Unstoppable Stories 2025 Archive

Unstoppable Stories: A UMGC Podcast

2025 Archives

At t 91��Ƭ��, we believe that everyone has a story worth telling – stories of triumph, perseverance, and transformation. Unstoppable Stories is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the powerful narratives of individuals who have pursued their educational goals while balancing families, jobs, health, military service, and everything in between – you know...life – and they are now making their indelible mark professionally and in their communities.

Ginger Miller: Resilience In Action

June 25, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, our host Nathan James sits down with the inspiring Ginger Miller—president and CEO of Women Veterans Interactive Foundation, a Navy Veteran and a proud UMGC alumna.

Milo Miles: Lessons Learned from 32 Years of Military Service

June 11, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, Lloyd “Milo” Miles, SVP of Global Military Operations at t 91��Ƭ�� and retired U.S. Army officer, shares how his 32-year military career shaped his approach to leading others—and how his second chapter in higher education is rooted in that same sense of mission.

James Rodriguez: From the Marine Corps to Corporate Leadership

May 28, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo sits down with James Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Labor, to discuss his remarkable journey through military service, education, and leadership.

Deshauna Barber - Unstoppable Stories Podcast

Deshauna Barber: The Road to Miss USA and Beyond

May 14, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Lauren Cardillo welcomes U.S. Army Veteran, Former Miss USA, & UMGC Alumna Deshauna Barber to discuss her extraordinary journey. From balancing military service with pageantry to overcoming obstacles through perseverance and tenacity, Deshauna shares the lessons that shaped her success.

Merissa Blackwell: Forever a Learner

April 30, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Merissa Blackwell—Army Reserve, Logistics Officer for the U.S. Federal Government, and proud UMGC alumna. Merissa shares her journey from her early years, where education was the key to unlocking her dreams, to her path of service and lifelong learning.

Brandon Blackwell: The Journey from Football To Software Engineer

April 16, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, Brandon Blackwell, Director of Software Development at CyTech Services, shares his personal journey, including how he balanced work while earning his degree from UMGC, to now working alongside his brother and to help lead their cybertechnology consulting firm.

Lynette Lamp: A Mother’s Resilience

April 02, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, Lynnette Lamp, a proud UMGC alumna, shares her remarkable path—from young mom to Maryland’s Mom of the Year, widow to therapist, and student to graduate.

Kevin Finkelstein: Dream Big and Follow Your Passion

March 19, 2025

In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, theater historian and UMGC alumnus Kevin Finkelstein shares his lifelong passion for the arts, sparked at a young age, and takes us through his unique journey.

D’Yanna Craighead: Breaking Comfort Zones and Growing Wings

March 05, 2025

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.

Mike Hill: Lessons Learned: Returning to School as a Working Parent

February 19, 2025

This week on Unstoppable Stories, the UMGC Podcast, host Lauren Cardillo talks with Mike Hill, author and UMGC alumnus, about his inspiring journey of personal and professional growth.

Lakia Elam: Elevating Careers Through Education and Determination

February 07, 2025

In this week’s episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James welcomes CEO of Magnificent Differences Consulting & UMGC alumna, Lakia Elam, to share her inspiring journey of resilience, determination, and success.

Pursuing Success: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Robert Blackwell Jr.

January 22, 2025

This week on Unstoppable Stories, you will hear the Inspiring story about using your education to help build your own successful company. Join our host, Lauren Cardillo, as she talks with Robert Blackwell Jr., CEO of Cytech Services and UMGC alumnus.