5 Voices. 5 Pivot-Business Journeys. One Powerful Rise.

Joy Postell is a respected former federal executive and current Success Coach with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation. Throughout her career, she has championed leadership development, workforce engagement, and professional growth. During this conversation, Joy guided an inspiring discussion about resilience, reinvention, and the opportunities that can emerge from unexpected change.

 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mia-bailey-223014388 

Mia Bailey is a strategist, connector, and social impact leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning government, philanthropy, and higher education. Following a distinguished public service career, she launched So Respond, a consulting firm dedicated to supporting foundations, nonprofit organizations, and corporate leaders committed to advancing social responsibility and community impact.

Focus: Social Impact Consulting for Mission-Driven Nonprofit, Foundation & Corporate Leaders

Shelby Buford, Jr. is the Managing Member of Apex Acquisition Group LLC, a consulting firm that helps small and mid-sized businesses navigate federal acquisition and procurement strategy. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in federal contracting, procurement, and acquisition management, Shelby helps organizations better understand government contracting processes and position themselves for long-term success.

He also supports Yolo Catering Experience, LLC, a culinary business dedicated to building community through curated food experiences that encourage connection and shared experiences.

Focus: Federal Acquisition & Government Contracting Consulting

Keta Lawson-Davis is the Founder and CEO of Keta Staffing & Solutions, a staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting organizations with dependable talent and helping job seekers identify meaningful employment opportunities. She is passionate about workforce development, strategic partnerships, and helping others recognize that public service experience can become the foundation for successful entrepreneurship.

Focus: Workforce Solutions | Staffing | Workforce Development

  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladonnasingleton

LaDonna Singleton is a communications and public engagement leader, veteran, and founder of Wholey Living Inc., an organization focused on empowering individuals and communities through wellness, leadership, personal growth, and professional development. She is also the founder and producer of Speak to That Talk Show, a platform featuring inspirational and informative conversations designed to educate, encourage, and connect people through meaningful dialogue.

Focus: Wellness, Leadership & Professional Development

Bridget Williams-Simmons, Ph.D., is the founder of Convergent Point Strategies, an AI advisory and capacity-building firm helping mission-driven organizations navigate artificial intelligence with clarity and confidence.

Before launching her firm, Bridget spent more than two decades in federal leadership roles directing science policy, legislative affairs, research strategy, strategic planning, and communications for a large biomedical research organization. She led complex initiatives, helped shape organizational priorities, and advised senior leaders on emerging opportunities and challenges.

Today, she brings that same strategic perspective to helping organizations translate complex AI concepts into practical, responsible, and actionable solutions.

Focus: AI Advisory & Capacity Building