The Buzz with ACT-IAC

Latest Episodes:

The Buzz Live: Creativity and Collaboration at Voyager Talks Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this special live edition of The Buzz, host Yohanna Baez reports from Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, celebrating the ACT-IAC Voyagers program and its impact on government and industry leaders. The episode features an inspiring conversation with Colette Creech, Director of Growth Operations at Gunnison Consulting Group, discussing her team's presentation on navigating government compliance and her journey in the professional development program. Colette shares insights on collaboration, the value of mentors, and the importance of building relationships within the industry. The conversation highlights the real-world impact and personal growth fostered by the Voyagers program.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

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Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

Empowering Communities: Christina Binhack and the ACT-IAC Gives Back Initiative Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Binhack, Director of Operations and HR at ACT-IAC, to dive into her background, experiences, and passion for nonprofit work. Christina shares her journey from the Midwest to the DMV area, her involvement with ACT-IAC, and her dedication to community service through the ACT-IAC Gives Back program. She discusses the importance of volunteering, the various successful initiatives launched under ACT-IAC Gives Back, and offers insights into how service-oriented projects can shape leadership development. Christina's vision for the future of the program and her unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for giving back shine through in this engaging and inspiring conversation.

ACT-IAC Gives Back | ACT-IAC

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

From College to Career: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from IBM Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In our final episode of the Associates graduate series, host Yohanna Baez interviews Lila Najmyar, a senior federal developer at IBM and a recent participant in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Lila shares her journey from college to IBM, the valuable experiences and lessons learned during the program, and how it has influenced her career. They discuss the importance of networking, skill development, and cross-sector collaboration. Lila also provides insights into the community and ongoing professional growth opportunities facilitated by the program.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

Building Networks and Skills: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from ABS Consulting Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Abby Cassell, a business development manager at ABS Consulting and an alumna of the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Abby discusses her career journey from graduating college in 2020, navigating business development during the COVID-19 pandemic, to joining ABS Consulting in 2022. She highlights her experiences in the Professional Development Associates Program, the challenges she faced, and the valuable lessons and skills acquired, particularly in networking and negotiation. Abby emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership skills gained during the program, which have significantly influenced her career.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

From Nursing to Business Operations: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from Akiak Holdings Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT IAC, host Yohanna Baez dives into the career journey of Olivia Henry, an early career professional who participated in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Olivia discusses her transition from nursing to a leadership role in business operations, fueled by the support and skills gained from the program. The conversation covers Olivia's day-to-day responsibilities, key learnings from the program, the importance of networking, and her promotion to Director of Business Operations. Olivia also shares the impact of mentorship and the practical skills she implemented immediately.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

From Courtside to Capitol Hill: Dir. of Professional Development Sarah Hughes on Career Transformation Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

We have a different host for this special episode of The Buzz, Pete Tseronis, founder of Dots and Bridges. He interviews Sarah Hughes, Director of Professional Development at ACT-IAC. They discuss Sarah's diverse career across industries, networking, mentorship, and career growth. Sarah shares insights from her journey, including her work with sports teams, transitions to government, and contributions to professional development. The episode also highlights the importance of building strong communities and explores various ACT-IAC programs designed to enhance professional development. Key themes include adaptability, the influence of technology on government, and the power of mentorship.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

Building Confidence and Connections: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from CGI Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

On our next episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Paige Kowahl, a senior consultant at CGI Federal, about her experiences in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Paige shares her educational and career journey, which began with a pivot from chemistry to computer information systems, leading her to CGI. She discusses how the program helped her overcome social anxiety, gain confidence, and develop essential skills through coaching and collaborative projects. Paige highlights the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and offers advice to potential program participants.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

From Intern to AI Sales: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from IBM Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Yohanna Baez hosts Mackenzie (Kenzie) Downes, a data and AI seller at IBM, to discuss her journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Kenzie shares her background, how she was inspired by her mother to pursue sales, and her experience working at IBM. She dives into her motivations for joining the ACT-IAC program, the skills and network she gained, and specific moments that shaped her career.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

From Aviation to GovCon: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from Leidos Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Ryan Cloghessy, a capture manager at Leidos, about his journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. They discuss Ryan's career trajectory, the impact of the program on his professional growth, and the valuable lessons and experiences he gained. Ryan shares his initial challenges, his role at Leidos, insights from his mentor, and the confidence he has developed in the GovCon industry. The conversation also includes a fun segment called 'Acronym Wars' and encourages listeners to explore ACT-IAC's professional development opportunities.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC

Building Bridges in GovCon: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from the Wilco Group Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'The Buzz from ACT-IAC,' host Yohanna Baez dives into the journeys of early career professionals in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Senior Digital Transformation Consultant John Rehm from the Wilco Group shares his story, from his communications background to his current role in federal contracting. John discusses the invaluable skills he acquired, the challenges he overcame, and the supportive mentorship he received. He also highlights the significance of building a network and the profound impact the program had on his career. The episode wraps up with a fun game of acronym wars, showcasing the everyday jargon in government and contracting.

Agile Product Discovery Course | ACT-IAC

Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC