Coding Conversations with The STEM Educational Institute (SEI) - hosted by Nikisha Alcindor

Nikisha Alcindor
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY

The STEM Educational Institute, Inc. (SEI) exists to close opportunity gaps—bringing STEM education, financial literacy, and mental health resources to underserved youth and the communities that support them. That mission comes to life on Coding Conversations, a live podcast hosted by SEI President & Founder Nikisha Alcindor. Each episode features candid, real-world conversations with standout leaders, builders, and changemakers—breaking down the ideas, experiences, and lessons that can help young people (and the adults in their corner) thrive. If you’re looking for inspiring guests, honest dialogue, and practical insight at the intersection of education, opportunity, and impact—hit play and join the conversation.

Episodes

  1. Gaming As A Career Path with Studio Head of Halo Studios, Pierre Hintze

    1D AGO

    Gaming As A Career Path with Studio Head of Halo Studios, Pierre Hintze

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode we sit down with Pierre Hintze, Studio Head of Halo Studios, to unpack what stewardship really looks like when your audience is passionate, vocal, and paying attention to every decision. Halo has been around long enough to become more than a game series; it is a shared memory for millions of players. That raises a hard question: if you inherit a legendary franchise, what do you owe the past, and what do you owe the next generation?  Pierre traces his path from a soccer injury to discovering games as an outlet, then turning a bilingual background into a first job as a language tester. From there, we dive into what producers actually do in game development, how teams plan and prioritize work, and why agile frameworks like Scrum help students and studios alike. He explains why iteration matters, why “doing before planning” creates chaos, and how structured feedback loops build better outcomes over time. We also get specific about player trust and fan expectations in modern gaming. Pierre shares what it means to “earn the right” to surprise your audience, the lessons that come from backlash, and how Halo stays Halo through campaign storytelling, arena multiplayer, and community creativity. We widen the lens to gaming careers and STEM education, economic access through mobile and subscription models, and the ongoing debate about gaming and mental health, including the benefits of cooperative play and supportive communities. If you care about the future of gaming, game development, esports careers, or STEM pathways that feel exciting and real, hit play, then subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show 👉 SUBSCRIBE to Coding Conversations - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2136122/subscribe ✔ Early Access to New Episodes ✔ Real conversations with changemakers ✔ Insights at the intersection of STEM, wellness & equity ✔ Stories that inspire action and growth https://www.linkedin.com/company/stem-educational-institute https://www.instagram.com/stemeducationalinstitute/ https://x.com/sei_stem https://www.facebook.com/people/STEM-Educational-Institute/100066630527785/ You’re listening to the STEM Educational Institute Podcast. The information in this program is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, tax, or professional advice. The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the positions of STEM Educational Institute or its leadership. STEM Educational Institute and its affiliates assume no liability for any actions  and/or decisions taken based on the content of this program.

    29 min
  2. Trailblazer, Lauren C. Anderson talks about careers in global security and her secrets to success.

    FEB 21

    Trailblazer, Lauren C. Anderson talks about careers in global security and her secrets to success.

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Lauren C. Anderson, L.H.D.—a trailblazing national and global security expert and former senior FBI executive with nearly 30 years on the front lines of counterterrorism and international threat response.   From being among the first women on an FBI SWAT team to becoming the first woman to lead the FBI Legal Attaché office in Paris, Lauren’s career is a masterclass in leadership under pressure.   She shares what it takes to navigate high-stakes decision-making, how global risk has evolved, and why building resilient systems—and resilient people—matters more than ever. If you want a conversation that’s bold, timely, and packed with real-world insight—this one’s for you. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode (and share it with someone who loves smart discussions on security, leadership, and impact). #CodingConversations #MentalHealthMatters #STEMEducation #Mindfulness #CommunityImpact #PodcastLaunch 🚀 Support the show 👉 SUBSCRIBE to Coding Conversations - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2136122/subscribe ✔ Early Access to New Episodes ✔ Real conversations with changemakers ✔ Insights at the intersection of STEM, wellness & equity ✔ Stories that inspire action and growth https://www.linkedin.com/company/stem-educational-institute https://www.instagram.com/stemeducationalinstitute/ https://x.com/sei_stem https://www.facebook.com/people/STEM-Educational-Institute/100066630527785/ You’re listening to the STEM Educational Institute Podcast. The information in this program is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, tax, or professional advice. The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the positions of STEM Educational Institute or its leadership. STEM Educational Institute and its affiliates assume no liability for any actions  and/or decisions taken based on the content of this program.

    1h 14m
  3. Healing Minds & Futures: Malik Caldwell on Mindfulness, STEM & Community Power

    JAN 22

    Healing Minds & Futures: Malik Caldwell on Mindfulness, STEM & Community Power

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Welcome to the premiere of Coding Conversations — the podcast where STEM education, financial literacy, and mental health come together to create opportunity and impact in under-represented and under-resourced communities. ✨  We’re featuring Malik Caldwell from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, whose groundbreaking work blends Tai Chi, martial arts, and mindfulness into healing and therapeutic care for pediatric patients 🧘🏽‍♂️💙. His story, his impact, and his mission are nothing short of inspiring. 💡 This conversation is about more than healthcare — it’s about resilience, access, innovation, and community empowerment. 👉 SUBSCRIBE to Coding Conversations for: ✔ Real conversations with changemakers ✔ Insights at the intersection of STEM, wellness & equity ✔ Stories that inspire action and growth 🎧 Subscribe now and listen on your favorite podcast platform 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode #CodingConversations #MentalHealthMatters #STEMEducation #Mindfulness #CommunityImpact #PodcastLaunch 🚀 https://www.stemeducationalinstitute.org You’re listening to the STEM Educational Institute Podcast. The information in this program is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, tax, or professional advice. The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the positions of STEM Educational Institute or its leadership. STEM Educational Institute and its affiliates assume no liability for any actions  and/or decisions taken based on the content of this program. Support the show 👉 SUBSCRIBE to Coding Conversations - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2136122/subscribe ✔ Early Access to New Episodes ✔ Real conversations with changemakers ✔ Insights at the intersection of STEM, wellness & equity ✔ Stories that inspire action and growth https://www.linkedin.com/company/stem-educational-institute https://www.instagram.com/stemeducationalinstitute/ https://x.com/sei_stem https://www.facebook.com/people/STEM-Educational-Institute/100066630527785/ You’re listening to the STEM Educational Institute Podcast. The information in this program is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, tax, or professional advice. The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the positions of STEM Educational Institute or its leadership. STEM Educational Institute and its affiliates assume no liability for any actions  and/or decisions taken based on the content of this program.

    40 min
  4. Mental Health & the Future of Wellness with Be Dismond Sweet

    02/20/2023

    Mental Health & the Future of Wellness with Be Dismond Sweet

    Send us Fan Mail Coding Conversations is brought to you by the STEM Educational Institute (SEI), a nonprofit dedicated to providing high school students from underrepresented communities with free STEM education programs and skills. It's hosted by Nikisha Alcindor, SEI's Founder and President. In this episode, Nikisha is in conversation with Be Dismond Sweet. Be Dismond Sweet is the Director of Programs and Partnership Engagement for the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. She has a dynamic professional history of hospitality service and event production. She has worked with three U.S. presidents, numerous dignitaries, politicians, athletes and celebrities, gleaning valuable experience in building mutually beneficial solutions, leadership and direction as well as creative thinking.  Together, Nikisha and Be discuss mental health stigmas and issues within the Black community and how organizations like SEI and the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation are fighting to do away with them. They also delve into the need for representation within the field of psychology, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's Resource Guide for those seeking out Black therapists, and how mental health & wellness affect Black youth in this day and age. Be gives advice on wellness practices that may be helpful during hard times, and a dialogue is opened on what we can do to improve access to mental health care and resources in these communities. Support the show 👉 SUBSCRIBE to Coding Conversations - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2136122/subscribe ✔ Early Access to New Episodes ✔ Real conversations with changemakers ✔ Insights at the intersection of STEM, wellness & equity ✔ Stories that inspire action and growth https://www.linkedin.com/company/stem-educational-institute https://www.instagram.com/stemeducationalinstitute/ https://x.com/sei_stem https://www.facebook.com/people/STEM-Educational-Institute/100066630527785/ You’re listening to the STEM Educational Institute Podcast. The information in this program is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, tax, or professional advice. The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the positions of STEM Educational Institute or its leadership. STEM Educational Institute and its affiliates assume no liability for any actions  and/or decisions taken based on the content of this program.

    50 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

The STEM Educational Institute, Inc. (SEI) exists to close opportunity gaps—bringing STEM education, financial literacy, and mental health resources to underserved youth and the communities that support them. That mission comes to life on Coding Conversations, a live podcast hosted by SEI President & Founder Nikisha Alcindor. Each episode features candid, real-world conversations with standout leaders, builders, and changemakers—breaking down the ideas, experiences, and lessons that can help young people (and the adults in their corner) thrive. If you’re looking for inspiring guests, honest dialogue, and practical insight at the intersection of education, opportunity, and impact—hit play and join the conversation.

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