In this episode of Government Gateway, we sit down with Darius Chen, Senior Manager of Product Management at Amazon and owner of Industrious U-District, a community-focused fitness space. Darius shares his powerful journey from serving as a U.S. Army Captain to shaping innovation in global health, startups, and tech.

We dive into topics like:

• Navigating career transitions with curiosity and conviction

• Building cross-sector impact through lifelong learning

• Leadership lessons from the battlefield to the boardroom

• The role of mentorship and community in personal growth

• Balancing speed and quality in decision-making

• Empowering teams through trust and authenticity

Whether you're a student, veteran, aspiring leader, or someone exploring new directions in your career, Darius’s story is a reminder that each path to success is unique. Importantly, purpose, community, and courage can guide you through every pivot.

Tune in for a thoughtful, energizing conversation filled with grounded wisdom and real-world insight.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Candice Edwards, a seasoned leader in human resources and workforce development, to unpack her incredible journey through federal, state, and private sectors. From retail beginnings to rapid promotions within the VA and national recognition through the Young Gov Awards, Candice shares actionable insights for students and early-career professionals looking to break into impactful roles in government.

Tune in to hear about:

• Building a meaningful HR career from the ground up

• The power of networking, mentorship, and sorority/alumni communities

• Tips on resumes, interviews, LinkedIn, and standing out as a job candidate

• Why soft skills matter and how to grow them

• How organizations like Young Government Leaders and SHRM can elevate your path

Whether you're curious about federal HR roles, seeking career advice, or exploring workforce development, this episode is full of gems you won’t want to miss.

More resources: www.dmeinterns.org

In this special episode of the DME Interns Podcast, we kick off our new series, Government Gateway, with an inspiring conversation featuring Eli Khalil, Facility Space Coordinator at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. Eli shares his career journey, from community organizing to state and federal government roles, highlighting key experiences that prepared him for leadership in public service.

Key Takeaways:
✅ The value of exploring opportunities in local, state, and federal government
✅ How the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program can launch a federal career
✅ Essential skills for success in government, including communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence
✅ The importance of networking, mentorship, and taking on challenging assignments
✅ Advice for young professionals looking to break into public service and healthcare administration

Tune in for a deep dive into Eli’s career path and actionable insights on thriving in government roles!

🎧 Episode Highlights:

Memorable Quotes:

"No means next opportunity" - Jordan's approach to professional challenges.

"Things are scary in the beginning, messy in the middle, and beautiful at the end"

Perfect for listeners interested in:

#AIInnovation #GovernmentInternship #CareerJourney

In this inspiring episode of the DME Interns Podcast, host Claire chats with Rahil, a senior coordinator for the accessibility team and a pre-law student at the University of Florida. They discuss Rahil's work ensuring accessible platforms for all, the intersection of law and accessibility, and how his experiences at DME align with his aspirations of a career in government. Rahil also shares his unique take on achieving balance in life, his love for nature, and a quirky debate about potatoes. Tune in for life advice, career motivation, and some fun side quests along the way!

Unlock the secrets to academic and professional growth in this inspiring episode! From leveraging TA connections to balancing personal values with workplace demands, we dive into actionable advice for navigating school, career, and life with confidence. Plus, hear about our guest’s unique journey, their take on individuality, and exciting plans for 2025. Don’t miss this empowering conversation packed with wisdom, warmth, and motivation!

Join me in unfolding an awe inspiring journey of an intern who has navigated her career from retail to NASA. From exploring ideas of confidence and self-love to discussing how to make the most of your undergraduate education and beyond, this exciting episode has golden nuggets of wisdom for everyone. Tune in to hear more, and visit dmeinterns.org to learn more about interning at the Digital Media Engagement team at Veteran Affairs. 

In this episode of the DME Interns Podcast, host Claire interviews Fred Senethavilay, a fellow intern from the External Affairs team. Fred shares his inspiring journey, from his 11 years of service in the Texas Army National Guard to his transition into civilian roles spanning nonprofits, real estate, and oil and gas. Now pursuing a master’s in Information Technology and Management, Fred reflects on how his military experience shaped his leadership skills and career goals, ultimately leading him to the DME internship to gain valuable project management experience.

Fred offers thoughtful advice on creating your own opportunities, staying adaptable in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, and leveraging AI tools for professional and creative growth. He also shares heartfelt reflections on the importance of purpose-driven work and his aspiration to support veterans through federal employment at the VA.

Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with actionable advice and Fred’s inspiring story of resilience, growth, and commitment to lifelong learning.

For more about the DME Interns program, visit dmeinterns.org.

Join host Darsham Gonzalez as he sits down with Katherine McMillan, a former State Department intern turned department officer and AI prompt engineer. Discover Katherine's journey from studying biology and anthropology to embracing international relations and public health policy. This episode dives into her work with AI at the Veterans Affairs Digital Media and Engagement team, her experiences with Model United Nations, and her vision for AI’s transformative potential in diplomacy and healthcare. A compelling look at how diverse backgrounds and emerging technologies intersect on the global stage!

In this inaugural episode of the DME Interns Podcast, join host Darsham Gonzalez, team lead Siya Sharma, and team coordinator Claire Babcock as they introduce themselves and share their unique experiences working with the Digital Media & Engagement team at the Veterans Affairs. Discover what drives their passion for leadership, government work, and creative collaboration in a virtual setting.

From personal growth and overcoming challenges to the excitement of virtual teamwork, this episode offers an inside look at the dynamic world of our interns. Whether you're a student exploring internship opportunities or someone curious about behind-the-scenes insights, tune in to learn how these emerging leaders are making an impact.