DVC Alumni: Where Every Story Inspires the Next!

Finding Success in Unexpected Career Paths with Tiffany Rhoe

Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Rhoe, who shares her remarkable journey from aspiring nurse to a successful career in staffing. Tiffany reflects on the challenges and realizations that led her to pivot from the medical field to staffing, highlighting the impactful moments and personal growth along the way. Learn about the importance of networking, the power of LinkedIn, and the persistence required to navigate career changes. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career shift, Tiffany's story offers valuable insights and motivation.

Episode #27: Takeshi Kawata’s Quest: From Education to Esports Enthusiast

Send us a textJoin us for an insightful conversation with Takeshi Kawata, a passionate esports enthusiast and former DVC student, as he recounts his educational journey and his rise in the gaming world. From his roots in San Ramon and homeschooling days to becoming one of America's top 500 Heroes of the Storm players, Takeshi's story is one of resilience and determination. His transition from Diablo Valley College during the pandemic to UC Davis is filled with strategic decision-making, emotional college admissions moments, and a pivot towards a communications focus inspired by a pivotal journalism class.Takeshi opens up about his experiences navigating the uncertainties of college admissions, including the emotional highs and lows of being waitlisted by UCLA, and the role esports played in his life as a refuge from academic pressures. He shares how the inclusive nature of esports provided a community where he could thrive, even without traditional athletic prowess. Through his involvement at UC Davis, Takeshi illustrates how esports clubs foster a strong sense of belonging and competition, despite the challenges of limited funding in this burgeoning field.As we wrap up the episode, Takeshi delves into his career aspirations within the esports industry, from coaching and management to broadcasting and teaching. His passion for games like League of Legends and Valorant fuels his ambition to work with industry giants like Riot Games. Additionally, he reflects on the importance of networking and self-promotion in an industry that's still defining itself. Tune in to hear Takeshi's unique perspective on esports and discover how you can connect with him online as TKStarStorm. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #29 From France to Belgium to Berkeley: A Legal Aspirant’s Story

Send us a textJoin us as we uncover the incredible story of Mansour, an ambitious international student navigating his journey from the borders of France and Belgium to the prestigious halls of UC Berkeley. Mansour's narrative is rich with cultural intricacies and personal challenges that shaped his desire to pursue a career in law. Discover how he overcame language barriers, adapted to a new educational system, and found his calling for social justice through unwavering familial support, resilience, and determination.In this episode, Mansour shares moving anecdotes about his family's sacrifices and the lessons he's learned about hard work and advocacy. He speaks candidly about his early experiences at Diablo Valley College and the sense of isolation he felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how these moments drove him to become a student ambassador and engaged community member. As he currently works with the Oakland City Attorney’s Office, Mansour outlines his aspirations to become a judge, emphasizing the important role legal professionals can play in advocating for marginalized communities.Tune in to be inspired by Mansour's journey and hear how he passionately strives to create positive change in the world around him. His story serves as a poignant reminder that with perseverance, determination, and a vision for justice, anything is possible. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to support more narratives like Mansour's!If you'd like to connect with Mansour find him on LinkedIn  Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode # 28: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Job Market Challenges: Estie Briggs on Emotional Intelligence and Career Growth

Send us a textEstie Briggs, our esteemed guest and emotional intelligence coach, shares her invaluable insights into conquering imposter syndrome, especially in high-pressure environments like the construction industry. Ever wondered how to navigate the emotional turbulence of job searching or how to build confidence in your professional life? Estie’s journey, sparked by a self-assessment during her organizational development studies, led her to specialize in helping individuals overcome these very challenges. Her upcoming workshop promises strategies to combat imposter syndrome, focusing on stepping out of comfort zones and the critical, albeit uncomfortable, art of networking.Job hunting can be an emotional rollercoaster, but maintaining self-assurance and perspective is key. As we explore this terrain, we underscore the importance of recognizing your own value and determining whether a company truly merits your skills. Personal stories highlight the significance of experience in identifying mismatches and the necessity of a good fit with potential employers. Estee encourages listeners to approach career transitions with optimism, weighing self-belief against realistic expectations, and taking inspiration from the idea that understanding your worth is as essential as finding the right role.For those contemplating a career change, Estie provides practical advice on identifying transferable skills and the concept of job crafting. Drawing from Amy Wrzesniewski’s work, she emphasizes mastery, autonomy, and purpose as fundamental to job satisfaction. We also recommend tools like the Designing Your Life workbook to help you uncover tasks that energize or drain you, enabling you to pursue your true passions. Discover how to stay informed and connected with upcoming events through Estee’s website, ensuring you have the resources needed for navigating imposter syndrome, job searching, and career transitions successfully.Here's a coupon code that gives DVC alumni (and students) 100% off - this is just for DVC peeps.https://briggsperformanceconsulting.thrivecart.com/overcoming-imposter-syndrome/?coupon=FANDF100Here's a link you can share with all the other people. :) This one has 20% off. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #26: From Law Enforcement to Corporate Success: Julianna Verde’s Inspiring Transition and Educational Impact

Send us a textDiscover the incredible journey of Julianna Verde, a dynamic professional who seamlessly juggles teaching managerial accounting at Diablo Valley College with a remote role at Sony PlayStation. Julianna's story is one of transformation, from her initial pursuit of a medical career to finding her true passion in business. Her path led her through a series of educational institutions, culminating in a successful career at Leapfrog. But what does it take to transition from a structured law enforcement environment to the fast-paced corporate world?Get ready to be inspired as Julianna shares her experiences navigating the corporate ladder at Sony, where she transitioned from law enforcement to sales operations. With the encouragement of a supportive mentor, she returned to Diablo Valley College for further education, ultimately earning her master’s degree. Julianna's dedication to learning and education shines through as she reflects on the impactful professors who inspired her to teach, revealing the profound influence of education on her career trajectory.Embark on a journey across Latin America with Julianna as she manages supply chains and embraces cultural encounters. From language barriers to amusing anecdotes, her adaptability and resilience in international business stand out. Inspired by her partner and the vibrant Diablo Valley College community, Julianna embraced teaching amidst industry uncertainties. Her story underscores the transformative power of education, leaving listeners encouraged by her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #25: Tiffany Rhoe on Overcoming Setbacks and Finding New Paths

Send us a textTiffany Rhoe's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. After pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, Tiffany faced emotional challenges in healthcare settings that prompted a critical reevaluation of her career path. From working at a dialysis center to a cancer center, the personal toll of patient loss led her to question her passion for the medical field. Tiffany’s story offers a raw and honest look into the unforeseen challenges in healthcare and the tough decisions about balancing passion and personal well-being.Transitioning from healthcare to the world of staffing and recruitment, Tiffany's career took unexpected turns. With pivotal roles at companies like Express and Volt, she navigated the intricacies of labor laws and office management across multiple states while balancing family life. Her move to Starbucks, driven by a deep appreciation for the brand, ended abruptly with a layoff, sending her back to the drawing board to once again rethink her career direction. This narrative is a compelling exploration of the resilience needed to navigate career transitions and setbacks.In the final chapter, we explore Tiffany’s insights into job searching and personal branding. She shares strategic tips on leveraging LinkedIn, from the importance of an updated profile to meaningful networking. Her advice extends to job seekers, emphasizing persistence and the necessity of understanding the recruiter's perspective. Tiffany highlights the invaluable support of career resources, such as those offered by Diablo Valley College, to enhance job prospects. Join us for an enlightening discussion that is packed with practical advice and personal stories sure to resonate with anyone navigating their career journey. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #23: From CNC Machining to Ice Sculptures: Darrell Foote’s Journey of Creativity and Innovation

Send us a textWhat if your engineering skills could sculpt not just machines, but ice? Join our conversation with Darrell Foote, a remarkable individual whose journey from growing up in Warnock Creek to becoming a production manager is anything but ordinary. Discover how Darrell transitioned from mastering CNC machining at Diablo Valley College to applying those skills in the art of ice sculpture, exemplifying the unexpected ways creativity and technical expertise can intersect. His story celebrates the influence of community colleges like DVC in nurturing diverse career paths that challenge the traditional expectations of success.As we navigate through Darrell’s diverse career, we uncover how an inspirational public speaking teacher, Paul Phelan, helped transform academic struggles into a platform for growth in both personal and professional spaces. From engaging in speech and debate to navigating roles in the restaurant industry and community advisory panels, Darrell’s experiences highlight the power of effective communication in bridging gaps between technical experts and the wider community. Personal anecdotes, such as meeting his spouse through dance classes, weave seamlessly into this narrative, showcasing the serendipitous nature of life’s journey and the unexpected opportunities that arise from connections made along the way.From semiconductor innovations to refinery operations, Darrell’s story also touches on the intricate challenges faced in technologically advanced sectors. We explore the significance of modern techniques like the Bosch process in semiconductor manufacturing and the vital role of community engagement in ensuring safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. This episode underscores the importance of fostering open dialogue and collaboration, especially in light of new leadership like District Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, and highlights the value of platforms like podcasts in creating spaces for meaningful conversations and community growth. Reach out to Darrell here. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Unveiling Hidden Histories: Daniel James Brown on Rowing Legends and WWII Narratives

Send us a textEsteemed author Daniel James Brown joins us for an unforgettable exploration of history through the lens of personal narratives and sportsmanship. We traverse the politically charged atmosphere of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where nine young men from the University of Washington defied immense odds to clinch Olympic gold in rowing. Daniel offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these remarkable tales were woven into his acclaimed book, "The Boys in the Boat," sharing insights from his serendipitous encounter with Joe Rantz, a key figure in this historic triumph.Our conversation journeys beyond the race, uncovering the resilience of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. From Joe's personal story of perseverance to the broader implications of storytelling in understanding humility and grace, we touch on the hidden narratives of Japanese-American soldiers during World War II. Daniel introduces his latest work, "Facing the Mountain," which highlights these untold contributions, while offering a poignant reflection on how stories can reshape our understanding of history and the human spirit.Throughout the episode, we also explore the creative process behind adapting such narratives for film and the personal journey of transitioning from sports to a passion for narrative nonfiction writing. With stories that span from the bustling 1930s Seattle to the war-torn landscapes of Europe, this episode promises to leave listeners with a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling and the indomitable spirit of those who came before us. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #24: From Childhood Dreams to Coffee Dreams with Kiara De Groen

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #22: Navigating Life’s Paths with James Williams III

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.