I come to Purposeful Pursuits as a Career Coach and Marketing Specialist with years of formal (and informal) career and life coaching experience. Obtaining both of my masters degrees from the University of Michigan (Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Education- Higher Education Administration), I have developed a passion for helping others see the potential in themselves, resulting in clients setting and accomplishing their goals. By utilizing a career coaching philosophy that is centered on goal setting, action planning and self-reflection, I assist clients in acknowledging areas of growth and setting a vision for what the future could have in store. One area that I care deeply about are issues in the workplace that affect all women and keep them from advancing. This includes the intersectional reality that both race and gender contribute to the complex experiences of women of color in the workplace. I am also growing in my knowledge around the development and importance of healthy organizational cultures and helping people identify and participate in creating inclusive work cultures. My social work background helps me to prioritize and value seeing the whole person, and has increased my capacity in understanding how complex experiences either add or deter us from seeing the potential in our career aspirations. Along with my career coaching experience, I bring strong program management and design experience. Through this, I lead Purposeful Pursuits' branding and marketing efforts. This ensures that our vision is not only articulated in word, but experienced through our presence on social media platforms, in our coaching materials, and workshop handouts. In addition to my work with Purposeful Pursuits, I hold the role of Online MSW Program Manager for the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Lauren is a development professional with more than ten years of university advancement, alumni and corporate relations experience. Her specialty is providing strategic leadership and direction for a comprehensive development program. Lauren focuses on meaningful relationship-building to create revenue and a market brand name. Her education, professional and personal experiences have allowed her to learn and master the art of identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding relationships to create revenue and a market brand name. Lauren also has a passion for professional & career development, mentoring, continuing education and the enhancement of specialized skills, specifically providing education and opportunities to students to prepare them for life after graduation.

Julie is passionate about building and maintaining relationships with Downtown Detroit businesses and bringing them together to foster a sense of community. Making sure the small business community is connected to the great things happening Downtown is her primary focus. Julie has been with the Downtown Detroit Partnership since 2014 and is currently a business community engagement program manager for the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ). Before joining DDP, Julie served as tenant liaison/coordinator, managing leases and service contracts for Larson Realty Group. Spending time with her grandson and community outreach, in general, whether it’s feeding the homeless, connecting with the elderly or finding helpful resources for anyone else in need are some of the things she loves to do in her spare time.

Mini has extensive experience in Information Technology, Project Management, PMO set up, Process improvements, Training and Leadership. She currently works as an Enterprise Project Management Office Manager for the Little Caesars Enterprises Global Headquarters. Prior to this role she established a PMO Office and served as an IT Director for more than 15+ years. She volunteers as the Director of Academic Outreach for the Project Management Great Lakes Chapter and organized numerous workshops for universities, schools and nonprofit organizations. Mini believes her active volunteerism, networking events and professional development in leadership has made her an assertive leader, coach and mentor. Mini serves in the role of Co-Chairperson for PPNE's Board of Directors.