Degrees of Success Podcast

In this episode of the Degrees of Success podcast, host Freda Richards speaks with John Woods, the provost of the University of Phoenix, about the Luminaries initiative, which recognizes outstanding alumni for their achievements. They discuss the selection process, the importance of community engagement, and the various ways the university supports its alumni. The conversation highlights the unive...

Join host Freda Richards as she sits down with Dr. Fernando de la Peña Llaca, a UOPX Alumni Luminary, and a visionary in holographic technology and artificial intelligence. As part of the inaugural group of Luminaries—distinguished alumni recognized for their impact in their industry, community, or entrepreneurship—Dr. De La Peña Llaca exemplifies achievement and service.  Discover how his groundb...

Join host Freda Richards as she sits down with Dr. Lisa Lea, a UOPX Alumni Luminary, to explore her journey from pharmacy technician to nurse practitioner and her pursuit of a doctorate at University of Phoenix. As part of the inaugural group of Luminaries—distinguished alumni recognized for their impact in their industry, community, or entrepreneurship—Dr. Lea exemplifies achievement and service....

Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Stephen Paskel, who shares his incredible journey from the Bronx to achieving success in Arizona. Discover how he balanced work, education, and family, and the pivotal role mentorship played in his life. Stephen's story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of a supportive network. Tune in to hear Stephen's full story and be...

In this episode of Degrees of Success, Freda Richards and Cesar Ramirez explore themes of loss, joy, career aspirations, family dynamics, cultural identity, and personal growth. They discuss the impact of losing loved ones, the joy of new beginnings, and the importance of education and community support in shaping one's path. Cesar shares his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a successful...

In this episode of the Degrees of Success podcast, host Freda Richards interviews Michelle Kooi, a life coach and entrepreneur focusing on women with ADHD. They discuss Michelle's journey from childhood aspirations to her current role empowering women entrepreneurs. The conversation covers the importance of self-discovery, rest, and understanding ADHD, as well as practical strategies for managing...

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success podcast featuring Rich Valerga. In this episode, Rich Valerga shares his journey from a diverse upbringing across various countries to his experiences in the military and education. He discusses his experiences in education, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of leadership during significant transitions in school districts. He reflec...

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success podcast featuring Dr. Rose Lorenzo. In this conversation, Dr. Rose Lorenzo shares her journey through education and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, emotional intelligence, and the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. She discusses her extensive background in financial services and her commitment to helping...

A special Memorial Day episode with Veteran and Dean of Doctoral Studies, John Ramirez! In this episode of the Degrees of Success podcast, host Freda Richards interviews Dean John Ramirez, who shares his insights on the significance of Memorial Day, the importance of education for veterans and their families, and the leadership lessons he learned during his 27 years of service in the military. Ram...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Pamela Lindsay and Freda Richards explore the intersections of education, technology, and personal growth. They discuss the impact of AI on marketing, the evolution of technology in entertainment, and the importance of human connection in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Lindsay shares her journey as an educator and the significance of lifelong learning, while also...

In this episode of Degrees of Success, presented by the University of Phoenix, host Freda Richards speaks with Roselyn Tso, Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), about the challenges facing Native American healthcare. From underfunding to other barriers, we explore the urgent need for change and how tribal communities are fighting for better healthcare solutions. ⭐️ Key takeaways from this...

In this powerful episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, we dive into the remarkable story of Dr. Juana Lang, a courageous Cuban immigrant who defied the odds. From escaping communist Cuba on a makeshift raft while pregnant to building a life in the United States as an educator. Her journey is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering determination. Dr. Lang shares her harrowing escape, the sacri...

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success podcast featuring Kylie Glendenning, a recent University of Phoenix graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree at just 19 years old. Every year, thousands of children go missing—some never to be found again. In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Kylie Glendenning, a passionate advocate for human trafficking awareness and victim s...

🎙️ Join us in this inspiring episode of the “Degrees of Success” podcast featuring Shirley Dominick, a retired Air Force officer, entrepreneur, and founder of Willing Warriors, a non-profit retreat for recovering service members. Shirley shares her remarkable journey as one of 11 children who grew up on a farm in South Carolina without running water to becoming a leader in the military and champio...

What happens when you reach the summit of Mount Everest—alone—and suddenly go blind? In this jaw-dropping episode of Degrees of Success, host Freda Richards sits down with Brian Dickinson, a former Navy Air Rescue Swimmer and extreme adventurer who survived one of the most harrowing Everest descents in history. Brian shares the unbelievable true story of how he summited Everest solo, only to be st...

In this powerful episode of Degrees of Success, host Frieda Richards sits down with Tawana, a dynamic leader, educator, and advocate for personal growth. Tawana shares her inspiring journey of resilience, transformation, and self-compassion, offering practical advice on how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and perseverance. From overcoming hardships to fostering a mindset of growth and sel...

In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards sits down with Takeisha Sykes, a University of Phoenix Doctoral candidate, author, and the head of a non-profit dedicated to serving the unhoused in Atlanta. Takeisha shares her journey of overcoming adversity, pursuing higher education while leading a social enterprise, and the impact she’s making in her community by...

🚀 Mastering Personal Growth: Strategies for Success | Dr. Patrick Horton 🎯 Looking to take your life and career to the next level? In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards interviews Dr. Patrick Horton, a Purple Heart recipient, author, and VP of Program Management at Tampa Microwave. Dr. Horton shares his incredible journey from military service during Op...

Leadership, Resilience & Career Growth – A Must-Watch Conversation! In this episode of Degrees of Success, host Frida Richards sits down with an accomplished executive with decades of experience in leadership, strategy, and personal growth. From military service to navigating the corporate world, this episode dives deep into the lessons learned along the way and the mindset shifts necessary fo...

What does it take to rise from a U.S. Marine to the Chief of Police in a major city? And how is technology transforming the future of law enforcement? In this episode of Degrees of Success, host Frida Richards sits down with Chief Patrick Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and former LAPD leader who climbed the ranks to become the Chief of Police in Birmingham, Alabama. With over 28 years in law enforc...

In this episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards sits down with Brandon Warren, a University of Phoenix alum and the Associate Director of Hospital Operations at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Growing up in a small town, Brandon never imagined that he would one day be leading operations at one of the world’s leading cancer centers. But his journey from humble...

In this episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards sits down with Matthew Phillips, a University of Phoenix alum, former franchise owner, and current Chief of Staff for the City of Detroit’s Water Department. Matthew opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from missed opportunities to the life-changing experience of open-heart surgery. He also shares the chal...

Trailblazer. Leader. History-Maker. 🎓✨ Dr. Mautra Jones is redefining leadership in higher education as the first woman and first person of color to serve as President of Oklahoma City Community College. In this episode of Degrees of Success, she shares her inspiring journey—from overcoming a challenging childhood to earning top honors in education and becoming a nationally recognized advocate f...

Are you thinking about switching careers but don’t know where to start? 🤔 Whether you're feeling stuck in your current job or dreaming of a new path, this episode is for YOU! Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Gary Batara, who went from being a French-trained chef to a VP of Marketing at a top company. Discover the key skills that helped him transition careers, the mindset shifts re...

In this episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards talks to John Kirch, a University of Phoenix alum and global leader in corporate health, safety, and security. Living in Lima, Peru for nearly 30 years, John has navigated a diverse and impactful career, from aviation security leadership in the aftermath of 9/11 to overseeing global security operations for Grupo Gloria, one of...