218. Pivoting Parents: How a former Federal Contractor's Layoff led to Purpose
Layoff Led to Purpose: How Kathleen Borgueta Built a Lifeline for Working Parents When federal contractor Kathleen Borgueta received her termination letter just 11 weeks postpartum, she could have let it break her. Instead, she built Pivoting Parents—a growing community helping caregivers navigate job transitions, childcare challenges, and career reinvention. In this episode of The Fed Upward Podcast, Kathleen talks about the power of community, the realities of caregiving while job-hunting, and why federal parents need holistic support now more than ever. 👉 Visit pivotingparents.com 👉 Connect with Kathleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenborgueta/ #FedUpward #FederalEmployees #WorkingParents #CareerTransitions #PivotingParents Connect with Love: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better. Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!
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217. Micro Grants and More - Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund
When a government shutdown hits, it's not just politics—it's people. Robyn Kehoe with the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) joins FedUpward to talk about the emergency microgrants, loans, and resources available to help federal employees and their families weather financial hardship. FEEA, a nonprofit that has supported feds for nearly 40 years, is stepping up once again to provide direct relief during the shutdown—alongside scholarships, emergency loans, and year-round programs that serve the federal workforce. In this episode, you'll learn: How to apply for shutdown microgrants before funds run out What to know about emergency loans and scholarship opportunities Where to find state-specific unemployment resources How to donate or support FEEA's mission to help fellow feds Why FEEA's work continues long after the shutdown ends Learn more or apply for assistance: https://feea.org Donate to support federal employees in need: https://feea.org/donate #FedUpward #FEEA #FederalEmployees #GovernmentShutdown #PublicService Connect with Love: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge Instagram: Love (@fedupwardpodcast) Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better. Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!
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216. Transitioning Feds -- Build Your Next Chapter with Former Gov
If you've recently left government—or are thinking about it—this one's for you. Brian Levine, former DOJ cybercrime prosecutor and founder of Former Gov, joins FedUpward to share how his growing community is helping former public servants rebuild their networks, discover new opportunities, and step confidently into their next chapter. Brian shares his story of walking away from a high-paying consulting job to build something meaningful—a platform designed by and for people who've served. From free memberships and networking events to practical career resources, he's creating a lifeline for those navigating uncertainty. In this episode, you'll learn: Why losing your federal job doesn't mean losing your purpose How to join Former Gov and get a free year of membership Where to find networking, board, and consulting opportunities The power of in-person community—like Former Gov's weekly coworking Tuesdays in D.C. Tips for translating your public sector experience into private sector success Whether you're freshly out, furloughed, or simply ready for a change, this episode reminds you: you're not done serving—you're just getting started. Learn more or claim your free membership at FormerGov.com. Connect with Love: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better. Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!
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215. POPVOX Foundation's Departure Dialogues Give Former Feds a Voice
POPVOX Foundation's Departure Dialogues Give Former Feds a Voice Anne Meeker from the POPVOX Foundation joins the FedUpward Podcast to talk about the Departure Dialogues Project—a unique initiative empowering former federal employees to share candid feedback that can help shape better laws and policies. The POPVOX Foundation, led by former congressional staffers, focuses on strengthening the policymaking "feedback loop" between Congress, the executive branch, and constituents. With Departure Dialogues, they're creating a safe and constructive platform where departing feds can highlight inefficiencies, roadblocks, and opportunities for improvement in government operations. Learn how you can participate, what themes are already emerging (like the Paperwork Reduction Act and budgeting process), and why your voice matters more than ever. If you're a current or former fed, this is your chance to help strengthen government effectiveness and efficiency—using your experience to drive positive change. Resources: PopVox Departure Dialogues: https://popvox.org/departure FedUpward Coaching: https://fedupwardcoaching.com/podcast #FedUpward #FederalEmployees #GovernmentCareers #Policy #PublicService Connect with Love: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge
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214. Building the Future Workforce: Skills-Based Hiring and GovHR Innovations
Building the Future Workforce: Skills-Based Hiring and GovHR Innovations Michelle Amante, Senior Vice President of Government Programs at Partnership for Public Service returns to the FedUpward podcast, joined by Blair Corcoran de Castillo from Opportunity@Work. We dive into what's ahead for the second annual GovHR Conference, taking place September 16–18 both in Washington, D.C. and virtually. Learn how government agencies are embracing skills-based hiring, supporting non-traditional talent pipelines like STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes), and leveraging AI and data tools to meet modern workforce needs. Discover what's happening in states like Maryland and cities like Philadelphia—and how these examples can transform federal, state, and local HR practices. Register for the GovHR Conference: https://events.ourpublicservice.org/2025-govhr Explore the Federal Support Hub and free resources: https://ourpublicservice.org Learn more about Opportunity@Work and the STARs initiative: https://opportunityatwork.org Helpful Resources: Work with Love: www.fedupwardcoaching.com State of Maryland resources: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-launches-resource-website-for-maryland-workers-impacted-by-recent-federal-actions.aspx Connect with Love: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge
About FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!
Listen to FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees, Coffeez for Closers with Joe Shalaby and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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