One pebble can create countless ripples—and this episode follows the journey of Jhaelen Hernandez-Eli who’s done exactly that. From Singapore to North Carolina, architecture studios to unexpected sales roles, and a decade inside a rocket-ship design firm, the path winds through public service at NYC EDC and executive leadership at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Now, that journey culminates in a new strategy practice helping nonprofits, museums, and campuses plan, fund, and deliver capital projects that truly transform communities. At the core of every chapter is one question: How can institutions be more useful? We explore themes of equity, climate resilience, and elevating new voices—all in service of creating places that matter.

Things we cover: 

• Why capital projects shape public life and access
• How the Met’s $2B program advanced equity and climate priorities
• Selecting architects beyond the usual shortlist
• Lessons from sales, procurement, and negotiation
• Public service as a lever for middle-class jobs
• Salary transparency, trade-offs, and leverage
• Teaching as a platform for opening the “black box”
• Launching a mission-driven firm and curating a values-based team

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Producer - Gary Batista
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We trace Antonio Aponte's path from Broadway actor to creative educator—and how finding the right match can mean more than chasing a big name when guiding first-gen families toward college and career success. This episode dives deep into what real opportunity looks like, from choosing the right school to unlocking financial aid, internships, and alternative career paths.

In this episode, we cover:
• Aligning students with schools that fit their goals and support systems
• Demystifying financial aid, scholarships, and affordability
• Trades and certifications as lucrative, fulfilling options
• Lessons from theater—presence, listening, and persistence
• Building social capital through mentors and alumni networks
• The SUNY Purchase pilot that boosted student retention
• Internship experiences that became long-term careers
• The story behind the Latino College Expo: how it started and where it’s headed
• Navigating post-pandemic education and virtual opportunities
• “Cheat codes” for early-career growth and confidence

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and get inspired.

Please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks
Make sure you follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Career Cheat Code and tell us people or careers you would like to see highlighted!

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Tracy Colunga shares her remarkable journey from city government to founding her consulting firm Colunga and Associates LLC, highlighting how intuition guided her career transitions and how she narrowly avoided mass layoffs by trusting her gut.

• Founding Colunga and Associates LLC as a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, innovation, user-centered design, and grants management
• Transitioning from Johns Hopkins University to entrepreneurship after sensing political changes
• Building a 16-year career with the city of Long Beach, CA that culminated as Chief Innovation Officer
• Developing the "inside-outside strategy" for community engagement and building trust
• Starting as a first-generation college student pursuing psychology before discovering social work
• Balancing single parenthood while earning a master's degree at UCLA on full scholarship
• Teaching as a university lecturer for 14 years to stay at the cutting edge of public policy
• Taking the leap to pursue a doctorate at USC while running her consulting business
• Implementing personal productivity hacks like scheduling meetings with yourself and using the Eisenhower matrix
• Discovering that government jobs offer excellent compensation, from entry-level ($65-85K) to leadership positions ($300-400K)

If you have a dream in your heart, go for it. It might be scary, but when you follow those dreams, doors will open that you never knew were possible.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Erika Williams, Managing Partner of The Alberio Group, shares her non-linear career journey from temp worker to philanthropy executive to social impact consultant, revealing how embracing flexibility and recognizing "divine order" creates fulfilling opportunities.

• Started career through a temp agency that placed her at Morgan Stanley's investment banking division
• Strategically navigated from admin roles to the Morgan Stanley Foundation by networking internally
• Used employer tuition benefits to earn a graduate degree debt-free from the New School
• Created consulting practice as a career foundation, allowing flexibility to take interesting opportunities
• Maintained artistic expression throughout professional life after attending LaGuardia High School
• Recommends approaching temp agencies as "career ambassadors" to explore different fields
• Emphasizes knowing your worth and asking for fair compensation, especially in consulting
• Advises entrepreneurs to determine their endgame—whether building to sell or for satisfaction
• Suggests consulting allows for freedom to pursue diverse projects while maintaining independence
• Encourages maintaining all passions rather than "deciding" to cut them off

Never let go of your interests and passions. It's all part of you, so honor that, honor the journey, honor the things that you love, and always leave space for them. As soon as you cut something off, you are limiting yourself for what might be possible.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Hernán Carvente Martinez shares his extraordinary journey from juvenile incarceration to becoming Executive Director of Alianza for Opportunity, a national nonprofit dedicated to building thriving communities for Latino, Afro-Latino, and Indigenous groups. His powerful story reveals how one mentor's belief transformed his life trajectory and instilled in him the courage to never give up despite overwhelming challenges.

• Spent four years in juvenile prison at age 16 for attempted murder before finding transformation through a college program
• Met mentor James McCain who challenged him to develop writing skills, public speaking abilities, and see a future beyond his past
• Transformed after three "quits" when his mentor gave him tough conditions to return, teaching him persistence and accountability
• Graduated with 57 college credits while incarcerated but faced significant barriers in employment and education after release
• Became an advocate for juvenile justice reform through sharing his story at policy forums and national platforms
• Now leads Alianza for Opportunity with a focus on empowering emerging Latino leaders ages 18-25
• Embraces his Chicano identity to ensure Latino communities are represented in conversations that affect them
• Continues professional development through fellowships with organizations like Just Leadership USA and Forward Promise
• Survived mental health struggles to become an advocate for wellness and self-care while doing justice work
• Builds community connections as his form of "capital" to create meaningful impact for the next generation

Connect with Alianza for Opportunity on social media platforms @AlianzaForOpportunity or visit www.alianzaforopportunity.org to learn more about their work. Email [email protected] to connect directly with the team.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Gregg Bishop's journey from tech dropout to Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund showcases how non-linear career paths can lead to meaningful impact work through resilience, relationship-building, and recognizing opportunity.

• Working with Clara Wu Tsai to invest $50 million in Brooklyn focusing on economic mobility, racial justice, and the arts
• Providing capital access to businesses in underserved communities through initiatives like Revitalize Brooklyn
• Partnering with financial institutions to deploy capital strategically based on impact, scalability, and sustainability
• Leveraging networks and relationships to advance career opportunities - "You want people to talk about you positively in rooms you're not in"
• Dropping out of college with a 1.9 GPA before building a successful tech career earning $125K by age 25
• Returning to school at Florida A&M University at age 27 after facing unemployment and career ceiling
• Using connections to transition from radio work to NYC government, eventually becoming Commissioner
• Approaching the Mayor directly about a Commissioner position and following up with a 3AM email
• Creating workforce centers in underserved communities and loan programs that supported predominantly Black women entrepreneurs
• Building a diverse city team that addressed economic mobility for underrepresented communities
• Living with renewed purpose after surviving two blood clots and learning to seize every day

You can learn more about the Social Justice Fund at bksjf.org or connect with Gregg at greggbishop.nyc.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Entrepreneurship becomes truly fulfilling when it transforms lives and creates opportunities for underserved communities around the world. Liderman Duin, the founder of Toucan Talent shares his journey of building a global tech academy that identifies talented individuals and equips them with skills for successful careers in technology.

• Building a mission-driven business that spans 11 countries and helps underserved communities
• Finding purpose during the pandemic by pivoting from healthcare software to global tech education
• Creating life-changing opportunities that allow team members to purchase homes and provide better education for their children
• Navigating the immigrant experience, from Venezuela to Kansas City, Italy, and Brazil
• Partnering with state governments and universities to develop apprenticeship programs and certifications
• Preparing the workforce for future jobs in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing
• Finding personal fulfillment through helping others achieve their potential

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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In this inspiring episode, Dr. Amilcar Guzman shares his powerful journey as a first-generation Dominican-American who broke traditional career expectations to build a life rooted in purpose, financial stability, and impact. From turning down Ivy League schools for better value to juggling full-time work and a PhD, Dr. Guzman walks us through how he designed a career across philanthropy, academia, and consulting—all while staying true to his values.

We explore:

• His work supporting early childhood systems as a Program Officer at the Pritzker Children’s Initiative
• Teaching future educators as an adjunct professor at American University
• Launching a consulting firm focused on advancing Latino leadership
• Navigating salary realities: philanthropy ($100K–$200K), adjunct teaching ($3K–$12K/course), and consulting ($100–$200/hr)
• Choosing the right graduate school for your needs, not just the brand name
• How transformative fellowships and mentors helped him conquer imposter syndrome
• His favorite tools for personal growth, including podcasts, books, and meditation apps

Dr. Guzman’s story is a masterclass in designing a career that honors your identity, builds multiple income streams, and makes space for impact. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why not me?”—this episode is for you.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Yanira Amadeo, Executive Director of Development at the University of Connecticut Foundation, shares her journey from administrative assistant to philanthropic leader raising millions for student opportunities and university initiatives.

• Transitioned from psychology and social work to higher education development after realizing her passion for fundraising
• Leveraged her position at Columbia University to earn a nonprofit management degree while working her way up from administrative coordinator
• Describes development work as "bridging generosity and justice" by connecting donors with university priorities
• Currently pursuing a PhD focusing on alumni philanthropists of color at Hispanic-serving institutions
• Advocates for strength-based research approaches versus deficit perspectives when studying communities of color
• Higher education development offers competitive salaries with assistant directors earning $70K-90K and vice presidents potentially earning up to $500K
• Emphasizes the importance of building relationships and reputation rather than just credentials
• Shares that less than 2% of PhD holders are people of color, encouraging more diversity in advanced education

If you're interested in the intersection of impact and career growth, check out more episodes of Career Cheat Code on your favorite podcast platform.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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Roland Kennedy Jr. and Fauzi Talabi candidly share their non-traditional paths into philanthropy, revealing insider perspectives on grants management, program development, and creating impact from both large and small foundations. They discuss how their backgrounds in government and direct service work provided valuable skills while exploring the unique challenges and rewards of moving philanthropic capital as Black men in a historically exclusive field.

• Different pathways into philanthropy careers and why experience in other sectors is valuable
• The day-to-day reality of grants management and program roles at foundations
• How foundations value direct service experience when making hiring decisions
• The importance of maintaining community connections while working in philanthropy
• Salary differences between nonprofit and foundation roles (often 40% higher in philanthropy)
• Strategic networking tips, including Fauzi's unique success using golf as a connection point
• Finding and building relationships with mentors who understand your career ambitions
• The value of bringing your authentic self and perspectives to philanthropy
• How to research foundation salaries using resources like Candid and 990 tax forms
• The importance of negotiation when accepting foundation positions

Disclaimer:
The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed on Career Cheat Code are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, affiliated organizations & employers. This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes, highlighting the guests and their unique career journeys. We hope these stories inspire you to chase your purpose, define success on your own terms & take the next step in your career.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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In this episode, Jeffrey Martinez, head of branch banking at PNC Bank, shares his remarkable journey from a bank teller to an executive leader within one of America's largest retail banks. Jeff highlights the vital role his immigrant upbringing and family values have played in shaping his aspirations and decisions throughout his career. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced in making the leap from JPMorgan Chase to PNC, emphasizing the courage it takes to embrace change and pursue growth.

• The importance of stability in career decisions 
• Embracing risks and the power of curiosity 
• Fostering a culture of trust and empathy in leadership 
• The role of financial wellness in community upliftment 
• Personal stories of growth accelerating career progression 
• Navigating the complexities of corporate transitions 
• Empowering employees to uplift clients and communities 
• The focus on continual learning and development 
• The importance of mentorship and giving back 
• Reflection on the American Dream and its broader implications 

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform, and share with your network!

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode. 
Host - Radhy Miranda 
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