Annexstad Family Foundation Podcast

Annexstad Family Foundation
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Non-Profit
  • Biweekly

The Annexstad Family Foundation Podcast is a platform designed to support scholars and alumni through practical guidance, expert perspectives, and real-life experiences. Each episode explores topics that help listeners invest in themselves and navigate college, career decisions, and early professional life with greater confidence. Through conversations with alumni, professionals, educators, and other thought leaders, the podcast provides actionable insights on personal, professional, and financial growth while strengthening connections across the Annexstad community.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Career Pivots | Janelle Alba Garner & Xiomara Contreras | Ep. 7

    In this episode, AFF alumni Janelle Alba Garner and Xiomara Contreras discuss navigating career pivots, redefining success, and making decisions when the path forward is uncertain. Drawing from their experiences in entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact, they share how their definitions of success have evolved and why your first job—or any single career decision—doesn't define your future. They also offer practical advice on trusting yourself, building community, stepping outside your comfort zone, and creating opportunities for others as you grow.  Janelle Alba Garner is a human-centered entrepreneur and equity advocate based in Chicago, Illinois. After studying Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas, she spent years behind the scenes of social impact organizations, seeing firsthand what it costs to carry work that’s outgrown the structure meant to hold it. So she built Tanglaw Advisory, a boutique consulting practice to help purpose-driven leaders sustain both their mission and the people serving it, without sacrificing one for the other. Committed to expanding access to basic needs, she sits on the Inspiration Corporation auxiliary board and, through Tanglaw Collective, offers pro bono support to South and West Side organizations that know their mission was made for more.   Xiomara Contreras spent eight years at Google as a product marketing manager driving growth and user engagement for core platforms including Google Ads and Google Business Profile. A Northwestern University graduate with a degree in Communication Studies, and a minor in Latina/o Studies, Xiomara is based in Chicago and enjoys painting and storytelling. She’s also deeply committed to community, spending her time mentoring high schoolers and early career professionals, and volunteering for various organizations. Now in the midst of her own career transition, Xiomara is excited to discuss the challenges and clarity that come with leaving a long-term role to pursue a more intentional path.

  2. Oct 28

    Lifelong Learning | Daniela Ivanov | Ep. 6

    In this episode, Goldie Initiative Scholar and University of Chicago Booth MBA graduate Daniela Ivanov discusses lifelong learning and pursuing your goals at any stage of life. Daniela shares her experience returning to school while balancing a career and family, the role curiosity and relationships have played in her growth, and why there is no set timeline for success. She also offers practical advice on stepping outside your comfort zone, investing in yourself, building a strong support system, and continuing to make progress toward your goals  Daniela Ivanov is a University of Chicago Booth School of Business MBA graduate and an asset manager at Northern Trust, where she manages real estate properties for wealth management and guardianship clients. A Goldie Initiative Scholar, Daniela returned to graduate school after establishing her career to deepen her expertise in finance, investing, and real estate strategy. She lives in Libertyville with her husband and two children.

  3. Oct 14

    Lift As You Lead | Dr. Marco Clark | Ep. 5

    Great leaders don't just achieve success, they create opportunities for others to succeed alongside them. In this episode, Dr. Marco Clark, President of Holy Cross College, shares his perspective on servant leadership, the importance of building meaningful relationships, and how leading with humility can shape both careers and communities. Together, we explore what it means to lift others as you grow, navigate challenges with purpose, and leave a lasting impact through service. Whether you're an emerging leader or looking to strengthen your influence, this conversation offers practical lessons that extend far beyond the workplace.  Dr. Marco Clark is the sixth President of Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana. A lifelong educator and nationally recognized leader, he has served as a teacher, coach, counselor, principal, president, professor, and speaker throughout his career. Before joining Holy Cross College, Dr. Clark spent nearly a decade as President of Bishop McNamara High School in Maryland, where he led significant growth in enrollment, philanthropy, and student outcomes. He earned his bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross, a master's degree from Bowie State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Creighton University. Dr. Clark is passionate about developing leaders who serve others and create lasting, positive change in their communities.    Resources:  The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell   Good to Great by Jim Collins   Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman & Raj Sisodia

  4. Sep 30

    Navigating the Job Market with Confidence | Jenna Rogers | Ep. 4

    How do you stand out in today's job market? In this episode, Jenna Rogers, founder of Career Civility, shares practical strategies for building your personal brand, communicating your value, networking with intention, and using AI as a tool—not a substitute—for your authentic voice. Whether you're preparing for your first job or your next opportunity, this conversation will help you approach your career with greater confidence and clarity.  Jenna Rogers is the founder and CEO of Career Civility, where she helps professionals become more effective communicators and leaders. With a background in technology sales and a master’s degree in communication from Northwestern University, Jenna equips individuals with practical communication skills that build stronger relationships and career success. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, three children, and her dog, Zona.  Resources:  www.careercivility.com  Instagram: @ careercivility   Breaking the Networking Stigma – 4 Tips to Network with Confidence – CC Blog  Navigating the Job Market with Confidence Article – AFF Website

  5. Sep 16

    AI in the Workplace | Jenna Rogers | Ep. 3

    AI is transforming the workplace but the skills that set professionals apart remain deeply human.  In this episode of the Annexstad Family Foundation Podcast, Patti Annexstad and Elin Wahman welcome Jenna Rogers, founder of Career Civility, to discuss how students and young professionals can use AI with confidence while strengthening the communication, critical thinking, and relationship-building skills employers value most.  Jenna shares practical advice on using AI responsibly, writing better prompts, navigating workplace expectations, and building trust in an AI-driven world. She also explores why curiosity, emotional intelligence, and mentorship will continue to define career success.  Jenna Rogers is the founder and CEO of Career Civility, where she helps professionals become more effective communicators and leaders. With a background in technology sales and a master’s degree in communication from Northwestern University, Jenna equips individuals with practical communication skills that build stronger relationships and career success. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, three children, and her dog, Zona.  Resources:  Why Storytelling is a Business Critical Skill – CC Blog  www.careercivility.org  Instagram: @careercivility

  6. Sep 2

    Building Financial Confidence | Tasha Murdoff | Ep. 2

    Financial confidence isn't about having all the answers, it's about building the habits and knowledge to make informed decisions over time. In this episode, Tasha Murdoff shares practical guidance on managing money with purpose, creating healthy financial habits, understanding the power of investing, and planning for the future. Whether you're navigating your first paycheck, paying off debt, or thinking about long-term financial goals, this conversation offers actionable advice to help you build a strong financial foundation.  Tasha Murdoff is the Chief Financial Officer of AMA Investments, LLC, a family office focused on real estate, philanthropy, and equity and bond investments across the United States. Prior to joining AMA Investments, she spent 25 years at Sit Investment Associates, where she managed global and international equity portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, mutual funds, foundations, endowments, pension plans, and other institutional clients. She also served on the firm's Global Investment Committee, helping shape investment strategy, and mentored the next generation of investment professionals. Tasha earned her MBA from the University of St. Thomas and her bachelor's degree from Augsburg College.    Resources:   The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel  Disclaimer: This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice.

  7. Aug 19

    Leading with Purpose | Shawn Sanford | Ep. 1

    Leadership is about more than achieving success—it's about creating opportunities for others along the way. In this episode, Shawn Sanford shares how embracing purpose, investing in relationships, and staying true to your values can shape a meaningful career. As the Foundation's first Leader for Tomorrow Scholar, Shawn reflects on her own journey and offers practical advice on building confidence, navigating career transitions, finding mentors, and leading with authenticity. Whether you're just beginning your career or looking to grow as a leader, this conversation will inspire you to lead with intention and make an impact wherever you are.  Shawn Sanford, MBA, CAE, is an award-winning nonprofit executive, career coach, and community builder based in the Chicagoland area. A proud University of Notre Dame graduate and the Annexstad Family Foundation's first Leader for Tomorrow Scholar, Shawn specializes in community engagement, membership growth, and DEI strategy. Through her consulting firm, she has helped professionals and entrepreneurs advance their careers and build successful businesses. Shawn earned her MBA from the University of Saint Francis and is passionate about empowering others through leadership, service, and mentorship.  Resources:   Shawn Sanford Career Coaching Website: https://esbconsulting.org

  • 7 Episodes

About

The Annexstad Family Foundation Podcast is a platform designed to support scholars and alumni through practical guidance, expert perspectives, and real-life experiences. Each episode explores topics that help listeners invest in themselves and navigate college, career decisions, and early professional life with greater confidence. Through conversations with alumni, professionals, educators, and other thought leaders, the podcast provides actionable insights on personal, professional, and financial growth while strengthening connections across the Annexstad community.

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