The Ascenders

Kathy Castro & Mia Manipud: Floor Friends

This is a very special episode because it is our first double interview! Kathy and Mia grew up in the same town but did not know each other until they joined the same sorority in college. They discuss how to stay close even when moving in different directions and to different parts of the country.

Instagram
Mia: @mia.meets.world
Kathy: @xkdawg
Ascenders: @theascenderspodcast

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Molly Ronan: Following (the) Atlas

Molly Ronan is never afraid to jump in with both feet. From deciding in college she wanted to go into the music industry and finding coveted internships around the world, to then deciding to move to a foreign country and adopt a puppy to be her travel companion, she is driven to always find a way. 

 

Find out more about Molly and Atlas at thenomadpup.com or on Instagram @thenomadpup.

 

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Faolan Sugarman-Lash: A Seeker

Faolan Sugarman-Lash is the definition of a Seeker. He is one who will search the Earth and his soul to find what he is looking for. Though he is only 22, Faolan has had more realizations than many in their 50s. He used to carry the weight of the world's problems on his shoulders, but has relieved himself of that immense pressure and uncovered his passion for serving others and helping them choose happiness and be their true selves.

Find out more about Faolan at his website: www.faolan.com.

Check out his podcast, which just launched their second season, The Authentic Path.

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Jan Garduno: For the First Time

Jan Garduno is finally allowing herself to do what she wants to do. After reaching middle age, Jan looked back and on what was missing and decided to move forward and work just as hard or harder than someone in their 20s.  She opens up about the struggles of feeling like she is running out of time, her father's dementia and learning to forgive herself. She is currently back in school and starting a wellness program for women who are afraid of asking for help. If you are worried about running out of time, be inspired.

 

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Margaret Ann Coyle: Moving Forward in Fashion

Margaret Ann Coyle is one to never let anything stand in her way. Raised in the Pacific northwest, she learned early on that fashion was her one true passion and set out to do anything she could to jump in, which oddly took her down a path of becoming a computer scientist. After an impromptu trip to London, she fell in love with the city, and is now there dancing in the thunderstorm of the field she loves. She also hopes to one day start a venture capital firm focused on representation in all areas.

 

You can find out more about Margaret Ann at her twitter: @queenmargaritac.

 

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Qui-Shawn Tien Tran: His Greatest Gift

Qui-Shawn Tien Tran is who we all wish we were when we were 18. After years of being bullied and being absorbed by anime, he set his sites on self-development and positivity. Now, Qui-Shawn is an aspiring writer working in the middle of a 50-day songwriting challenge. He exudes positivity, drive, and inspires with his consistency. 

Find out more about Qui-Shawn at his Instagram: @quishawntran

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Yuyu Kitamura: A Representation

Yuyu Kitamura is an NYC based actress and storyteller born and raised in amply diverse Hong Kong. Yuyu and I dig deep into the world of acting school, rejection, and what happens when your close friend or classmate gets a big break you thought was destined for you. Yuyu is also striving for representation of young creative immigrants in mainstream media. 

Find out more about Yuyu at her website yuyukitt.com

Instagram: @yuyukitt

Also check out some episodes of the scripted podcast Meet Cute she did entitled "The School" here.

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Dana Silvestri: A Mastermind

Dana Silvestri is a man on a mission to change minds. During a life of drinking and partying, Dana had a few wake up moments that made him want to change and work to impact lives. He is doing this through a a mastermind program. I've been a part of masterminds before and love them, so if you've ever wondered what happens in them, take a listen. Here is my talk with Dana.

Learn more about Dana:

Instagram: @thedanasilvestri

Facebook: @thedanasilvestri

www.thedanasilvestri.com

Follow us on Insta: @theascenderspodcast

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Anika Aftab: I Will Run For Congress

Anika Aftab is a woman on a mission and the mission is stop being one of "the only's".

She was born in Bangladesh and her family moved to Long Island while she was young and she became used to being an only in most situations whether that is the only woman, only person of color, only immigrant.

She is writing a book entitled "I Will Run For Congress and Why You Should Too" where she will interview strong women in Congress and empower a new generation of people to run for office and have their voice heard.

Find out more about Anika on her Instagram @anikersss

Follow the progress of her book @iwillrunforcongress

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Luke Kaluzny: No Comfort Zone

Luke Kaluzny is one of those people who has lived an interesting life for so long, they've lost track of how interesting it truly is. Starting home schooled in a Conservative family in Washington and escaping to work in the fishing industry in Alaska, and then the windiest island on Earth, to a flight attendant, to the tech industry all while discovering his identity as a part of the LGBTQ+ community and dreaming of building an organization to bring LGBTQ+ artists from around the world to small communities to educate people like he dreamed had existed when he was younger. 

Find out more about Luke on Instagram: @klzny

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