In this episode of The Forward Thinkers Show, Coral sits down with Amy Austin Renshaw, Founder and CEO of Code/Art, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing female representation in tech through creative coding. Code/Art introduces girls in grades 3-12 to coding through art-based lessons, coding clubs, and competitions. Amy shares her journey from MIT sloan to tech education leader and discusses how early exposure to coding can shape young women’s futures. 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why early exposure to computer science is critical for young girls - How creative coding makes tech more accessible and engaging - The impact of Code/Art’s programs, coding competitions, and mentorship opportunities - The challenges of running a nonprofit - The role of community in supporting young women in STEM fields Stay Connected! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forward.thinkersshow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw ⭐️ Resources Mentioned ⭐️ 🔗 Code/Art Website: https://www.code-art.com 🔗 Amy Austin Renshaw's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyaustinrenshaw 🔗 Cathedral Thinking Concept: https://www.cathedralthinking.com Credits 🎙 Hosted by: Coral Miniel – Founder, Host, Producer 📩 Questions? Email us: [email protected] The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

How can thinking beyond specialization fuel creativity and success? On this episode of the Forward Thinker Show, Rose De Sicilia—an FIU graduate with a BS in Computer Science—shares how her diverse experiences at Apple, Microsoft, startups, and research in AI and data analysis have shaped her unique career path.

💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:

How interdisciplinary thinking can drive innovation in tech and entrepreneurship

Smart, iterative decision-making strategies for entrepreneurs

The role of adaptability when exploring different paths in the tech world

How to apply algorithms to solve real-world problems

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, Rose’s journey offers practical insights and inspiration

📚 Stay Connected!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forward.thinkersshow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosedesicilia

https://algorithmstoliveby.com

Credits Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

In this episode, we feature Isabella Vieira Estrada, a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, who’s reshaping mentorship with her initiative, Coffee Chats with Isa. From Puerto Rico to Miami, Isabella navigated academic and cultural challenges before landing internships at Tesla, Google, and Boeing. Now a rotational engineer at Boston Dynamics, she shares how mentorship helped her break barriers and build a thriving career.

Isabella talks about how to maximize mentorship sessions, offering tips on setting goals, staying engaged, and making the most of connections. Tune in for actionable insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and navigating the tech world.

Stay Connected!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forward.thinkersshow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellavieraestrada

Credits Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

This episode takes a deep dive into the art of building software and thriving in hackathons with Leon Kipkoech, Founder and President of the FNU Tech Club. Leon, a serial hackathon winner with over 15 competitions under his belt, is an award-winning engineer, researcher at MIT, and mentor. He shares his inspiring journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to becoming a prominent figure in Miami’s tech scene.

In this conversation, Leon emphasizes the importance of passion, teamwork, and leadership in hackathons, offering actionable advice on forming strong and cohesive teams. He also reflects on his early fascination with technology, his path into computer science, and how he pursued his dreams in the U.S.

Tune in to hear valuable insights and tips from a tech leader who has mastered the hackathon circuit. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Stay Connected!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forward.thinkersshow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonkoech?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Credits Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

In this episode, we explore how accelerators are shaping the future of entrepreneurship by fostering interconnected ecosystems.

Our guest, Lina Enriquez, originally from the Dominican Republic, shares insights on the "five-factor model" and how it supports tough tech founders. Lina graduated from Florida International University (FIU) in data analytics, blending her interests in human decision-making and data science. She conducted research at MIT Media Lab, gaining insights into complex systems, and participated in the NSF iCore program to commercialize university research. Currently, Lina works at the Engine Accelerator, an MIT spin-off supporting "tough tech" founders with long-term, groundbreaking technologies.

Tune in to learn how accelerators are creating holistic environments for innovation and growth.

Stay Connected!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forward.thinkersshow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/linaehenriquez/

Credits Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

In this episode of the Forward Thinker Show, Coral sits down with Olbin Gill, a mechanical engineering student, former president and advisor of FIU's Eco Engineering Club, regional winner of the NIFTY competition, and current Founder of Mango , a tech startup that empowers Florida's small farmers.

Recognized as one of South Florida's innovators under 25, Olbin shares his inspiring journey from Honduras to becoming a leader in sustainable engineering initiatives. They dive into the challenges and strategies of building an electric car, project management, and the role of creativity in engineering.

The conversation covers how Miami can become a sustainability hub and the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship for a greener future. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and creativity!

Stay Connected! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forward.thinkersshow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/olbin/ https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/inno/stories/news/2024/10/04/2024-sfbj-tech-inno-under-25.html?csrc=6398&utm_campaign=trueAnthemNewContentFeed&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=linkedin

Credits Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected] Disclaimer:

The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, host Coral welcomes D. Colin Rocker, the "First-Gen Professional," a father, career-focused content creator, and advocate with a dedicated audience of over 380,000. Colin has collaborated with top-tier brands like Glassdoor, L'Oréal, Microsoft, and Google, and has been featured in Business Insider for his incredible journey from tech to consulting and content creation.

In this episode, Colin shares his inspiring journey—how he went from his days at the University of Georgia to becoming a successful consultant and senior manager, and now a full-time entrepreneur. Throughout, the key theme is balance—he reveals the challenges of balancing ambitious career goals, fatherhood, and life as a social media creator. Colin’s experience offers invaluable advice for those striving to achieve professional success without sacrificing personal well-being.

#TheForwardThinkerShow #FirstGenProfessional #WorkLifeBalance #Entrepreneurship #FamilyAndCareer #Consulting #TechIndustry

Stay Connected!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️

https://colinrocker.komi.io/#8278b590-e3bd-4606-a040-87b67879ec28

Credits

Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

Disclaimer:

The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, Coral sits down with Valeria, also known as Val.java, a software engineer and rising tech influencer with over 27,000 followers. Together, they dive deep into Valeria’s journey from Peru to New York, overcoming the challenges women face in the male-dominated tech industry. Val shares practical advice on how women can break stereotypes, find their community, and thrive in tech careers. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to advance your tech career, this episode offers actionable tips on how to thrive in a world where women are still underrepresented.

Stay Connected!

Instagram: / igsh=mxqzohrsmdbnn2rlc...

LinkedIn: / forward-thinkers-show

YouTube: / @forwardthinkersshow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.c...

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️

https://linktr.ee/val.java?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Credits

Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

*Disclaimer:

The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

In just two years, Robert Velasquez made an incredible transition from studying biology to landing internships at tech giants like Google, Netflix, and Zillow. In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show, Robert shares how he navigated this career switch, found his place in tech, and became a community leader at Init. If you’re wondering how to break into the tech industry, especially with a non-traditional background, this episode is for you!

Stay Connected!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️

https://www.linkedin.com/in/velasquezrobert/

Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

Disclaimer:

The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.

In this episode of The Forward Thinker Show’ we sit down with Aidan Ouckama, a computer science student and content creator, to explore the real impact of authentic personal branding in today’s tech industry. Aiden opens up about how being true to himself on platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn not only helped him land internships at companies like DoorDash and Datadog but also made him stand out in a crowded field.

Through his personal journey, from robotics camps to creating content that resonates with others, Aiden shows us how embracing authenticity can be your superpower in tech.

If you're navigating the tech space, looking for inspiration, or wondering how to blend passion and professionalism, this episode is for you.

Stay Connected!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fowardthinkersshow/igsh=MXQzOHRsMDBnN2Rlcw%3D%3D

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-thinkers-show/

YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/@ForwardThinkersShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IMHrlejWNoF9LGF7ediDw

⭐️Resources Mentioned⭐️

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-ouckama

https://www.tiktok.com/@ouckah?_t=8q506YlX7Wd&_r=1

Credits

Hosted by: Coral Miniel, Founder, Host, Producer

Questions?: email us: [email protected]

**Disclaimer:*

The Forward Thinkers Show isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any organization. Any commentary done in the episodes is of the guest's/host's own will.