23) Pushing Through Unpredictable Times

(35:24 - 40:54) Getting to Know D’Yanna’s Daughter

(40:55 - 42:19) Dreams Coming True

(42:20 - 45:38) Inspiring Women to Achieve Greatness

(45:39 - 47:05) Coming to Speak at Homecoming

(47:06 - 47:41) Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, the UMGC Podcast, host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Mike Hill, author and UMGC alumnus, to explore his inspiring journey of personal and professional growth. From navigating the challenges of returning to college as a working parent to achieving remarkable career success, Mike’s story highlights the transformative power of education.

Mike reflects on how UMGC’s supportive resources and dynamic professors helped him excel, both academically and personally. He shares the pivotal moments of his journey, including balancing family responsibilities, overcoming challenges, and the impact of sobriety on his path forward. Mike also discusses the surprising lessons he’s learned, the role of his wife’s unwavering support, and his advice for others considering a return to education.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with perseverance, resilience, and practical insights for achieving your goals–no matter where you are on your journey. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

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

Host: Lauren Cardillo, Host

Guest: Mike Hill, Author and UMGC Alumnus

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:48) Introduction

(00:49 - 02:48) Reflecting on Graduation Day

(02:49 - 06:30) The Journey Back to College

(06:31 - 08:37) Moments with Family

(08:38 - 12:46) Success After Graduation

(12:47 - 16:49) The Difficulties of Going Back

(16:50 - 18:29) Having Kids While in College

(18:30 - 23:25) Having a Plan/Strategy

(23:26 - 27:15) The Impact of Sobriety

(27:16 - 28:59) The Next Big Goal

(29:00 - 32:10) Mike’s Big Family

(32:11 - 34:40) Surprising Lessons Learned

(34:41 - 35:46) Mike’s Wife’s Support

(35:47 - 37:41) Progressing Forward

(37:42 - 38:41) Advice for Going Back to School

(38:42 - 39:08) Closing

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James welcomes UMGC alumna Lakia Elam to share her inspiring journey of resilience, determination, and success. Lakia reflects on overcoming the challenges of being a young parent, finding her motivation through her daughter, and the pivotal moments that pushed her to pursue higher education at UMGC.

Lakia dives into how UMGC’s supportive environment and practical, modern curriculum enabled her to apply what she learned in real time, leading to significant career growth and personal transformation. She highlights the importance of community, breaking barriers, and the many small but meaningful milestones that lead to big accomplishments.

Tune in to hear this engaging conversation that celebrates the power of education and unwavering commitment to personal growth. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!

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

Host: Nathan James, Host

Guest: Lakia Elam, UMGC Alumna and CEO of Magnificent Differences Consulting

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:38) Introduction

(01:38 - 03:22) Lakia’s Background

(03:23 - 06:13) Lakia’s Daughter’s Impact on Her

(06:14 - 09:14) Challenges as a Young Parent

(09:15 - 12:40) Walking “Backwards”

(12:41 - 15:24) The Final Push to Go to School

(15:25 - 18:39) The Comfort UMGC Provides

(18:40 - 22:43) Having Support During Tough Times

(22:44 - 28:55) Crossing the Finish Line

(28:56 - 31:30) The Power of Community

(31:31 - 33:45) Progressing in Career

(33:46 - 36:04) Breaking Through the Ceiling

(36:05 - 38:54) Magnificent Differences Consulting

(38:55 - 39:49) Interviewing on Television

(39:50 - 41:03) Advice for Persevering Through Challenges

(41:04 - 41:42) Closing

Welcome to UMGC’s newest podcast episode of Unstoppable Stories. In this episode, our host, Lauren Cardillo, is joined by Robert Blackwell, Jr., CEO of Cytech Services and UMGC alumnus. Robert dives into his entrepreneurial journey, sharing how he built his own business while earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMGC. From family values to the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to giving back, Robert’s story is one of resilience, impact, and the power of education. Tune in for an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

To learn more about UMGC follow this link UMGC.edu/Unstoppable   

Host: Lauren Cardillo, Host

Guests: Robert Blackwell Jr., CEO of Cytech Services

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:54) Introduction 

(00:55 - 03:14) Cytech Services

(03:15 - 05:33) The Motivation of Hearing No

(05:34 - 08:13) Foundation of Family

(08:14 - 12:15) Setting the Standard

(12:16 - 13:23) Follow the Path

(13:24 - 15:50) Giving Back

(15:51 - 17:17) Joining the Fraternity

(17:18 - 19:20) Graduation Day

(19:21 - 20:16) Student Support Services

(20:17 - 22:15) The Yellow Brick Road

(22:16 - 23:04) Sowing Seeds

(23:05 - 24:06) Advice for Entrepreneurs

(24:07 - 25:14) Not Measuring Up

(25:15 - 26:51) Marital Inspiration

(26:52 - 28:26) Supporting Future Leaders

(28:27 - 28:57) Closing

Welcome to Unstoppable Stories, the UMGC podcast hosted by Lauren Cardillo. Caitlin Bassett, a UMGC graduate, military veteran, and actor, shares her inspiring journey from serving in Afghanistan to making it to the big screen. Influenced by her family's military legacy, Caitlin enlisted at 18, seeking purpose and a fresh start. Despite the challenges of military life, she earned her degree from UMGC, which recognizes military credits. Join us as Caitlin discusses her unique path, the power of perseverance, and the supportive UMGC community that helps individuals like her share their stories and inspire others. Don't miss this insightful conversation on finding purpose and embracing new opportunities!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

To learn more about UMGC follow this link https://www.umgc.edu/unstoppable   

Host: Lauren Cardillo, Senior Video Producer at UMGC

Guest: Caitlin Bassett, UMGC Aluma, Military Vet, & Actor

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:19) Introduction

(00:20 - 05:15) Caitlin's Background

(05:16 - 06:59) Joining the Military

(07:00 - 08:57) Deployment to Fob Shank

(08:58 - 11:21) Role in Intelligence

(11:22 - 14:37) Earning a Degree During Deployments

(14:38 - 16:38) Transfer Credits and UMGC Support

(16:39 - 19:05) Revisiting Graduation Day

(19:06 - 22:12) Journey to Law School

(22:13 - 27:44) Taking Big Leaps

(27:45 - 28:46) Speaking at Homecoming