Best Communityempowerment Podcasts (2025)

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From Prison to Stanford: Monica Hicks' Inspiring Journey 48:43

6d ago48:43

48:43

In this riveting episode of the DVC Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Monica Hicks, whose journey from overcoming personal struggles to achieving academic success at Stanford University is nothing short of inspirational. Monica opens up about her tumultuous past, including facing behavioral challenges, substance abuse, and incarceration, and how wit…

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Navigating Global Experiences: Felicia Sindhu's Journey 45:35

12d ago45:35

45:35

In this captivating episode, Felicia Sindhu shares her remarkable journey from Bali, Indonesia to studying overseas. She talks about the challenges and opportunities of navigating different cultures and education systems. Initially, Felicia studied online due to COVID, then moved to the U.S. to explore college life at DVC, and now continues her aca…

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From Vallejo to Morehouse: A Journey of Resilience 40:33

20d ago40:33

40:33

Join us in this inspiring episode of DVC Alumni, where former Diablo Valley College student, Michael Cortez, shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Vallejo, California, to becoming a proud graduate of Morehouse College. Michael opens up about his experiences navigating life's obstacles, the impact of community and mentorship at DVC, and t…

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Navigating Change: A High Schooler's Journey through 10 Schools and Dual Enrollment 32:24

27d ago32:24

32:24

In this episode, we dive into the life of Anya, a remarkable student who has navigated through ten different schools while engaging in dual enrollment at Diablo Valley College (DVC). Anya shares her inspiring journey from San Jose to Walnut Creek, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way. Join us as Anya talk…

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From Philly to Guam: Aaron's Journey Through Music, Military, and More 33:21

1M ago33:21

33:21

Join us as we dive into the fascinating life journey of Aaron Bronson Pinkney, an adventurer at heart. From his roots in Philadelphia to his current home in Guam, Aaron shares about his experiences in the military, his passion for music, and his unexpected transition into the legal world. Discover how he navigated through challenges, including heal…

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Navigating Housing Challenges with Heather Schiffman 55:17

1M ago55:17

55:17

Join us on a captivating journey through the world of real estate with Heather Schiffman, Chief Advocacy Officer for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors, as she shares her personal and professional stories. From her humble beginnings in Walnut Creek to her impactful role in real estate advocacy, Heather offers insightful reflections on navigat…

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From Dreams to Reality: Tiffany Rowe's Career Journey 34:06

1M ago34:06

34:06

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Tiffany Rowe, who grew up in Pleasant Hill with dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Despite facing financial limitations, Tiffany pursued her passion by enrolling in courses at DVC and later attending Western Career College for medical assisting. Her initial path in the medical …

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From Philippines to Cybersecurity: Duane Leem's Journey 45:17

1M ago45:17

45:17

In this episode, meet Duane Leem, a first-generation student from the Philippines who has crafted a remarkable career in cybersecurity. From his early days in the Philippines to his journey through Guam, Pittsburgh, and ultimately the Bay Area, Duane shares how his passion for programming at DVC set the foundation for his successful path in the tec…

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From Nursing Dreams to Staffing Success: Tiffany's Journey 34:06

1M ago34:06

34:06

Join us in this engaging episode as Tiffany Rowe shares her transformative journey from aspiring pediatric nurse practitioner to a successful career in staffing. Discover how life events, challenges, and unexpected opportunities shaped her path, leading to a rewarding role in helping individuals find their career success. Through candid conversatio…

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Finding Success in Unexpected Career Paths with Tiffany Rhoe 34:06

2M ago34:06

34:06

Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Rhoe, who shares her remarkable journey from aspiring nurse to a successful career in staffing. Tiffany reflects on the challenges and realizations that led her to pivot from the medical field to staffing, highlighting the impactful moments and personal growth along the way. Learn about…

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Episode #27: Takeshi Kawata’s Quest: From Education to Esports Enthusiast 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

Send us a text Join us for an insightful conversation with Takeshi Kawata, a passionate esports enthusiast and former DVC student, as he recounts his educational journey and his rise in the gaming world. From his roots in San Ramon and homeschooling days to becoming one of America's top 500 Heroes of the Storm players, Takeshi's story is one of res…

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Episode #29 From France to Belgium to Berkeley: A Legal Aspirant’s Story 47:22

2M ago47:22

47:22

Send us a text Join us as we uncover the incredible story of Mansour, an ambitious international student navigating his journey from the borders of France and Belgium to the prestigious halls of UC Berkeley. Mansour's narrative is rich with cultural intricacies and personal challenges that shaped his desire to pursue a career in law. Discover how h…

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Episode # 28: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Job Market Challenges: Estie Briggs on Emotional Intelligence and Career Growth 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

Send us a text Estie Briggs, our esteemed guest and emotional intelligence coach, shares her invaluable insights into conquering imposter syndrome, especially in high-pressure environments like the construction industry. Ever wondered how to navigate the emotional turbulence of job searching or how to build confidence in your professional life? Est…

1
Episode #26: From Law Enforcement to Corporate Success: Julianna Verde’s Inspiring Transition and Educational Impact 40:58

2M ago40:58

40:58

Send us a text Discover the incredible journey of Julianna Verde, a dynamic professional who seamlessly juggles teaching managerial accounting at Diablo Valley College with a remote role at Sony PlayStation. Julianna's story is one of transformation, from her initial pursuit of a medical career to finding her true passion in business. Her path led …

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Episode #25: Tiffany Rhoe on Overcoming Setbacks and Finding New Paths 36:39

3M ago36:39

36:39

Send us a text Tiffany Rhoe's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. After pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, Tiffany faced emotional challenges in healthcare settings that prompted a critical reevaluation of her career path. From working at a dialysis center to a cancer center, the personal toll of patie…

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Episode #23: From CNC Machining to Ice Sculptures: Darrell Foote’s Journey of Creativity and Innovation 46:58

3M ago46:58

46:58

Send us a text What if your engineering skills could sculpt not just machines, but ice? Join our conversation with Darrell Foote, a remarkable individual whose journey from growing up in Warnock Creek to becoming a production manager is anything but ordinary. Discover how Darrell transitioned from mastering CNC machining at Diablo Valley College to…

1
Unveiling Hidden Histories: Daniel James Brown on Rowing Legends and WWII Narratives 1:15:06

3M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

Send us a text Esteemed author Daniel James Brown joins us for an unforgettable exploration of history through the lens of personal narratives and sportsmanship. We traverse the politically charged atmosphere of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where nine young men from the University of Washington defied immense odds to clinch Olympic gold in rowing. Dan…

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Episode #24: From Childhood Dreams to Coffee Dreams with Kiara De Groen 1:09:50

3M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to…

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Episode #22: Navigating Life’s Paths with James Williams III 47:12

3M ago47:12

47:12

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to…

1
Episode #21: From Community College to Real Estate Success: Joe Stokely’s Inspiring Journey 32:21

4M ago32:21

32:21

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to…

1
Episode #20: Rebecca Barrett on Leadership and Opportunity in Community Colleges 1:13:13

4M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Send us a text Rebecca Barrett, a governing board member of the Contra Costa Community College District, opens up about her transformative journey from aspiring lawyer to political advocate, all beginning at Diablo Valley College (DVC). Facing financial hurdles and a medical scare during the financial crisis, Rebecca chose community college over a …

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Episode #19: 1960s College Life and Its Lasting Impact with Matthew Guichard 53:40

5M ago53:40

53:40

Send us a text Step into the vibrant world of the 1960s with our special guest, Matt Guichard, as he recounts his transformative college journey from Diablo Valley College to the University of California system. Envision the lively campus life filled with bands, dances, and the ever-present backdrop of the Vietnam War. Matt opens up about his unexp…

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Episode #18: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Paths: Dr. Allyson Troxel-Galang’s Journey from Art to Psychology and Mindfulness 43:59

5M ago43:59

43:59

Send us a text From the Midwest heartlands to the sunny shores of California, Dr. Allyson Troxel-Galang's journey is nothing short of transformative. Imagine a young woman juggling art classes at Diablo Valley College and shifts at IHOP, all while dreaming of being a kindergarten teacher. Little did she know, her experiences would guide her towards…

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Episode #17: Empowering Lives through Education and Technology with JJ Vanni 47:20

5M ago47:20

47:20

Send us a text What would make someone shift from dreams of architecture to a passion for data? As we sit down with JJ Vanni, a data analytics engineer at Dotdash Meredith, we explore his captivating journey through education and career transformation. JJ's story starts with his early days in the Bay Area, where a love for psychology and business a…

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Episode #16: Breaking Barriers for Latina Students in Education 47:36

5M ago47:36

47:36

Send us a text Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Lily E Espinoza, whose journey from a challenging high school experience to becoming the Vice President of Student Services at Laney College is nothing short of inspirational. Dr. Espinoza's story is a testament to the transformative power of community college education and the vital …

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Resource Thursday: Empowering Students and Alumni Through Career Services and Mentorship 26:33

5M ago26:33

26:33

Send us a text Kumar Krisham's journey is nothing short of inspiring, and today, we bring you his story straight from the heart of Diablo Valley College. Ever wondered how exploring diverse academic fields can shape your career path? Kumar, our guest, shares the transformative power of education as he recounts his experiences from Chabot College to…

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Episode #15: The Power of Networking in Matthew’s Success Story 1:01:02

6M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Send us a text Matthew Sheridan takes us on a heartfelt journey from the sunlit neighborhoods of Orange County to becoming a prominent figure in HR and compliance. Raised by high-achieving parents, Matthew's path was anything but straightforward. The challenges he faced after his parents' divorce, including moving between schools and not completing…

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Championing Success in College Football: Vince Bordelon and Beaux Tagaloa’s Journey at Diamond Valley College 27:27

6M ago27:27

27:27

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of success in the world of college football with our special guests, Vince Bordelon and Beaux Tagaloa. Vince, a stalwart in the sports community with 37 years of coaching expertise, shares his captivating journey from gridiron glory days at Diablo Valley College in 1984 to shaping future champions both on the field…

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Episode #14: Exploring Stalking Awareness and Prevention Strategies with Nursing Student Ava Roberts-Stewart 42:48

6M ago42:48

42:48

Send us a text Imagine being born prematurely with atrial septal defect and put into the foster care system and using that early experience in hospitals as career inspiration. That's exactly what Ava Roberts-Stewart, a dynamic nursing student from Samuel Merritt University, did. As she shares her journey from Danville to Oakland, Ava reflects on he…

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Creating Cultural Connections: Let’s Celebrate our Vibrant South Asian Community 13:08

6M ago13:08

13:08

Send us a text Get ready to embark on an inspiring journey with Jay Gima, a political science major at Diablo Valley College, as he passionately discusses the power of community and cultural connection. Jay, who has already made waves as a member of Toastmasters and other clubs, shares his personal story of founding the South Asian Student Alliance…

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Episode #13: Building Bridges in Contra Costa County with Bob Linscheid 36:38

6M ago36:38

36:38

Send us a text What happens when you mix the blue-collar grit of Pittsburg with the vibrant community spirit of Chico, California? Join us as Bob Linscheid, President and CEO of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, shares his remarkable journey from East Contra Costa County to becoming a key figure in Central Contra Costa. Bob …

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Resource Thursday: Building Bridges and Community at Diablo Valley College with Ramiro Ibarra 51:35

6M ago51:35

51:35

Send us a text Ramiro Ibarra's journey from the bustling streets of San Francisco to a fulfilling career at Diablo Valley College is nothing short of inspiring. As a program coordinator, Ramiro brings a wealth of experience, from his early days navigating Catholic school and the real estate market, to his impactful work in financial literacy and ho…

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Episode #12: Community College Impact: A Family’s Success Story 32:51

6M ago32:51

32:51

Send us a text After navigating through her family's ongoing battle with cancer, Margaret Tuholski found her way from Carondelet High School to Diablo Valley College (DVC), and later UC Santa Barbara, embracing each challenge along the way. We welcome Margaret and her son, Kevin Tuholsky, who followed a similarly transformative path from De La Sall…

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Episode #11: Estie Briggs on Leadership and EQ Mastery 36:17

6M ago36:17

36:17

Send us a text Embark on an enlightening journey with Estie Briggs, an emotional intelligence coach, whose path from software implementation to teaching in the UK is nothing short of inspiring. Estie shares her unconventional route to higher education, beginning at Diablo Valley College in her 30s, and how it paved the way for her passion in leader…

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Episode #10: A Surgeon’s Tale of Mentorship and Diversity 49:45

7M ago49:45

49:45

Send us a text Michael Galvez's journey from a modest upbringing in San Francisco to becoming a full-time pediatric surgeon is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing academic hurdles, Michael's story reveals how a serendipitous gym encounter led to a laboratory job, sparking an unexpected path into the world of science and medicine. From early …

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Episode #9: Breaking Boundaries in Dance Education with Kimberly Valmore 39:32

7M ago39:32

39:32

Send us a text Kimberly Valmore's journey through the world of dance is as inspiring as it is transformative. As the Department Chair of Dance at Diablo Valley College, Kimberly shares her unique story of resilience and triumph, from her early days as one of the few African-American students in a predominantly white ballet school to overcoming fina…

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Episode #8: Crafting Community through Cheesy Ventures 21:18

7M ago21:18

21:18

Send us a text Ever thought about how a simple love for cheese could unite a community? Join us as we chat with Josh Gonzalez, the innovative founder of the Cheese Club at Diablo Valley College, who transformed his passion for cheese into a unique gathering spot for fellow STEM enthusiasts. Josh takes us through his academic adventures as a C stude…

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Episode #7: AI, Machine Learning, and the Future: Duane Leem’s Perspective 47:11

7M ago47:11

47:11

Send us a text What if you could transform your passion for technology into a fulfilling career that spans continents? Meet Duane Leem, a trailblazing first-generation Filipino-Chinese cybersecurity professional whose journey inspires and motivates. From his roots in the Philippines to the serene landscapes of Guam, and finally to the bustling tech…

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Resource Thursday: From Networking to Internships: Navigating Career Success with Teresa Hade and Rachelle Rivers 1:11:36

7M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Send us a text Ever wondered how real-world experience can transform your career? Get ready to be inspired by Teresa Hade and Rachelle Rivers from Diablo Valley College's Workforce Development Office. Teresa's story of moving from New Jersey to the Bay Area and finding her passion in workforce development illustrates the power of perseverance and a…

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Episode #6: Bridging Military and Academia: Success Stories from Oliver Greenwood 43:24

7M ago43:24

43:24

Send us a text What does it take to transition from a Marine Corps machine gunner to a student leader at Diablo Valley College? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Oliver Greenwood as he shares his captivating journey. You'll discover how influential professors like Bill Poschman, Bob Manberg, and Manny Gonzalez helped him bridge the gap bet…

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Resource Thursday: Building Community and Resilience with Marina Varela at The Student Veterans Resource Center 35:29

7M ago35:29

35:29

Send us a text Ever wondered how a first-generation college student and Air Force veteran dependent overcame tremendous obstacles to become a leader in educational support? Meet Marina Varela, the interim manager of the Student Veterans Resource Center at Diablo Valley College, who shares her transformative journey from struggling student to educat…

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Episode #5: From Private School to Community College: Tori Pearson’s Journey of Growth 30:34

7M ago30:34

30:34

Send us a text Have you ever faced a culture shock that made you re-evaluate your world? Join us as we hear from Tori Pearson, a 19-year-old second-year student at Diablo Valley College, who recounts her journey from a privileged private school in Walnut Creek to the diverse halls of Ygnacio Valley High School. Tori navigates the stark contrasts be…

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Resource Thursday: Transforming Lives Through Student Support Services with Rachel Luna 33:45

8M ago33:45

33:45

Send us a text What transformative power do student support services hold in shaping lives and communities? Join us as we sit down with Rachel Luna, the dedicated Senior Program Manager at Diablo Valley College (DVC), to explore this deeply significant question. Rachel provides an in-depth look at groundbreaking programs like EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, …

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Episode #4: Navigating a New World: Glad Lynn’s Journey from Myanmar to DVC 1:00:49

8M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Send us a text What if your life's path took a drastic turn from medical school in Myanmar to navigating college life in California amidst a global pandemic and political upheaval? Kyi Sin Lynn, affectionately called Glad, shares her awe-inspiring journey filled with resilience and determination. From facing societal and parental pressures to study…

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Episode #3: From Homeschool to DVC: Embracing New Horizons with Aaron Shey 29:52

8M ago29:52

29:52

Send us a text What does it mean to balance East Coast conservative values with Bay Area liberalism? Our latest episode features Aaron Shey, a dynamic student from Diablo Valley College (DVC), who navigates this complex landscape through his unique educational journey. From being homeschooled in Walnut Creek to overcoming college rejections, Aaron'…

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Episode #2: Navigating Community College Success with Ala Mokhtabad 28:37

8M ago28:37

28:37

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it takes for a first-generation immigrant to not only survive but thrive in the American education system? Join us as we explore the extraordinary journey of Ala Mohktabad, who defied conventional paths by graduating high school two years early with her GED and navigating her way to UC Berkeley. This episo…

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Episode #1: Uncovering the Power of Alpha Beta Gamma with Aitana Sahni 39:39

8M ago39:39

39:39

Send us a text Can you imagine leaving high school early, earning a GED, and then becoming a pivotal leader at your college? That's exactly what Aitana, a second-year student at Diablo Valley College (DVC), has done. In this episode, she opens up about her unique educational journey, from San Ramon Valley High School to the supportive and inspiring…

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Exploring the Depths of Transgenerational Trauma with Dr. Patricia R. Cruz, DSW, MSW, BSW, LCSW 1:01:53

1+ y ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Join us on a profound journey into the heart of mental wellness with Dr. Patricia R. Cruz, DSW, MSW, BSW, LCSW, a luminary in the field of social work and a revered expert in trauma therapy and grief recovery. This podcast/blog delves into the intricate world of transgenerational trauma, a field where Dr. Cruz has made significant contributions thr…

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Episode 1 (Pilot) 10:12

2+ y ago10:12

10:12

In this episode I introduce the audience to IOBP by answering five questions that any social impact organization should be ready to answer… These questions were given to me by potential donors and sponsors, so I decided to answer them on this podcast. www.inspireonebillionpeople.orgBy Rick

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Communityempowerment Podcasts

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