All Careers Considered

In this episode, we speak with Leila Alejandra (Contreras Cuervo) about her journey from IU Bloomington to her role as Analytical Biochemist II at Eurofins. She talks about her journey and her studies abroad that ultimately got her where she is today. She also speaks about the importance of making connections and not burning down bridges. Leila Alejandra is a Master Thesis Student, where she is working in the Virology lab trying to understand the evolution of myxoma virus in Spanish rabbit populations. Before her thesis, Leila had a numerous number of experiences that each impacted her journey substantially. This included being her time as a research student at IUPUI where she Performed human cancer cell culture experiments to study the relationship between hyperglycemia and cancer cell morphology through phosphoinositol signaling pathways and performed databased research on cancer patient populations to better understand the different effects from mutations on genes controlling enzymes on the phosphoinositol pathway. She also has some experience as a Particulates Biochemist at Eurofins as well. Every opportunity Leila had been faced with, she seized and went above and beyond. Opportunity does not always come right away, and Leila advises to be patient and wait because with time it will come, but in the meanwhile keep actively pursuing until somebody gives you a chance. Leila currently resides in Spain where she strives and works hard to complete her masters.

In this week's episode, we speak to Shanta Thake about her educational path and career experiences. We talk about Shanta’s journey from being an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theater at Indiana University Bloomington to becoming the Director of Artistic Programs at The Public Theater, where she would spend the next 10 years developing a strong passion for the field of non-profit arts. Currently, Shanta serves as the Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; the world's largest center for performing arts. Nestled in New York City, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts showcases diverse artists and their talents. From music, theater, dance, film, and so much more the Lincoln Center explores the expression of culture, emotion, and talent through various art forms. With the help of Shanta, the Lincoln Center aims to create a space where the arts are accessible to all. Listen to hear more about Shanta’s courageous move to the big city with a degree in Theater after freshly graduating from Indiana University Bloomington, how valuing your whole self overcomes feelings of imposter syndrome and more about the field of non-profit arts. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, we speak with Brad Scheisser about his time at IU Bloomington to his essential role at Bloomington Playwrights Project. Brad talked with us about how from an early age he was surrounded by the theatre and how growing up in that environment shaped the love he has for the theatre. He also talks about how having first-hand experience in the theatre has equipped him with a skill set that he uses each day. Brad is a Managing Director, where his job is to manage and orchestrate everything in the theatre and also operate a lot of behind the scenes work. Before his work at Bloomington Playwrights Project, Brad had several other experiences that has benefitted him and his current work. This included being a house manager, development services manager, and associate director of development all at Barring Stage Company, where he spent a little over seven years there. Throughout these experiences Brad has been able to take each opportunity and learn from them. Brad took all that he learned with him and applied it to his current role as managing director at Bloomington Playwrights Project. Brad emphasized how important it is to find your passion and run off with it, because it is your love and passion that is going to draw you to your work and ultimately bring joy into your life. Brad currently resides in Bloomington, IN where he manages Bloomington Playwrights Project, a place where he is surrounding by inspiring, ambitious people, who has creativity running through their veins.

In this episode, we speak with Kyle Benham, who graduated from IU Bloomington in 2009 with degrees in telecommunications and TV and Radio. Kyle takes us through his career path, starting with his internships during college and his time at the WIUX radio station. He went on to move to LA, where his connections with IU alumni and his hard work opened doors for him in the world of late-night shows and comedy in LA. Kyle also offers a plethora of advice and insight for students who might want to follow his career path and speaks to what he loved and sometimes struggled with in the TV industry. Kyle now works as a Retirement Plan Specialist at Benham Advisory Group in Greenwood, Indiana. Before his current role, Kyle had over 10 years of experience in production for a variety of TV shows and programs in LA, including The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and Netflix’s Chelsea. Through his jobs in production, Kyle found opportunities to leave his creative and comedic mark on the programs he worked on, demonstrating the value of taking on unexpected roles.

In this episode, we speak with Frank Violi about his journey from IU Bloomington to his prestige role as CEO of Butterfield Foods. He talks about the doors he worked so hard to open and the opportunities that were behind those doors. He also speaks about not getting stuck in one position, as you may be limiting yourself to your full potential. Frank Violi is a CEO, where his job is to manage, run, and oversee his business and to ensure all operations are performing at the highest quality possible. Before his business Frank had a numerous number of experiences that played a role in getting him where he is today. This included being a regional manager at Boise Cascade, VP at the Graphics Art Center, etc. Throughout these experiences Frank mentions that each experience played a huge role in molding him and giving him the necessary traits to run his company today. Frank took a company that had all the right ideas, tools, but not leaders, and turned it around. Frank emphasized how important it is to not feel like you are stuck in any job or opportunity. Satisfaction is the leading cause of people not reaching their full potential. He advises you to never be satisfied with where you are now, always try to achieve more, go above and beyond, work harder, and you will reach your full potential. Frank currently resides in Zionsville, IN where he is running a successful business, Butterfield Foods, but still seeks ways to better his company and better himself.

In this episode, we speak with Daniela Cook about her educational path and career experiences. Daniela is a local Bloomington graphic designer with more than 10 years of experience in graphic design. Daniela is currently serves as the Creative Director for FAR Center for Contemporary Arts; an influential space for contemporary art and creativity of all kinds. The FAR Center aims to question boundaries, awaken conversations, and shape the local community through empathic engagement. We speak about nurturing the local arts community and providing support for Bloomington through creativity. Additionally, Daniela has cultivated experience as a freelance graphic designer creating logos for various businesses. Daniela began her graphic design journey when she obtained a Bachelors of Fine Arts in graphic design at IU Bloomington.  All Careers Considered Podcast hopes you enjoy hearing Daniela’s advice on independence after graduating, the ability to effectively collaborate, and understanding self. Listen to understand more about finding purpose in the face of adversity, how to bounce back better, and advancing through life with a Fine Arts degree.

In this episode, we speak with AJ O’Reilly about his journey from IU Bloomington to his most recent role as the Director of Product at Stagetime. AJ is a founder, product leader, and teacher, with more than 10 years of design and art experience from a variety of positions and industries. For several years, AJ worked as a freelance designer in the Midwest, working on projects that range from a beekeeper’s app to the Indiana University branding system. AJ later went on to work as a Visual Brand Specialist at Cook Medical. He also recently opened his own art store in Bloomington, Indiana called Griffy’s Art Supply, which has a storefront and partners with Indiana University to provide supplies for art students. In a show of great time management techniques, AJ is also adjunct faculty at Indiana University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Listen to learn more as AJ tells us about his career path in the arts, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what’s helped him be the person he is today.  AJ O’Reilly is a founder, product leader, and teacher. He is the founder of Griffy’s Art Supply, a specialized art supply retailer, and Director of Product at Stagetime. AJ is also adjunct faculty at Indiana University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Currently, AJ coordinates the design and product of Stagetime, a professional network for the performing arts. Besides being an expert in design, AJ has entrepreneurial, teaching, and leadership experience, which in part lead back to his time at IU, where he earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. In this episode, AJ tells us about honing his passion for art into a career, his process as an artist, and the skills he gained at IU that help him today. We hope you find AJ’s wisdom helpful to your current and professional lives. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, we speak with Megan Anderson about her journey from IU Bloomington to her integral role as the Sustainability Manager at the City of Raleigh, North Carolina. Megan has 15+ years of experience in sustainability and climate change, from coordinating sustainability efforts with students at a university to leading new city-wide climate initiatives and more. She also has extensive knowledge of how to center resilience, equity, and community partnerships in local government policy and in the face of some of Raleigh’s most pressing issues. On our last episode of the season, Megan tells us all about her career path, the decisions that have influenced her life and work, and how her time in the College of Arts and Sciences at IU helps her today. Enjoy the episode!

In this week's episode, we speak to Ann Marie Lewis about her educational path and career experiences. We talk with Ann Marie about her journey from being an undergraduate student at Indiana University Bloomington to pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. We speak to Ann Marie about how her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree has influenced and enhanced her career at the Senate Counsel at the Minnesota State Senate, how a steady mindset prevails, and what resilience means to her. Currently, Ann Marie serves on the Senate Counsel for the Minnesota State Senate. The Minnesota Senate is the upper house of the Legislative of the U.S. State of Minnesota and is the largest upper house of any U.S. state legislature. Ann Marie explains her passion is in passing bills and legislation that help all Minnesota residents. We discuss how having a balanced, positive mindset carries through her work and life. Additionally, Ann Marie speaks to how resilience ties into everyday life.

In this episode, we speak with Nathan Mensahabout his journey from IU Bloomington to his valued role at Hartford HealthCare. He talks about all his ups and downs throughout his undergraduate studies and how those challenges opened new doors in his career. He also speaks about pursuing something that attracts you, as that attraction is the determining factor for success. Nathan Mensah is a Rehab therapist at Hartford Healthcare, where his job is to provide inpatient music therapy and psychoeducational services to adolescents and adults with mental health and dual diagnosis of substance abuse disorders. Before therapy at Hartford HealthCare Nathan had numerous experiences that played a role to get him where he is today. This included being a research assistant at Indiana University School of Medicine, Choir Director at Seelyville United Methodist, Music Therapist at Cincinnati Children`s Hospital Medical Center, etc. Throughout these experiences, Nathan mentions that music therapy was not always his end goal. Nathan had always wanted to be involved in healthcare and he was determined to do so. Nathan took his love for music and his desire to help people and used it to his advantage, finding a career that would satisfy both passions. Nathan emphasized how important it is to do something that you love and are truly passionate about. He advises that joy be your top priority and to seek it as often as possible because to find joy in your workplace is one of the many secrets of life. Prior to music therapy, Nathan served as a Music and Theatre Adjunct Instructor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where his job was to teach music courses at the college level, including “American Music: from Jamestown to James Brown and Beyond”, with music technology, music history, music composition, and music listening components. Nathan does his best work believe it or no listening to music. Seem obvious? Well, it has to do with the brain's cognition response and its correlation to memory. Nathan currently resides in Westport, CT, where he is impacting the lives of many, using what he loves best, music.