web02.fireside.fm Mon, 04 May 2026 09:58:16 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Self Help” https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/tags/self-help Thu, 18 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500 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! en-us episodic Listening and learning to better serve Tennessee students, at scale. tnAchieves 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! no tnachieves, at scale podcast, tennessee promise, tennessee achieves, tennessee education podcast, college access, college success, student mentorship, college mentorship, education nonprofit, education in tennessee, workforce development, workforce training, career pathways, career readiness, skilled trades, technical education, community college, tcat, tennessee colleges of applied technology, higher education, postsecondary education, college completion, career training, education opportunities, college enrollment, student stories, educator insights, education leadership, college presidents, first-generation college students, rural education, college to career, education equity, educational access, opportunity for all, nonprofit leadership, tennessee workforce, economic mobility, education innovation, mentoring programs, access to education, life after high school, educational policy, higher education in tennessee, workforce readiness, career success, vocational training, tennessee higher education, education podcast, success stories, inspirational education stories, college and career podcast, education and workforce podcast tnAchieves ben@tnachieves.org #FindYourWhyTN Panel Series: Breaking Family Cycles https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/breakingfamilycycles a7566c82-a310-47a5-aff4-f72a479884c3 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500 tnAchieves full tnAchieves 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 1:01:08 no <p>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.</p> <p>Get to know each panelist:<br> Krissy DeAlejandro: <a href="https://youtu.be/i1kqxAIROnU%E2%80%8B" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtu.be/i1kqxAIROnU​</a><br> Sumner Deason: <a href="https://youtu.be/DdRWFuloxzc%E2%80%8B" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtu.be/DdRWFuloxzc​</a><br> Mike Ragsdale: <a href="https://youtu.be/QxcG8ELuep8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtu.be/QxcG8ELuep8</a> </p> college, student, college student, self-help, non-profit, education, thrive, learn, first-generation, breaking cycles 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

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]]> 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

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]]> On a Mission with Graham Thomas and Krissy DeAlejandro https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/mission 65520d6b-aa91-4877-b506-7ae86abc604c Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0400 tnAchieves full tnAchieves 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! 40:47 no <p>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! </p> college, student, college student, self-help, non-profit, education, thrive, learn, 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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]]> 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!

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> Promise Programs with Dr. Michelle Miller-Adams and Dr. Celeste Carruthers https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/promise 565bdc05-dd70-4e91-b04b-dc1e7c6317af Mon, 09 Mar 2020 10:00:00 -0400 tnAchieves full tnAchieves 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. 48:09 no <p>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. </p> college, student, college student, self-help, non-profit, education, thrive, learn, 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.

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> 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.

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> The Power of a Resource with Janice Bettis and John Cagle https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/resource 26bf732c-42eb-4f34-b1b7-5a83af87f03b Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:00:00 -0500 tnAchieves full tnAchieves The fifth episode of the tnAchieves podcast features two longtime mentors, Janice Bettis and John Cagle. Joining us in 2011, Janice and John share what brought them to tnAchieves, what keeps them engaged and how tnAchieves has impacted their communities. 41:59 no <p>The fifth episode of the tnAchieves podcast features two longtime mentors, Janice Bettis and John Cagle. Joining us in 2011, Janice and John share what brought them to tnAchieves, what keeps them engaged and how tnAchieves has impacted their communities. </p> college, student, college student, self-help, non-profit, education, thrive, learn, The fifth episode of the tnAchieves podcast features two longtime mentors, Janice Bettis and John Cagle. Joining us in 2011, Janice and John share what brought them to tnAchieves, what keeps them engaged and how tnAchieves has impacted their communities.

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]]> The fifth episode of the tnAchieves podcast features two longtime mentors, Janice Bettis and John Cagle. Joining us in 2011, Janice and John share what brought them to tnAchieves, what keeps them engaged and how tnAchieves has impacted their communities.

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> A Great Idea with Randy Boyd https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/idea fdce91b4-a870-4fe6-b140-9311e940f781 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0500 tnAchieves full tnAchieves A conversation between Randy Boyd and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale became an idea in 2008. Their idea was a program that would result in more low-income, first-generation students enrolling in college. With Randy's support, Knox Achieves launched with the Class of 2009, became tnAchieves in 2012 and transitioned to its current role as a partnering organization to TN Promise in 2015. Without Randy, tnAchieves would not exist, and his leadership as our chairmen has been transformative. Learn more about Randy's journey, his impact on tnAchieves and his goals for the future on Episode 4. 44:29 no <p>A conversation between Randy Boyd and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale became an idea in 2008. Their idea was a program that would result in more low-income, first-generation students enrolling in college. With Randy's support, Knox Achieves launched with the Class of 2009, became tnAchieves in 2012 and transitioned to its current role as a partnering organization to TN Promise in 2015. Without Randy, tnAchieves would not exist, and his leadership as our chairmen has been transformative. Learn more about Randy's journey, his impact on tnAchieves and his goals for the future on Episode 4. </p> college, student, college student, self-help, non-profit, education, thrive, learn, A conversation between Randy Boyd and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale became an idea in 2008. Their idea was a program that would result in more low-income, first-generation students enrolling in college. With Randy's support, Knox Achieves launched with the Class of 2009, became tnAchieves in 2012 and transitioned to its current role as a partnering organization to TN Promise in 2015. Without Randy, tnAchieves would not exist, and his leadership as our chairmen has been transformative. Learn more about Randy's journey, his impact on tnAchieves and his goals for the future on Episode 4.

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]]> A conversation between Randy Boyd and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale became an idea in 2008. Their idea was a program that would result in more low-income, first-generation students enrolling in college. With Randy's support, Knox Achieves launched with the Class of 2009, became tnAchieves in 2012 and transitioned to its current role as a partnering organization to TN Promise in 2015. Without Randy, tnAchieves would not exist, and his leadership as our chairmen has been transformative. Learn more about Randy's journey, his impact on tnAchieves and his goals for the future on Episode 4.

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> Thriving (Surviving?) First Semester with Emma and Timari https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/prepared efbef7a1-54c3-4039-aaf3-5e69150510f2 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 11:00:00 -0500 tnAchieves full tnAchieves The third installment of the tnAchieves Podcast features two current TN Promise students, Timari and Emma, as they discuss the ups and downs of their first semester of college. Timari and Emma share different perspectives and experiences, offering something for every student as they work to thrive as college students. We know the first semester can be the hardest, often feeling more like surviving than thriving. Take a page out of Timari or Emma's playbook and start thriving! Audio Issue: At 14:49 a technical issue affected Timari's mic; however, her answer was too good not to share! We apologize for the audio quality on a couple of Timari's answers. 37:35 no <p>The third installment of the tnAchieves Podcast features two current TN Promise students, Timari and Emma, as they discuss the ups and downs of their first semester of college. Timari and Emma share different perspectives and experiences, offering something for every student as they work to thrive as college students. We know the first semester can be the hardest, often feeling more like surviving than thriving. Take a page out of Timari or Emma's playbook and start thriving!</p> <p>Audio Issue: At 14:49 a technical issue affected Timari's mic; however, her answer was too good not to share! We apologize for the audio quality on a couple of Timari's answers.</p> college, student, college student, self-help, non-profit, education, thrive, learn, The third installment of the tnAchieves Podcast features two current TN Promise students, Timari and Emma, as they discuss the ups and downs of their first semester of college. Timari and Emma share different perspectives and experiences, offering something for every student as they work to thrive as college students. We know the first semester can be the hardest, often feeling more like surviving than thriving. Take a page out of Timari or Emma's playbook and start thriving!

Audio Issue: At 14:49 a technical issue affected Timari's mic; however, her answer was too good not to share! We apologize for the audio quality on a couple of Timari's answers.

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> The third installment of the tnAchieves Podcast features two current TN Promise students, Timari and Emma, as they discuss the ups and downs of their first semester of college. Timari and Emma share different perspectives and experiences, offering something for every student as they work to thrive as college students. We know the first semester can be the hardest, often feeling more like surviving than thriving. Take a page out of Timari or Emma's playbook and start thriving!

Audio Issue: At 14:49 a technical issue affected Timari's mic; however, her answer was too good not to share! We apologize for the audio quality on a couple of Timari's answers.

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> Being Brave with Ben Sterling https://tnachieves.fireside.fm/brave f60e57d9-f311-4a03-a29d-4fcf5d77d79e Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0500 tnAchieves full tnAchieves Our very first episode welcomes Ben Sterling, a graduate of the first knoxAchieves class and a current member of the tnAchieves team. 26:41 no <p>Our very first episode welcomes Ben Sterling, a graduate of the first knoxAchieves class and a current member of the tnAchieves team. Navigating the transition as a first generation student, Ben discusses his journey from high school student to college graduate. We uncover the importance of asking questions, advocating for yourself and ultimately facing your fears while braving the college unknown. Hear so many important lessons in this first episode! </p> education, nonprofit, college, bravery, self-help Our very first episode welcomes Ben Sterling, a graduate of the first knoxAchieves class and a current member of the tnAchieves team. Navigating the transition as a first generation student, Ben discusses his journey from high school student to college graduate. We uncover the importance of asking questions, advocating for yourself and ultimately facing your fears while braving the college unknown. Hear so many important lessons in this first episode!

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]> Our very first episode welcomes Ben Sterling, a graduate of the first knoxAchieves class and a current member of the tnAchieves team. Navigating the transition as a first generation student, Ben discusses his journey from high school student to college graduate. We uncover the importance of asking questions, advocating for yourself and ultimately facing your fears while braving the college unknown. Hear so many important lessons in this first episode!

Support At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

]]>