From Failure to Launch

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Leo Huynh, Code2College Software Engineering Intern at Cirrus Logic, shares how his curiosity for computer science—and passion for building personal game projects—evolved into real-world impact. Joined by his manager, Will O’Donnell, Senior Staff Validation Engineer at Cirrus Logic, they reflect on Leo’s journey from exploring tech to developing an AI-driven cost prediction model now used across teams. Leo dives into his experience working on data cleaning, analysis, and machine learning, and how he quickly adapted to a professional environment with the support of a strong team. Will shares how Leo’s performance challenged his expectations and highlighted the high level of preparation Code2College students bring compared to traditional pathways. Together, they explore the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and code readability, along with practical advice on networking, note-taking, and building structure in your day-to-day life. This episode is a reminder that no single test or project defines you—growth comes from learning how to rise to the challenge.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Jooheon Lee, Electrical Engineering student at Rice University and H-E-B intern, shares his experience taking a project from concept to deployment. Joined by his mentor, Engineering Manager Michael Regert, they dive into the challenges, learning moments, and teamwork that turn uncertainty into mastery. Jooheon reflects on how guidance from mentors, collaboration with peers, and hands-on experience helped him build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and navigate real-world engineering projects. Michael offers insight into how mentorship and a supportive team culture empower interns to tackle ambitious projects and grow as future engineers. Together, they explore how curiosity, preparation, and collaboration make internships not just a learning experience, but a launchpad for a successful career in STEM.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Ashrita Mahadevu shares how her journey with Code2College helped transform an early passion for STEM into real-world experience as a Data Engineering Intern at H-E-B. Joined by her mentor Blake Byerly, the conversation explores how internships can shape confidence, technical skills, and career direction. Ashrita talks about overcoming nerves, meeting expectations, and learning how strong communication and preparation can unlock opportunities. Through her work on location services and data design, she built core computer science skills while discovering the importance of team collaboration and workplace culture. Blake shares his perspective mentoring Code2College students and why supportive environments help young technologists grow. Together, they highlight how curiosity, mentorship, and culture turn internships into launchpads for future careers.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Bereket Laki shares how his first internship at Texas Mutual became an opportunity to build real-world solutions, including developing an AI chatbot trained on internal company knowledge. Joined by his supervisor, Jason Chan, the conversation dives into what makes interns thrive: ownership, curiosity, and the confidence to ask good questions. Jason explains why investing in early talent pays off, while Bereket reflects on the communication, collaboration, and feedback skills that proved just as critical as the code itself. It’s a story about growth, trust, and turning technical learning into meaningful impact.

In Season 3, Episode 6 of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Alexandra Hoffpauir, Data Warehouse and Marketing Technology Manager at YETI, and Code2College intern Dagem Abraham. Together, they unpack what it truly means to own a project, not just complete assigned tasks. Dagem shares how sourcing data, collaborating across multiple teams, and ultimately building his own project pushed him to develop strong prioritization skills while balancing curiosity and exploration with real business needs. Alexandra offers insight into YETI’s collaborative culture, what it looks like to fully integrate interns into the team, and why trusting early-career talent leads to meaningful results. The episode highlights how hands-on experience, mentorship, and ownership can transform an internship into a launchpad for long-term success.

In Season 3, Episode 5 of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Code2College intern Krish Patel and his summer manager Mark Berry, Director of Cybersecurity at Crosslake Technologies. They reflect on a summer that exceeded expectations for everyone involved. Krish shares how the internship sparked a genuine interest in cybersecurity and reshaped his career goals, while Mark highlights how Krish and his fellow interns quickly made meaningful contributions. The episode closes with the interns’ final presentation, earning a standing ovation and proving what’s possible when early-career talent is trusted with real responsibility.

In Season 3, Episode 4 of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Code2College intern Jawaad Merali and his summer manager, Mark Berry, Director of Cybersecurity at Crosslake Technologies. Together, they share how a summer of rapid learning, hands-on projects, and strong mentorship helped Jawaad, now a college freshman, grow confidently into the world of cybersecurity. Jawaad describes arriving eager but unsure, quickly diving into intensive security training and AI development. Mark highlights how Jawaad and fellow intern Krish exceeded expectations from day one by bringing curiosity, strong technical foundations, and fresh ideas to a complex challenge: automating parts of Crosslake’s cybersecurity maturity assessment process. Their work streamlined evidence validation for portfolio companies and showed how early-career interns, when supported and encouraged, can make a meaningful impact on real-world cybersecurity and AI initiatives.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Veda Rabishankar, a Code2College high school summer intern who worked in IT Digital Communications at Texas Mutual, and her summer manager, Mike Vuong, Senior Engineering Manager at Texas Mutual. Together, they explore Veda’s journey from classroom programming to contributing to real-world projects, what it’s like applying new skills in a professional setting, and how she tackled early nerves with Mike’s support. They dive into the power of thoughtful mentorship, stepping into unfamiliar environments, and the experiences that build confidence and spark a future in tech before a career even begins.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Olivia Cruz, a Code2College high school summer intern at YETI, and Chris Chafin, Web Developer II at YETI and Olivia’s summer manager. Together, they share what it’s like navigating new environments, building confidence, and learning through real-world projects. They dive into what makes great mentorship, how to grow beyond your comfort zone, and the lessons that can shape a career before it even begins.

Season 3 of From Failure to Launch kicks off with a special spotlight on our summer interns! In this episode, host Keira sits down with high school intern Zephan Ofori, who just completed his Code2College internship at Indeed, along with his summer manager Laurie. Together, they reflect on the projects they tackled, the lessons learned along the way, and how programs like Code2College open doors for young talent. Zephan also shares his big-picture goals for the future, giving us a glimpse into the next generation of tech innovators.

When Allegra Armas graduated from college, she didn’t have a clear path forward—and she felt like she was already falling behind. But over the past decade, she’s carved out a career rooted in community impact, from connecting fans through sports at the Oakland A’s to driving social impact initiatives at Roku. In this episode, Keira and Allegra talk about the messy reality of navigating those first jobs, why it’s okay not to have it all figured out at 22, and how to keep your passions alive while climbing the career ladder. Allegra shares her journey of finding purpose in the workplace, her proudest moments at Roku (including building their student app design challenge), and why everything really does happen for a reason. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your next step, this conversation is a reminder that “failure to launch” is just the beginning of the story.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with Kerry Rupp, General Partner at True Wealth Ventures and one of only two women GPs in a venture capital fund in Texas. Kerry’s career path has been anything but linear — from consulting at Accenture and McKinsey, to joining (and leading) multiple startups, to serving as CEO of DreamIt, a Top Ten US accelerator and VC fund. Along the way, she’s held almost every leadership role imaginable and built a reputation as a champion for women-led businesses that are improving human and environmental health. Kerry shares: Why leaving McKinsey was one of her best career decisions  The lessons she learned taking on countless startup roles  How “failing fast” shaped her mindset as both an entrepreneur and investor  What it’s like breaking barriers as a woman in venture capital  Her journey is a testament to rethinking failure — not as an ending, but as a stepping stone to growth, leadership, and impact. #FailureToLaunch #Podcast #VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness #Leadership

In this powerful “From Failure to Launch” episode, host Keira sits down with Monica Grant Cohen, whose journey from a low-income, single-parent household to becoming a leader in philanthropy is nothing short of inspiring. As the eldest daughter who lost her father at age six, Monica shares how her mother’s unwavering strength shaped her—and why she honored her mom by adding her mother’s middle name to her college diploma. A first-generation college graduate who set out to be a guidance counselor, Monica’s path expanded to higher education, nonprofit innovation, and now community investment at DRW. She talks about her “Blue Sky Thinking” approach, the externship program she built from two employers to over fifteen, and her work tackling both headline-making and quiet crises. Along the way, Monica opens up about imposter syndrome, the realities of real access, and the deep influence of her mother on the woman she is today.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with Cameryn Burnette — a PhD candidate at MIT in Material Science for Sustainable Development, Howard University alumna, Schwarzman Scholar, and Special Projects Manager at Energicity. Cameryn opens up about the moments that shaped her: from growing up amidst environmental disasters that ignited her passion for sustainability, to feeling like a failure after college with no plans lined up. Just one month later, she found herself working with Energicity, bringing solar microgrids to rural communities in West Africa. They explore her groundbreaking research in soil bacteria preservation at MIT, the reality behind international development work, and the importance of dismantling the “savior complex” often projected onto third-world countries. Cameryn also shares her deep pride in her HBCU roots, her founding of the Howard University Water Environment Association, and how she stays grounded through every success and setback. Her story is a call to action — to use engineering for the good of humanity, to lean on community, and to face hard challenges with resilience and curiosity. 💡 Call to Action: Tackle the hard stuff. Together. And never stop learning.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with Keelee Moseley, MBA — a software engineer, educator, and mission-driven problem solver whose career has taken her from Pitts, Pennsylvania, all the way to NASA and beyond. Keelee opens up about starting off at Penn State with dreams of becoming a computer engineer, only to realize that her superpower wasn’t coding—it was curiosity. From teaching programming at ITT to developing software for capturing orbital images at NASA, and now leading patient accessibility initiatives at Merck, Keelee’s story is anything but linear. She shares how embracing "failure" helped her pivot industries, redefine success, and break barriers as a woman of color in tech. Tune in to hear how Keelee transformed doubt into drive—and why learning, challenging yourself, and staying mission-focused is the ultimate way to launch a meaningful career.

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Keira sits down with Gabriela Rocha, cofounder of Laboratoria, to explore her winding journey across continents, languages, and industries — and how she’s helping reshape the future of tech for women across Latin America. From growing up in Brazil and Los Angeles to co-founding a movement that empowers women from underserved communities to launch tech careers, Gabriela opens up about: Why she never had a "5-year plan" — and why that’s okay Building Laboratoria from the ground up Her belief in learning by doing and student-centered education Fresh research on gender disparity in tech across Latin America Maternity penalties, equal pay, and the systems that still need to evolve What real solutions could look like for working moms and future leaders Whether you're a founder, a learner, or figuring it all out — this episode is full of honesty, insight, and purpose.

In this inspiring episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with her own manager, Staci Brookover, a Project Manager at YETI, whose unconventional journey is anything but ordinary. Staci shares how she went from barista to daycare worker to spending a decade in printing — climbing from receptionist to production manager — before launching herself into the tech world. Now a seasoned Program Manager at YETI, Staci opens up about leading digital product teams without a college degree, marketing yourself online, and the power of setting clear goals. With infectious energy and a love for mentoring (including Code2College interns!), Staci talks favorite projects — including building a student-run call center with St. Jude and LeMoyne-Owen College — and offers practical advice on putting in the work to get what you want. This episode is a masterclass in grit, growth, and redefining success on your own terms.

What happens when a decorated Army intelligence officer, Truman Scholar, and PhD becomes a venture capitalist? You get Craig Cummings — a man whose entire journey has been shaped by leadership, heart, and a deep commitment to service. In this episode, Craig sits down with Keira to share stories from his time at West Point and 17 years in the military, including how he helped bring the first cellular network to the battlefield. He opens up about meeting his wife at the Truman Scholarship ceremony, the lessons he learned from both leading and following, and how he now uses those insights to back exceptional founders at Moonshots Capital. This is a conversation about purpose, grit, and the power of leading with love — whether in uniform or in business. We talk about: Expectations vs. reality in the military Leadership that starts with heart Navigating transitions and reinvention What he looks for in the founders he invests in The advice he’d give to his 8-year-old self If you've ever wondered how to turn discipline into compassion, and success into service — this one’s for you.

In this immensely anticipated episode of From Failure to Launch, Keira sits down with Jeff Livingston, CEO of EdSolutions and Co-Founder of the Center for Education Market Dynamics (CEMD). Jeff shares his journey from revolutionizing textbooks at McGraw Hill to helping nonprofits and positive-impact organizations reshape education today. Renowned for his ability to spot talent and his belief in lifelong learning, Jeff dives into why staying on the technological frontier is essential for creating equal opportunities. They also explore the intersection of cultural heritage and access to opportunity, offering insights on how education leaders can adapt to our rapidly changing world. Tune in for a masterclass on innovation, equity, and the future of education.

This week on From Failure to Launch, Keira sits down with Kali Peracchia—AI Instructional Specialist for Denver Public Schools, middle school educator, and PhD candidate at the University of Denver—to explore the intersection of technology, equity, and education. From tackling teacher turnover to building a thriving professional learning community, Kali challenges the scarcity mindset in schools and shares how culturally relevant pedagogy and AI can work hand-in-hand. Tune in for a conversation about reimagining what's possible in the classroom—and what it takes to sustain educators in the process. Bonus: We also talk hiking, biking, and how nature keeps her grounded!

In this episode, Keira sits down with RC Johnson—Founder of Simple and Done, former Engineering Director and CTO, and one of the most prolific interviewers during his time at Indeed. With over 2,000 interviews under his belt, RC shares what he looks for in great engineers (hint: it’s all about ownership), why technical interviews should be more quantitative, and how he’s constantly evolving to stay current in tech. But the conversation goes deeper. RC opens up about navigating unemployment, the emotional and professional toll it can take, and how he built a weekly newsletter that became a lifeline for others in the same boat. They also talk about the value of networks, making "only new mistakes," and what it really means to support a community in transition. Whether you're hiring, job hunting, or just trying to keep up in tech—this episode has something for you. 🔗 Mentioned: OnlyNewMistakes.com  

In this episode, Keira sits down with Sarah Dooley, the mom behind AI-Empowered Moms. Sarah shares her fascinating journey—from her roots in marketing research to earning her MBA at the University of Texas, and then diving into customer strategy at EY, where she discovered her passion for technology consulting. After leading digital transformation efforts at Waste Management, Sarah joined a generative AI team at VISA, where she focused on using AI to boost employee productivity. Now, she’s channeling her expertise into AI-Empowered Moms, a platform and community helping moms embrace the power of generative AI through classes, content, and confidence-building. With three kids at home and a mission to make AI accessible, Sarah talks with Keira about the realities of tech, parenting, and the future of empowered motherhood. Whether you're tech-curious, raising kids, or just wondering how AI fits into everyday life, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

What does it take to go from a college grad with no internships to a Senior Data Scientist at one of the coolest brands out there? In this episode, Kiera chats with Claire Matthews of YETI—who’s also Code2College’s Vision 2024 Mentor of the Year—about her unexpected journey into data science, her biggest career lessons, and what drives her to mentor the next generation of women in STEM. Claire shares why advocating for yourself matters, how to push through self-doubt, and the advice she wishes she had while still in school. If you're figuring out your path or just need a dose of real talk and inspiration, this one’s for you.

Keira sits down with Trey Briggs, Director of Engineering at Udemy, to explore his 4-year journey at the company and his philosophy of continuous growth. Trey shares insights on transitioning from startups to larger corporations, troubleshooting workplace challenges across departments, and embracing the thrill of trying new things—even when it makes your palms sweat. He discusses the platforms he’s worked on, the importance of being intentional about learning, and why striving for new opportunities keeps you sharp. This episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, adaptability, and the mindset needed to never stop learning.

In this lighthearted episode, we sit down with Jade Morgan, a Junior at UT Austin studying Electrical and Computer Engineering and currently interning at NASA. Jade shares her love for math, her journey navigating the challenges of transitioning from high school to college, and the importance of building a supportive community. Jade talks about her appreciation for her female STEM mentor, the value of self-belief, and why you should never compare yourself to others. Plus, Jade gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her NASA internship and reminds us all why you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Don’t miss this empowering conversation about ambition, resilience, and reaching for the stars!

Radney Wood — lawyer, entrepreneur, and seasoned world traveler — joins us to reflect on two decades in the legal field and a lifetime of lessons. One of six kids raised with little but surrounded by love, Radney shares how grit, curiosity, and humility shaped his path to success. In this episode, we talk about learning through mistakes, gaining perspective with time, and the value of being open to new experiences. Radney gets real about how he chooses to spend his time, the importance of being intentional with relationships, and why when it comes to building something meaningful, the goal isn't just to raise money — it's to raise friends.

In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Beasley — principal consultant, operator, and former higher education and talent acquisition leader — to talk about what it really takes to grow and sustain a business from the inside out. Brandi shares her journey from higher education to people ops to advising small businesses and scaling startups, bringing wisdom and warmth to the conversation. We dive into the power of patience, the importance of asking for feedback, how to identify your blindspots before they block you, and why the people around you might just be your greatest untapped resource. This episode is a masterclass in moving with intention — in business, leadership, and life.

Kiera chats with Sandy Mathews, a seasoned tech industry professional with 15 years of experience at Microsoft, Deloitte, and AWS. Sandy shares how each role built on the last, shaping her ability to navigate ambiguity, advocate for herself, and embrace lifelong learning. As a former software development course instructor and mentor at Code2College, she also highlights the power of mentorship, representation, and giving back to the next generation of tech leaders. From handling setbacks to finding confidence in the unknown, Sandy’s journey is filled with insights for anyone looking to grow in their career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, learning, and making an impact.

In this inspiring episode, Keira catches up with Sapphire Hunter, a Code2College alum and Northwestern University student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Legal Studies. Sapphire reflects on her journey from a Code2College high school student to navigating college classes and the professional world, including her internship with Keira at Yeti last summer. Their conversation dives deep into the themes of:  ✨ Embracing the power of vulnerability to unlock growth.  ✨ Learning to be okay with failure and its role in success.  ✨ Seeing the transformative impact of representation in tech and beyond.  ✨ The incredible opportunities that come with being part of Vision 2024, including connecting with inspiring female executives in the industry.  ✨ And, of course, their shared experiences at Yeti and the lessons they learned together. Sapphire’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, representation, and pushing past limits to achieve greatness.

In this episode, Keira sits down with Seth Weiss, software engineer at Yeti and 2x Mentor of the Year nominee for the Code2College IDEA Awards, to explore the intersection of technical talent and people skills. As Keira's mentor during her summer internship at Yeti, Seth shares insights on the importance of perception, marketing your personal brand, and how vulnerability can break through the illusion of perfection in the workplace. Discover Seth's unique mentoring philosophy—learning as much from mentees as they do from him—and how it shapes his approach to building authentic connections.

Join us as we sit down with Kevin Nguyen, Senior Manager of Platform Development Engineering at Cirrus Logic and Mentor of the Year nominee for the 5th Annual Code2College IDEA Awards. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from engineer to manager, the skills that make a great leader, and his philosophy of building a strong foundation early in your career to enjoy the rewards of a more balanced and fulfilling life later on. Discover the value of collaboration, the art of mentorship, and the keys to shaping the future you envision.

Join us as we sit down with Melissa Granados, Director of Administration and Facilities at FloSports, to discuss her incredible 10-year journey with the company. In this inspiring episode, Melissa shares her insights on building confidence in the workplace, the power of believing in yourself, and why saying "yes" to new challenges can transform your career. She also highlights the vital role of teamwork in achieving success. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Melissa's story will leave you motivated to tackle your next big challenge with confidence and purpose.

In this inaugural episode of From Failure to Launch, Kamilla Yunusova, a senior product manager at RBCx, shares her remarkable journey from making her mark at OJO Labs and IBM to co-founding the nonprofit Rise First. Kamilla opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of mentorship, and the lessons she's learned through failure and success. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, personal growth, and charting your own path in life and work.