How I Made My Path

This episode of How I Made My Path is a special edition, bonus episode for Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday is a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world". Today, November 30th, Students Rising Above is hosting a Giving Tuesday fundraiser to support and empower college students with low-income and first-generation backgrounds. To learn more and donate for Giving Tuesday, head to www.studentsrisingabove.org. For this Giving Tuesday episode, we're joined by Students Rising Above Rising Star, Robert Velasco, who has been featured for SRA's Annual Giving Campaign including a letter describing his college experience so far. Robert is a third year student at Swarthmore college studying art and computer programming. In this episode we discuss the influence of Students Rising Above on Robert's journey and the power and perseverance of first-generation college students. Learn how Robert goes from Art to Computer Programming, and how he made his path. Read Robert's Annual Giving Campaign letter, here.

For episode 16 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above's Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Jordan Devaney. In this episode we discuss the vast benefits of self exploration and reflection, a life changing event she experienced, a glimpse at where SRA is headed, and more. Learn how Elizabeth goes from Learning to Listening, and how she made her path.

For episode 15 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above's Board Chair, Julius Robinson. Julius is the Managing Director and Group Head of MUFG Union Bank's Corporate Social Responsibility Group for the Americas. In this episode we discuss the importance of mentorship, the impact Union Bank's CSR Initiatives have made, his serendipitous journey to SRA, and more. Learn how Julius went from Bank Teller to Bank Leader, and how he made his path.

For episode 14 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above's Board Member, Dipti Sirisinahal. Dipti is a Lead People Partner at Google. In this episode we discuss the value of leaning into your curiosities, the impact of visualizing your future, the power of your voice, and more. Discover how Dipti went from Hotel Management to Human Resources, and how she made her path.

For episode 13 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Board Member, Matthew Houston. Matthew is a SOLIDWORKS Early Engagement Solutions Team Manager at Hawk Ridge Systems. In this episode we discuss leverages new opportunities when exploring careers, his experience in the venture capital world, and more. Discover how Matthew went from the Navy to Silicon Valley, and how he made his path.

For episode 12 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Board Member, Walter (Buzz) Stewart. Walter is the co-founder and CEO of Medcurio, Inc. In this episode Walter shares about his transition from junior college to a 4 year university and academic experiences thereafter, a special counselor who changed the trajectory of his life and career, and his excitement for SRA's future. Learn how Walter went from Junior College to CEO, and how he made his path.

For episode 11 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Board Member Maurice Brewster. Maurice is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic Global Transportation. In this episode we discuss the importance of lifelong learning, insights into starting your own business, and more. Learn how Maurice went from intrapreneur to entrepreneur, and how he made his path.

For episode 10 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Board Member, Diana Campoamor. Diana is the Founder of Nuestra America Fund (NAF), editor of “If We Want to Win: A Latine Vision for a New American Democracy," and adviser to philanthropists, a strategist for narrative development and resource generation, and a mentor to change-makers. In this episode we discuss how her lived experiences impacted her career journey, how to develop your leadership skills, heartfelt reminders to SRA students, and more. and how she made her path. Diana Campoamor has also edited a book of essays, Nuevos Senderos: Hispanics and Philanthropy and published editorials by the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.

For episode 9 of How I Made My Path we're joined by Students Rising Above Board Member, Stephen Thompson. Stephen Thompson is a technology executive, currently working as the Senior Director of Global Talent Acquisition Technology at Nike. In this episode Stephen shares lessons learned from his unique career path, what stands out to him when considering candidates, his hopes for SRA, and more. Learn how Stephen went from sales to technology executive and how he made his path. You can watch Stephen's Ted Talk, "Creating A Community And Finding Purpose," here.

For episode 8 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Alumni and staff member, Edylwise Romero. Edylwise is the Career Development Program Coordinator at Students Rising Above. In this episode they share experiences navigating varied professional interests, their role at SRA, the importance of investing in yourself, and more. Learn how they went from pre-med to non-profit and how Edylwise made their path. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Minority Mindset website and Youtube channel ChooseFI Podcast

For episode 7 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Alumni, Nathan Porras. Nathan is currently working at Brilliant Home Technology as a Product Manager. In this episode he shares his experiences thus far as a product manager, what it's like to be in tech, and the importance of making connections and more. Learn how he went from economics student to Bay Area techie and how Nathan made his path.

For episode 6 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Alumni, Maria Bernal. Maria is currently a health reporter and social media marketing coordinator for the Richmond Pulse. Maria is a social justice activist, Mexican immigrant, DACA recipient, and first generation college graduate. In this episode she shares about the connection between her research background and reporting as well as the intersection of activism and journalism. Learn how Maria made her path from journalism to justice. If you're interested in reading some of Maria's work at the Richmond Pulse, you can go to their website at www.richmondpulse.org.

For episode 5 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Alumni, Earvin Buckner. Earvin is a counseling department chair for a Bay Area school district in Burlingame, CA. In this episode he shares the importance of representation and his unique experience of working in the schools during the pandemic. Learn how he went from dreaming to achieving and how Earvin made his path.

For episode 4 of How I Made My Path, we're joined by Students Rising Above Alumni, Alex Lujan. Alex is a recent MBA graduate and currently works for GoGuardian. In this episode, Alex emphasizes the importance of building community, and connects the dots between her upbringing and varied work experiences. Learn how she went from the liberal arts to navigating the corporate world and how Alex made her path.

For episode 3 of How I Made My Path we're joined by Students Rising Above Alumni, LeJon Butcher. LeJon is a Talent Scout at Autodesk and a Hip-Hop and R&B artist. In this episode he shares his experience and ability to bring his passions together, and the importance of building authentic relationships. Learn how he went from speaking up to speaking out, and how LeJon made his path. Search LeJon B. on all streaming platforms to check out his music. You can find him on Spotify, here.

For episode 2 of How I Made My Path we're joined by Students Rising Above Alumni, Haley Rosano. Haley is on the Operations Strategy - Early Career Talent Acquisition team at ViacomCBS. In this episode, we discuss her career path and her current role. She also shares a lot of great advice about networking, navigating imposter syndrome, and more. Learn how she went from courage to confidence and how Haley made her path.

Students Rising Above's How I Made My Path podcast offers access to exclusive conversations with diverse working professionals to provide insight on career exploration to first-generation students of all backgrounds. Join us for exclusive conversations that bridge the experiences of students and professionals to offer new insights on career paths and uncover ways of unlocking your full potential.