Beyond the Ladder Series
Beyond the Ladder is a VIRTUAL monthly lunch and learn series.
Designed to foster connection, spark inspiration, and support the varied career journeys of staff members across the college. The series was created by the college staff well-being committee, in partnership with the Office for Organizational Well-Being. Each month, featured speakers will share their unique, nontraditional journey, highlighting the twists, pivots, and unexpected opportunities that shaped their careers.
Upcoming Events
October 8, 2025
Session Title: People, purpose, and the path that found me
Noon - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Speaker: Alyssa Huddleston, MS-SHRMA, PHR, SHRM-CP

November 12, 2025
Session Title: No one majors in philanthropy: A career built across campus
Noon - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Speaker: Jennifer Decker, Philanthropy Executive Director

Jennifer Decker
Positions Held:
- Philanthropy Executive Director, College of Medicine and Kentucky Children's Hospital
December 10, 2025
Speaker TBA!
Session title TBA!
Noon - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Speaker: TBA
January 14, 2026
Session title TBA!
Noon - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Speaker: Andrea McCubbin, MPH, Associate Dean for Research Administration

February 11, 2026
Session title TBA!
Noon - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Speaker: Jorge Castorena, Communications and Marketing Director

March 11, 2026
Session title: Beyond the Ballroom, Partnering with Change
Noon - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Speaker: Renee Gallagher, MEd, Administrative Operations Coordinator
Beyond the Ballroom, Partnering with Change
From national professional ballroom dance champion to the Office for Organizational Well-Being, Renee shares her journey of stepping away from the dance floor to return to school and find a new path. This talk explores what it means to embrace change, redefine success, and find connection in unexpected places.

Previous Sessions
