Welcome to the third episode of Accelerate Access: The Podcast! We share stories of how access to opportunity changes lives. Hosted by Nyah Project founder, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, the podcast provides an inside look into the transformational journeys of our Nyah Fellows as they navigate college, careers, and personal growth as young leaders in the community.

This week’s guest is Julio Burgos, 2015 Nyah Fellow and Syracuse University graduate. Join us as he sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss his personal and professional growth – from immigrating from the Dominican Republic and being a first generation student to working in the finance industry in the Big Apple. Learn how he’s navigated his career with the help of mentors and internships at a Big Four firm, where he’s traveled to, and why he gives back!

“What truly, truly drives me [is] that I know that I could be better than myself tomorrow than I am today.” - Julio Burgos

They discuss:

Daniela Flores, 2020 Nyah Fellow and student at Florida State University, sits down with Leigh-Ann for a heartfelt discussion about her undocumented father’s passing, her fellowship experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of education for economic mobility. Tune in to discover Daniela's leadership insights and her vision for making a difference in healthcare.

“I want to connect with people and actually give them a sense of, not hope, but a sense of relief when being in such a stressful environment.” - Daniela Flores on pursuing a career in healthcare

John Paul “JP” Mejia, 2019 Nyah Fellow and student at American University, sits down with our host + Nyah Project founder, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, to discuss his journey growing up with an incarcerated parent to becoming a national leader in climate justice. Also, find out what his superpowers are and the most impactful moments he had in Bali + Ghana with Nyah Project.

“There is a difference between access and power, but they often go hand in hand.” - JP Mejia