Heather Combs on LinkedIn: No college degree? Higher chance of credit denial (2024)

All Aboard!While enjoying a delightful break from full-time commitments, basking in sun-therapy with friends and family on numerous beaches over the past few months, I focused my working hours on serving the Mindshare, Inc. Board and Techstars 2024 Spring Class. Serving founders has been fantastic. However, as expected, an exciting new adventure beckoned. I am thrilled to share that I've taken on the helm as CEO at Ripple Operations. Ripple stands as the foremost Crew Success platform in the global maritime industry, backed by Bleecker Street Group—a New York holding company known for its steadfast "hold forever" investment approach, prioritizing customers, employees, and long-term company growth.This exciting career moment merges my background in software development with my passion for education and workforce readiness. I am honored to join a distinguished family of brands renowned for software innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence in maritime services. My enthusiasm stems not only from my passion for being on the water and boating but also from the challenge of integrating a comprehensive suite of software solutions spanning human capital management that includes crew operations, compliance, learning and development, assessment, and safety—empowering our clients to navigate maritime complexities with confidence worldwide.Let's set sail! #maritime #newbeginninigs #crewsuccess #elearning

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Teach For America hosted an unforgettable evening to support DC area students, and I was honored to be a part of it. The speeches were inspiring, the generosity was heartwarming, and the fashion was on point! A special thank you to Ebony Lee for being an incredible friend and table host on the TFA Board, and to my fabulous ever-willing gala date, Patty Couto. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of students and communities across the country. #TeachForAmerica #Education #SupportOurStudents

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Chaos Coordinator…Stealing a communication tactic from one of the leaders I admire, Sara Blakely, for her energy, ambition and sense of humor, I proudly share one of my favorite personal titles. Especially on days like this when while I no longer help cut and glue heart shaped valentines for classmates, I do manage to get a gaggle of girls out the door in pinks and reds without a bloody brawl of who gets to wear THE sweatshirt of the day. Then I leave little treats on their beds and get back to business based on computers vs. chocolate candy and strategy sessions on corporate growth vs. negotiating how many teens can come to a Pal-entines party. Enjoy the chaos of days like today, it goes much much much too fast. #womeninleadership #purposedrivenleadership

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Someday I aspire to have the time to play golf, but until the intersection of my career, my passionate pursuits and my family allow for the country club lifestyle, I am thrilled to have the working woman’s version. The long awaited DC Chief Clubhouse is open and as beautiful - and functional - as we all hoped. Hayden Temin, Laura Bryce and I tested out as many of the new amenities as we could while bantering on ideas for programming with S. Lovey Parker, MPS. Chief was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. It is a private network of executive women who band together to raise their leadership game. And finally, finally, finally the the DC clubhouse is open for in-person use. I’ll be there next on February 9th (and then a few times a month) if you’d like to join me. #womeninleadership #womeninbusiness

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I have enough kids in school to still think of the mid-year holidays as a break. During breaks I try to read things that don’t ignite anxiety, maybe even lean away from my standard business fare in favor of fiction. This year was no exception. I indulged in Take My Hand, Demon Copperhead, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. I recommend all three if you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster.However, it was when I dove back into my regular genre of thought provoking, dream inspiring non-fiction that I picked up and could not put down, Jennifer McCollum’s In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership. Jennifer's book is centered on a topic close to her heart and mine - gender equity and changing the face of leadership. She embodies my belief that a diverse room of thought leaders is a powerful one. More importantly, she writes about how to create one. I highly recommend In Her Own Voice for any organization and leader ready to improve gender equity at every level and to every one of the women I’ve had the opportunity to mentor, encourage or learn from along my own journey. Let’s continue to pave the path forward. #InHerOwnVoice #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership

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New year, new adventure.Leaving a purpose-driven position, a passion project, a team, and a company you love is always bittersweet. Each morning, you wake up missing the challenges and celebrations, your mind racing to solve puzzles and serve people. Yet, if you, like me, leaned into it with your whole heart and soul, learned every single day, and are taking away extraordinary relationships with immense pride in all that was accomplished, you feel honored it was entrusted to you for a time.I enthusiastically joined StraighterLine to dedicate my time and talents to a cause I deeply care about - making education affordable and accessible for all. I will be forever grateful for the two years I could pour into that mission directly.As I thoughtfully turn to first exhale, breathe deeply, and then consider my next adventure, I celebrate the wins of the race we’ve just run together while gearing up for the next. Thank you all for being on this incredible journey of life with me.

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🎉 Jennifer Ives you planned another fabulous holiday party and we celebrated you while you tended to your health (terrible timing for a cold)! Ladies, you make this career, parenting, life... journey better with every sip, sparkle and spirited conversation. I am thankful for the pack. #womenempoweringwomen

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"Happy Giving Tuesday! Today, STEM for Her, an organization I feel deeply passionate about and have been serving on the Advisory Board of for years, is celebrating their 20-year anniversary with a milestone campaign in partnership with PillowtalkDerm. PillowtalkDerm is matching dollar for dollar as we seek to raise $20,000. Every day, STEM for Herisempowering young women, many coming from underserved populations, to pursue STEM education and career paths through accessible education, mentorship, and scholarships. Please join us in celebrating #GivingTuesday and our 20- year anniversary by donating today! https://bit.ly/3szUEmD"

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Did you know? Nurses make up the largest section of the healthcare profession, and employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6%! #SLambassador #Nursing #Healthcare

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