Shows
From Failure to LaunchS3E6: From Curiosity to Ownership: Turning Data Projects into Real ImpactIn Season 3, Episode 6 of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Alexandra Hoffpauir, Data Warehouse and Marketing Technology Manager at YETI, and Code2College intern Dagem Abraham. Together, they unpack what it truly means to own a project, not just complete assigned tasks. Dagem shares how sourcing data, collaborating across multiple teams, and ultimately building his own project pushed him to develop strong prioritization skills while balancing curiosity and exploration with real business needs. Alexandra offers insight into YETI’s collaborative culture, what it looks like to fully integrate interns into the team, and why trusting ea...
2026-01-0631 minFrom Failure to LaunchS3E5: Expectations Exceeded: Discovering Cybersecurity Talent from Day OneIn Season 3, Episode 5 of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Code2College intern Krish Patel and his summer manager Mark Berry, Director of Cybersecurity at Crosslake Technologies. They reflect on a summer that exceeded expectations for everyone involved. Krish shares how the internship sparked a genuine interest in cybersecurity and reshaped his career goals, while Mark highlights how Krish and his fellow interns quickly made meaningful contributions. The episode closes with the interns’ final presentation, earning a standing ovation and proving what’s possible when early-career talent is trusted with real responsibility.
2025-12-1520 minFrom Failure to LaunchS3E4: Raising the Bar: Cybersecurity, AI, and Early-Career Talent at Crosslake TechnologiesIn Season 3, Episode 4 of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Code2College intern Jawaad Merali and his summer manager, Mark Berry, Director of Cybersecurity at Crosslake Technologies. Together, they share how a summer of rapid learning, hands-on projects, and strong mentorship helped Jawaad, now a college freshman, grow confidently into the world of cybersecurity. Jawaad describes arriving eager but unsure, quickly diving into intensive security training and AI development. Mark highlights how Jawaad and fellow intern Krish exceeded expectations from day one by bringing curiosity, strong technical foundations, and fresh ideas to a complex challenge...
2025-11-2023 minFrom Failure to LaunchS3E3: Stepping In Strong: Real-World Coding, Support, and Growth at Texas MutualIn this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Veda Rabishankar, a Code2College high school summer intern who worked in IT Digital Communications at Texas Mutual, and her summer manager, Mike Vuong, Senior Engineering Manager at Texas Mutual. Together, they explore Veda’s journey from classroom programming to contributing to real-world projects, what it’s like applying new skills in a professional setting, and how she tackled early nerves with Mike’s support. They dive into the power of thoughtful mentorship, stepping into unfamiliar environments, and the experiences that build confidence and spark a futu...
2025-11-1622 minFrom Failure to LaunchS3E2: Breaking the Ice: Mentorship, Growth, and Finding Confidence at YETIIn this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Olivia Cruz, a Code2College high school summer intern at YETI, and Chris Chafin, Web Developer II at YETI and Olivia’s summer manager. Together, they share what it’s like navigating new environments, building confidence, and learning through real-world projects. They dive into what makes great mentorship, how to grow beyond your comfort zone, and the lessons that can shape a career before it even begins.
2025-10-1430 minFrom Failure to LaunchS3E1: From Code2College to Career Dreams: Zephan Ofori’s Summer at IndeedSeason 3 of From Failure to Launch kicks off with a special spotlight on our summer interns!
In this episode, host Keira sits down with high school intern Zephan Ofori, who just completed his Code2College internship at Indeed, along with his summer manager Laurie. Together, they reflect on the projects they tackled, the lessons learned along the way, and how programs like Code2College open doors for young talent. Zephan also shares his big-picture goals for the future, giving us a glimpse into the next generation of tech innovators.
2025-09-3024 minFrom Failure to LaunchS2E9: From Uncertainty to Impact: Building Community with Allegra ArmasWhen Allegra Armas graduated from college, she didn’t have a clear path forward—and she felt like she was already falling behind. But over the past decade, she’s carved out a career rooted in community impact, from connecting fans through sports at the Oakland A’s to driving social impact initiatives at Roku.
In this episode, Keira and Allegra talk about the messy reality of navigating those first jobs, why it’s okay not to have it all figured out at 22, and how to keep your passions alive while climbing the career ladder. Allegra shares her journe...
2025-08-2640 minFrom Failure to LaunchS2E8: Failing Fast: Kerry Rupp on Venture Capital, Startups & Stepping StonesIn this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with Kerry Rupp, General Partner at True Wealth Ventures and one of only two women GPs in a venture capital fund in Texas. Kerry’s career path has been anything but linear — from consulting at Accenture and McKinsey, to joining (and leading) multiple startups, to serving as CEO of DreamIt, a Top Ten US accelerator and VC fund. Along the way, she’s held almost every leadership role imaginable and built a reputation as a champion for women-led businesses that are improving human and environmental health.
Kerr...
2025-08-1951 minFrom Failure to LaunchS2E7: Blue Sky Beginnings: Monica Grant Cohen on Purpose, Resilience, and Redefining AccessIn this powerful “From Failure to Launch” episode, host Keira sits down with Monica Grant Cohen, whose journey from a low-income, single-parent household to becoming a leader in philanthropy is nothing short of inspiring. As the eldest daughter who lost her father at age six, Monica shares how her mother’s unwavering strength shaped her—and why she honored her mom by adding her mother’s middle name to her college diploma.
A first-generation college graduate who set out to be a guidance counselor, Monica’s path expanded to higher education, nonprofit innovation, and now community investment at DRW. She...
2025-08-121h 05From Failure to LaunchS2E6: Soil, Solar & Second Chances: Cameryn Burnette’s Path to PurposeIn this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with Cameryn Burnette — a PhD candidate at MIT in Material Science for Sustainable Development, Howard University alumna, Schwarzman Scholar, and Special Projects Manager at Energicity.
Cameryn opens up about the moments that shaped her: from growing up amidst environmental disasters that ignited her passion for sustainability, to feeling like a failure after college with no plans lined up. Just one month later, she found herself working with Energicity, bringing solar microgrids to rural communities in West Africa.
They explore her groundbreaking research in so...
2025-08-051h 01From Failure to LaunchS2E5: Keelee Moseley on Redefining FailureIn this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with Keelee Moseley, MBA — a software engineer, educator, and mission-driven problem solver whose career has taken her from Pitts, Pennsylvania, all the way to NASA and beyond.
Keelee opens up about starting off at Penn State with dreams of becoming a computer engineer, only to realize that her superpower wasn’t coding—it was curiosity. From teaching programming at ITT to developing software for capturing orbital images at NASA, and now leading patient accessibility initiatives at Merck, Keelee’s story is anything but linear.
She sh...
2025-07-3058 minFrom Failure to LaunchS2E4: Learning by Doing: Gabriela Rocha on Redefining Education, Leadership & the Future of WorkIn this episode of From Failure to Launch, Keira sits down with Gabriela Rocha, cofounder of Laboratoria, to explore her winding journey across continents, languages, and industries — and how she’s helping reshape the future of tech for women across Latin America.
From growing up in Brazil and Los Angeles to co-founding a movement that empowers women from underserved communities to launch tech careers, Gabriela opens up about:
Why she never had a "5-year plan" — and why that’s okay
Building Laboratoria from the ground up
Her belief in learning by doing an...
2025-07-2255 minFrom Failure to LaunchS2E3: From Print Shops to Product Teams: Staci Brookover’s Unconventional ClimbIn this inspiring episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with her own manager, Staci Brookover, a Project Manager at YETI, whose unconventional journey is anything but ordinary.
Staci shares how she went from barista to daycare worker to spending a decade in printing — climbing from receptionist to production manager — before launching herself into the tech world. Now a seasoned Program Manager at YETI, Staci opens up about leading digital product teams without a college degree, marketing yourself online, and the power of setting clear goals.
With infectious energy and a love for...
2025-07-1547 minFrom Failure to LaunchS2E2: Lead With Love: From Battlefield Intelligence to Bold Investments with Craig CummingsWhat happens when a decorated Army intelligence officer, Truman Scholar, and PhD becomes a venture capitalist? You get Craig Cummings — a man whose entire journey has been shaped by leadership, heart, and a deep commitment to service.
In this episode, Craig sits down with Keira to share stories from his time at West Point and 17 years in the military, including how he helped bring the first cellular network to the battlefield. He opens up about meeting his wife at the Truman Scholarship ceremony, the lessons he learned from both leading and following, and how he now uses th...
2025-07-0847 min
From Failure to LaunchS2E1: Redefining Education, Equity, and Innovation with Jeff LivingstonIn this immensely anticipated episode of From Failure to Launch, Keira sits down with Jeff Livingston, CEO of EdSolutions and Co-Founder of the Center for Education Market Dynamics (CEMD). Jeff shares his journey from revolutionizing textbooks at McGraw Hill to helping nonprofits and positive-impact organizations reshape education today.
Renowned for his ability to spot talent and his belief in lifelong learning, Jeff dives into why staying on the technological frontier is essential for creating equal opportunities. They also explore the intersection of cultural heritage and access to opportunity, offering insights on how education leaders can adapt to...
2025-07-011h 00
From Failure to LaunchS1E14: Teaching, Tech & Trust with Kali PeracchiaThis week on From Failure to Launch, Keira sits down with Kali Peracchia—AI Instructional Specialist for Denver Public Schools, middle school educator, and PhD candidate at the University of Denver—to explore the intersection of technology, equity, and education. From tackling teacher turnover to building a thriving professional learning community, Kali challenges the scarcity mindset in schools and shares how culturally relevant pedagogy and AI can work hand-in-hand. Tune in for a conversation about reimagining what's possible in the classroom—and what it takes to sustain educators in the process.
Bonus: We also talk hiking, biking, and ho...
2025-06-2450 min
From Failure to LaunchS1E13: RC Johnson on Smart Hiring, Staying Relevant, and Supporting the UnemployedIn this episode, Keira sits down with RC Johnson—Founder of Simple and Done, former Engineering Director and CTO, and one of the most prolific interviewers during his time at Indeed. With over 2,000 interviews under his belt, RC shares what he looks for in great engineers (hint: it’s all about ownership), why technical interviews should be more quantitative, and how he’s constantly evolving to stay current in tech.
But the conversation goes deeper. RC opens up about navigating unemployment, the emotional and professional toll it can take, and how he built a weekly newsletter that became...
2025-06-1756 min
From Failure to LaunchS1E12: From Boardroom to Playroom: How Sarah Dooley Empowers Moms with AIIn this episode, Keira sits down with Sarah Dooley, the mom behind AI-Empowered Moms. Sarah shares her fascinating journey—from her roots in marketing research to earning her MBA at the University of Texas, and then diving into customer strategy at EY, where she discovered her passion for technology consulting.
After leading digital transformation efforts at Waste Management, Sarah joined a generative AI team at VISA, where she focused on using AI to boost employee productivity. Now, she’s channeling her expertise into AI-Empowered Moms, a platform and community helping moms embrace the power of generative AI thro...
2025-06-1050 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E11: From Biomedical Engineering to Big Data: Claire Matthews on Mentorship, Mistakes, and Making Your Own PathWhat does it take to go from a college grad with no internships to a Senior Data Scientist at one of the coolest brands out there? In this episode, Kiera chats with Claire Matthews of YETI—who’s also Code2College’s Vision 2024 Mentor of the Year—about her unexpected journey into data science, her biggest career lessons, and what drives her to mentor the next generation of women in STEM. Claire shares why advocating for yourself matters, how to push through self-doubt, and the advice she wishes she had while still in school. If you're figuring out your path or...
2025-05-0646 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E10: Trey Briggs on Growth, Leadership and "Embracing Sweaty Palms"Keira sits down with Trey Briggs, Director of Engineering at Udemy, to explore his 4-year journey at the company and his philosophy of continuous growth. Trey shares insights on transitioning from startups to larger corporations, troubleshooting workplace challenges across departments, and embracing the thrill of trying new things—even when it makes your palms sweat.
He discusses the platforms he’s worked on, the importance of being intentional about learning, and why striving for new opportunities keeps you sharp. This episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, adaptability, and the mindset needed to never stop learning.
2025-04-2953 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E9: Reaching for the Stars with Jade Morgan: Journey to a NASA InternshipIn this lighthearted episode, we sit down with Jade Morgan, a Junior at UT Austin studying Electrical and Computer Engineering and currently interning at NASA. Jade shares her love for math, her journey navigating the challenges of transitioning from high school to college, and the importance of building a supportive community.
Jade talks about her appreciation for her female STEM mentor, the value of self-belief, and why you should never compare yourself to others. Plus, Jade gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her NASA internship and reminds us all why you miss 100% of the shots you don’t...
2025-04-2250 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E8: Making Mistakes and Gaining Perspectives with Radney WoodRadney Wood — lawyer, entrepreneur, and seasoned world traveler — joins us to reflect on two decades in the legal field and a lifetime of lessons. One of six kids raised with little but surrounded by love, Radney shares how grit, curiosity, and humility shaped his path to success.
In this episode, we talk about learning through mistakes, gaining perspective with time, and the value of being open to new experiences. Radney gets real about how he chooses to spend his time, the importance of being intentional with relationships, and why when it comes to building something meaningful, the goal...
2025-04-1451 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E7: Brandi Beasley on Patience, Intentions and PurposeIn this episode, we sit down with Brandi Beasley — principal consultant, operator, and former higher education and talent acquisition leader — to talk about what it really takes to grow and sustain a business from the inside out. Brandi shares her journey from higher education to people ops to advising small businesses and scaling startups, bringing wisdom and warmth to the conversation.
We dive into the power of patience, the importance of asking for feedback, how to identify your blindspots before they block you, and why the people around you might just be your greatest untapped resource. This epis...
2025-04-0746 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E6: Growth, Grit, and Giving Back with Sandy MathewsKiera chats with Sandy Mathews, a seasoned tech industry professional with 15 years of experience at Microsoft, Deloitte, and AWS. Sandy shares how each role built on the last, shaping her ability to navigate ambiguity, advocate for herself, and embrace lifelong learning. As a former software development course instructor and mentor at Code2College, she also highlights the power of mentorship, representation, and giving back to the next generation of tech leaders. From handling setbacks to finding confidence in the unknown, Sandy’s journey is filled with insights for anyone looking to grow in their career. Tune in for an in...
2025-04-0153 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E5: Sapphire Hunter on Growth, Vulnerability, and Breaking BarriersIn this inspiring episode, Keira catches up with Sapphire Hunter, a Code2College alum and Northwestern University student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Legal Studies. Sapphire reflects on her journey from a Code2College high school student to navigating college classes and the professional world, including her internship with Keira at Yeti last summer.
Their conversation dives deep into the themes of:
✨ Embracing the power of vulnerability to unlock growth.
✨ Learning to be okay with failure and its role in success.
✨ Seeing the transformative impact of representation in tech and beyon...
2025-03-2555 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E4: Mentorship, Marketing Yourself, and Embracing Imperfection with Seth WeissIn this episode, Keira sits down with Seth Weiss, software engineer at Yeti and 2x Mentor of the Year nominee for the Code2College IDEA Awards, to explore the intersection of technical talent and people skills. As Keira's mentor during her summer internship at Yeti, Seth shares insights on the importance of perception, marketing your personal brand, and how vulnerability can break through the illusion of perfection in the workplace. Discover Seth's unique mentoring philosophy—learning as much from mentees as they do from him—and how it shapes his approach to building authentic connections.
2025-03-1856 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E3: From Engineer to Mentor: Kevin Nguyen’s Leadership JourneyJoin us as we sit down with Kevin Nguyen, Senior Manager of Platform Development Engineering at Cirrus Logic and Mentor of the Year nominee for the 5th Annual Code2College IDEA Awards. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from engineer to manager, the skills that make a great leader, and his philosophy of building a strong foundation early in your career to enjoy the rewards of a more balanced and fulfilling life later on. Discover the value of collaboration, the art of mentorship, and the keys to shaping the future you envision.
2025-03-0456 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E2: Building Confidence and Embracing Challenges with Melissa GranadosJoin us as we sit down with Melissa Granados, Director of Administration and Facilities at FloSports, to discuss her incredible 10-year journey with the company. In this inspiring episode, Melissa shares her insights on building confidence in the workplace, the power of believing in yourself, and why saying "yes" to new challenges can transform your career. She also highlights the vital role of teamwork in achieving success. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Melissa's story will leave you motivated to tackle your next big challenge with confidence and purpose.
2025-02-2549 minFrom Failure to LaunchS1E1: Mentorship, Resilience, and Growth with Kamilla YunusovaIn this inaugural episode of From Failure to Launch, Kamilla Yunusova, a senior product manager at RBCx, shares her remarkable journey from making her mark at OJO Labs and IBM to co-founding the nonprofit Rise First. Kamilla opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of mentorship, and the lessons she's learned through failure and success. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, personal growth, and charting your own path in life and work.
2025-02-2442 min