From Spark to STEM: Building a Pipeline for the Next Generation

In this episode of The Good For Others Show, John Valencia sits down with Shara Fisler, Founder and Executive Director of Ocean Discovery Institute, to explore what it really takes to build systems that create lasting opportunity. From its beginnings as a small summer program to a nationally recognized, equity-centered STEM pipeline, Ocean Discovery Institute is redefining what’s possible for students from historically underrepresented communities. With outcomes like 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rates, Shara shares how a focus on belief, long-term investment, and community-centered design drives real, measurable impact. This conversation dives into leadership, workforce development, and the importance of building programs that don’t just serve, but transform. Shara also reflects on her journey as a founder, lessons learned along the way, and how intentional culture, data, and innovation can work together to create scalable change. If you care about economic mobility, education, and building systems that actually work, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to do good, better. Learn more about Ocean Discovery Institute: https://oceandiscoveryinstitute.org The Good For Others Show is where bold ideas turn into real impact. Hosted by John Valencia, each episode features leaders building stronger communities through workforce development, nonprofit innovation, and systems change. 👉 Learn more about Good For Others Foundation: https://goodforothers.org 📱 Explore our nonprofit hub (jobs, events, and more): https://app.goodforothers.org 🤝 Get involved, partner, or support the work: https://goodforothers.org/contact Follow, share, and join us in doing good, better.