- 16
- Episodes
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Tech Pathways: Stories Behind the Screens
Ever wonder how people dominate tech or shape the future of policy? Tech Pathways: Stories Behind the Screens brings you straight into the action with unfiltered conversations from the trailblazers making it happen. From navigating first jobs to building groundbreaking careers, these stories are your guide to carving out your own path in tech, policy and beyond. This isn’t just another podcast—it’s your backstage pass to the world you’re ready to own. Hosted by: Jose Gaona Produced by: Andres Fierro Morales & Lucas Roque Thank you for listening, for more information about ZETA visit www.connectZETA.org.
- Publisher
- ZETA
- Category
- business · technology
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 5 Sept 2025
- Latest episode
- 16 Sept 2026
Latest episodes
16 episodes in the feed.
16 Sept 2026
Nagela Nukuna: AI Strategist & Former White House Advisor – Google, Netflix, Tech Policy, Education
Nagela Nukuna is a technology strategist and public-sector leader whose career spans Google, Netflix, the White House, and AI governance — all centered on using technology to solve real-world problems and expand opportunity. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org) Today we’re joined by Nagela Nukuna — a technology and strategy leader whose career has taken her from some of the world’s largest technology companies to the highest levels of the federal government and, today, the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and education. The daughter of Cameroonian immigrants, Nagela grew up as the world was making its transition from analog to digital. That experience helped spark an early interest in technology and its ability to reshape how people live, work, and access opportunity. She went on to develop her engineering, business, and public policy expertise across Georgia Tech, MIT, and the Harvard Kennedy School. Her career has been just as wide-ranging. After working in the private sector at companies including Google and Netflix, Nagela transitioned into public service, eventually joining the U.S. Digital Service and serving as Senior Advisor for Technology and Delivery on the White House Domestic Policy Council. Today, Nagela is bringing those experiences into the education space at The College Board, where her work focuses on Generative AI business strategy and navigating the responsible adoption of emerging technology. In this episode, Nagela shares how her upbringing shaped her perspective on technology and opportunity, what she learned moving between the private and public sectors, the realities of implementing technology at the federal level, and how AI could transform education for the next generation. 📲 Connect With Nagela: 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nagelanukuna/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nagelanukuna/) Find ZETA: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectZETA (https://www.instagram.com/connectZETA) 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectZETA (https://www.tiktok.com/@connectZETA) 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/) 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA (https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connectzeta (https://www.linkedin.com/company/connectzeta) 🕓 Timestamps 0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek 0:29 🎧 Music Intro 0:36 👋 Meet Nagela Nukuna 3:00 🌍 Cameroonian Roots & Growing Up First-Generation 7:11 💻 Growing Up Through the Analog-to-Digital Revolution 13:31 🎓 Georgia Tech, Student Leadership & Public Policy 20:43 🏢 Google, Netflix & Lessons Across Public and Private Sectors 26:57 🏛️ Breaking Into Public Policy & the Delaware Governor’s Office 30:41 🇺🇸 Inside the White House & Federal Tech Policy 42:21 🤖 College Board, AI & the Future of Education 46:29 ⚡ Responsible AI: Risks, Infrastructure & What Comes Next 52:06 ⚖️ Tackling Bias in Artificial Intelligence 59:12 💬 Final Thoughts & Advice
5 Jun 2026
Adrian Tovalin: AI Strategist & Community Builder – Startups, World Travel, Building in Tech
Adrian Tovalin is a startup strategist, community builder, and growth operator whose career spans consulting, global development, venture-backed startups, and the fast-evolving world of AI — all driven by a belief that opportunity comes from showing up, taking risks, and building meaningful connections. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org) Today we’re joined by Adrian Tovalin — strategist at Luma AI and founder of DC Tech Parties, a startup community that grew from small gatherings of founders and builders into one of D.C.’s most recognizable tech networking communities. From growing up in California’s Santa Ynez Valley helping run his family’s Mexican restaurant, to working at Accenture, the World Bank, and startups across India, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Washington D.C., Adrian’s journey is one of curiosity, adaptability, and learning by jumping into unfamiliar environments. After years working across consulting, startups, and venture-backed companies, Adrian realized something was missing: community. What started as informal founder meetups eventually became DC Tech Parties — bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives around the D.C. tech ecosystem. Today, Adrian works at Luma AI, helping shape strategy and operations at the frontier of video AI and creative technology. In this episode, Adrian shares how his upbringing shaped his work ethic, why he transitioned from consulting into global startup ecosystems, what traveling and living abroad taught him, and how building community became just as important as building a career. ----------------------- 📲 Connect With Adrian 🌐 Luma AI: https://lumalabs.ai/ (https://lumalabs.ai/) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantovalin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantovalin/) ----------------------- Find ZETA: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta (https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta) 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta (https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta) 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/) 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA (https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/) ----------------------- 🕓 Timestamps 0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek 0:23 🎧 Intro 0:29 👋 Meet Adrian Tovalin 3:56 🌮 Family Restaurant Roots & Growing Up in Santa Ynez Valley 12:22 🎓 UC Berkeley, Work Ethic & Academic Success 18:46 💼 Breaking Into Consulting & Corporate Life 23:46 🌎 First-Generation Success, Burnout & Finding Purpose 32:20 ✈️ Living in India, Global Travel & Culture Shock 45:53 🤝 DC Tech Parties & Building Startup Communities 54:29 🤖 Working in AI at Luma AI & The Future of Video AI 1:04:14 🔚 Final Advice & Outro
7 May 2026
Joe Hollier: CEO of The Light Phone – Digital Wellness, Skateboarding, Art School, & Rethinking Tech
Joe Hollier is an artist, designer, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of technology, creativity, and digital wellness — all driven by a belief that the best technology should help people live more intentionally, not consume more of their attention. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org) Today we’re joined by Joe Hollier — co-founder of Light, the company behind the Light Phone, a device designed to offer an alternative to today’s always-connected smartphone culture. From growing up between suburban New Jersey and the rural South to immersing himself in skateboarding, art, and design culture, Joe’s journey has always been shaped by curiosity, creativity, and questioning the status quo. After studying design at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Joe worked across film, animation, fine art, and freelance creative work before joining Google’s experimental incubator program, 30 Weeks. There, he gained firsthand insight into how modern apps and platforms are designed to maximize attention and retention — an experience that ultimately became the foundation for the Light Phone. What started as an artistic and philosophical challenge to smartphone culture has since grown into a movement within the digital wellness space, with over 100,000 Light Phones helping people rethink their relationship with technology. In this episode, Joe shares how skateboarding shaped his creative mindset, how art school expanded his worldview, why he became skeptical of “attention economy” tech, and what it means to design products that give people their time back. 📲 Connect With Joe / Light: 🌐 Light: https://www.thelightphone.com/ (https://www.thelightphone.com/) 👔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joehollier/ (https://www.instagram.com/joehollier/) Find ZETA: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta (https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta) 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta (https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta) 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/) 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA (https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/) 🕓 Timestamps 0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek 0:28 🎧 Music Intro 0:35 👋 Meet Joe Hollier 4:50 🌎 Growing Up Between NYC & The Rural South 14:17 🛹 Skateboarding, Creativity & Early Entrepreneurship 23:13 🎨 Art School in NYC & Expanding His Worldview 33:24 🎥 Early Creative Work & Freelancing 37:25 📱 Google’s Incubator & Rethinking Tech Culture 43:14 💡 The Origins of the Light Phone 59:47 ⏭️ The Future of The Light Phone 1:05:30 🌱 Digital Wellness & Healthy Relationships with Technology 1:17:36 🔚 Outro
23 Apr 2026
Robbie Douek: CEO of BLAST – Google, Disney, Gaming, Building the Future of Entertainment
Robbie Douek is a global entertainment executive and CEO whose career spans Google, Disney, and the rapidly growing world of esports — all driven by a belief in building where the future is unfolding. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org) Today we’re joined by Robbie Douek — CEO of BLAST, a global competitive entertainment company shaping the future of gaming, esports, and live digital experiences. From a multicultural upbringing to leading teams across continents, Robbie’s journey is defined by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to take bold leaps into emerging industries. His career has taken him from early work in mobile technology to Google through the AdMob acquisition, into the creator economy at Maker Studios and Disney, and now to the forefront of esports. At BLAST, Robbie leads a global organization delivering world-class competitive gaming experiences across titles like Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2, and Rocket League—working with major publishers and building fan-first moments for a new generation of digital audiences. In this episode, Robbie shares how early life experiences shaped his leadership, what it means to “go where things are changing,” and how he’s helping redefine entertainment in the age of Gen Z. 📲 Connect With Robbie / BLAST: 🌐 BLAST: https://blast.tv (https://blast.tv) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiedouek/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiedouek/) Find ZETA: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta (https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta) 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta (https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta) 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/) 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA (https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/) 🕓 Timestamps 0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek 0:27 🎧 Intro 0:34 👋 Meet Robbie Douek 2:18 🌍 Multicultural Upbringing & Global Mindset 8:22 🧠 Loss, Resilience & Early Motivation 12:54 🎓 From French & Politics → Tech Career 15:52 🔮 Spotting Trends, Taking Risks & Big Opportunities 21:50 🏢 Google & Disney (Big Tech Experience) 26:55 🎮 Pivot to Esports & Gaming Industry 30:01 🚀 Building a Global Esports Company (BLAST) 33:35 🌐 The Future of Esports & Entertainment 36:08 👨👧👦 Parenting, Gen Z & Digital Culture 44:10 💬 Advice for Gen Z & Future Entrepreneurs 46:52 🔚 Outro
9 Apr 2026
Parker Tracey: Leadership Coach & Policy Leader – Capitol Hill, Breaking Into Tech, Career Pivots
Parker Tracey is a leadership coach, policy professional, and former tech operator whose career spans Capitol Hill, the energy sector, and the startup world — all centered on helping people navigate transitions, advocate for themselves, and unlock new opportunities. Parker's Career Development Resource Kit: https://parker-tracey-coaching.kit.com/zeta (https://parker-tracey-coaching.kit.com/zeta) Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org) Today we’re joined by Parker Tracey — an executive leadership coach, strategist, and former Capitol Hill staffer who has spent nearly two decades working across Congress, energy policy, and tech. From her roots in suburban Detroit to working on Capitol Hill and later breaking into tech with zero industry connections, Parker’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and self-advocacy. Along the way, she’s worked across public service and industry, gaining firsthand experience in how policy, business, and leadership intersect in the real world. Today, Parker works as a Professional Certified Coach, supporting high performers, from policymakers to athletes, through career transitions, leadership challenges, and moments of uncertainty. In this episode, Parker shares how her early experiences shaped her perspective on access and opportunity, what it took to navigate bias and financial hardship in competitive environments, and how she ultimately built a career on her own terms. 🔔 Don’t forget to: Subscribe for more conversations with leaders across tech and policy 📲 Connect With Parker: 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkertracey/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkertracey/) Find ZETA: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta (https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta) 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta (https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta) 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/) 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA (https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/) 🕓 Timestamps 0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek 0:24 🎧 Intro 0:30 👋 Meet Parker Tracey 3:58 🌆 Detroit Roots & Early Ambitions 15:58 🏥 Growing Up Without Healthcare Access 21:32 🏛️ From Working Class to Capitol Hill 28:52 🏈 D1 Athlete Journey & Career Pivot 40:54 🧭 From Policy to Leadership Coaching 47:13 🤝 Male Loneliness & Building Community 55:28 ⚖️ Facing Bias & Leading Through It 1:06:29 ⚡ Energy, Tech & Policy Work 1:14:23 🗣️ Leading When You’re Told You Don’t Belong 1:25:28 🌱 Coaching the Next Generation 1:38:35 🎬 Outro
26 Mar 2026
April Watkins: Marketing Strategist & Founder – Google, YouTube, Web3, Brand Partnerships, $1M Deals
April Watkins is a partnerships builder, entrepreneur, and marketing strategist whose career spans startups, Big Tech, and Web3 — all centered on helping brands grow, connect, and tell their story with impact. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org) Today we’re joined by April Watkins — founder of SocialSway LLC and a trusted advisor to leading Web3 organizations, where she helps companies navigate growth, partnerships, and brand strategy. Often called “the brand whisperer,” April has worked with global brands like Coinbase, Walmart, Dropbox, and Uber — building campaigns, closing $1M+ deals, and redefining what it means to drive partnerships at scale. From her roots in a close-knit Boston family to her journey through the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Google, and YouTube, April’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and embracing non-linear paths in tech. Along the way, she’s also launched her own product, BookedBag, and continues to build at the intersection of marketing, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology. In this episode, April shares how her upbringing, early career pivots, and experiences in high-growth environments shaped her approach to leadership — and how she’s building her own lane in the evolving world of tech and Web3. We also explore: 🌎 How April’s Boston upbringing and family shaped her mindset 📚 Finding confidence through sports, books, and early curiosity 🔄 Pivoting from finance to marketing — and embracing change early 💼 Closing $1M+ deals and redefining account management in Atlanta 🚀 Lessons from Google & YouTube working with global brands and creators 📦 Launching BookedBag and balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time career 🤝 Becoming the “brand whisperer” and building trust with organizations 🌐 Transitioning into Web3 and founding SocialSway 💬 April’s advice for Gen Z navigating pivots and building careers in tech Connect With April: 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilswatkins/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilswatkins/) Find ZETA: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta (https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta) 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta (https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta) 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/) 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA (https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA) 👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/) 🕓 Timestamps 0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek 0:31 🎧 Music Intro 0:37 👋 Meet April Watkins 2:53 🌆 Boston Roots & Family Influence 5:01 📚 Books, Sports & Navigating Sibling Relationships 11:52 🔄 Pivoting from Finance to Marketing 21:23 💼 Working Through College 32:41 💼 Atlanta Journey & First $1M+ Deal 45:15 📦 Building BookedBag (Entrepreneurship Begins) 51:24 🚀 Google & YouTube Experience 1:01:44 🤝 Working with Brands & Creators at Scale 1:08:18 🌐 Entering Web3 & Founding SocialSway 1:15:57 💬 Advice for Gen Z in Tech 1:19:03 🔚 Outro
5 Sept 2025
Kenley Joseph: Tech & Telecom Policy Leader – Haitian Roots, Big Law, AI & Digital Access
Kenley Joseph is a telecommunications and media attorney whose career bridges Big Law, public service, and nonprofit advocacy — all in the name of building a more equitable digital future. Today we’re joined by Kenley Joseph — Tech and Telecom Policy Counsel at the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC), where he works to advance fair and inclusive access to broadband, spectrum, and emerging technologies. From his roots in South Florida as the son of Haitian immigrants to his work advising Fortune 500 clients and shaping national tech policy, Kenley’s journey is one of perseverance, adaptability, and purpose. Along the way, he’s led high-impact pro bono cases, mentored future policy leaders, and brought a human-centered perspective to some of today’s most pressing digital equity challenges. In this episode, Kenley shares how his upbringing, education in psychology and philosophy, and legal career informed his approach to advocacy — and why expanding digital access is critical in the age of AI. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Pher Ellis: Artist & Experience Designer - Texas Roots, The Whoa Studio, Music as Storytelling
Pher Ellis—known to many as Pher the Legend—is an event production expert, multidisciplinary artist, and creative futurist helping redefine what it means to blend technology with personal expression. Today we’re joined by Pher Ellis — a boundary-pushing creative based in the Bay Area whose journey has taken him from jazz-filled roots in Texas to his current role as an Event Manager at Stanford’s d.School (http://d.School). Known for his ability to merge artistic storytelling with immersive event design, Pher is showing a new generation that professional growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of creative authenticity. In this episode, Pher shares how music, migration, and the pandemic shaped his approach to creative production and futurism. We also dive into his work with The Whoa Studio, insights from Stanford, and advice for Gen Z professionals hoping to align purpose with passion. 🎧 Spoiler: You don’t have to separate the “artistic you” from the “professional you.” Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Nick Plante: Gen Z Tech Organizer – Social Media, Attention Activism, Digital Rights, and Unplugging
Nick Plante is a digital wellness advocate, Gen Z organizer, and leader in the fight for young people's rights in the digital age. Today we’re joined by Nick Plante — Organizing Director at Design It For Us, a coalition dedicated to advocating for responsible tech that protects the rights of young people in the digital space. Nick’s journey began with a deep reflection on his personal relationship with tech, especially social media, which led him to study behavior change at Penn. From founding responsible tech startups to consulting for tech ethics organizations, Nick’s mission is to ensure technology serves society and respects our mental health and well-being. In this episode, Nick shares his journey from researching social media use to organizing for tech accountability, as well as his work with the Strother School of Attention, where he experiments with methods of collective action aimed at protecting attention and promoting digital wellness. 🎧 Spoiler: Sometimes the most radical action you can take is to unplug. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Tanya Keskar: Nonprofit Founder – Joyful Leadership, Youth Power, Building Realize to Act
Tanya Keskar is a youth funder, nonprofit founder, and Gen Z organizer proving that joy, strategy, and radical care are power moves. Today we’re joined by Tanya Keskar — a student, founder, and full-time change-maker whose story is anything but ordinary. At just 12 years old, Tanya founded Realize to Act, a nonprofit that started with balloon animals and backpacks — and has grown into a powerful youth-led movement driving equity in education Since launching Realize to Act, Tanya has empowered thousands of students to step into leadership, launched new programs that blend grassroots action with tech advocacy, and built partnerships that reflect the heart of her mission: when young people feel valued, they lead boldly. In this episode, Tanya opens up about what it’s really like to lead from a young age, how joy became a core leadership strategy, and why Gen Z’s approach to power, care, and collaboration is reshaping the way movements get built. We dive into grassroots vs. government work, the surprising lessons of mentorship, and the moments that tested her leadership the most. Whether you’re building something big or just beginning, Tanya’s story is a masterclass in starting where you are and staying rooted in your why. 🎧 Spoiler: Balloon animals can spark movements. Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Lisa Francoeur: Web3 Leader & Futurist – Crypto Innovation, Mindset Shifts, Disrupting Tech Access
Lisa Francoeur is a web3 trailblazer, mindset engineer, and poetic technologist proving that revolution can start with a mindset—and scale with the blockchain. Today we’re joined by Lisa Francoeur, a Haitian-American technologist ranked among the Top 50 Most Influential People in Crypto. Known as the “Oprah of Tech,” Lisa is reshaping what leadership looks like in web3, AI, and beyond—bringing authenticity, artistry, and access to the forefront of the future. Lisa co-founded Crypto Tutors, a National Science Foundation-award-winning edtech company making blockchain education accessible. She’s also the founder of Fancyfied, a mindset engineering lab empowering teams at companies like Meta, Salesforce, and Microsoft through her signature “Authentic Intelligence™” framework. In this episode, Lisa shares how her entrepreneurial journey spans from LinkedIn to launching a 7-figure startup with no external funding, why mindset is the real unlock in tech, and how Gen Z can shape the next internet on their own terms. If you’ve ever felt like your background isn’t “tech enough,” Lisa’s story will change your mind—and your mindset. Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Margaret Wang: Climate Educator & Nonprofit Leader – Teaching, Global Impact, Building Tech for Good
Margaret Wang-Aghania is a climate educator, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader proving that you can build tech for good—without chasing the spotlight. Today we’re joined by Margaret Wang-Aghania, whose work sits at the intersection of climate action, education, and tech-enabled systems change. She’s the co-founder of SubjectToClimate, a B-corp founder, a curriculum innovator, and somehow also an Ironman athlete. In this episode, we dive into Margaret’s lifelong love of teaching, her global work empowering youth in Africa through Novustack, and the bold decision to build a tech-forward climate education platform from scratch. She shares what it takes to scale a mission-driven org, why Gen Z’s creativity is essential to tackling climate, and how endurance sports fuel her approach to leadership. Whether you’re a young person wondering how to start a purpose-driven career—or a seasoned professional looking to pivot—Margaret’s story offers hard-earned wisdom, honesty, and inspiration. Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Kyla Kasharian: Philanthropy & Tech Policy Leader – Model UN, Global Leadership, Breaking Into Tech
Kyla Kasharian is a philanthropic strategist and tech policy advocate proving that you don’t need a tech degree to shape the future of innovation. Today we’re joined by Kyla Kasharian, whose path into tech didn’t start with coding—it started with Model UN debates, international travel, and a passion for people-powered change. Now leading initiatives at Siegel Family Endowment, Kyla is working to ensure that philanthropy fuels innovation that serves society—not just the market. Her journey is a powerful reminder that some of the most influential voices in tech come from outside traditional pipelines. In this episode, we dive into her pivot from diplomacy to tech philanthropy, what it means to shift power (not just resources), and why Gen Z’s leadership is crucial for the future of tech. Kyla also shares advice for anyone on an “unconventional” career path—especially those who feel like they don’t belong in the tech world. Spoiler: You do. Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Jay Flores: American Ninja Warrior, STEM Education, Engineering, Entrepreneurship
Jay Flores is a mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate redefining what it means to make science exciting. Today we’re joined by Jay Flores, whose career takes STEM education to a whole new level—literally. As a mechanical engineer turned TV personality, entrepreneur, and real-life American Ninja Warrior, Jay blends science, storytelling, and physical challenge in a way that’s made learning magnetic for the next generation. From being the first engineer in his family to founding Invent The Change, Jay has spent his career breaking down barriers in STEM education. We talk about his early inspirations, how athletics shaped his leadership style, and how his time with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers built the foundation for his mission today. We’ll also dive into his journey from the engineering world to national TV—through shows like Make48, Mystery Science, and American Ninja Warrior—and explore how he uses these platforms to inspire curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. Plus, we talk about his goals for the future of STEM, his advice for Gen-Z innovators, and how he stays motivated while juggling media, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org (https://www.connectZETA.org)
5 Sept 2025
Cecilia Marrinan: Activist & Tech Policy Researcher - Organizing, Life in a Small Town, Data Privacy
Cecilia Marrinan is an activist, tech policy researcher, and Gen Z leader. Today we'll be joined by Cecilia Marrinan whose journey seamlessly weaves together grassroots activism, technology policy, and leadership. From organizing a Black Lives Matter march in her small hometown that brought over 1,000 people together, to tackling the complexities of data privacy and tech regulation, she’s someone who understands how activism and innovation intersect. Today, we’ll explore how her upbringing in both the small-town community of Skaneateles, New York, and the urban energy of Boston shaped her perspective; her work leading in moments that mattered most; and her deep dive into technology, social impact, and policy-making. We’ll also talk about what it’s like to connect with industry icons, work at institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations and the White House, and fight for meaningful change in the tech world with the Kapor Foundation. Thank you for listening, for more information about ZETA visit www.connectZETA.org (http://www.connectZETA.org).
5 Sept 2025
Alberto Vargas: Tech Policy Advocate - Family, Working in Policy, Navigating Tech
Alberto Vargas is a tech policy advocate, policy expert, and board member of ZETA. Alberto Vargas joins Jose to talk about growing up in a working class latino family, working his way up in the tech policy field, navigating policy and tech spaces, and the lessons he learned along the way. In this conversation, we’ll dive into his hands-on experience from the Mayor's Office to the Latino Policy Institute, his work on the front lines of community engagement, and his big dreams for tech policy reform in California. Following his journey from Granada Hills to the halls of government. Alberto's story is rooted in resilience, shaped by his parents' hard work and his dedication to uplifting his community. Whether he's drafting human rights action plans for the FIFA World Cup, championing Latino representation in tech policy, or leading initiatives to ensure inclusive games for all, Alberto is all about impact. Thank you for listening, for more information about ZETA visit www.connectZETA.org (http://www.connectZETA.org).
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