What I Wish I Knew
by Education for Tomorrow Alliance
Welcome to the Education for Tomorrow Alliance, "What I Wish I Knew" podcast. This podcast is about the emerging leaders and the steps they are taking to reach the careers they have envisioned for themselves.We are excited to invite you on this journey as we speak with young leaders from Montgomery County, Texas and beyond about their careers, the steps and advice that have helped them along the way and their dreams for their future.Visit www.efta-us.org to learn more about Education for Tomorrow Alliance.
Episodes
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Being a Transfer Student
Today, I sit down with Samuel Ogunsola, Sam is a transfer from Lone Star College currently in his junior year at the University of Houston studying Mechanical Engineering. During his time at Lonestar, Samuel played on the boys soccer team and served on the honors college leadership program as...
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Being a Chemical Engineering Major
Today, I sit down with David Udoh, David is a thoughtful, motivated, and community-oriented individual with a strong passion for engineering and using his skills to make a tangible impact. He is a junior chemical engineering student at The University of Texas at Austin, with a growing interest in...
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Being an Unconventional Pre-Med
Today, I sit down with Rose Osafo, a first generation college student pursuing the path to medicine and the oldest of three kids. She is a non-traditional pre-med student and has had to navigate college using different resources and mindsets. She has a deep passion about opening up learning...
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Being a Student Athlete
In today's episode, I sit down with AraOluwa Odelowo, Ara is a rising junior at Rice University, where she studies Economics, Data Science, and Financial Computation & Modeling. She's also a Division I track and field athlete who’s passionate about integrating faith, discipline, and excellence...
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Being PreVet with Katie Collins
In today's episode, I sit down with Katie Collins, a rising sophomore at the University of Missouri studying veterinary medicine, to talk about what it’s like attending college out of state and the unique experiences and demands that come with pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.Katie…
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Being PreMed with Karys Bryant
In today’s episode, I sit down with Karys Bryant, a rising sophomore and biomedical sciences student at Texas A&M University, to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about being premed. Karys Bryant is a compassionate, driven and curious individual with a strong passion for the medical...
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"The plan is not written in stone." with Ashley Gravois
Today I sit down with Ashley Gravois. Ashley Gravois currently serves as the Assistant Director of Arts Outreach for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, a globally recognized outdoor amphitheater and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In her role, Ashley oversees all educational programs for The...
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"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. " with De'Andre Guin
Today we sit down with De'Andre Guin. De'Andre Guin, Sr. is the Director of Engagement at Meals on Wheels Montgomery County, overseeing Human Resources, staff development, and workplace culture. He also builds community partnerships and raises awareness of the organization's mission to support...
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"If you're passionate about something, you'll keep doing it." with Robert Harrington
Today we sit down with Robert Harrington. Robert Harrington is the founder and owner of Bella Media, a video production company known for its heartfelt storytelling, technical excellence, and personalized service. Bella Media has been serving clients for over 20 years. With a background in...
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"Don't sweat the small stuff." with Courtney Galle
On this episode of the "What I Wish I Knew Podcast", Ashley sits down with Courtney Galle. Courtney Galle, IOM, has over 20 years of marketing, public relations and fundraising experience. Currently she serves as the marketing manager for Lone Star Family Health Center. Prior to that, she served…
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"The stronger you build your foundation upfront, the more it's going to pay off down the road." with Commissioner Wheeler
On today's episode of "What I Wish I Knew", we sit down with Commissioner Ritch Wheeler. Ritch Wheeler is a dedicated leader and community servant with deep Texas roots. A proud Baylor graduate, US Veteran, and lifelong Texan, Ritch is also a committed family man, devoted husband, and father of...
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"Every circumstance you walk through is just preparing you for that next phase." with Melanie Bush
This week, Ashley sits down with Melanie Bush. A highly motivated entrepreneur and community leader, Melanie’s passion is pouring her heart into positively impacting people, businesses, and the community. As the founder of Better Bookkeepers, she has cultivated a workplace culture that redefines...
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"You've got the education as the foundation, but the network gets you to that next level." with Judge Matt Beasley
On today's episode of the "What I Wish I Knew" podcast we sit down with Judge Matt Beasley. Judge Matt Beasley was born in Slidell, Louisiana and moved to The Woodlands in 1996 where he graduated from The Woodlands High School class of 2002. After graduating from the University of…
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"If a door closes, it closes for a reason." with Donna Russ
On today's episode Ashley sits down with Donna Russ. Donna Russ is a seasoned Lead Software Engineer with a strong background in designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge software solutions. With a deep expertise in software architecture, full-stack development, and agile methodologies…
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"The only constant is change." with GJ Snyder
Today, Ashley sits down with GJ Snyder. GJ has held multiple IT roles, primarily focused on software development, working at Stainless Steel Studios, Houston Advanced Research Center, 21 st Century Fox, and The Walt Disney Company. Additionally, he has been volunteering with EfTA for over 20…
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"Seeing value in whatever it is that you do." With Kyle Quinn
Today Ashley sits down with Kyle Quinn, the ExxonMobil IT Leader for Supply Chain, Commercial, Manufacturing Operations and Trading. In this role, he is accountable for end-to-end digital solution delivery across ExxonMobil’s global footprint. He has worked at ExxonMobil for 24 years with prior...
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"Slow down, get focused, learn to study, learn to listen." with Ryan Tsamouris
On this episode of the "What I Wish I Knew Podcast", Ashley sits down with Ryan Tsamouris. Ryan Tsamouris serves as a Cloud Security Architect within the Global IT Security team at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. With over 17 years of experience in various technology roles, including six years...
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"If you're not making mistakes, you're not growing." with Brent Wunderlich
For our final Engineering spotlight this month, I sit down with Brent Wunderlich. Brent Wunderlich is an experienced people leader with a proven track record in optimizing healthcare supply chain operations. He has been with McKesson Corporation for 22 years, currently serving as Vice President…
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"Lead by example, not by job title." with Tim Byers
On this week's episode of "What I Wish I Knew", I sit down with Tim Byers. Tim Byers, PE, is a Deepwater Completion Engineering Advisor for Occidental Petroleum Corporation in The Woodlands, Texas. Tim has worked for Anadarko (now Occidental) since graduating as a petroleum engineer from Marietta...
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"Work on the things you can change, own the things that you can't." with Daniela Alldredge
On this week's episode of the "What I Wish I Knew" podcast, we speak with Daniela Alldredge. Daniela is a Development Manager at Elevation Land Solutions. She is a first generation college graduate and has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a…
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"Your experiences are what you make them and what you put into them." with Caroline Ristroph
Today, we speak with Caroline Ristroph. Caroline Ristroph is a senior at Purdue University studying Biomedical Engineering. She graduated from The Woodlands High School in 2021. Caroline is currently completing a year-long Co-Op rotation at Cook Research Incorporated in West Lafayette, Indiana.…
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"Rest is an important part of the recipe to success." with Terrica Green
Today, Ashley sits down with Terrica Green, a current Project Engineer at C&I Engineering. Terrica grew up in Spring, TX and graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 2014. Terrica knew from a young age that she wanted to be an Aggie engineer and she did just that in 2018 when she graduated with a...
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"You're only as strong as your supporting cast." with Adam Arrington
This week on the "What I Wish I Knew" podcast, Ashley speaks with Adam Arrington. Adam is currently the Clinical Nursing Manager for The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. Adam moved to Texas a little over 10 years ago from Mississippi…
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"Speak up for yourself." with Glenda Bundy
This week, Ashley sits down with Glenda Bundy, a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience. Glenda’s extensive nursing experience has included leading public health programs that focus on childhood immunization, communicable and environmental disease. She has served as an instructor to...
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"Shoot for the stars, keep that confidence high and go for it."- with Allison Ouellette
This week, Ashley sits down with Allison Ouellette, a retired Pulmonary and Sleep Disorder nurse. Allison graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and started her professional career as an Elementary Teacher. She went on to obtain her real...
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"What you put in is what you're going to get out." with Emily Cline
For this week's episode Ashley sits down and talks with Emily Cline. Emily is a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse with Confluence Health Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington. She earned her associate’s degree in nursing and is currently enrolled in a BSN program. Emily has experience in emergency care…
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"Who do you want to be?" with Linda Pils
For this week episode Scarlett sits down and talks with her grandma, Linda Pils. Linda is a retired primary teacher who taught for over 24 years. In a second career, she was a presenter at teacher workshops, sharing best practices in teaching children to read. She attended Mineola HS in New York...
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"Learning is a skill" with Jack Foskett
This week Scarlett catches up with her good friend, Jack Foskett. Jack is a rising sophomore and geology major at the University of Texas at Austin. Still undecided on his career path but is interested in climate sciences. Enjoy this week's episode!
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"Shifting your mindset" with Ashley Lehn
This week Scarlett sits down with her high school friend, Ashley Lehn. Ashley is from Conroe, Texas and is a Senior at Texas State University, currently working towards her undergraduate degree in hopes of finding a career in social media marketing/creative direction. We hope you enjoy this…
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"Create Something that's yours" with Branden Clay
On this week's episode, Scarlett talks with Branden Clay. Branden is the founder of Harmony Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in The Woodlands TX that helps local businesses establish themselves within their community. Branden graduated from Texas Tech in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree…
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"Be the best you" with Kendall Koster
In this week's episode Scarlett chats with Kendall Koster, a rising junior at Texas A&M University studying communications and business. Kendall is an avid outdoorswomen, a huge reader, and have a big love for photojournalism. For this summer 2024 she is a communications and marketing intern at...
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"Mastering your craft" with Brian Schulz
Brian Schulz
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"Be open to change" with Bobbi Bazzle
In this week's episode Scarlett sits down with Bobbi Bazzle, recent May graduate of Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She graduated in three years with her Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Sociology and Political Science and is now pursuing her Master of Business Administration with…
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"Don't stick to the status quo" with Connor Pils
On this week's episode Scarlett chats with Connor Pils. Connor is a 25-year-old country artist from Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 2021 with a corporate job at Kraft Heinz already lined up, but when American Idol inquired about recruiting him…
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"Take the opportunity" with Cameron Phipps
Welcome to the What I Wish I Knew College Edition! This seasons host is Scarlett Schulz, EfTA ExxonMobil Foundation Community Summer Job Program Intern for the summer and will speaking with current college students and recent grads about how they prepared for college, things they wish they knew…
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"It's okay to not know" with Laine Harper
On this week's episode, Corinne sits down with Laine Harper. Laine is the Marketing Manager at the Conroe Economic Development Council. She was raised in the Conroe/Montgomery area where she graduated from Montgomery High School. She attended Baylor University where she majored in history and...
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"There is an opportunity to learn from everything" with Sara Beth Bubak
Sara Beth Bubak is an Account Executive with SB&K Benefits, LLC. She works to connect employers with HR and Payroll system solutions; helping to solve businesses’ enrollment, HR, and communication needs. Sara Beth received her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development from…
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"The journey is your destination" with LaTina Curry
LaTina Curry is an Arkansas native that currently resides in Conroe, TX and is currently a Business Development Representative for Rave Financial Credit Union, where she's been employed for four months, however with a banking background that spans two decades now. LaTina’s introduction to banking...
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"Lessons come from mistakes and it's okay to have fun" with Summer Hvasta
Summer Hvasta is the Senior Customer Service Specialist for the San Jacinto River Authority. Summer is the chief liaison between the SJRA and its customers. She also works on educational pieces for the local communities and schools. Summer received a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University…
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"Learn to invest and everything can permanent" with Cody Spence
In today's episode, Corinne sits down with Cody Spence is the Owner of All Star Catering Company where he oversees sales, consultations and directs over 1,000 events each year. He has worked for All Star Catering Co. since 2005, helping the company to achieve the “Bride’s” and “Couples Choice”…
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"Things will get better and never give up" with Courtney Frost-Tadlock
In today's episode, Corinne speaks with Courtney Frost-Tadlock. Courtney is the Director of Development at Community Assistance Center (CAC), a nonprofit, social service agency providing assistance to neighbors all across Montgomery County. As the Director of Development, Courtney works to drive...
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"You are the version of the top 6 people you surround yourself with" with Julio Resendez
On this week's episode Corinne sits down and speaks with Julio Resendez, CEO and Co-Founder of Confi and Chairman of the Board for the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber. Julio's family emigrated from Monterrey, Mexico in the early 90’s and as a young boy, he watched his father build a business...
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"Don't worry about things you can't control" with Peter Falivene
In today's episode, Corinne sits down with Peter Falivene, Associate Attorney at The Strong Firm P.C. Peter received a degree in Political Science and Business from Texas Christian University and received his law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. Peter joined The Strong Firm P.C. in...
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"Be comfortable with being uncomfortable" with Brian Hanley
In today's episode, Corinne sits down with Brian Hanley, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. Brian began with Edward Jones because he has a passion for helping people, particularly by striving to provide them with confidence in their financial future by understanding their situation and creating...
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"You do not need to be anything but exactly who you are" with Emily Calver
In today's episode, Corinne chats with Emily Calver, Business and Community Outreach Specialist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. Emily was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She attended St. John’s School K-12 before moving to Charlottesville, VA where she attended The University of...
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"Keep your options open" with Zach Doninger
In this week's episode, Corinne sits down with Zach Doninger, Associate Attorney at The Strong Firm P.C. Although originally from Kentucky, he now resides in Montgomery County’s The Woodlands, Texas. Zach attained both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Louisville and...
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"Utilize your resources- It’s okay to ask for help!!" with Kayla Trascher
For our first episode of this season, Corinne sits down with Kayla Trascher. Kayla serves as The Woodlands Arts Council’s Administrative & Event Coordinator. She has been with the Arts Council for almost two years facilitating TWAC’s smaller events and making ART matter in our community! Kayla...
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"Your struggles are worth it" with James Greene
In this week's episode, I sit down with James Greene, Executive Director at the VEL Institute, a local non-profit that is dedicated to the personal and professional development of Veterans. James enlisted in the United States Navy in 2012 where he served two tours of duty for the Global War on...
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"Take the opportunity to explore" with Mariana Almanza-Cook
On today's episode, we sit down with Mariana Almanza-Cook, Director of Business Retention and Expansion for The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. In this role, Mariana is responsible for maintaining existing relationships with businesses in the community, as well as assisting them...
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"Do the internships to gain the experience" with Courtney Budra
Courtney Budra is the Director of Special Events at the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce; an organization that promotes and advocates for business in the Conroe area. At the chamber, she is responsible for hosting major fundraisers that contribute to nearly half of the organization’s...
About this show
Welcome to the Education for Tomorrow Alliance, "What I Wish I Knew" podcast. This podcast is about the emerging leaders and the steps they are taking to reach the careers they have envisioned for themselves.We are excited to invite you on this journey as we speak with young leaders from Montgomery County, Texas and beyond about their careers, the steps and advice that have helped them along the way and their dreams for their future.Visit www.efta-us.org to learn more about Education for Tomorrow Alliance.
Hosted by
Education for Tomorrow Alliance