At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast
Listening and learning to better serve Tennessee students, at scale.
About the show
Welcome to At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, where we tap into the wisdom, insights, and bold ideas of our partners to fuel the mission of tnAchieves—expanding college access and success for Tennessee students. Hosted by Krissy DeAlejandro, President & CEO of tnAchieves, this podcast spotlights the thought leaders, educators, and industry trailblazers who challenge us to learn, grow, and innovate as we work to transform lives through higher education. Since 2008, tnAchieves has leaned on collaboration to break barriers and scale impact for students often seen as underdogs, and our partners are at the heart of that journey.
Each episode brings candid conversations with state and national influencers—K-12 and college leaders, business visionaries, and student success advocates—who shape our strategies and push us forward. We’ll explore how these dialogues inspire us to refine our programs, rethink possibilities, and build a stronger Tennessee workforce.
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen, and join us as we harness these voices to innovate and grow—because at tnAchieves, our partners don’t just support us, they transform us. Let’s dive in!
At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast on social media
Episodes
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Harvard's Project on Workforce with Nathalie Gazzaneo
June 16th, 2025 | 49 mins 15 secs
In this episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, hosts Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling of tnAchieves, sit down with Nathalie Gazzaneo, Co-Director of the Harvard Project on Workforce, to tackle bridging the college-to-career gap. Nathalie introduces the Workforce Almanac, a practical open-source tool mapping U.S. workforce training providers, and shares research on how technology and skill demands are reshaping tomorrow’s job market. She provides clear, actionable strategies for non-profits to align education with industry needs and boost economic mobility. A must-listen for students, educators, and policymakers, this episode delivers straightforward insights to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce. Tune in to gain practical solutions for a stronger Tennessee.
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AI + The Workforce of Tomorrow with Dr. Stephen Streiffer of Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL)
June 2nd, 2025 | 38 mins 29 secs
In this installment of At Scale, tnAchieves sits down with Dr. Stephen Streiffer, Director of the Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). ORNL serves as a massive economic and scientific driver for the Southeastern US and is making significant gains with artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will impact the future of Tennessee (and the nation's) workforce. Dr. Streiffer shares insights into how someone can pursue a career at ORNL, what skills business/industry are looking for when hiring and how he sees AI influencing the workforce of tomorrow.
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Ensuring a Healthy National Talent Pipeline with College Promise
May 19th, 2025 | 47 mins 1 sec
college access, college affordability, college promise, community building, higher ed, post-secondary attainment, technical education, tennessee, tuition-free college, workforce, workforce development
In this episode, Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling talk with Dr. Martha Kanter, CEO Emerita of College Promise and former U.S. Under Secretary of Education, and Rosye Cloud, Interim CEO of College Promise. They explore how College Promise expands access to high-quality post-secondary opportunities for all students. The conversation highlights the movement’s role in strengthening America’s talent pipeline.
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Connecting Education to Employment with SCORE President & CEO David Mansouri
May 5th, 2025 | 42 mins 5 secs
college access, college affordability, college promise, community building, higher ed, post-secondary attainment, technical education, tennessee, tuition-free college, workforce, workforce development
In Episode 2 of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, SCORE President & CEO David Mansouri discusses how aligning education with workforce needs can drive long-term success for Tennessee students and the state’s economy. The conversation highlights the power of collaboration, data-driven decision making, and cross-sector partnerships in transforming student outcomes. Mansouri and tnAchieves explore how intentional connections between education and employment prepare students for meaningful careers.
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We're All On The Same Team with Dr. Jon Rysewyk and Dr. Anthony Wise
April 21st, 2025 | 49 mins 57 secs
college access, college affordability, college promise, community building, higher ed, post-secondary attainment, technical education, tennessee, tuition-free college, workforce, workforce development
In the first episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, hosts Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling welcome two visionary leaders in education: Dr. Jon Rysewyk, Superintendent of Knox County Schools, and Dr. Anthony Wise, President of Pellissippi State Community College.
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At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast Trailer
April 7th, 2025 | 4 mins 11 secs
college access, college affordability, college promise, community building, higher ed, post-secondary attainment, technical education, tennessee, tuition-free college, workforce, workforce development
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Mentor Moment: Summer Prep for Success
July 8th, 2024 | 17 mins 56 secs
college, higher education, mentoring, tennessee, tn promise
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the tnAchieves podcast! Join our hosts, Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford and Outreach Manager Baylor Williamson, as they delve into the critical role volunteer mentors play during the summer months in preparing students for their upcoming college journey in the fall.
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Mentor Moment: Community Service
June 12th, 2024 | 20 mins 55 secs
tnAchieves Sr. Director of Mentors Tyler Ford is joined by tnAchieves COMPLETE Coach Emily Jones to discuss the upcoming July 1 community service deadline. Learn how you can support your students as they complete this important TN Promise requirement!
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Mentor Moment: Preparing for Summer
May 8th, 2024 | 22 mins 51 secs
college, higher education, mentoring, tennessee, tn promise
In this episode, Tyler Ford sits down with Ben Sterling to discuss how mentors should be preparing to work with students this summer! Summer is a critical time for students as they graduate from high school, register for classes and make final preparations to begin in the fall.
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MENTOR MOMENT: Summer Bridge
April 23rd, 2024 | 22 mins 23 secs
act, college, higher education, mentoring, summer bridge, tennessee, tn promise
Mentor Moment host Tyler Ford is joined by tnAchieves Sr. Director of Communications Jessica Macey to discuss the upcoming tnAchieves Summer Bridge Program. Hosted at all 13 TN community colleges, Summer Bridge is a free, 14-day program designed to help students begin college more prepared.
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MENTOR MOMENT: Working With Your Students
April 10th, 2024 | 27 mins 21 secs
college, financial aid, higher education, mentoring, tennessee
The Mentor Moment is a podcast designed to enhance the tnAchieves mentor experience. Learn more about scholarship requirements, best practices and how to best serve students.
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MENTOR MOMENT: 2024-2025 FAFSA
March 27th, 2024 | 30 mins 31 secs
college, fafsa, financial aid, higher education, mentoring, tennessee
n this episode, the Mentor Moment delves into the 2024-2025 FAFSA and how tnAchieves mentors support students. Host Tyler Ford and Knox Access Director Allison Johnson dissect the FAFSA, sharing tips and updates. Listeners learn about the importance of timely FAFSA completion, gain insight into tnAchieves' support, and discover resources for accessing financial aid.
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Mentor Moment Trailer
March 25th, 2024 | 50 secs
college, higher education, mentoring, tennessee, tn promise
The Mentor Moment is a podcast influenced by and designed for tnAchieves mentors. Join Tyler Ford from tnAchieves every other week for an episode highlighting tips and best practices to enhance your mentoring experience!
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#FindYourWhyTN Panel Series: Breaking Family Cycles
February 18th, 2021 | 1 hr 1 min
breaking cycles, college, college student, education, first-generation, learn, non-profit, self-help, student, thrive
Hear from three individuals that represent the first person in their family to attend college. We hope this discussion inspires you to Find Your Why! Learn more about #FindYourWhyTN at tnAchieves.org/findyourwhy.
Get to know each panelist:
Krissy DeAlejandro: https://youtu.be/i1kqxAIROnU
Sumner Deason: https://youtu.be/DdRWFuloxzc
Mike Ragsdale: https://youtu.be/QxcG8ELuep8 -
On a Mission with Graham Thomas and Krissy DeAlejandro
March 23rd, 2020 | 40 mins 47 secs
college, college student, education, learn, non-profit, self-help, student, thrive
More than a decade has passed since knoxAchieves was launched from a whiteboard in the Knox County Mayor's office, but Executive Director Krissy DeAlejandro's commitment to student success has not wavered. Since 2008, tnAchieves has grown, innovated and paved pathways for all students, including those that are the first in their families to pursue college. The seventh installment of our podcast dives into the beginnings of tnAchieves, why it was founded and how we have stayed true to our mission. Graham Thomas steals Krissy's mic for an engaging interview!
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Promise Programs with Dr. Michelle Miller-Adams and Dr. Celeste Carruthers
March 9th, 2020 | 48 mins 9 secs
college, college student, education, learn, non-profit, self-help, student, thrive
Tennessee provides each high school senior the opportunity to earn a post-secondary credential tuition and mandatory-fee free through a first-of-its-kind Promise scholarship. Communities, cities, colleges and even other states have looked to Tennessee for guidance in launching their own Promise programs. Hear from Dr. Michelle Miller-Adams from the Upjohn Institute and Dr. Celeste Carruthers from the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, as they discuss the growth and impact of Promise programs nationally and the success of Tennessee Promise.