Joslyn Bauer

I attribute my success to my faith in God and my husband’s steady support. My faith has carried me through uncertain seasons, and my husband has encouraged me as I pursue my education and build IMUA Path.

I have learned that perseverance means being honest with myself, recognizing when something needs to change, and following through even when progress is slow. Challenges have taught me to reflect, adjust my approach, and move forward with greater purpose.

Kindness and integrity guide how I live and work. To me, success includes how we treat people and what we help them see in themselves. Through coaching, I encourage others to recognize their strengths, create a practical plan, and take small, consistent steps toward their goals. Helping someone believe they can move forward and then watching them take action is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.

The best career advice I’ve received is to be willing to change my perspective and take the next step, even when I cannot see the entire path. Sometimes we become so focused on how we expected our careers to unfold that we overlook opportunities to learn, build relationships, or discover a different direction.

That advice has shaped how I approach my education, my career, and building IMUA Path. I do not need every answer before I begin, but I do need a practical plan and the willingness to follow through. When a goal feels overwhelming, I focus on the next achievable step.

My advice to young women entering coaching and education is to take your goals seriously and invest in the knowledge and skills to support them. Recognize your worth, speak up for yourself, and stay open to learning. You can accept constructive feedback without allowing someone else’s opinion to determine your future.

Build meaningful relationships, seek mentors who challenge you to grow, and follow through on your commitments. In work centered on helping people, trust is earned through honesty, preparation, and consistency. Know the limits of your expertise and be willing to refer someone to another professional when their needs fall outside your qualifications.

Break big goals into manageable steps and give yourself room to learn along the way. You do not have to have your entire future figured out to begin. Start with a clear purpose, take the next achievable step, and let your confidence grow through experience.

One of the biggest challenges in coaching and reentry support is helping people turn their goals into practical progress while they face barriers to employment, housing, education, and essential services. For justice-impacted individuals, these needs often overlap. Building confidence matters, but people also need access to resources and opportunities that make moving forward possible.

As I build IMUA Path, I also face the challenges of growing a client base and managing limited time and resources while working, preparing to begin doctoral studies, and raising my son. Referrals, networking, and meaningful relationships are important to that growth.

I see a significant opportunity to strengthen connections among coaches, employers, educators, housing providers, and community organizations.

My long-term goal is to contribute to policy development and establish a comprehensive center where justice-impacted individuals can receive coordinated support. I want to help create practical pathways for people to rebuild their lives, support their families, and establish stability in their communities.

Faith and personal accountability guide me in both my work and personal life. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, especially when they face challenges or try to make a change. To me, integrity means keeping my word, taking responsibility for my decisions, and treating people with respect even when we disagree.

My faith grounds me; my husband (Derek) and my son (Caleb) remind me why my work matters. My husband’s encouragement has helped me pursue my goals, and I want my son to see that ambition and compassion can exist together.

Through IMUA Path, I put these values into practice by listening without judgment, offering honest feedback, and helping people create realistic plans. I want others to recognize that where they are today does not have to determine where they go next.