Chaeyeon Kim grew up in Busan singing to birds, because they deserved it. She traded Korean sunsets for five cities, a Hollywood internship, and a psychology degree she uses mostly to understand why she keeps joining theatre productions while critiquing them simultaneously. Multifaceted, radiant, and chronically in a flow state, this is Dora the Explorer's greatest success story.

Rachel Kim is a coach, educator, and community builder passionate about helping people find clarity, connection, and meaningful work. She believes heartful conversations can create more peaceful communities. Outside of work, she enjoys consuming an arguably excessive amount of books, podcasts, and streaming TV (Real Housewives are her guilty pleasure).

The first group of Minervans to ever be in Tokyo... if you are listening to this episode years later, come see how your Minervan ancestors (specifically here we have your host Linda, Mara, Syuzi from M28, and Maggie from M26!) have survived, ventured out, and squeezed every second that they have here. Tune in for our advice on the best konbini to visit, how we found our community and family, and navigated loneliness with grace.

Sofia Alicia Perez is a M28 who grew up between hot Miami and rainy England. Drawn to storytelling, women’s health, and sustainability, she refused to pick one path. Instead, she mixes science and art to chase bold, messy solutions - because what great story ever follows a straight line?

Sofia Alicia Perez is a Minerva sophomore who grew up between hot Miami and rainy England. Drawn to storytelling, women’s health, and sustainability, she refused to pick one path. Instead, she mixes science and art to chase bold, messy solutions—because what great story ever follows a straight line?

Van is a city dwelling, yet nature loving, aspiring parent and life long student. He loves movement and change and and is deeply connected with his emotions. He believes adventuring is a mindset from climbing mountains to dreaming at night to cafe hopping and making meaningful connections kids through teaching.

Marianna Panossi was once destined to become a violinist in the USSR—but the world had other plans. Now a global education powerhouse with almost three decades in HigherEd, she builds bridges for international students. As Minerva’s Dean of Global Student Services, she blends strategy, compliance, and passion to help students thrive worldwide.

Noku is an M28 of eclectic tastes and hobbies. Some days he's a startup bro, others a debate bro, or finance bro, or even a "writer" bro! In this episode, he discusses how his upbringing and interests collided to produce the "abundance" life philosophy he lives by today.

Julia Ip (M22) loves bringing people together—whether through storytelling on Humans of Minerva, community impact with Miracle Messages, or spontaneous gatherings with friends. Once a kid who dreamed of being retired (then CEO the next year), she’s now a Product Manager by day and National Karate Team member by night. Her motto: embrace discomfort, stay curious, be kind, and know that today can be a great day.

Salo is from Georgia and is proudly known back home as “Mowgli” because she’s always been climbing trees, wandering in nature, and embracing every adventure with an explorer’s spirit since childhood. She loves her family, friends, Georgia, nature, photography, yoga, meditation, cooking, hiking, reading, and learning new things. She studies Earth and Environmental Science and Sustainability, hoping to inspire more people to fall in love with science, nature, and care for the world around them.