Welcome!

Hi! My name is Lia World Traveler, I’m glad you’re here!

Writer Speaker

Born in New York City and raised in Upstate, NY, I currently live in Yerevan, Armenia with my husband and children. My family is my joy and purpose and keeps me focused on the things in life that matter most.

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Lia World Traveler

A little more about me: I am an every woman, by that I mean I love to do and am interested in a lot of things. I am a wife, mom, sister, friend, ambitious and career focused individual, writer and aspiring author, do-it-yourself (DIY) loc’d naturalista, foodie, avid reader, movie buff, sports enthusiast, passionate about music, dance, and the arts, news junkie, advocate for the underdog/under-represented, with an incurable bug for traveling and exploring the world.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you decide to stay!

cropped-Copy-of-Copy-of-Hi-My-name-is-Lia-World-Traveler-Im-glad-youre-here-2-copy.png

Work With Lia

Writing

My work has appeared in Essence, Mindbodygreen, The Huffington Post, ILYmag, GovLoop, Madame Noire, The Foreign Service Journal, among other publications.

Speaking

I speak on a broad variety of topics ranging from finding careers in international affairs, career advancement and leadership, work/life balance, relationships, parenting, and many others subjects.

Words from Past Clients

As the Editor-in-Chief of Griots Republic, I hire nearly 120 various writers each year and as you can imagine, I also read a lot of content. You can always decipher between writers who write to simply get a check and those who are passionate about their craft. Lia, thankfully, belongs to the latter. Lia writes to inspire, to teach, and take you on a journey and we are blessed that she chose our publication to share her skills.

DAVITA MCKELVEY

Executive Director/Editor in Chief www.GriotsRepublic.com

Working with Lia was a fantastic experience for Go RVing. She’s passionate about trying out new travel experiences and conveyed that in her stories and social media posts. She provided us with everything we needed – without having to ask!

Christy Hamilton

Fire it Up, PR on behalf of Go RVing

It was truly a pleasure to have Lia as a writer for our website. She is an excellent writer with a
passion for uplifting our community via her sound relationship advice and her love for travel.

Ronnie Tyler

Cofounder BlackandMarriedwithKids.com

Lia is an amazing speaker! It was a joy having her as one of our speakers for LEARN SHIFT GROW this year. She has a way of captivating an audience and did an exceptional job of keeping our ladies engaged. Her diverse background and experience made her the perfect choice to speak with working moms who are focused on living well. Lia brought a practical approach to handling life and equipped moms with strategies that will help them reach their wellness goals. If you are looking for a dynamic speaker who can energize a room and add value to your audience, Lia would be a fantastic choice for your next event!

Vida Bratton

CEO and Blogger at Healthy Curves Rock

Lia is an experienced professional traveler. I recommend her for writing and speaking
opportunities related to travel, culture, and current events.

Arlett Hartie

Blogger, Social Media Influencer, Owner and Joy Strategist
ChasingJoy.com

Lia was an exceptionally thoughtful addition to GovLoop’s 15th round of the Featured Contributor program. She contributed consistently and provided personal and professional insights about working in the federal government. Her articles frequently attracted the most page views and shares each week and she was always ready to share thoughts on making the program even better.
It has been a sincere pleasure getting to know and work with Lia.

Francesca Ukaeliofo

Former Director of the Featured Contributors Program
GovLoop.com

Lia Miller is a dynamic and engaging speaker who will leave your audience feeling inspired. As a speaker at my “Learn Shift Grow” wellness conference for working moms, Lia shared her professional expertise, amazing insight, and personal experiences to demonstrate how women can have it all, jut not at the same time. She was able to authentically connect with so many attendees, and her positive energy contributed to an amazing event. Lia openly shared experiences that helped us all feel empowered and determined to create a life that brings us joy. I would be honored to have her speak at any future event.

Martine Foreman

Educator, Lifestyle Expert, Certified Health Coach, Speaker, Digital Influencer, Writer,and Creator of Learn Shift Grow – A Working Mom’s Wellness Event

Lia is a captivating and passionate writer, speaker and content creator. Through her Lia World Traveler and Peace & Purpose brands, Lia brings an important perspective and platform to global and cultural issues that represent voices of color. She is a talented media personality, children’s book author, blogger and freelance writer. For a smart, relevant and insightful take on travel, culture, parenting and more, consider having Lia lend her subject matter expertise to your publication or media outlet.

STACEY FERGUSON

Multicultural + Influencer Marketing Leader; Entrepreneurship Strategist; Attorney; Partnerships + Sponsorships Expert

The Latest From Lia

How To Write A Condolence Message: 60+ Examples & Tips

We've all been there. Someone's friend or family member passes away, and we want to be supportive and show understanding. But we don't know exactly what to say or what to do, and we're left feeling awkward and a bit stuck.It can be challenging to know just what to say...

How To Have A Healthy Co-Parenting Relationship, From Family Therapists

Most people understand co-parenting to be when parents have divorced or separated but continue to work together to raise their children. This sounds good in theory, but what do you do when you don't have a good relationship with your former partner, or you can't...

The worst thing you can do to a mother is to put her in a position where she feels she cannot protect her child. In a position where she feels helpless to protect them and where she has no recourse if something were to happen to them. This is the position that I feel...

On Loving Better: An Expert’s Guide to More Caring Relationships

We hope this guide serves as a first step to evaluating the love and relationships in our lives, to become better at loving.Words by Lia World Traveler. Photos by BONNINSTUDIO.A lot of this year, if not most of the past two years, have been about introspection,...

‘We Are Worn Out’: How To Prioritize Your Health When You’ve Been Conditioned To Ignore It

"WE HAVE TO BE AS INTENTIONAL WITH OURSELVES AS WE ARE WITH OUR LOVED ONES AND OUR JOBS. THAT MEANS TO PUT OURSELVES FIRST." Black women are overrepresented in nearly every major category of health-related illness that exists when compared to their white counterparts....

Why Are We Drawn To Toxic Partners? A Psychotherapist Explains.

We all know the type. The dark, moody, broody, “complicated” type who gives off an appealing vibe that seems cool and desirable. This type, while mysterious and exciting, also comes with a lot of “issues” and many less than stellar personality traits. A lot of us are...

Inspired By George Floyd And Daughter Gianna, ‘Daddy Speaks Love’ Is A Tribute To The Bond Between Father And Child

THE NEW CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK, WITH ITS STUNNING ARTWORK, HIGHLIGHTS THE BIG AND SMALL WAYS FATHERS IMPACT THE LIVES OF THEIR KIDS. So many were shocked and devastated when they witnessed the unnecessary murder of an unarmed George Floyd in May 2020, at the hands of...

The Scaries: On How To Check Your Ugly

Experts share tips on how to be your best self in relationships to achieve full, lasting love. As human beings, most of us are looking for some form of love and companionship. Anyone who is looking for love knows that it’s a journey that can lead to different...

Why Are So Many Decades-Long Marriages Ending And What’s The Key To Making Them Last?

WE TALKED TO TWO BELOVED LOVE AND MARRIAGE EXPERTS WHO OFFERED INSIGHT ON THE KEYS TO MAKING LOVE LAST BY KEEPING IT A PRIORITY. When it comes to love, we often talk so much about the search for it rather than its preservation. What happens after you have found...

How To Write A Love Letter: 60+ Ideas & Examples

Some would say that writing a love letter is a dead form of communication, a relic from olden days that's irrelevant in the era of instant gratification where we find ourselves today. At a time when we are separated by visible and invisible barriers, forced apart by...

11 Qualities Of A Good Friend & Ways To Be An Even Better One

One of the most important and formative types of relationships you will experience in a lifetime is friendship. Friends are people you can share intimacies and experiences with, and you are an important part of each other's lives. They give you a sense of belonging...

As A Biracial Black Woman, Learning To Find Myself Attractive Was A Journey

October 19, 2021 I'm A Mixed Black Woman & This Is How I Finally Released Toxic Beauty Standards Imagine waking up every day and not looking like anyone around you, including your immediate family. Day after day watching a sea of faces at school, at church, in stores,...

Why Are So Many Decades-Long Marriages Ending And What’s The Key To Making Them Last?

As A Biracial Black Woman, Learning To Find Myself Attractive Was A Journey

Personal Story Imagine waking up every day and not looking like anyone around you, including your immediate family. Day after day watching a sea of faces at school, at church, in stores, on TV, and at home that looks nothing like you. You are the only...

The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel In Eastern Europe

WHILE NOT THE FIRST REGION ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST, THIS BLACK WOMAN AUTHOR WHO RESIDES IN EASTERN EUROPE SHARES WHAT THREE OF HER FAVORITE COUNTRIES HAVE TO OFFER GLOBETROTTERS. I know. Believe me, I know. You are probably thinking, Eastern...

A Catskills motel makeover comes to cable

Phoenicia's Graham & Co. to be featured in new '(RE)motel' series on Magnolia channel When Martin Torres and Joseph DiThomas first stayed in The Cobblestone Inn in the Catskills hamlet of Phoenicia in 1997 it was a work in progress. The motel was a...

How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel like you’re hanging on by a thread at work or like you’re “faking it until you make it” because you don’t actually have what it takes to make it? Do you ever feel like you don’t belong or like somehow you don’t deserve the position...

This Mom Got Into Advocacy For Her Three Daughters With Sickle Cell Disease And Is Now Helping SCD Families Worldwide

If you are an entrepreneur and not a social entrepreneur, but you want to raise awareness and make a difference when it comes to the issues you care most about, how do you make the leap into advocacy? What’s the first step? If you find yourself...

Why Are We Drawn To Toxic Partners? A Psychotherapist Explains.

We all know the type. The dark, moody, broody, “complicated” type gives off an appealing vibe that seems cool and desirable. This type, while mysterious and mysterious, also comes with a lot of “issues” and many less than stellar personality traits. A...

Is It True That Women Lose Interest in Sex After Marriage?

I have read medical articles that claim that the frequency of sex dwindles after marriage for both men and women. However, the numbers of women who lose interest in sex are almost double that of men. This made me wonder if this is true or not and if...

Leadership | The formula to become a rock star leader = people focused + values-driven

This piece is part of a series on Leadership by members of WCAPS — Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security & Conflict Transformation — and other members of the broader ISD community. “The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great...

Black Women Are Missing Out On The Benefits Of True HR Support And The App Kith Republic Is Here To Help

I don’t know about you, but there have definitely been times over the course of my career when I felt like I was getting the run around by Human Resources (HR) and/or that my concerns weren’t being taken seriously. In other cases, I didn’t feel like...

11 Qualities Of A Good Friend & Ways To Be An Even Better One

How To Deal With Difficult Co-Workers When Working From Home

Personal Story Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become the new normal. In some respects, this has made life easier, but in others, the same drama we deal with in the workplace has followed us home. In every workplace, there...

From One Mom To Another: Are Godparents Necessary?

I was having a conversation the other day with my husband where we were discussing the cultural phenomenon of “godparents.” My husband had one growing up: his aunt. All of his cousins had godparents as well. Godparents aren’t a thing in my family....

A Couple Married Nearly 60 Years Shares The Keys To Relationship Longevity

Personal Story What do you do when you think you’ve found “the one,” “the love of your life,” “your soul mate” and you want the relationship to last for the long term? What steps can you take to increase the likelihood that your love will stand the test...

From One Mom To Another: Healthy Weight Loss In School-Aged Children

It is no secret that waistlines in the United States are getting bigger than ever before. This phenomenon has been going on for quite some time, including over the last few decades. What is most alarming is the sharp rise in the rate of obesity in...

Are You Lonely In Your Relationship?

The year 2020 has been a dumpster fire in so many ways. It’s been incredibly taxing when it comes to loneliness and social isolation. More than usual, we have had to rely almost exclusively upon social media and video communication to maintain...

BOOK REVIEW: Brand New Me – Complemented, Completed and Whole: A Guide For Singles and Couples to Grow From Within

Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced copy of this book from the author to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. The Facts: Brand New Me – Complemented, Completed and Whole: A Guide For Singles and Couples to Grow From Within, written by Chaute Thompson,...

Representation Matters (An essay)

I grew up the only person of color in an all-white family, in an all-white town, in a very white part of the country, upstate NY. I recognized very early on that I was “different” and not like everyone else. Being the only person of color in this environment was not...

How To Write A Love Letter: 60+ Ideas & Examples

Armenia: Embassy Yerevan champions democracy in the Caucasus

By Lia Miller Armenia is an ancient country with a rich and fascinating history. The country boasts some of the world’s oldest vineyards, vibrant and delicious cuisine, legendary hospitality, a beautiful landscape with world-class hiking, and internationally...

Why You Need Urban Intellectuals’ Black History Flashcards In Your Educational At-Home Toolkit

I have to say up front that I’m biased when it comes to this product because I now work for Urban Intellectuals as their content manager. However, it was the flashcards that lead me to reach out to the company about employment. Here’s the backstory:...

Why You Need Urban Intellectuals Black History Flashcards In Your Educational At-Home Toolkit

I have to say upfront that I’m biased when it comes to this product because I now work for Urban Intellectuals as their content manager. However, it was the flash cards that lead me to reach out to the company about employment. Here’s the backstory:...

FROM AI TO SELF DRIVING CARS, THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL IS TECHNOLOGY

To me, technology is the future of travel and the future of travel is technology. When I think of the "future of travel", I think of things like "green" technology, travel being powered by solar, wind, and water sources, virtual reality (VR) (where you don't even have...

From One Mom to Another: When Is The Right Time to Have “The Talk” With Your Child?

Source: Hero Images / Getty Most parents dread having "the talk" with their children, mostly because they can't conceive of their babies becoming young adults and being at an age where sex is a very probable thing. Some parents struggle with how much to tell their...

From One Mom To Another: Coming Out To Your Children Later In Life

Source: Marilyn Nieves / Getty Usually the question arises of how to handle your children coming out to you, but what do you do as a parent when you realize later in life that you have same-sex sexual preferences and are ready to come out to your children? The first...

From One Mom To Another: How and When To Tell Your Child They Are Adopted

Source: MStudioImages / Getty As a child who was adopted by one parent who was married to my other biological parent, I personally believe the sooner you confront the topic of adoption with your child the better. While this can be a sensitive subject that requires...

From One Mom To Another: How To Move The Family Forward After Infidelity

Source: skynesher / Getty Moving on from infidelity is hard in the best of scenarios and is even more difficult when there are children involved. You may find yourself being suspicious of your husband hiding his phone, or perhaps your wife wearing a new perfume and...

BEYOND PYRAMIDS & PHARAOHS | EGYPT OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH

What comes to mind when you think about Egypt and traveling to Egypt? Normally, people think of the Great Pyramids, the sphinx, the tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, the Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor. These are incredible tourist destinations as...

Beyond The Pyramids & Pharoahs | Egypt Off The Beaten Path

From One Mom To Another: 5 Signs You Family Is Experiencing Too Much Stress

Source: skynesher / Getty Stress is typically a condition we don't recognize until things are far out of hand. Whilst some can manage it by smoking cannabis out of an AFM glass bong, others are left with high blood pressure and a prematurely bald head. We may say...

From One Mom To Another: How To Deal With The “Terrible Twos”

Source: Lisa5201 / Getty The "terrible twos" is a time when your child is starting to come into their own sense of self, becoming more independent, learning the power of "no" and starting to defy mommy and daddy. While these growing pains are a necessary part of a...

From One Mom To Another: When Should I Have Sex Again After Giving Birth?

Source: LWA / Getty You've recently delivered your beautiful bundle of joy and are starting to adjust to your new normal. You're trying to figure out how to keep the spark alive with your partner who has now, perhaps, taken a back seat to the needs of your little one...

From One Mom To Another: Is Staying In A Loveless Marriage For The Kids Ever The “Right” Thing To Do?

Source: LaylaBird / Getty Your relationship isn't working, you feel angry all the time, you're frustrated, hurting, and the love is gone. You're thinking it's time to separate - or even divorce - but you have kids and it's complicated. Now you're asking yourself tough...

From One Mom To Another: What To Do If Your Child Hits You

Source: skynesher / Getty Note: This article is primarily geared towards parents of toddlers and elementary school aged children. We’ve all been there. Cringing at the sight of a child hitting their parent or even worse, we’re the parent being hit by our children....

HIDDEN GEMS| 4 OFF THE BEATEN PATH MEXICAN DESTINATIONS

Mexico is famous for being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the beaches to the food, to the culture, to its history, Mexico has it all. In addition to the many known wonders of Mexico, there are also many more off the beaten path...

From One Mom To Another: How To Cope When Your Child Comes Between You And Your Partner

Source: Tetra Images / Getty We’ve all been taught (and society dictates) that marriage is the foundation of the family and families are the bedrock of society. We’re told to prioritize our partners above all others. We’re told not to let anything or anyone come...

Get Connected | 4 Locations To Help Quiet a Restless Spirit

Getting out of your daily routine and the demands of the rat race and unplugging for some time, while you reboot, recharge, and reconnect is one of the best ways to reset and find peace. In these days and times where the average person’s attention span is only 8...

Want “More” For Your Child? Meet Sawyer

Source: Sawyer/Manifest Group Source: Sawyer / Manifest Group As a busy working mother, I’m always looking for ways to give my kids “more.” More as in access to activities and resources beyond school and home, and more opportunities to make friends and delve more...

Oh, The Air Up There | Mountaineering, Is It For You?

Photo Credit Grant Ritchie Mountaineering is a type of climbing and can include a variety of terrains such as rock, snow, ice, and dirt among other terrains, to reach a summit (the mountain top). Mountaineering climbs range from short day trips to multi-day or...

From One Mom to Another: How To Keep Your Child On Track and Avoid The Academic Summer “Slide”

African-American army mom reading book to her daughter. Source: filmstudio/Getty School's out for summer and now you have the kids at home full-time. Sometimes it's difficult to know what to do with your children when they're sat at home bored and saying 'no' to...

Top 5 Countries For White Water Rafting

Image credit: RockyMountaineer.com As someone who embraces off the beaten path forms of travel and “adventurous” outdoor experiences and someone who refuses to be limited by societal norms and standards of me based on my gender and race, I bring you five countries...

Culture, Couture, Clothing, and Community | Meet Some DC Black Love Experience Vendors

Unquestionably, Black owned businesses and entrepreneurs are on the rise. Meet some up-and-coming black business owners/entrepreneurs who share some words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. Every year in Washington, D.C. there is an amazing event called the Black...

The Ring of Fire | What You Need To Know Before You Go

This view from Frutillar, southern Chile, shows a high column of ash and lava spewing from the Calbuco volcano, on April 23, 2015. AFP PHOTO/FRANCISCO NEGRONI Before we talk about traveling to or near the "Ring of Fire," we need to understand what the ring of fire is....

From One Mom to Another, 4 Ways to Avoid The Over-Commitment Exhaustion Trap

Fellow moms, are you feeling burned out, spread too thin, over-committed, and exhausted all the time? If this sounds familiar then you are likely doing too much and something has to give. I often myself in that place, feeling burnt out, exhausted, and basically like a...

The Elders | Four World Cultures That Celebrate Aging and Why We Should Too

In a world that glorifies the new, is youth-obsessed, and is always looking at what's next, it is a rare thing to find a culture that loves and reveres the elderly and even more prizes them and their contributions highly. Elderly people are now claiming back their...

Dating After Divorce Or Being Widowed

A couple of beautiful young people spending time together outside on a sunny day. We've all heard the statistic that 50% of all marriages end in the couple needing a divorce attorney and separating. However, recent statistics actually put that figure closer to 39%....

From One Step-Mom To Another: How To Manage The Two Biggest Hurdles Of Blended Families

Source: RichLegg / Getty When I found out I was being given the amazing opportunity to write an “advice column” for MadameNoire, using my knowledge and experience as a clinically trained social worker with a focus on Child and Family dynamics, I immediately went to my...

How To Travel With Kids Without Losing Your Mind

Source: kali9 / Getty When I was a new parent the thought of traveling with children made me cringe. I remember going on vacations with friends or with my boo and observing other travelers with their children who were losing their minds. Screaming, crying, fighting...

The Elders | 4 World Cultures that Celebrate Aging and Why We Should Too

In a world that glorifies the new, is youth-obsessed, and is always looking at what’s next, it is a rare thingto find a culture that loves and reveres the elderly and even more prizes them and their contributionshighly. Luckily, these places do exist, and...

Interview – The Emissary – Lia Miller

Lia Miller has spent most of her adult life representing the United States as a foreign service officer with the State Department. Her work has taken her to five (and counting!) countries including Oman, Tunisia and Bolivia. In this interview, Lia shares her...

Foreign Policy Leadership Should Reflect Our Diversity

“As the United States becomes more ethnically diverse in the coming decades and as the country becomes more accustomed to seeing women in positions of leadership in other sectors of society, a national security establishment that does not reflect that diversity will...

4 Ways To Spend Quality Time With Your Kids Without Electronics

Struggling to connect with your children? Are electronics getting in the way of bonding? This can help!

Off The Beaten Path Japan | Five Travel Destinations You Should Explore

Japan is one of the most incredible countries in the world on multiple levels. The culture, the food, the technology, and of course the people are alone enough reasons to visit. But the country itself is truly fascinating and mysterious. Whether you want to visit some...

Not A Polyglot? 6 Reasons Travelers Should Level Up Their Language Skills

Language, beyond the obvious use as the primary communication mechanism between people, is one of the most important parts of culture globally. Language carries reference and meanings beyond itself. The meanings in the language characterize the culture of a particular...

IT’S OKAY TO TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

As a professional woman who works overseas, I’ve realized that work-life balance has some additional twists. Twists such as not having familiar friends and family networks to fall back on when I need a little help and operating in a context where the primary language...

It’s Okay to Take Time for Yourself | Some Strategies for Balance in 2019

BONGA CYCLING ACADEMY | CYCLING TO SUCCESS, ON AND OFF THE BIKE

Bonga Cycling Academy Cyclists On the Move Competitive cycling is rapidly on the rise in South Africa due to the passion, drive, and vision of one man Bonga Ngqobane. Bonga Ngqobane is a 27-year-old social entrepreneur who is passionate about youth and community...

THE WORLD OF LESSER KNOWN CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

The holiday season is “the most wonderful time of the year” not only in the United States but globally as well. People seem a little happier; things feel brighter as everything basks in the glow of holiday lights that adorn homes, trees, streets, and more....

GOT INKED | LEBANON TATTOO FESTIVAL

When you think of Lebanon, the country, what comes to mind? For me, it is typically the food, the Mediterranean Sea, the warmth and openness of the Lebanese people, the nightlife, and much more. What doesn't immediately come to mind is the art scene and more...

The Amazing Otura Mun | Letting Your Path Lead You

"I am not an anomaly. What I've done, others can do. It's doable. You just have to have the courage to take the first step and be low-key about it."Otura Mun Have you ever thrown caution to the wind? Have you ever left everything you knew and loved behind to start a...

Black Folks Go RVing Too

An idyllic setting with the best light show ever This summer my family and I had the opportunity to take an epic vacation, and we did it in a recreational vehicle (RV) thanks to a partnership with GoRVing.com. We took a fantastic adventure to several places not far...

Why Traveling in and Owning an RV is Something You Should Do!!

This summer my family and I had the opportunity to take an epic vacation and we did it in a recreational vehicle (RV) thanks to a partnership with GoRVing.com. We took a fantastic adventure to several places not far from the DC metro region. However, before I get into...

The Joys of Jellystone

The first thing that strikes you once you pass the gate to Jellystone Park in Williamsport, MD (close to Hagerstown) or Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is the idyllic setting. You feel transported to a time of log cabins similar to prefab log cabins, woods, lakes,...

A Trip to Endless Caverns

The second stop on our amazing RV summer vacation, sponsored by GoRVing.com, was to Endless Caverns. Located in New Market, VA, Endless Caverns is exactly what the doctor ordered in terms of a destination that is the perfect cross of resort and rustic for the RV...

Why You Need to Go to Shenandoah National Park Immediately

In my opinion, the Shenandoah Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the state of Virginia and at its' heart lies the crown jewel the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). The SNP is one of 58 parks in the U.S. National Parks Services system under the Department of...

THE NEXT LEVEL | NICHOLAS AMOAKO| REFUGEE TO PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER

Nicholas Amoako is a dreamer and even more than that a man who knows how to make those dreams become a reality. Long before Nicholas left Mankessim, Ghana with his family, including six younger sisters, as refugees to the United States in 2011, he knew soccer was what...

THE NEXT LEVEL | NICHOLAS AMOAKO| REFUGEE TO PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER

Glamping 101: Having fun with friends and the fam road-tripping in an RV

Glamorous camping, otherwise known to the regulars as "glamping," is a fun alternative for all you outdoor enthusiasts who have long graduated from your Girl and Boy Scouts days, but still crave an experience where you can comfortably be one with nature. What most...

Glamping 101: Having fun with friends and the fam road-tripping in an RV

Glamorous camping, otherwise known to the regulars as “glamping,” is a fun alternative for all you outdoor enthusiasts who have long graduated from your Girl and Boy Scouts days, but still crave an experience where you can comfortably be one with nature. What...

BOLIVIAN CULTURE | BEER, BULLS & HOT COALS. PICK A FEST!

Bolivia is a country steeped in tradition, rich in cultural heritage, mysticism, and known for throwing a good party, ranging in themes from the spiritual and traditional to the more uninhabited and westernized. One of the things that makes Bolivia so special is the...

BOLIVIAN CULTURE | BEER, BULLS & HOT COALS. PICK A FEST!

There are many traditions in Bolivia that must be celebrated as a cultural rite of passage for indigenous Bolivians. Bolivia is a country steeped in tradition, rich in cultural heritage, mysticism, and known for throwing a good party, ranging in themes from...

A Toast to Adventure with Worldwide Nate

Have you ever met someone who is living the life you want to live and who really isn’t all that different from you, which makes you think anything is possible? I feel that way about the amazing Nathan (Nate) Fluellen of World Wide Nate fame. Nate has his own...

How to Avoid Being a CandleBlower

We are in an era where everything women do is under scrutiny; the way we look and dress, the way we parent, the life choices and decisions we make. And whether we admit it or not, we are often part of this dismantling of our fellow women and not just the ones we don’t...

How to Be a Professional For Today’s Workforce

The workplace has changed. The workforce has changed. Opportunities have changed. The employment landscape has changed. Many companies now hire foreign employment specialists to grow their business, something that wouldn't have been possible a few decades ago. But...

Book Review: Alma and How She Got Her Name

Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced copy of this book from the author to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own. The Facts: Alma and How She Got Her Name, written and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Candlewick Press in China...

Book Review: This Is It

Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced copy of this book from the author to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own. The Facts: This Is It, written and illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley, published by Greenwillow Books an imprint of Harper Collins...

Mid-Career Malaise: How to Get it Before it Gets You

If you are like me – stuck halfway up the career ladder, far enough that you can see the light of leadership and authority to come, but not too far up that you don't still relate to the newbies – then you are what we call a "mid-level" or "mid-career" professional....

The Interagency Tango: How to Do It Right

Nobody works in a vacuum, especially when you work for the government. We may all have our specific lanes but, ultimately, we are working towards the same objectives and the same larger, overarching goals. The trick is finding a way to communicate with counterparts...

Quick Tips | Painless Travel With Kids

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we need to address the elephant in the room which is that many people are put off by the thought of traveling with kids -- to the next town, let alone to another country. I'm here to tell you that traveling with children is worth...

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS: HOW TO NAVIGATE THEM

I have been privy to many conversations with colleagues at work and friends working in other sectors recently about having difficult and uncomfortable conversations with people when they say something or do something inappropriate at work. Sadly, many of my female...

Quick Tips: Painless Travel With Kids

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we need to address the elephant in the room which is that many people are put off by the thought of traveling with kids —- to the next town, let alone to another country. I’m here to tell you that traveling with children...

6 Ways to Sharpen Your Professional Skills

We are all professionals and we all have jobs to do, but do you ever feel like you are getting stale or that your skills "ain't what they used to be"? Do you find yourself in a professional rut or do you feel like you don't have the requisite skill set to change...

A User’s Guide for the First Time Manager

So you are in your first job and managing people for the first time. This isn't like your last internship where you organized brown bags for the other interns and didn't have any real managerial responsibility. Now you are in a management position and accountable to...

Fashion In Government: Getting Beyond Blue and Black

Government employees are known for their hard work, dedication, ethical standards, commitment to public service, non-partisanship and many other positive qualities and traits. What they aren't known for is their style and general fashion sense. In fact, over the...

DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE

Let me address the proverbial elephant in the room that is mental health, resilience and mindfulness and the way in which mental health is handled or not handled by employees and employers. The United States experiences more workplace violence and on the extreme end,...

MASHRAMANI FESTIVAL | GET YOUR MASH ON IN GUYANA

If you’ve never heard of Mashramani or Guyana, then you need to put this celebration and this country on your radar especially during the carnival season. Typically, when people think of Carnival, they think of Brazil, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, and other places,...

Stay Connected