Shows
Forward Thinkers ShowControl Your Inputs: Networking, Content, and Startup Life with Ace Gaddi from Series | S4 ep1In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, host Coral Miniel interviews Ace Gaddi, Head of Growth at Series.so, an AI social networking platform redefining warm introductions. We dive into: Ace’s journey from Arkansas to New York and breaking into the startup scene The importance of networking, personal branding, and building warm introductions Cultural representation in tech and the rise of women founders in startups The shift in networking dynamics with social media, startup culture, and taking risks Ace brings sharp insights on how your network and the content you consume shape your op...
2025-09-1241 minForward Thinkers ShowHow Early Exposure Shapes Future Women in Tech with Code/Art founder and CEO Amy Austin Renshaw | S3 EP2 In this episode of The Forward Thinkers Show, Coral sits down with Amy Austin Renshaw, Founder and CEO of Code/Art, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing female representation in tech through creative coding. Code/Art introduces girls in grades 3-12 to coding through art-based lessons, coding clubs, and competitions. Amy shares her journey from MIT sloan to tech education leader and discusses how early exposure to coding can shape young women’s futures. 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why early exposure to computer science is critical for young girls - How creative coding makes tech more accessible and engag...
2025-03-0723 minForward Thinkers ShowBeyond Specialization: Embracing Interdisciplinary Learning for Innovation 🚀 with Rose De Sicilia | S3Ep1How can thinking beyond specialization fuel creativity and success? On this episode of the Forward Thinker Show, Rose De Sicilia—an FIU graduate with a BS in Computer Science—shares how her diverse experiences at Apple, Microsoft, startups, and research in AI and data analysis have shaped her unique career path. 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn: How interdisciplinary thinking can drive innovation in tech and entrepreneurship Smart, iterative decision-making strategies for entrepreneurs The role of adaptability when exploring different paths in the tech world How to appl...
2025-01-2447 minForward Thinkers ShowHow to Maximize Mentorship Opportunities: with Isabella Estrada, Founder of Coffee Chats with Isa S2.EP9In this episode, we feature Isabella Vieira Estrada, a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, who’s reshaping mentorship with her initiative, Coffee Chats with Isa. From Puerto Rico to Miami, Isabella navigated academic and cultural challenges before landing internships at Tesla, Google, and Boeing. Now a rotational engineer at Boston Dynamics, she shares how mentorship helped her break barriers and build a thriving career.Isabella talks about how to maximize mentorship sessions, offering tips on setting goals, staying engaged, and making the most of connections. Tune in for actionable insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and navigating the te...
2024-12-0738 minForward Thinkers ShowBuilding great software: Insights on winning hackathons with Leon Kipkoech | S2 ep8This episode takes a deep dive into the art of building software and thriving in hackathons with Leon Kipkoech, Founder and President of the FNU Tech Club. Leon, a serial hackathon winner with over 15 competitions under his belt, is an award-winning engineer, researcher at MIT, and mentor. He shares his inspiring journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to becoming a prominent figure in Miami’s tech scene.In this conversation, Leon emphasizes the importance of passion, teamwork, and leadership in hackathons, offering actionable advice on forming strong and cohesive teams. He also reflects on his early fascination wi...
2024-11-2331 minForward Thinkers ShowBuilding Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Power of Accelerators with Lina Enriquez | S2 ep7In this episode, we explore how accelerators are shaping the future of entrepreneurship by fostering interconnected ecosystems. Our guest, Lina Enriquez, originally from the Dominican Republic, shares insights on the "five-factor model" and how it supports tough tech founders. Lina graduated from Florida International University (FIU) in data analytics, blending her interests in human decision-making and data science. She conducted research at MIT Media Lab, gaining insights into complex systems, and participated in the NSF iCore program to commercialize university research. Currently, Lina works at the Engine Accelerator, an MIT spin-off supporting "tough tech" founders with long-term...
2024-11-0132 minForward Thinkers ShowEngineering for a Sustainable Future: Olbin Gill on Electric Cars, Eco Engineering, and Innovation |S2 ep6In this episode of the Forward Thinker Show, Coral sits down with Olbin Gill, a mechanical engineering student, former president and advisor of FIU's Eco Engineering Club, regional winner of the NIFTY competition, and current Founder of Mango , a tech startup that empowers Florida's small farmers. Recognized as one of South Florida's innovators under 25, Olbin shares his inspiring journey from Honduras to becoming a leader in sustainable engineering initiatives. They dive into the challenges and strategies of building an electric car, project management, and the role of creativity in engineering. The conversation covers how Miami...
2024-10-2532 minForward Thinkers ShowMastering the Art of Balance: First-Gen Professional Colin Rocker on Juggling Career, Family, and Entrepreneurship | S2 Ep5In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, host Coral welcomes D. Colin Rocker, the "First-Gen Professional," a father, career-focused content creator, and advocate with a dedicated audience of over 380,000. Colin has collaborated with top-tier brands like Glassdoor, L'Oréal, Microsoft, and Google, and has been featured in Business Insider for his incredible journey from tech to consulting and content creation.In this episode, Colin shares his inspiring journey—how he went from his days at the University of Georgia to becoming a successful consultant and senior manager, and now a full-time entrepreneur. Throughout, the key theme is...
2024-10-1823 minForward Thinkers ShowBreaking Barriers: How to Thrive as a Woman in Tech with Val.java S2 Ep4In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, Coral sits down with Valeria, also known as Val.java, a software engineer and rising tech influencer with over 27,000 followers. Together, they dive deep into Valeria’s journey from Peru to New York, overcoming the challenges women face in the male-dominated tech industry. Val shares practical advice on how women can break stereotypes, find their community, and thrive in tech careers. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to advance your tech career, this episode offers actionable tips on how to thrive in a world where women are still underrepresented.
2024-10-1446 minForward Thinkers Show How to Find Your Place in Tech: Robert Velasquez’s 2-Year Journey from biology to Google, Netflix & Zillow | S2 EP3In just two years, Robert Velasquez made an incredible transition from studying biology to landing internships at tech giants like Google, Netflix, and Zillow. In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, Robert shares how he navigated this career switch, found his place in tech, and became a community leader at Init. If you’re wondering how to break into the tech industry, especially with a non-traditional background, this episode is for you!Stay Connected!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3DLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/co...
2024-10-0430 minForward Thinkers ShowHow Authentic Branding Can Boost Your Tech Career with Aidan Ouckama | S2 EP2In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show’ we sit down with Aidan Ouckama, a computer science student and content creator, to explore the real impact of authentic personal branding in today’s tech industry. Aiden opens up about how being true to himself on platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn not only helped him land internships at companies like DoorDash and Datadog but also made him stand out in a crowded field. Through his personal journey, from robotics camps to creating content that resonates with others, Aiden shows us how embracing authenticity can be your superpower in tech...
2024-09-2734 minForward Thinkers ShowFrom Haiti to Amazon: How Teaching Made Me a Better Engineer |S2 Ep1In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, we chat with Smyvens Estime, a Solutions Architect at AWS and former Amazon intern, about his inspiring journey from Haiti to the tech world. Discover how teaching computer science, even as a high school student, sharpened his engineering skills and prepared him for a career at one of the world’s leading tech companies. Tune in for insights on how teaching can enhance your technical skills and personal growth. Stay Connected! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/ YouTube:http://ww...
2024-09-2031 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 17 | The Truth About Building a Fintech Startup: From Hackathon to $2M Platform a conversation with Ex Meta intern, co-founder and CPO of Gamma Swap Roberto MartinezIn this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, we talk with Roberto Martinez, the co-founder and CPO of GammaSwap, who was born in the Dominican Republic. Before GammaSwap, he worked for Meta and participated in a program at Two Sigma. Starting from humble beginnings at a hackathon, he transformed his project into a fintech startup.GammaSwap is a perpetual options protocol on Ethereum. It facilitates direct cryptocurrency trades using blockchain and smart contracts, without intermediaries. Using liquidity from Automated Market Makers allows leverage on any token.Over 13 days since its launch, the platform has managed...
2024-04-1951 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 16 How to obtain an entrepreneurial mindset. Exploring Curiosity and Innovation | A Conversation with StartupFIU Student Leader and Microsoft Intern Fernando Azanza In the Forward Thinkers show episode, a student leader at Startup FIU and incoming Microsoft intern, Fernando Asanza, shares his journey from a small town in Ecuador to the forefront of US technology and entrepreneurship. Starting with a spark from a YouTube video that ignited his passion for computer science, Fernando not only shares how to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and its far-reaching benefits beyond starting a business but also his experiences in participating in multiple pitch competitions. He emphasizes the value of being open to learning, adaptable, and coachable as catalysts for substantial personal and professional growth. Fernando...
2024-04-1935 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 18 | From Billion-Dollar Ventures to Social Innovation: Essential Advice for Gen Z Entrepreneurs | A conversation with Director of StartupFIU Robert HackerJoin us in this episode as Robert Hacker, the co-founder and director of Startup FIU, as well as an Honors College professor, imparts invaluable insights for Gen Z entrepreneurs aiming to excel in today's dynamic business landscape. Born in Syracuse New York, he has a rich background that includes scaling a 40-million-dollar company to a billion-dollar company and serving as the CFO and COO of One Laptop per Child. He's also worked at the MIT Media Lab, is a graduate of Columbia University, and has experience working at Goldman Sachs. Robert provides a unique perspective. He charts his journey...
2024-04-1935 min2024-04-1500 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 15 How a college club turned into a 4,000+ member tech nonprofit. empowering underserved communities. The Story of INIT. A conversation with Co-Founder Cesar Villa-Garcia, ex-JPMorgan, Microsoft. Current at American ExpressIn this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, we delve into the essence of community building within the tech industry, featuring Cesar Vill-Garcia. Cesar is the co-founder of INIT, a Miami-based edtech nonprofit, aimed to empower underserved communities in technology. He worked at JPMorgan, Microsoft, and currently, American Express.Cesar Vill-Garcia, born in Lima, Peru, had a substantial impact on Miami's tech community. Over a decade ago, INIT started as a modest chapter of UPE, a computer science honor society, at Florida International University. Despite facing various challenges as the society's president, Cesar successfully overcame them and...
2024-04-1255 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 14 | Exploring Web Development | A Conversation with 2x Meta Intern, Director of Tech at INIT FIU Gabriel Pedrosa In this episode of The Forward Thinkers Show we delve into the world of web development with our special guest, Gabriel Pedrosa. Born in Miami to Venezuelan parents, Gabriel has made an impactful journey from Miami to Silicon Valley. A two-times intern at Meta and Director of technology at INIT Fiu, Gabriel shares his journey into the field of web development, his experiences at Meta, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Gabriel also provides valuable insights for software startups. Whether you're a budding web developer, an experienced coder, or part of a software startup, this episode is...
2024-04-0538 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 13 | The Power of Data Analytics in Business - A Conversation with AIS FIU Advisor, Business analytics student and NASA Innovation Corps selectee Naween Thi PhamIn this women's history month special episode of 'The Forward Thinker Show', we welcome our special guest, Naween Pham, an Advisor at the Association of Information Systems, and a Business Analytics student. Naween shares her journey from Vietnam to the US, her passion for numbers and data, and her experience working as a data analyst at Assurant. She has used her skills to secure first place in five pitch competitions and was selected for the prestigious NASA Innovation Corps.We delve deep into data analysis and its impact on business. She provides invaluable insights into the power...
2024-03-2925 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 12 | Pitch for Success Learn the Art of Pitching a Software Product: A Conversation with 5x Pitch Competition Champion Ishel Zain In this episode of the Forward Thinker Show, we delve into the world of software pitching with Ishel Zain, a five-time pitch competition winner, president of the Association of Information Systems at FIU, and now selected for the NASA Innovation Corps. Ishel shares her inspiring journey from Pakistan to the U.S., her unexpected transition from a science major to business, and the invaluable lessons she learned from her numerous pitch competition experiences. Tune in as Ishel imparts her expertise on crafting captivating presentations, effectively selling software products, and the transformative power of self-belief in achieving entrepreneurial success.
2024-03-2925 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 11 | Breaking Barriers: A Journey from Physics to Computer Science a conversation with VP of FIU Cuban heritage society, Director of social media at INIT Carol PowersIn this women’s history month special episode of "The Forward Thinker Show", we host Carol Powers, the Vice President of the Cuban Heritage Society and Director of Social Media for INIT fiu who shares her transformative journey from a Physics major to a Computer Science enthusiast. Listen in as she talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of saying 'yes' to opportunities, and the unexpected transition that changed her life. Get inspired by her story, learn about her struggles as a first-generation college student, and celebrate her triumphs in the world of tech.Stay Connected...
2024-03-2244 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 10 | Cybersecurity: Bridging Tech and Policy | The need more women in cyber a conversation with Women in cybersecurity president, Former US department of homeland security investigations intern Danay RumbautWe're continuing our Women's History Month special series with an insightful episode. In this episode of "The Forward Thinker Show", we delve into the captivating world of cybersecurity with Danay Rumbaut, the president of women in cybersecurity and recipient of the 2023 Wicys student chapter Leadership Award. In today's world, cybersecurity is crucial, whether you're trying to protect your software company or want to be a part of a cybersecurity team. This episode explores the unique journey of Danay Rumbaut, featuring her significant contributions to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and her strong advocacy for women in cybersecurity. It...
2024-03-1518 minForward Thinkers ShowEP 9 | From Healthcare to Tech – How to Pivot into the World of Tech - A Conversation with Former Director of Tech Together Miami, MLHTop 50 Hacker Mareline Ramirez In this empowering episode of The Forward Thinker Show, we celebrate Women's History Month by spotlighting Mareline Ramirez, a beacon of inspiration in the tech world. Mareline, an MLH Top 50 Hacker and former director of Tech Together Miami Florida's largest hackathon for women and underpresented individuals, shares her remarkable pivot from aspiring healthcare professional to tech prodigy. Raised in Miami with Honduran roots, Mareline's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Discover how she navigated challenges to redefine her career path and make significant contributions to creating inclusive...
2024-03-0830 minForward Thinkers ShowEP8 | Mastering the Art of Software Sales: A Conversation with Founder of consistent 260 and Former UKG sales Intern Jose OsorioIn this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, we explore the art of selling software with Jose Osorio, a former baseball player turned tech enthusiast and sales intern at UKG, an HR Software company. Jose shares his transition from the baseball field to the world of B2B sales, and his experience in founding Consistent 360. We delve into the lessons he learned from sports and his strategies for selling software effectively. We also discuss the importance of international talent in the business ecosystem. Tune in for an inspiring story about adaptability, resilience, curiosity, and to gain insights from Jose's...
2024-03-0137 minForward Thinkers ShowEP7 | Dominican Independence Day Special: The Importance of Diverse Engineers in Tech and the Role of Communities: A Conversation with UKG Intern, Google Tech Exchange Alum, and Apple Pathways Fellow Sebastian NunezIn this episode, we sit down with Sebastian Nunez, a first-generation immigrant who has carved a path for himself in the tech industry. Born in the Dominican Republic. Sebastian shares his unique journey, from learning English to leveraging his engineering skills at major companies. Sebastian is a successful tech professional, formerly with JP Morgan and currently interning at UKG, is also a Google Tech Exchange alumnus and an incoming Apple Pathways fellow. We delve into the significance of diverse engineers in tech, discussing the invaluable perspectives they bring to the table. Sebastian shares his experiences in fostering inclusive communities...
2024-02-2334 minForward Thinkers ShowEP6 | Find Your True Belonging in the Tech Space: Journey from Ivy League to Miami Tech Community, featuring Shpe FIU president and tech consultant, Gabriel QuirozIn this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Gabriel Quiroz, president of Shpe FIU and a tech consultant, as he shares his experience of leaving the prestigious University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) to find his tech community in Miami. Gabriel discusses the challenges he faced at UPenn and the realization that his true sense of belonging and support came from his hometown. This powerful realization emphasizes the importance of finding a strong and supportive tech community and the tremendous impact it can have on personal and professional growth. Through Gabriel's story, we explore the significance of discovering a...
2024-02-1623 minForward Thinkers Show EP5 | Building Products that Benefit People: Exploring the Intersection of Technology, Ethics, and Creativity with Silver Knight Nominee Daniel Lapidot Is the future of technology deeply intertwined with ethics and creativity?In this episode of the Forward Thinkers Show, we delve into the future of technology with Daniel Lapidot, a Silver Knight nominee and fervent AI and ethics enthusiast. We discuss Daniel's background as an AI enthusiast, inspired by his father, and the importance of leveraging technology for the greater good. We explore how the next generation of technologies can shape a better society and the intricate intersection of technology, ethics, and philosophy. Particularly, we delve into how creativity and ethics are instrumental in building better software.
2024-02-0945 minForward Thinkers ShowEP4 | From the coldest city in the world to Miami, Exploring the Inspiring Journey and advice from young female Entrepreneur + Business Analytics grad Veronika PetrovaIn this episode of Inside Miami Tech, we're interviewing Veronika Petrova, a female entrepreneur and business analytics graduate. Veronika shares her inspiring journey from Miami to Siberia, where she built her own business, Siren Studios, and amassed a following of thousands across multiple social media platforms. Tune in to hear her valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and be inspired by her story.
2024-02-0231 minForward Thinkers ShowEP3 | Miami Tech vs Seattle Tech: Exploring the Differences and Miami's Potential as a Tech Hub" feat. David Uioa, ex Microsoft intern and INIT president Is Miami an emerging tech hub? David Uioa, a former Microsoft intern and current INIT President at FIU shares his perspective on how Miami’s diversity and culture is accelerating its role in advancing tech globally.What We Discuss with David Uioa:· David’s background: born and raised in Miami, his tech journey, and his early interest in exploring during class.· Early exposure to technology is emphasized as beneficial for developing a passion and skill set.· Miami's cultural diversity and collaborative spirit are contrasted with the perceived competitiveness and individualism of Seattle...
2024-01-2631 minForward Thinkers ShowEP2 | Lead with empathy: The benefits of adopting a human-centric approach to opportunities in tech | A conversation with President of Google student developer club at FIU and 2x Fortune 500 intern Laurie Fortune How important is empathy in technology? Laurie Fortune, 2 times fortune 500 intern, fortune 200 intern, and current president of the Google Student Developer Club at FIU delves into what it means to have a human-centric approach to tech opportunities.What We Discuss with Laurie Fortune:· Laurie’s background, growing up in Apopka, Florida, and her decision to come to Miami for college.· The value of diversity and representation in the tech industry.· The story of meeting Googlers Aurelie and Joelle and connecting on a personal level.· The significance of connections, friendships, and be...
2024-01-2639 minForward Thinkers ShowEP1 | Common Misconceptions about AI and What we actually need to be Worried About | A conversation with Incoming Software Engineer at Google and former INIT AI lead - Jose PujolIs AI going to take over humanity? Incoming software engineer Jose Pujol at Google and AI Lead at FIU shares his thoughts and expertise on Artificial Intelligence.What We Discuss with Jose Pujol:· Jose's journey from a space enthusiast to an AI specialist.· Defining AI: AI is an umbrella term covering various aspects, including expert systems, classical machine learning, and deep learning with neural networks.· Fear of Job Displacement: Acknowledging concerns about AI taking over jobs and emphasizing the need to address real issues.· Data Mining and Ethics: Acknowledging the...
2024-01-2651 min