Laura, stylist and creator of Balloon Luxe Events. A wife, and girl mom, with a background in finance, Laura is a powerhouse. With the support of her family, Laura turned her passion of party planning into more than just a hobby. She is dedicated to making each occasion a memorable one by providing services in balloon garlands and big customized balloon ideas! Enjoy!

Find her on social media - @balloonluxeevents

Website: http://balloonluxeevents.com/

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Autriel Galloway is an educator by trade and at heart. She enjoys taking what she has learned teaching students and leading teams to uplift and empower those in her sphere of influence. As a coach, collaborator, and strategist, she has tirelessly supported students, families, teachers, and leaders over the last eight years in the pursuit of equity for all children and communities. She has learned to empathize with their fears, hear their visions, and coach them to success. Being a coach, consultant, and speaker, Autriel brings those same gifts to her audiences and clients.

Currently, she works as a Special Education Curriculum Specialist and as the owner/ founding coach and consultant at Insight to Outcomes. When Autriel isn't working, she's probably sleeping (because rest is important!), reading, watching Netflix, or in Memphis -- hanging out with her family (particularly -- her mama, daddy, sister, and nieces for sure!). A few of her favorites include:

Business-Related Notes

Insight to Outcomes is an education consulting firm focused on coaching and consulting on effective leadership and management development for mid-level campus leaders in years 1 - 2 of their new roles. Autriel started Insight to Outcomes because she believes that with the right tools, language, and support, people can learn to lead themselves well, which positions them to lead others effectively; she also believes that new leaders do not have to struggle and live on the cusp of burnout just to move their teams and initiatives forward. She brings that belief and her technical skillset to the work of coaching and consulting to ensure that campus leaders are able to sustain themselves and their work for the long haul.

Keep up with Insight to Outcomes on Instagram or LinkedIn:

If you'd like to learn more about ways that Insight to Outcomes could work with you, your team, or your organization -- or if you'd like to join the Insight to Outcomes email list, email [email protected] to connect!

Darryl is a contractor, foodie expert (although he may say otherwise), veteran and an all-around awesome person. Darryl joins Jen to discuss first impressions, what it means to be inquisitive vs chismosa(o), growing up being told no AND not accepting it. Darryl and Jenn talk about how different perspectives allows them to accept (or not) a given situation, what it means to live a life that they want to not that they have to, and how they both handle expectations set for them by others. Darryl explains how big family means to him, the complications friendships can bring, the power of asking good questions, how they both connect on shared struggle and finally, he gives a little insight into life as a Marine. Enjoy!

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Fernando Santiago is your go to guy when remodeling your house. Whatever idea or concept you want to go with, he’ll walk you through it and make sure it’s done to your liking . He is a commercial and residential investor. He runs a remodeling company and has worked more than 1000 houses. When he is not working he is looking for new business to get into or hanging out with his chickens. Fernando and Jenn talk about what it is to be a first-generation student, leaving home after college, and how exactly they met (FYI, neither remembers exactly how). Fernando shares lessons he's learned along the way from business ideas, friendships and life. Enjoy!

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Kiran is the ultimate Girl Next Door! With her relatable and authentic content, she’s like the best friend you’ve always wanted. Her style mixes affordable fashion with pops of luxury pieces, her hair tutorials are full of the best tips and tricks, and her makeup is natural, effortless and achievable. As a proud Pakistani woman, she has a large and diverse female audience and influences women from all walks of life! Kiran joins Jenn to discuss how she began her career as an influencer and how she has transitioned into a full-time creator. Kiran and Jenn talk about college life, Kiran's famous rap battles, and how Kiran inspired Jenn to launch Rare Gem Podcast. Enjoy!

Find Kiran's on Instagram - @kiranjmeghani

Interested in a collaboration? Contact her at [email protected]

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A native of Houston, TX, Adrian Izaguirre has a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas (‘16) in Radio, Television and Film along with minors in Spanish and Social Science. Adrian is the Civic Engagement Program Manager for Texas at NALEO Educational Fund, a national non-profit, non-partisan organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. He is also an alum of Leadership ISD, in the “Civic Voices of Houston” program. Civic Voices of Houston helps bring unique perspectives and influence of civic leaders, educators, and stakeholders, in order to advance racial equity and academic excellence through advocacy and policy. Previously, Adrian  dedicated many years involved in after school programs as a student, front-line staff member and coordinator of programs, most ultimately as a Program Coordinator for the Center for After school, Summer and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids) for the City Connections project from 2016 to 2021. City Connections is funded by the City of Houston to provide grants for non-profit organizations to implement after school programs across 11 City Council districts in Houston. In his free time he serves as the Assistant Captain of Media & Promotions for the Go Tejano Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Vice Chairman of Recruitment and Outreach for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Alumni Council, and a member of the Houston ISD Legislative Committee. Most recently, he is also an active member of the UNT Latinx Alumni Steering Committee. Adrian is also an avid Houston sports fan as one of the many passions he has for his hometown.

NALEO - https://naleo.org/

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - https://www.rodeohouston.com/

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Carla started her educational journey over 21 years ago in her hometown of Los Angeles, California where she served in varying capacities as a K-12 teacher and school administrator. From her first year as an educator, she knew she would change the course of education for kids in the inner city. She earned her certificate in gifted education under the leadership of USC professor Dr. Sandra Kaplan to expand opportunities for children of color in gifted programs in Long Beach Unified School District. She continued to expand her impact by becoming the founding principal for a charter middle school with the Challengers Boys and Girls Club she attended as a youth. Her students have gone on to achieve college scholarships to the Juilliard School, MIT and Stanford University. This is also when she hired her first group of Teach for America Corps Members who have gone on to lead their own schools across California. Carla has served as the Senior Managing Director for the Program Continuum Team for the TFA Las Vegas Valley and Houston Regional Team. She currently created and leads the TFA Houston Network Learning and Innovation Team where they expand opportunities for students by researching, prototyping, and designing experiences and programs for Corps Members and Alumni. The team curate solutions to reimagine the future of learning. She graduated from UC San Diego with a BA in Ethnic Studies and from Pepperdine University with an MA in Education. You can find her traveling with her family, seeking global inspiration, and testing her strength in animal flow and pilates classes. Carla joins Jenn to discuss the innovative work she is currently doing with TFA Houston, her interesting perspective on gangs, and the collaboration needed between edtech and schools. 

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Here's an article Carla wrote, check it out!

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Hi there! This project has taken me 3 years to put out into the world and I am super excited to share it with you all. Join me as I discover personal stories from people I consider rare gems in my life. Listen as we connect on shared struggle and attempt to understand one another, all while having fun and exploring the world of podcasting.