Join Bri and Matt as they welcome Jing Yao, an academic advisor within University of British Columbia's Faculty of Arts whose journey runs from teaching test-prep in China to immigration advising, community college work at Douglas, and now student success at a research university. Jing opens up about empathetic advising, navigating academic concessions, supporting students after withdrawals, and helping students find majors that actually fit. She also shares how maternity leave has not paused her growth as well as leveling up in NACADA’s Emerging Leaders Program!

You’ll hear:

• Two-year vs. four-year advising—what truly changes (and what doesn’t)
• Practical language for hard conversations that restore confidence
• Real talk on redefining “your best” as a parent and professional
• How to turn curiosity into leadership, writing, and proposals that stick

A warm, hopeful episode packed with strategy and a Canadian sparkle ✨.

*Emerging Voices is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!

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🎙️ Emerging Voices: Sarah Davis – Building Community, Wellness, and Leadership in Advising

From launching a brand-new office right as the world shut down to leading undergraduate, graduate, and athletic advising at Marshall University, Sarah Davis knows what it means to thrive in challenge and change! In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from student to Senior Director of Advising, the creative ways she built community during the pandemic, and how she champions advisor wellness, professional growth, and leadership development.

Whether you’re curious about NACADA’s Emerging Leaders Program, looking for strategies to prevent advisor burnout, or just love an inspiring higher ed origin story (with a few field day games thrown in), you won’t want to miss this conversation.

✨ Tune in for insights, laughs, and a reminder that strong leadership is rooted in connection, compassion, and a little bit of fun!

*Emerging Voices is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!

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In this episode of Emerging Voices, Bri and Matt chat with Dr. Carol Erwin, a dynamic leader in student success and academic advising at Colorado State University. From building writing centers and mentoring programs to reimagining the first-year experience, Carol shares her journey from faculty to advising administrator.

Hear how she uses strategic outreach, data-informed practices, and creative engagement strategies such as metaphor-based reflection to connect with students. Learn how she’s navigating higher ed challenges while reflecting on career pivots, leadership development through NACADA’s Emerging Leaders Program, and the importance of staying grounded.

This episode offers meaningful takeaways on building connection, cultivating belonging, and leading with purpose.

*Emerging Voices is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!

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Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!