Holly M. Sweat Raper
Holly hails from that small Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney made famous by Bill Murray in Groundhog’s Day. Much like the theme of that movie Holly has a way of finding the extraordinary where most can only see the average or mundane. This ability has served her well as she has helped thousands of individuals realize their dreams and goals both professionally and personally.
Holly earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with minors in Biblical Studies and Sociology at Houghton College, in New York.
Her professional career began in Atlanta as a psychotherapist. There she managed a full caseload of patients whose diagnoses ranged from schizophrenia to bipolar disorders. The next step on Holly’s career path was as the Executive Director of a counseling center which she used to gain the experience necessary to start her own practice.
In 1996 Holly and her family relocated to North Carolina. Since that time Holly has held such notable positions as EAP Clinician (Employee Assistance Program) with Gaston-Lincoln Mental Health, Director of Career Services at Gardner Webb University, Director of Workforce and Career Development at Cleveland Community College and now Holly is a full time Motivational Speaker and Author for her own consulting company “Hope, Motivation, Success”.
Like so many others, a great deal of Holly’s expertise has come from real life experience and personal trials. Holly recently lost her husband to Cancer. Throughout their agonizing battle her motto was, “Living in Victory not Defeat”. Holly has also been touched by the divorce of her parents, abuse and the loss of her brother to cancer, just to name a few. However, she has found the strength and courage to not only survive these challenges but also the wisdom to use them to help her thrive. Her presentations and programs make her a priceless asset. Her unique insight into the daily struggles faced both personally and professionally with practical solutions empower the listener to make effective changes.
Holly has been blessed with an amazing family, twins Mason and Taylor and her recent marriage to Bruce Scott Raper. Her daughter Taylor is married to a wonderful man Joshua Apsitis, they currently live at the Outer Banks in NC and her son Mason and his love, Cindy live in Boston, MA.
Holly is not just a motivational speaker and professional trainer, she is someone who has survived and flourished using the principles and skills that she shares daily. She not only gives tools and strategies for success, she gives people HOPE!
“Holly is bright, animated, personal, humorous, and is ‘armed with enthusiasm’. ‘You are special; look at what you have to offer! You are not unemployed, you are looking at several opportunities’, she would say to us.”
“As a professional navigating the rough waters of “job search”, I found Holly Sweat to be a guiding beacon in my efforts to stay on course. Thanks to Holly, my resume is updated, my interview/presentation skills are more focused and effective, and my confidence level is thru the roof.”
“[Both classes] helped me immensely in my search for new job opportunities. It is time well spent & if you implement the tools she teaches, you will be amazed at the results.”
“Holly takes you on an inspirational and motivational journey. She is wise and endearing and speaks to people on a level that they take away positive tips on how to ‘Live & Learn, Crash & Burn’.”
“She is a fearless advocate and a welcome companion for many who are in the most critical and vulnerable transitions of their lives.”
“Holly kept the class entertaining, upbeat and interesting. She taught me so much about the transferable skills that I have and how to present them to potential employers…One of my interviewers told me that I had the best answers to his questions that he had ever had during an interview. I started work the very next day!”
“Holly is a very motivational speaker with vast knowledge and experience in navigating through the maze of employment opportunities.”
“With Holly’s coaching, I was able to relate my talents to the qualities employers sought in their candidates. I landed a job with a great company, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without taking this class.”