In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Tony Betton, Jr., an Emmy-nominated media and communications professional, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and Director of Programs & Communications at Usher’s New Look, to explore how personality, passion, and purpose can become the foundation of a meaningful career. From finding his voice as a young person in Atlanta to building a career spanning journalism, television, communications, and youth development, Tony’s journey shows how embracing who you are can open doors you may have never imagined. 

Tony shares how his love of storytelling and connecting with people has shaped a career that has taken him from working with organizations and media brands including Good Morning America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BET, and 21Alive to now developing workforce development programs, communications strategies, and leadership initiatives that prepare young people for success at Usher’s New Look. We talk about courage, curiosity, resilience, and how students can identify their own strengths, gain meaningful experience, and build careers around the skills and qualities that make them unique. 

Whether you’re a student figuring out your next step, a parent supporting a developing leader, or an educator helping young people discover what’s possible, this episode is a reminder that there is no single path to success. Your personality, experiences, interests, and even the challenges you’ve overcome can all become part of your greatest professional strengths. 

In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Morgan Vazquez, an Executive Director and Head of Business Management & Planning for Global Talent Acquisition at Wells Fargo and a longtime leader in talent development and campus recruiting. Drawing on years of experience designing recruitment strategies and cultivating pipelines of emerging talent across industries, Morgan reveals what recruiters truly look for in young applicants—from internships and first jobs to leadership potential that extends beyond the resume.  

Morgan shares insider insight on how recruiters evaluate candidates, the skills and mindset that help students stand out, and how young professionals can build confidence and credibility early in their careers. Whether you’re a student preparing to enter the workforce, a recent graduate seeking your first role, a parent supporting the journey, or an educator helping students prepare for what comes next, this episode offers practical advice for navigating the transition from classroom to career. 

In a world defined by rapid change, the ability to pivot has become one of the most valuable leadership skills. In this live episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, recorded at Scholar's Day 2026, Sunny Nastase, a seasoned corporate leader and executive coach, shares insights from her journey navigating high-level leadership, transformation, and resilience.

From leading within global organizations to coaching executives worldwide, Sunny brings a unique perspective on how to stay grounded while adapting to uncertainty. Join us as she explores how young leaders can build resilience, embrace change, and make confident decisions even when the path forward isn’t clear. Featuring a live Q&A with students and families, this session offers practical advice and inspiration for the next generation of changemakers.

In part two, the conversation continues by looking ahead to the skills students will need in an AI-driven world. Fabian explains why human capabilities, judgment, emotional intelligence, storytelling, creativity, and adaptability are becoming more important, not less, as technology transforms the future of work. While AI can help identify patterns and process information, it cannot replace human context, ethics, lived experience, or meaningful connection. This second episode builds on Part One by showing students how to strengthen their unique human edge, lead with confidence, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Learn more about the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) by visiting nshss.org. 

In part one of this two-part episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Fabian DeRozario, Executive Director of the NSHSS Foundation and global leadership facilitator, to explore the foundational skills that shape long-term success. Drawing from his experience working with nearly 220 organizations worldwide, Fabian challenges the traditional focus on GPA and accolades, highlighting the importance of communication, relationship-building, and critical thinking. He also addresses the pressure many high-achieving students face, offering practical insight on recognizing burnout and maintaining mental well-being. This conversation invites listeners to redefine success and begin building the interpersonal skills that matter far beyond the classroom.

Learn more about the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) by visiting nshss.org. 

To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, we sit down with Tanya M. Odom, an internationally recognized educator, thought leader, and coach, to explore one of the biggest challenges students face during college applications and early career steps: self-doubt. Drawing on her global work in mindfulness, inclusive leadership, and personal development, Tanya shares practical tools to help students recognize their strengths, manage comparison, build confidence, and approach opportunities with clarity and courage. This conversation is designed for students navigating applications, interviews, and big decisions, as well as the families and educators who support them.