Career Cheat Code

Tonika Boston's journey into social work is one of resilience, mentorship, and transformative experiences. At just 23, Tonika's first day at Planned Parenthood in NYC set her on a path that would shape her career. Join us as Tonika recounts these pivotal moments and shares how her dedication to social welfare began. Her story is a moving testament to the power of education and the impact...

What drives a person to dedicate their life to public service? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Anthony Perez, the Bronx Borough Commissioner for the New York City Department of Transportation. From his humble beginnings as a college intern to managing critical transportation projects in one of the busiest boroughs in New York City, Anthony's career offers a masterclass in pers...

Discover the heartbeat of public health with Veronica, whose compassionate leadership in Health Policy and Community Affairs is redefining the landscape of care for New Yorkers. As Senior Director at Public Health Solutions, she brings a unique blend of personal history and professional acumen to the fight for health equity, advocating for fair wages and essential services in the big city. Her sto...

Have you ever wondered how strategic career moves can not only transform your own life but also pave the way for the betterment of entire communities? That's exactly what we uncover with Dario, the passionate Vice President of Strategic Development at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. He's shaping futures and creating opportunities for Latinos nationwide, and in this episode, he shares t...

When life threw curveballs at Ian, he didn't just dodge; he hit them out of the park. Our latest episode of Career Cheat Code is a masterclass in resilience and adaptability, featuring Ian's remarkable ascension to Chief Program Officer at Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. His narrative isn't just about professional triumph; it's an intimate look at the crucible of ex...

When life's most arduous trials become the fuel for an unwavering mission, it's a story that demands to be heard. Airam da Silva, the driving force behind the ICLA da Silva Foundation, joins us to share the profound narrative of turning personal loss into a beacon of hope, as the foundation works tirelessly to match bone marrow donors with those in dire need. The episode opens with Airam...

When the seeds of education and resilience sprout in an immigrant's heart, they can bloom into a transformative force for global good. Dadjie Saintus, UNICEF USA's deputy director of philanthropy, embodies this journey—her story a tapestry woven with threads of ambition, service, and strategic philanthropy. With roots firmly planted in the Haitian community and the nourishment of life-ch...

When Sandy pivoted from the path of medicine to lead the charge in philanthropy, he didn't just change careers—he reshaped her impact on the world. Our latest episode features this powerhouse of community development as he lays bare the intricacies of his journey, revealing the strategic twists and invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the personal resonance of working within the Lat...

Imagine a world where your zip code doesn't predict your lifespan, where gun violence is not the norm, and where every voice in the fight for safety is heard. José Alfaro ,  the Director of Latinx Leadership and Community Engagement at Everytown for Gun Safety, reveals his transformative journey on our latest podcast episode. From dreams of space exploration to the stark realities of urban st...

When dreams of being a sports agent took a detour into the halls of academia, Dr. Daniel Kelly II didn't just adapt; he flourished. Embark on a captivating journey with us as our distinguished guest, Dr. Kelly, Academic Director at NYU's Preston Robert Tish Institute for Global Sport, unveils the twists and triumphs that led him to becoming a pillar in the sports education field. His sto...

Ever imagined how selling burritos could lead to running your own consulting firm? Meet our guest, Bacilia Angel, CEO of Meliora Advisors, who shares her incredible journey from rural Arizona to the helm of her own company. Born into humble beginnings, Bacilia’s story is an inspiring tale of sheer determination, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. She takes us through her early life, the math and...

Ever wondered how a technology giant navigates the fluid and unpredictable terrain of the tech industry? Or how they prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their global strategy? Join us as we have an insightful conversation with Maurice Wiggins, currently Head of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Google. He opens up about his experience in human resources, strategic develop...

Join us in this episode as Sofia Mohammed, an experienced educator, shares her incredible journey from teaching in Harlem to becoming a school principal and then transitioning into the ed-tech space. Hear how the challenges of the pandemic sparked a creative shift, leading Sofia to break into the tech industry and contribute her unique perspective.  From being a school principal to leading educati...

In this inspiring episode of Career Cheat Code , we take a journey through the dynamic world of marketing with industry veteran Michael Lewis, the man behind the marketing insights at WhatsApp. Michael shares valuable insights from his diverse career, from his humble beginnings in a family of lawyers and social workers to his influential roles at giants like Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Nest...

In this inspiring episode of Career Cheat Code , we delve into the world of higher education with Aleschia Johnson-Velasquez, the Executive Director of Summer Session and Continuing Studies at Barnard College. Aleschia takes us on her remarkable journey from a small liberal arts college in Amish country to Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, offering insights int...

Welcome to another episode of the Career Cheat Code podcast. In today’s episode, we explore the incredible journey of Janice Haughton. From aspiring pediatrician to the Community and Citizenship Department director at Turner Construction Company, Janice's path is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen in as we delve into her remarkable career trajectory, starting from her early work at a nonp...

Welcome to a new episode of Career  Cheat Code. In today’s episode, Paola Martinez, from Catholic Charities of New York, discusses her role in strategic program development and her unique approach to planning her workweek. Paola also discusses her role in supporting small businesses and immigrant communities. The episode concludes with Paola sharing an inspiring story of a mentee who will particip...

Want to discover the secrets behind driving economic growth in a city? Neal Richardson, the President and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation, joins us to shed light on this topic. Neal's inspiring journey from North St. Louis City to the pinnacle of a vital economic development organization is a testament to his unwavering determination to create economic justice. Neal guides us thr...

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the fascinating career journey of Tiffany-Ann Taylor, the Vice President for Transportation at the Regional Plan Association (RPA). A first-generation child of immigrant parents, Tiffany shares her transition from dreaming of a career in law to finding her true passion in urban planning and transportation advocacy. She opens up about her educational journey...

Discover the career journey of Quintin Haynes, a seasoned public servant with over a decade of experience at local, state, and federal levels. In this episode of "Career Cheat Code," he shares his insights, strategies, and valuable advice for thriving in the public sector. Quintin emphasizes the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscap...

On this episode of "Career Cheat Code," we have a conversation with Brian Lucero Contreras, who currently serves as the Public Affairs Manager for Kaiser Permanente's Golden Gate Service Area in Northern California. Throughout the discussion, we follow his journey from his hometown of Southgate, California to the halls of power in Capitol Hill, and we explore his path from high scho...

In this profound episode, we welcome Michelle Monterrosa, a fervent advocate for police reform. Michelle has transformed her personal tragedy into a tireless crusade for reform, sparked by the untimely loss of her brother during the George Floyd uprisings. Listen as we delve into her journey, from seeking truth and justice for her brother to journeying across the country to share her experiences a...

Join me and my guest, Charlie, as we explore his fascinating career path. From aspiring to be a baseball player to working in aviation, Charlie discusses his transition into local government and urban affairs. He shares his experiences with community engagement and strategic career choices that led him to his current position as Vice President at a real estate consulting firm in New York City. Fin...

Listen in as we chat with Davon Harris, an advocacy manager for KIPP NYC, a national charter school organization. Davon shares his journey from his college days at Binghamton University to his current role, discussing his experiences in the world of politics and nonprofits, the importance of networking, and his personal growth. He offers insights into the complexities of advocacy work for charter...

Join us on Career Cheat Code as we dive into a fascinating conversation with Karina Cabrera Bell, a visionary leader and advocate for change. Karina shares her inspiring journey and offers valuable insights from her early aspirations of becoming a psychologist to her current role in government relations and consulting role. Discover how she leveraged her experiences in leadership programs and boar...