Staff Sergeant Destiny Hunter of the U.S. Army Reserves shares her journey as a WGU Distinguished Graduate and founder of Kuinua Tech, a company creating innovative technology solutions with military efficiency while supporting veterans and underserved populations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Destiny completed her WGU master’s program while actively serving in the military
• The origin story behind Kuinua Tech and its mission to uplift overlooked communities
• Why she believes ethical AI must be driven by diverse teams and human accountability

Christie Jandora, a 2024 Distinguished Graduate at WGU, is the Director of Emergency Trauma Services at Ascension, overseeing 500 associates across five Florida counties. She joins the WGU Alumni podcast to share her journey that has been marked by resilience, passion, and purpose.

On the latest episode, learn how Christie:

• Plans to make an impact as the President-Elect of the Florida Emergency Nurses Association
• Leads multiple ERs, including a Level 1 trauma center and freestanding emergency departments
• Pursued nursing after losing both parents during her first semester of college
• Rose through nursing ranks—from LPN to master’s degree—while raising her children as a single parent
• Completed her master’s during COVID while working 50–60 hours a week
• And much, much more.

Anna and Chris Decker share their inspiring journey of completing WGU degrees together while raising two small children and working full-time jobs. Their competitive spirit, teamwork approach, and unwavering support for each other enabled them to achieve academic success despite numerous challenges.

On this episode you’ll learn how the Deckers:

• Balanced parenting duties while taking turns studying and sitting for exams
• Used late nights and time between infant duties to complete coursework
• Leveraged employer benefits to make education financially feasible
• Applied newly gained knowledge immediately to their professional roles that led to career promotion
• Discovered new learning techniques that translated to workplace efficiency

3-time WGU graduate Juan Longoria shares his inspiring journey of education and mentorship, illustrating that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams. His dedication to helping others through his nonprofit, REVJLO Charities, and the new Lo Nuestro Collective embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and community upliftment.

On this episode you'll hear about:

• Juan’s educational achievements and commitment to WGU
• The vital role of mentorship in career advancement
• Balancing personal life and professional ambitions
• The importance of lifelong learning and community support
• That it’s never too late to pursue your dreams

Kristian Sevison’s journey reveals how pursuing education later in life can lead to personal growth and newfound opportunities. He shares his motivation for returning to school, overcoming personal fears, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.

• Unpacking the theme of it's never too late
• Kris's motivation for returning to school
• Overcoming self-doubt and personal fears
• Discovering the power of WGU's competency-based education
• Importance of military experience in shaping his journey
• The desire to mentor others
• Importance of lifelong learning and education

Join us as we explore Kris’s inspiring path and how it paved the way for both personal and professional fulfillment.

From teenage mom to chief nursing officer, first-generation college graduate Shanell Murphy shares her inspiring story of resilience and success and how her commitment to nursing education has paved the way.

On this podcast, we explore her growth from her early days in Charleston, South Carolina, to her healthcare leadership chapters in Cleveland, Ohio, including her involvement with the American Nursing Association.

Shanell has earned three degrees from WGU – her bachelor’s of science in nursing, her master’s in business administration with concentration in healthcare management, and most recently her master’s in nursing leadership and management. In September of 2024, Shanell was named a distinguished graduate of WGU.

She is currently completing a book that documents her experiences and next has plans to embark on pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

Discover the transformative power of education through the story of Skye Gilham, a WGU distinguished graduate who has dedicated herself to empowering her Blackfeet Native American community in Montana.

As Skye reveals her journey from academia to serving her community at Blackfeet Community College and beyond, she highlights the breathtaking beauty and challenges of life in Northwest Montana. Her story is a testament to the impact of education, showcasing how integrating online learning and technology can uplift communities.

Join us as we celebrate the journey of distinguished graduate Kevin Phelps, Glendale's visionary CEO and city manager, as he transitioned from a successful entrepreneur to a public service leader. Discover how Kevin's return to education at Western Governors University, leveraging its unique competency-based model, played a role in his career evolution. His story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue education and new opportunities, blending professional wisdom with academic growth to inspire others with his resilience and adaptability.

We explore the exciting future of Glendale, Arizona, under Kevin's leadership, to unveil ambitious plans to transform the city into a dynamic entertainment hub. We dive into the details of the state's largest resort project, set to open in 2025, complete with a concert amphitheater, a lagoon with beaches, and the U.S.'s first Mattel adventure park.

This engaging conversation is filled with leadership wisdom and personal growth insights from Kevin. From sharing career advice and reflecting on the significance of mentorship to contemplating retirement and future endeavors, Kevin's experiences offer invaluable lessons on adaptability, fostering positive organizational culture, and the power of strong relationships. His reflections on friendships and community support reinforce the importance of surrounding oneself with passionate individuals to achieve greatness. Listen as Kevin's story unfolds, providing a blueprint for lifelong learning and success.