Future Talks by Future Institute

During the seventh episode of the Future Talks Podcast, Lisa Meredith and Cengiz Karatas talk about preparing the future generations for success by paying it forward. Ms. Meredith, Regional Director at ProVisors, elaborates on the merits of mentorship as well as establishing partnerships between businesses and colleges to further develop the best skills in students for their careers. As a Board member at Future Institute and Chair of the Fundraising Committee, Ms. Meredith works tirelessly to pay her own success forward.

In the August 2021 episode, Mr. Cengiz Karatas discusses business and community leadership with David Nissen, CPA/ABV, CVA, CEO/President of PKF Mueller. Mr. Nissen speaks about PKF Mueller's successes, community involvement, vision, and diversity. His advice to business and community leaders is to embrace the change and adapt to what the pandemic has brought the world. Mr. Nissen also encourages the younger generation to work hard and have a good work ethic in order to succeed in life. PKF Mueller supports Future Institute and our students' futures both financially and by volunteering time.

In the July 2021 episode, Ms. Nichole Pientka has a conversation with Christina Wagener, Precious Taiwo's mentor in the FLI Program who was on a previous episode. Christina speaks about not having much support as a first-generation college student and why being a mentor to those who are in a similar situation is important. Her recommendation to others who want to mentor is to be available and flexible for their mentees. Christina looks forward to continuing to mentor Precious as she transfers to a four-year university to pursue her nursing degree.

In the June 2021 episode, Ms. Iara Aldape speaks with Jesus Barragan, a high school graduate and a participant in the Future Legacies program. Jesus talks about his struggles in the beginning of his senior year in high school and how he has overcome many of his anxieties about college with the help of a mentor and workshops provided by the program.

In the May 2021 episode, Cengiz Karatas discusses community leadership with Philip Krone. Mr. Krone is the President Productive Strategies, Inc. and a long-time supporter of Future Institute and Concept Schools. In addition to supporting Future Institute as a sponsor, Mr. Krone has also volunteered to be a mentor for one of the participants in the Future Leaders Initiative (FLI) Program.

We are excited to post the second episode of Future Institute's Future Talks segment! Future Talks is a monthly podcast organized and hosted by Future Institute, a non-profit organization committed to growing student success and building a better society. Each month you will hear from one of our stakeholders: graduates & program participants, board members, sponsors & supporters, and community members.

In the April episode, Ms. Nichole Pientka speaks with Ms. Precious Taiwo, a college student and participant in the Future Leaders Initiative (FLI) Program. Ms. Taiwo gives insight into her experience as a first-generation college student, how the FLI Program has helped her transition into college, and about her career aspirations.

Welcome to the first episode of Future Institute's new and improved Future Talks segment! Future Talks is a monthly podcast organized and hosted by Future Institute, a non-profit organization committed to growing student success and building a better society. Each month you will hear from one of our stakeholders: graduates & program participants, board members, sponsors & supporters, and community members. 

In this debut episode, Ms. Iara Aldape interviews Mr. Cengiz Karatas, Executive Director of Future Institute. Mr. Karatas spoke about what Future Institute does, its origins, and goals for the future.