Shows
Career Cheat Code084 | Finding The Right Stage with Antonio AponteWe trace Antonio Aponte's path from Broadway actor to creative educator—and how finding the right match can mean more than chasing a big name when guiding first-gen families toward college and career success. This episode dives deep into what real opportunity looks like, from choosing the right school to unlocking financial aid, internships, and alternative career paths.In this episode, we cover: • Aligning students with schools that fit their goals and support systems • Demystifying financial aid, scholarships, and affordability • Trades and certifications as lucrative, fulfilling options • Lessons from theater—presence, listening, a...
2025-11-0444 minCareer Cheat Code084 | Finding The Right Stage with Antonio AponteWe trace Antonio Aponte's path from Broadway actor to creative educator—and how finding the right match can mean more than chasing a big name when guiding first-gen families toward college and career success. This episode dives deep into what real opportunity looks like, from choosing the right school to unlocking financial aid, internships, and alternative career paths.In this episode, we cover: • Aligning students with schools that fit their goals and support systems • Demystifying financial aid, scholarships, and affordability • Trades and certifications as lucrative, fulfilling options • Lessons from theater—presence, listening, a...
2025-11-0444 minCareer Cheat Code083 | Shaping Communities Through Impact with Tracy ColungaTracy Colunga shares her remarkable journey from city government to founding her consulting firm Colunga and Associates LLC, highlighting how intuition guided her career transitions and how she narrowly avoided mass layoffs by trusting her gut.• Founding Colunga and Associates LLC as a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, innovation, user-centered design, and grants management• Transitioning from Johns Hopkins University to entrepreneurship after sensing political changes• Building a 16-year career with the city of Long Beach, CA that culminated as Chief Innovation Officer• Developing the "inside-outside strategy" for community engagement and building trust• Starting a...
2025-09-1545 minCareer Cheat Code083 | Shaping Communities Through Impact with Tracy ColungaTracy Colunga shares her remarkable journey from city government to founding her consulting firm Colunga and Associates LLC, highlighting how intuition guided her career transitions and how she narrowly avoided mass layoffs by trusting her gut.• Founding Colunga and Associates LLC as a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, innovation, user-centered design, and grants management• Transitioning from Johns Hopkins University to entrepreneurship after sensing political changes• Building a 16-year career with the city of Long Beach, CA that culminated as Chief Innovation Officer• Developing the "inside-outside strategy" for community engagement and building trust• Starting a...
2025-09-1545 minCareer Cheat Code082 | From Temp to Philanthropic Leader with Erika WilliamsErika Williams, Managing Partner of The Alberio Group, shares her non-linear career journey from temp worker to philanthropy executive to social impact consultant, revealing how embracing flexibility and recognizing "divine order" creates fulfilling opportunities.• Started career through a temp agency that placed her at Morgan Stanley's investment banking division• Strategically navigated from admin roles to the Morgan Stanley Foundation by networking internally• Used employer tuition benefits to earn a graduate degree debt-free from the New School• Created consulting practice as a career foundation, allowing flexibility to take interesting opportunities• Maintained artistic expression throughout profession...
2025-09-081h 01Career Cheat Code082 | From Temp to Philanthropic Leader with Erika WilliamsErika Williams, Managing Partner of The Alberio Group, shares her non-linear career journey from temp worker to philanthropy executive to social impact consultant, revealing how embracing flexibility and recognizing "divine order" creates fulfilling opportunities.• Started career through a temp agency that placed her at Morgan Stanley's investment banking division• Strategically navigated from admin roles to the Morgan Stanley Foundation by networking internally• Used employer tuition benefits to earn a graduate degree debt-free from the New School• Created consulting practice as a career foundation, allowing flexibility to take interesting opportunities• Maintained artistic expression throughout profession...
2025-09-081h 01Career Cheat Code081 | From Prison To Purpose with Hernán Carvente MartinezHernán Carvente Martinez shares his extraordinary journey from juvenile incarceration to becoming Executive Director of Alianza for Opportunity, a national nonprofit dedicated to building thriving communities for Latino, Afro-Latino, and Indigenous groups. His powerful story reveals how one mentor's belief transformed his life trajectory and instilled in him the courage to never give up despite overwhelming challenges.• Spent four years in juvenile prison at age 16 for attempted murder before finding transformation through a college program• Met mentor James McCain who challenged him to develop writing skills, public speaking abilities, and see a future beyond his past
2025-08-1849 minCareer Cheat Code081 | From Prison To Purpose with Hernán Carvente MartinezHernán Carvente Martinez shares his extraordinary journey from juvenile incarceration to becoming Executive Director of Alianza for Opportunity, a national nonprofit dedicated to building thriving communities for Latino, Afro-Latino, and Indigenous groups. His powerful story reveals how one mentor's belief transformed his life trajectory and instilled in him the courage to never give up despite overwhelming challenges.• Spent four years in juvenile prison at age 16 for attempted murder before finding transformation through a college program• Met mentor James McCain who challenged him to develop writing skills, public speaking abilities, and see a future beyond his past
2025-08-1849 minCareer Cheat Code080 | Leading A Social Justice Fund with Gregg BishopGregg Bishop's journey from tech dropout to Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund showcases how non-linear career paths can lead to meaningful impact work through resilience, relationship-building, and recognizing opportunity.• Working with Clara Wu Tsai to invest $50 million in Brooklyn focusing on economic mobility, racial justice, and the arts• Providing capital access to businesses in underserved communities through initiatives like Revitalize Brooklyn• Partnering with financial institutions to deploy capital strategically based on impact, scalability, and sustainability• Leveraging networks and relationships to advance career opportunities - "You want people to talk about you positively in rooms...
2025-08-111h 05Career Cheat Code080 | Leading A Social Justice Fund with Gregg BishopGregg Bishop's journey from tech dropout to Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund showcases how non-linear career paths can lead to meaningful impact work through resilience, relationship-building, and recognizing opportunity.• Working with Clara Wu Tsai to invest $50 million in Brooklyn focusing on economic mobility, racial justice, and the arts• Providing capital access to businesses in underserved communities through initiatives like Revitalize Brooklyn• Partnering with financial institutions to deploy capital strategically based on impact, scalability, and sustainability• Leveraging networks and relationships to advance career opportunities - "You want people to talk about you positively in rooms...
2025-08-111h 05Career Cheat Code079 | Turning Code Into Change with Liderman DuinEntrepreneurship becomes truly fulfilling when it transforms lives and creates opportunities for underserved communities around the world. Liderman Duin, the founder of Toucan Talent shares his journey of building a global tech academy that identifies talented individuals and equips them with skills for successful careers in technology.• Building a mission-driven business that spans 11 countries and helps underserved communities• Finding purpose during the pandemic by pivoting from healthcare software to global tech education• Creating life-changing opportunities that allow team members to purchase homes and provide better education for their children• Navigating the immigrant experience, from Venezuel...
2025-08-0441 minCareer Cheat Code079 | Turning Code Into Change with Liderman DuinEntrepreneurship becomes truly fulfilling when it transforms lives and creates opportunities for underserved communities around the world. Liderman Duin, the founder of Toucan Talent shares his journey of building a global tech academy that identifies talented individuals and equips them with skills for successful careers in technology.• Building a mission-driven business that spans 11 countries and helps underserved communities• Finding purpose during the pandemic by pivoting from healthcare software to global tech education• Creating life-changing opportunities that allow team members to purchase homes and provide better education for their children• Navigating the immigrant experience, from Venezuel...
2025-08-0441 minCareer Cheat Code078 | Building A Multi-Stream Career with Dr. Amilcar GuzmanIn this inspiring episode, Dr. Amilcar Guzman shares his powerful journey as a first-generation Dominican-American who broke traditional career expectations to build a life rooted in purpose, financial stability, and impact. From turning down Ivy League schools for better value to juggling full-time work and a PhD, Dr. Guzman walks us through how he designed a career across philanthropy, academia, and consulting—all while staying true to his values.We explore:His work supporting early childhood systems as a Program Officer at the Pritzker Children’s InitiativeTeaching future educators as an adjunct professor at American UniversityLaunching a co...
2025-07-2346 minCareer Cheat Code078 | Building A Multi-Stream Career with Dr. Amilcar GuzmanIn this inspiring episode, Dr. Amilcar Guzman shares his powerful journey as a first-generation Dominican-American who broke traditional career expectations to build a life rooted in purpose, financial stability, and impact. From turning down Ivy League schools for better value to juggling full-time work and a PhD, Dr. Guzman walks us through how he designed a career across philanthropy, academia, and consulting—all while staying true to his values.We explore:His work supporting early childhood systems as a Program Officer at the Pritzker Children’s InitiativeTeaching future educators as an adjunct professor at American UniversityLaunching a co...
2025-07-2346 minCareer Cheat Code077 | Fundraising For Higher Ed with Yanira AmadeoYanira Amadeo, Executive Director of Development at the University of Connecticut Foundation, shares her journey from administrative assistant to philanthropic leader raising millions for student opportunities and university initiatives.• Transitioned from psychology and social work to higher education development after realizing her passion for fundraising• Leveraged her position at Columbia University to earn a nonprofit management degree while working her way up from administrative coordinator• Describes development work as "bridging generosity and justice" by connecting donors with university priorities• Currently pursuing a PhD focusing on alumni philanthropists of color at Hispanic-serving institutions• Advocates for streng...
2025-06-1140 minCareer Cheat Code077 | Fundraising For Higher Ed with Yanira AmadeoYanira Amadeo, Executive Director of Development at the University of Connecticut Foundation, shares her journey from administrative assistant to philanthropic leader raising millions for student opportunities and university initiatives.• Transitioned from psychology and social work to higher education development after realizing her passion for fundraising• Leveraged her position at Columbia University to earn a nonprofit management degree while working her way up from administrative coordinator• Describes development work as "bridging generosity and justice" by connecting donors with university priorities• Currently pursuing a PhD focusing on alumni philanthropists of color at Hispanic-serving institutions• Advocates for streng...
2025-06-1140 minCareer Cheat Code076 | The Path To Impact with Faouzi Talabi and Roland Kennedy JrRoland Kennedy Jr. and Fauzi Talabi candidly share their non-traditional paths into philanthropy, revealing insider perspectives on grants management, program development, and creating impact from both large and small foundations. They discuss how their backgrounds in government and direct service work provided valuable skills while exploring the unique challenges and rewards of moving philanthropic capital as Black men in a historically exclusive field.• Different pathways into philanthropy careers and why experience in other sectors is valuable• The day-to-day reality of grants management and program roles at foundations• How foundations value direct service experience when making hiring...
2025-04-181h 06Career Cheat Code076 | The Path To Impact with Faouzi Talabi and Roland Kennedy JrRoland Kennedy Jr. and Fauzi Talabi candidly share their non-traditional paths into philanthropy, revealing insider perspectives on grants management, program development, and creating impact from both large and small foundations. They discuss how their backgrounds in government and direct service work provided valuable skills while exploring the unique challenges and rewards of moving philanthropic capital as Black men in a historically exclusive field.• Different pathways into philanthropy careers and why experience in other sectors is valuable• The day-to-day reality of grants management and program roles at foundations• How foundations value direct service experience when making hiring...
2025-04-181h 06Career Cheat Code075 | Head of Branch Banking with Jeffrey MartinezIn this episode, Jeffrey Martinez, head of branch banking at PNC Bank, shares his remarkable journey from a bank teller to an executive leader within one of America's largest retail banks. Jeff highlights the vital role his immigrant upbringing and family values have played in shaping his aspirations and decisions throughout his career. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced in making the leap from JPMorgan Chase to PNC, emphasizing the courage it takes to embrace change and pursue growth.• The importance of stability in career decisions • Embracing risks and the power of curiosity • Fostering a cultur...
2025-03-1058 minCareer Cheat Code075 | Head of Branch Banking with Jeffrey MartinezIn this episode, Jeffrey Martinez, head of branch banking at PNC Bank, shares his remarkable journey from a bank teller to an executive leader within one of America's largest retail banks. Jeff highlights the vital role his immigrant upbringing and family values have played in shaping his aspirations and decisions throughout his career. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced in making the leap from JPMorgan Chase to PNC, emphasizing the courage it takes to embrace change and pursue growth.• The importance of stability in career decisions • Embracing risks and the power of curiosity • Fostering a cultur...
2025-03-1058 minCareer Cheat Code074 | Community of Change-Makers with Stephen MinixImagine creating a career that not only fulfills you but also makes a significant impact on the world. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of mindset with Stephen Minix, the Senior Director of Community at UpMetrics, who champions the cause of connecting foundations, impact investors, and nonprofits through innovative data analytics. Discover how UpMetrics' software revolutionizes data collection and reporting, enabling organizations to concentrate on their true missions. We explore the art of building partnerships that inspire meaningful change beyond mere compliance, fostering dynamic relationships that promote genuine learning and understanding.Key Points:
2025-02-2453 minCareer Cheat Code074 | Community of Change-Makers with Stephen MinixImagine creating a career that not only fulfills you but also makes a significant impact on the world. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of mindset with Stephen Minix, the Senior Director of Community at UpMetrics, who champions the cause of connecting foundations, impact investors, and nonprofits through innovative data analytics. Discover how UpMetrics' software revolutionizes data collection and reporting, enabling organizations to concentrate on their true missions. We explore the art of building partnerships that inspire meaningful change beyond mere compliance, fostering dynamic relationships that promote genuine learning and understanding.Key Points:
2025-02-2453 minCareer Cheat Code073 | Chief Philanthropy Officer with Bea De La TorreThis episode uncovers the unexpected journey of Bea De La Torre, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Trinity Church NYC, who shares her experience in philanthropy and the importance of taking risks in one’s career. Listeners gain insights on the power of relationships, the complexities of social issues, and the joy found in helping others through meaningful work. We follow the adventurous path of a proud Boricua who navigated her way from Puerto Rico to the United States, driven by a passion for urban planning. Through her experiences at the University of Pennsylvania and MIT, she found her cal...
2025-02-1747 minCareer Cheat Code072 | Impact Consulting with Tynesia Boyea-RobinsonThe episode explores the significant role of impact consultants in driving social change within corporations, sharing inspiring stories and insights from a successful entrepreneur in the field. It highlights impactful projects, mentorship, and the importance of collaboration across sectors to create equitable outcomes while emphasizing that profit and purpose can coexist. Unlock the keys to driving systemic change with insights from our special guest, Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, CEO & President of CapEQ. Experience Ty’s transformative journey, beginning with their landmark work with Walmart that reshaped minimum wage policies and led to broader social impact across various industries. Ty rev...
2025-02-1044 minCareer Cheat Code071 | A Career in Venture Capital with Christian McKenzieWe're Back! Christian McKenzie shares her experiences and insights from the venture capital world, explaining the risks and rewards of investing in startups. The episode highlights her journey from the fashion industry to venture capital, the importance of networking, and how supporting entrepreneurs goes beyond just funding. • Exploring the nature of venture capital and its high-risk, high-reward dynamics • Discussing how Lofty Ventures supports startups beyond investment • Identifying ideal profiles for entrepreneurs seeking funding • Networking strategies and relationship-building in venture capital • Navigating personal journeys and adapting career paths • The role of compensatio...
2025-02-0333 min