Career Cheat Code

085 | From Architect To Builder of Impact w/ Jhaelen Hernandez-Eli

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 accessHow the Met’s $2B program advanced equity and climate prioritiesSelecting architects beyond the usual shortlistLessons from sales, procurement, and negotiationPublic service as a lever for middle-class jobsSalary transparency, trade-offs, and leverageTeaching as a platform for opening the “black box”Launching a mission-driven firm and curating a values-based teamDisclaimer: 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 LinkedIn Instagram Producer - Gary Batista LinkedIn Instagram To watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn

084 | Finding The Right Stage with Antonio Aponte

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 networksMake 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 LinkedIn Instagram Producer - Gary Batista LinkedIn Instagram To watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn

083 | Shaping Communities Through Impact with Tracy Colunga

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 LinkedIn Instagram Producer - Gary Batista LinkedIn Instagram To watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn

082 | From Temp to Philanthropic Leader with Erika Williams

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 offNever 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 LinkedIn Instagram Producer - Gary Batista LinkedIn Instagram To watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn

081 | From Prison To Purpose with Hernán Carvente Martinez

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 generationConnect with Alianza for Opportunity on social media platforms @AlianzaForOpportunity or visit www.alianzaforopportunity.org to learn more about their work. Email admin@alianzaforopportunity.org 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 LinkedIn Instagram Producer - Gary Batista LinkedIn Instagram To watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn