In this session, Hayley Wood will share her journey from a 12-year teaching career to a mission-driven role in higher education, where she now leads strategic partnerships in collaboration with K–12 school districts. We’ll learn how to identify and communicate transferable skills, expand your professional network beyond the classroom, and confidently pursue career paths that align with your values—even if those paths look nothing like what you originally envisioned.

Presenter: Hayley Wood spent more than a decade working in 6th–12th grade education, teaching multiple subjects and serving as a technology coordinator, department head, new teacher mentor, and member of school leadership teams. Today, she works at Western Governors University, managing strategic partnerships with K–12 districts across the Eastern United States.

📣 Join WGU alum and Distinguished Graduate Award winner Brian Mueller for a real, honest conversation on what it means to bet on yourself—even when the odds feel uncertain.

Brian’s story is one of grit, growth, and the power of investing in your future. From working outside in the field to becoming Assistant Commissioner at the City of Chicago Water Department, Brian made a bold decision to go back to school not just for his bachelor’s, but for his master’s during the pandemic, too.

In this session, he’ll share:

• How to overcome self-doubt and define success on your own terms
• The importance of betting on your potential, not just your current situation
• What short-term sacrifices can look like and why they’re worth it
• Encouragement for anyone navigating a pivot or seeking purpose in their next step

Whether you’re exploring a career change, returning to the workforce, or considering going back to school, this session will remind you of one thing: you’re your greatest investment.

Join WGU alum Garrett for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation on navigating career change with courage, clarity, and purpose. 🌟

Garrett’s story is one of transformation, from engineer to DEI program manager, driven by a desire to make a greater impact and bring authenticity to the workplace. His journey shows that it’s never too late to shift directions and align your career with your values.

In this session, he’ll share:

• How he knew it was time for a change
• The mindset shift required to pursue work that feels meaningful
• Lessons learned in pivoting into different careers

📢 Whether you’re feeling stuck, seeking fulfillment, or ready to explore new possibilities, Garrett’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose and progress can go hand in hand.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that traces one WGU’s alumni’s unique journey from registered nurse to educator to strategic leader on a national partnerships team. In this session, we’ll explore the motivations behind each transition, the transferable skills that helped her thrive, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re considering a career shift, exploring leadership roles outside of clinical practice, or simply curious about how to leverage your experience in new ways, this session will offer practical insights, candid reflections, and encouragement for your own professional journey.

Join us for an insightful session with EJ O’Brien, a distinguished USAF Veteran and Western Governors University Alum. This focused presentation is specifically designed for university student veterans and alumni looking to bridge the gap between their invaluable military service and a thriving civilian career.

EJ will guide you through a practical framework for intentionally reflecting on your military skills and experiences, helping you identify transferable strengths and accomplishments. You’ll learn effective strategies for networking and building connections that can open doors to new opportunities. Finally, EJ will equip you with tools for strategic planning, empowering you to define your career goals and map out actionable steps to achieve them.

You don’t want to miss this session. Save your spot today!

What if your next chapter isn’t a detour, but the destination? 🛣️

✨ Join My Luu, former CPA turned organizational psychologist and co-founder of LifeSpark Labs, for a vulnerable and energizing conversation about navigating career transitions while staying true to yourself.

From motherhood to mission-driven work, My shares how discomfort became fuel for growth, and how what once felt like a detour turned out to be the destination. Her journey is a reminder that the biggest risk might be not trying at all.

Whether you’re in the middle of a transition or simply feeling the nudge for something more, this session will offer encouragement, insight, and a spark to move forward with intention.