Motiv8: A STEM Core Podcast Sat, 07 Mar 2026 02:42:25 -0500 https://www.growthsector.org/ en-us © 2026 Motiv8: A STEM Core Podcast yes c1bbe003-19aa-5854-b707-0d16da14611f Cheryl & Ivanna episodic false Motiv8 is a a fun opportunity for STEM Core students, faculty and practitioners across the country to hear from key players to assist in overall STEM Success. How can you be Motiv8-ED towards STEM Success?

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) STEM, Higher Education, College, MESA, Engineering, Computer Science, Tech Cheryl & Ivanna https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5giwub2lnfwfmvp9cq0ezm9r4erl?.jpg Motiv8: A STEM Core Podcast https://www.growthsector.org/ Cheryl Martinez Ivanna Abreu-Spare Black and in College:Recruiting and Supporting SOC in HED Black and in College:Recruiting and Supporting SOC in HED Join us as we discuss the unique challenges that black and brown students face as they enter into higher education institutions. Monet Kendall-Turner, founder of "Evolving Future Consulting" is a career long counselor/advisor who has successfully transitioned hundreds of students from highschool to Colleges/University across the country. Monet shares best practices and tips for students to succeed in college settings. "When you know better, you do better" and Monet wants STEM Core students to KNOW how to win and get the most out of their academic/career journeys!

Check out Monet's impactful work at:

https://www.evolvingfuturesconsulting.com/

]]> Join us as we discuss the unique challenges that black and brown students face as they enter into higher education institutions. Monet Kendall-Turner, founder of "Evolving Future Consulting" is a career long counselor/advisor who has successfully transitioned hundreds of students from highschool to Colleges/University across the country. Monet shares best practices and tips for students to succeed in college settings. "When you know better, you do better" and Monet wants STEM Core students to KNOW how to win and get the most out of their academic/career journeys!

Check out Monet's impactful work at:

https://www.evolvingfuturesconsulting.com/

]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-15590356 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0700 2630 3 2 full false Latinx Scholars: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures Latinx Scholars: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures Join us for a special episode rooted in the Latin student experience!

¡Acompáñanos en un episodio especial en el que exploramos la experiencia de nuestros estudiantes latinos!

75% of STEM Core participants identify as Students of Color (SOC) meanwhile 53% of our students of color population identify as Latinx!

On today’s episode we are focusing on the unique needs of our LatinX students and how practitioners across the network can work to support this population. Our guests include STEM Core rockstars and LatinX advocates 

Patricia Reynaga: STEM Counselor, East Los Angeles College  and Mayra Perez: Growth Sector Program Coordinator and former Santa Ana College SSS.



]]> Join us for a special episode rooted in the Latin student experience!

¡Acompáñanos en un episodio especial en el que exploramos la experiencia de nuestros estudiantes latinos!

75% of STEM Core participants identify as Students of Color (SOC) meanwhile 53% of our students of color population identify as Latinx!

On today’s episode we are focusing on the unique needs of our LatinX students and how practitioners across the network can work to support this population. Our guests include STEM Core rockstars and LatinX advocates 

Patricia Reynaga: STEM Counselor, East Los Angeles College  and Mayra Perez: Growth Sector Program Coordinator and former Santa Ana College SSS.



]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-15455237 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0700 1937 full false Me, at a National Lab? Unlocking the STEM Pathway with LLNL Me, at a National Lab? Unlocking the STEM Pathway with LLNL Join Tony Baylis, director for the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability, and Randy Pico, senior superintendent of the Engineering Directorate, as they share insights into the innovation and opportunities thriving at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Through their personal journeys to LLNL, our guests illuminate the compelling reasons why every STEM student should contemplate a career at a national lab.

]]> Join Tony Baylis, director for the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability, and Randy Pico, senior superintendent of the Engineering Directorate, as they share insights into the innovation and opportunities thriving at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Through their personal journeys to LLNL, our guests illuminate the compelling reasons why every STEM student should contemplate a career at a national lab.

]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-15071252 Tue, 14 May 2024 19:00:00 -0700 3059 2 3 full false "REAL Recognizes REAL: Can We Thrive Authentically in STEM?" "REAL Recognizes REAL: Can We Thrive Authentically in STEM?" Strategy & Account Manager for LinkedIn, Gabe Lomeli, challenges listeners to tap into their authentic selves as a cheat code to unlocking natural networking skills. Gabe also has a special LinkedIn offer for Motiv8 listeners!

]]> Strategy & Account Manager for LinkedIn, Gabe Lomeli, challenges listeners to tap into their authentic selves as a cheat code to unlocking natural networking skills. Gabe also has a special LinkedIn offer for Motiv8 listeners!

]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-14850858 Mon, 08 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0700 2804 2 2 full false Empowering Innovators: What Steps Can We Take to Foster Women in STEM? Empowering Innovators: What Steps Can We Take to Foster Women in STEM?  An honest conversation with longtime change agent for women in STEM, Annie Soler, VP of Programs and Strategic Growth for Tech Bridge Girls. Dr. Soler provides her insights on women’s persistence in STEM and challenges practitioners and students to continue moving the needle.

]]>  An honest conversation with longtime change agent for women in STEM, Annie Soler, VP of Programs and Strategic Growth for Tech Bridge Girls. Dr. Soler provides her insights on women’s persistence in STEM and challenges practitioners and students to continue moving the needle.

]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-14504633 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0800 1483 2 1 full false Can we pretend to be Tech recruiters for the day? Can we pretend to be Tech recruiters for the day? Employment/Internship season is upon us! Recruitment specialist, Sudeshna Majumdar-Fragomeni, openly shares her advice on how companies work to attract diverse/fresh talent and how students can proactively create opportunities to snag that dream job/internship! 

]]> Employment/Internship season is upon us! Recruitment specialist, Sudeshna Majumdar-Fragomeni, openly shares her advice on how companies work to attract diverse/fresh talent and how students can proactively create opportunities to snag that dream job/internship! 

]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-14183040 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0800 2282 1 5 full false Can We Bridge Our Way to STEM Success? Can We Bridge Our Way to STEM Success?
STEM Core Summer bridge programs are the way of the future! 21 STEM Core Summer Bridge programs took place on campuses across the country on STEM Core campuses.

Hear from a few of our Summer Bridge participants (plus faculty) as they share how the experience effected their perspectives at STEM students! 

Jazmaine R.  Major: Computer Information Systems;  Campus:  Miami Dade College 

Victor M. Major: Mechanical Engineering;  Campus: East Los Angeles College

Quartilla B. Major: Nursing ; Campus: Gallup High School (now at University of New Mexico-Gallup)

Faculty:  Monica T;  Campus: Miyamura Highschool



Growth Sector’s STEM Core Summer Bridge Programs provide a paid opportunity for students to prepare for the academic year STEM Core by completing foundational math coursework in tandem with hands-on Engineering and/or Computer Science projects and "College Knowledge" workshops on topics including advising and financial aid.

Each Bridge Site hosted either an in person or hybrid 4-6 week Bridge Program with virtual enhancement for guest speakers from industry. Students were paid a stipend for participation and to aid in alleviating financial circumstances, which we know create a barrier to student participation. Students are generally recruited from feeder high schools and local community-based organizations.

Bridge components will help students successfully complete the key transition to community college academics, exploring campus resources, and engaging in STEM self-discovery. Lastly, Summer Bridge is intended to better prepare students to enter the STEM Core Program at their institution.



]]>
STEM Core Summer bridge programs are the way of the future! 21 STEM Core Summer Bridge programs took place on campuses across the country on STEM Core campuses.

Hear from a few of our Summer Bridge participants (plus faculty) as they share how the experience effected their perspectives at STEM students! 

Jazmaine R.  Major: Computer Information Systems;  Campus:  Miami Dade College 

Victor M. Major: Mechanical Engineering;  Campus: East Los Angeles College

Quartilla B. Major: Nursing ; Campus: Gallup High School (now at University of New Mexico-Gallup)

Faculty:  Monica T;  Campus: Miyamura Highschool



Growth Sector’s STEM Core Summer Bridge Programs provide a paid opportunity for students to prepare for the academic year STEM Core by completing foundational math coursework in tandem with hands-on Engineering and/or Computer Science projects and "College Knowledge" workshops on topics including advising and financial aid.

Each Bridge Site hosted either an in person or hybrid 4-6 week Bridge Program with virtual enhancement for guest speakers from industry. Students were paid a stipend for participation and to aid in alleviating financial circumstances, which we know create a barrier to student participation. Students are generally recruited from feeder high schools and local community-based organizations.

Bridge components will help students successfully complete the key transition to community college academics, exploring campus resources, and engaging in STEM self-discovery. Lastly, Summer Bridge is intended to better prepare students to enter the STEM Core Program at their institution.



]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-13890733 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0700 1819 1 4 full false Who Runs the World? Interns! Who Runs the World? Interns! STEM Core interns are changing the face of the STEM Industry! With over 160 STEM Core interns placed in Summer 2023, hear from a few of the stars that interned and came back to share their experiences and advice!

]]> STEM Core interns are changing the face of the STEM Industry! With over 160 STEM Core interns placed in Summer 2023, hear from a few of the stars that interned and came back to share their experiences and advice!

]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-13614662 Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2068 1 3 full false O.M.G, are we making Math FUN?? O.M.G, are we making Math FUN?? In this episode we get a chance to speak with STEM Core Math faculty Jeff O'Connell!
The Ohlone Math Gateway i.e "OMG" remains one of  the longest running and successful STEM Core programs in the network. Jeff shares some insight into how he and the OMG team have maintained momentum on campus,  continue to provide life changing experiences for students, and dare I say, make math fun and approachable!


]]> In this episode we get a chance to speak with STEM Core Math faculty Jeff O'Connell!
The Ohlone Math Gateway i.e "OMG" remains one of  the longest running and successful STEM Core programs in the network. Jeff shares some insight into how he and the OMG team have maintained momentum on campus,  continue to provide life changing experiences for students, and dare I say, make math fun and approachable!


]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-13445724 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0700 1630 1 2 full false Cisco, Did we just become Best Friends? Cisco, Did we just become Best Friends? We sat down with Cisco's Raphael Richard, Lead Emerging Talent and Recruiting! Aside from sharing how amazing connections and networking are (GO SYRACUSE ORANGE!), Raphael gives us some insight into how our students and partners can get ahead in career placement at Cisco.

Cisco Apply Now: https://jobs.cisco.com/

]]> We sat down with Cisco's Raphael Richard, Lead Emerging Talent and Recruiting! Aside from sharing how amazing connections and networking are (GO SYRACUSE ORANGE!), Raphael gives us some insight into how our students and partners can get ahead in career placement at Cisco.

Cisco Apply Now: https://jobs.cisco.com/

]]> Cheryl & Ivanna Buzzsprout-13309069 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0700 1816 1 1 full false