The NSHSS Scholars Connect

In part one of this two-part episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Fabian DeRozario, Executive Director of the NSHSS Foundation and global leadership facilitator, to explore the foundational skills that shape long-term success. Drawing from his experience working with nearly 220 organizations worldwide, Fabian challenges the traditional focus on GPA and accolades, highlig...

In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Will Geiger, the Co-founder and CEO of Scholarships360, to uncover one of the most common questions students ask: What are scholarship reviewers really looking for?    Drawing from years of experience in admissions and scholarship selection, Will breaks down the application process, shares insider insight on how decisions are m...

In this episode, we talk with Piper Coffey, VP of Adolescent Clinical Services at Skyland Trail, for Mental Health Awareness Month, to talk about something many students experience but don’t always know how to navigate, what to do when you’re struggling, or when someone you care about is.    From high-pressure expectations to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or not like yourself, we break down how to...

To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, we sit down with Tanya M. Odom, an internationally recognized educator, thought leader, and coach, to explore one of the biggest challenges students face during college applications and early career steps: self-doubt. Drawing on her global work in mindfulness, inclusive leadership, and personal development, Tanya shares practical tools to help students re...

In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we spotlight Mahdi Rahimi and Nahid Karimi, the founders of EmpowerHer, an initiative aimed at empowering Afghan women through education and mentorship. Both Nahid and Mahdi recount their personal experiences growing up in Afghanistan, facing the challenges posed by the Taliban regime, and their eventual escape to the United States. They discu...

In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Latoya Henry and Becca Bullen from the Captain Planet Foundation to explore how students can make a real impact on the environment, starting with simple, everyday actions.    The conversation breaks down approachable ways students can begin living more sustainably, even if they feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental ch...

In this episode of NSHSS Scholars Connect, we sit down with Senior Administrator of Scholarships Alexis Anderson to offer students a clear and supportive guide to strengthening their scholarship applications. Alexis begins by giving a quick overview of the variety of scholarships available through NSHSS, designed to support scholars with interests in leadership, service, academics, the arts, STEM,...

What does it really take to balance academics, leadership, and life as a high-achieving student?    In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we spotlight three outstanding NSHSS Student Ambassadors, Nainika Manthena, Adaliz Ramirez, and Blaise Bowers, for an honest, relatable conversation about juggling school, leadership roles, and personal well-being.  From managing demanding cours...

In this special episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Kimberly Hackett, the 2025 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year, to explore what truly helps students thrive, academically, personally, and beyond the classroom.   Drawing from years of experience as an educator and mentor, Kimberly shares practical guidance for students navigating academic pressure, identity, and future p...

In this episode of NSHSS Scholars Connect, hosts Leah Mordehai and Nellie Fouksman share their inspiring journey of activism through their organization, Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine . Both students, with roots in Eastern Europe, discuss how their personal histories and experiences motivated them to take action in response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. They emphasize the importance of community and c...

In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Ludvig Nobel to explore the enduring legacy of the Nobel family and what it means for today’s students. While the Nobel name is often associated with extraordinary achievements, this conversation goes beyond prizes and prestige to focus on the values at the heart of the legacy: curiosity, courage, integrity, and contribution. ...

In the first episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with James (Jim) Lewis, co-founder of NSHSS, to explore the story, vision, and purpose behind one of the world’s most global and inclusive academic honor societies. From its beginnings 20 years ago to the thriving international network it is today, Jim shares what inspired the creation of NSHSS, what continues to drive its mis...

Discover the NSHSS Scholars Connect podcast with student stories, scholarships, leadership, and college tips. New episodes start January 13, 2026.   Music produced by NSHSS ambassador Saige Leggette.