How a First-Gen College Graduate Became County Manager in New Mexico | Degrees of Success Podcast #2

In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards talks to Dr. Scott Andrews, the County Manager for Doña Ana County in New Mexico. Dr. Andrews shares his remarkable journey to leadership, from his roots as a first-generation U.S.-born college graduate to 21 years of service in public sector administration across Florida, Georgia, and California. A powerful story of resilience and transformation, Dr. Andrews overcame personal tragedy—the loss of his baby daughter—to launch The Violet Movement, a non-profit dedicated to fostering love, kindness, and positive change through scholarships. His book, Violet’s Are Blue: Finding Relief From Grief and Lessons from Depression, reflects his personal battle with grief and his determination to help others navigate similar challenges. Dr. Andrews’s journey is a testament to how overcoming personal adversity can lead to not just professional success, but also a lasting impact on communities. In this episode, he discusses the power of education, the importance of leadership in times of difficulty, and how transformative change starts with a vision for a better future. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix brings you the inspiring success stories of alumni who have turned challenges into triumphs and made an impact in their fields and communities. Whether you’re seeking motivation or practical advice on overcoming obstacles, Dr. Andrews’s story offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and using education to build a brighter future. Tune in and discover how education, perseverance, and a desire to help others can lead to profound personal and professional growth. ⭐️ Key takeaways from this episode: ✓ Education should be the foundation of your dreams. ✓ Surround yourself with people who truly care about you. ✓ Vulnerability is a superpower in leadership. ✓ The Violet Movement aims to help those dealing with grief. ✓ Community engagement is crucial for local leaders. ✓ Mentorship can significantly impact your career. ✓ Time will pass; make the most of it now. ✓ Don't let anyone pigeonhole you into a single role. ✓ Networking is essential for career growth. ✓ It's okay to not be okay; seek support.   📖 Chapters: Jump to key moments 00:00 - Introduction to Degrees of Success and Dr. Scott Andrews. 00:23 - Dr. Andrews’ background, achievements, and roots. 01:19 - Childhood experiences and the foundation for Scott’s career. 02:29 - The impact of family and mentors like his grandmother, Violet. 07:35 - From Fitness to Local Government Leadership 11:24 - Turning personal tragedy into advocacy for mental health and education. 17:50 - Why degrees and lifelong learning are vital for career success. 20:44 - Advice for Aspiring Leaders 24:46 - How empathy and authenticity strengthen leadership. 27:57 - Scott’s Book: Violets Are Blue 31:07 - Final Thoughts and Career Advice 33:20 - Rapid-Fire Questions with Dr. Andrews   Learn more about the MBA program at UOPX!     👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/mba-competency-based-degree.html   Subscribe for more powerful success stories and mindset strategies!   👉 https://www.youtube.com/@UOPXDegreesOfSuccessPodcast ✅ Subscribe, like, and leave your comments below to join the conversation. Scott Andrews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscottandrews/ Scott Andrews Book: https://a.co/d/iKuviup The Violet Movement: https://www.thevioletmovement.com/ Alumni Chronicles | Scott's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumnus-scott-andrews.html Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Page: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html Explore the University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/ Follow us on Social: ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uopx ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universityofphoenix ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uopx/ ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-phoenix/ ► X: https://x.com/UOPX Thinking about attending UOPX online? 📱 Request info today: https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information 💻 Apply to one of UOPX’s online programs today: https://rb.gy/k0a75c 🎓 Find your degree program University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-degrees/find-your-program.html