Advocacy in Today's Job Market

In today’s job market, talent alone isn’t always enough. Advocacy matters.

In this episode of Open to Connect, Jacqueline Widdis sits down with Monica McNeal, a career readiness coach, community connector, and long-time advocate for veterans, military families, and professionals navigating career transitions.

With 15+ years of experience across sales, program management, and workforce development, Monica has coached hundreds of job seekers each year and partnered with nonprofits and organizations dedicated to helping people move forward with confidence. She brings a high-touch, deeply human approach to career readiness, rooted in service, relationships, and practical action.

Together, Jacqueline and Monica explore:

What advocacy really looks like in a competitive job market

How being a connector (not just a candidate) changes career outcomes

Why community, mentorship, and relationships matter more than titles

How professionals can advocate for themselves and for others without feeling awkward or transactional

This conversation is especially powerful for veterans, military spouses, career changers, and anyone feeling unseen or stuck in their job search. If you believe careers grow through connection and people thrive when someone is willing to speak up, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and get open to connection, open to advocacy, and open to possibility.