Through periodic MAX Member Spotlights, our MAX team is honored to help our broader workforce development network get to know our members better in order to strengthen connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development. Here, our members share insights on how MAX is helpful in their work, accomplishments they’re most proud of, emerging trends they see as affecting workforce development, and more.
How long have you been a MAX member?
Less than 1 year
How has being a member of MAX benefitted you or your organization?
Leadership MAX has challenged me to think beyond the walls of my own organization. I have been fortunate to meet passionate leaders across education, business, government, and nonprofit sectors while exposing me to innovative approaches that I can bring back to my work. Every session continues to remind me that no one organization can solve workforce challenges alone. Real transformation happens when we learn from one another and intentionally collaborate.
How have you engaged through MAX in the past 12 months?
MAX Member Engagement Council, Leadership MAX, MAX Academy, MAX Minutes, MAX Mondays
Are there specific collaborations or practices that have come about through your engagement with MAX?
Yes. One of the most meaningful connections I made through Leadership MAX was with Sheri Blight. I had shared my dream of having a stuffed mocha coffee bean that I could use while mentoring my students, and without hesitation, she lovingly handmade one for me.
To many, it’s simply a plush coffee bean. To me, it represents resilience, adaptability, and personal growth. Just as a coffee bean develops through pressure, heat, and transformation, people grow through challenges, embrace change, and gain wisdom through experience. Its energizing nature also reminds us that growth often begins with renewed motivation and the belief that we can become better than we were yesterday.
That handmade coffee bean has become a meaningful part of my mentoring and leadership journey. It serves as a tangible reminder of the relationships built through MAX and how one thoughtful act of kindness can have a lasting impact on the people we inspire.
Which MAX event do you most look forward to attending and why?
I am looking forward to the Leadership MAX Leadership Reflections Day and the Celebration Dinner.
Leadership Reflections Day will give us an opportunity to pause and recognize how much we’ve grown professionally and personally. For me leadership isn’t simply about acquiring knowledge; it’s about becoming a better version of myself through experience, service, and reflection.
The Celebration Dinner represents something even bigger. It’s a chance to celebrate the relationships I’ve built, the lessons I’ve learned, and the collective commitment we’ve made to strengthening Georgia’s workforce. I believe milestones deserve to be celebrated because they remind us why the work we do matters.I am looking forward to the Leadership MAX Leadership Reflections Day and the Celebration Dinner.
How many years have you served in the workforce development profession?
More than 10 years
Why do you serve in this profession? What motivates you or inspires you to do what you do?
I believe that opportunity changes lives; but only when people have equitable access to it.
My passion has always been helping people recognize strengths they don’t yet see in themselves and removing barriers that keep talent from reaching its full potential. Whether I’m coaching an individual, developing leaders, improving organizational processes, or designing workforce programs, my goal is always the same: help people move from where they are to where they’re capable of being.
One of my favorite sayings is, “I don’t just develop programs; I develop people.” Watching someone gain confidence, earn a credential, secure meaningful employment, or become a better leader is what keeps me inspired every day.
What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished in the past 12 months that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of launching what I call the Mastery Movement.
Over the past year, what started as a simple idea has grown into a philosophy that is shaping how I approach leadership development, workforce readiness, and youth mentoring. The Mastery Movement is built on the belief that success isn’t achieved by checking boxes; it’s achieved by intentionally mastering the skills, behaviors, and mindset needed to thrive in work and in life.
This movement has inspired the development of the Middle & High School Mastery Club, leadership and workforce development programs, and practical tools that help everyone move beyond surviving to truly excelling. Whether I’m working with students, professionals, or organizations, my goal is to help people pursue mastery instead of mediocrity.
Seeing this vision come to life has been one of the most rewarding milestones of my professional journey, and I believe it’s only the beginning.
What are some emerging trends you see as affecting the job seekers and employers served through our profession?
I see several trends shaping the future of workforce development:
Employers are placing greater value on durable skills like communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and leadership.
Artificial intelligence is changing how work gets done, making continuous learning and upskilling essential.
Organizations are recognizing that employee engagement, leadership quality, and workplace culture directly affect recruitment and retention.
Is there anything you believe that we, as a profession, should do differently in the future to best serve those we serve?
I believe we should spend less time measuring activity and more time measuring transformation.
It’s important to celebrate enrollments and placements, but we should also ask whether people are truly prepared to thrive once they’re hired. Workforce development should intentionally develop leadership, resilience, communication, financial capability, and emotional intelligence alongside soft and technical skills.
We also need stronger partnerships across education, employers, community organizations, and government so individuals experience one coordinated workforce system instead of navigating disconnected services.
What is a little-known fun fact about you?
Most people know me as Coach Mocha, but few know that I absolutely love camping. Give me a quiet campsite, a campfire, and great conversation, and I’m in my happy place. Some of my best ideas for new programs, leadership concepts, and business strategies have come while unplugged and surrounded by nature.