From Failure to Launch

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...

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...

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...

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 epis...

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 in...

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 beyon...

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.