Promoted

Merit America
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

Promoted is a podcast about how to leave low-wage work for good, produced by Merit America, a national workforce development nonprofit that creates fast, flexible pathways to family-sustaining  careers for Americans stuck in low-wage jobs. In this season, Merit America’s career coaches chat with their former learners about their new roles—and how they used AI as a tool to build skills, navigate career transitions, prepare for job interviews, and move toward careers they love. Along the way, you’ll learn how you can leave low-wage work for good, too.

  1. Jan 6

    How to Create a Career Plan

    In this episode of Promoted, Merit America career coach Maria Villalobos explains why having a clear career plan matters in today’s fast-changing job market. She breaks down what a career plan is, how to define what you want, research your path, and map out the steps toward a job and future you feel good about.   Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Maria Villalobos Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta   Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How to Create a Career Plan

  2. 12/30/2025

    How to Answer the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Question

    On this episode of Promoted, Merit America career coach Anne-Marcelle Kouame breaks down how to master the interview question that sets the tone for everything: “Tell me about yourself.” She explains why the first few minutes matter, how to craft a compelling present-past-future answer, and how to use an “I am” statement to showcase your personality and transferable skills — especially if you're changing careers. Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Anne-Marcelle Kouame Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta   Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How to Answer the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Question

  3. 12/23/2025

    How Sadie Used Creativity and Passion To Fuel Her Career Transition

    On this episode of Promoted, Merit America alum Sadie Cassidy talks to her former Merit America career coach, Anne-Marcelle Kouame, about how she was able to recognize and communicate her transferable skills in her job search. Sadie opens up about how she discovered strengths she hadn’t recognized before and explains how everyday experiences can translate directly into in-demand job skills. Sadie also shares about how applying her practical skills to her hobbies (like anime – a hobby she and Anne-Marcelle share) and personal projects helped her hone her skills even more.    Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Anne-Marcelle Kouame Guest: Sadie Cassidy Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta   Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How Sadie Used Creativity and Passion To Fuel Her Career Transition

  4. 12/16/2025

    How to Build your Career Confidence

    Joey Ratcliff, a Merit America career coach, takes you through how building confidence is key to breaking out of low-wage work and creating the career you want in this episode of Promoted. Learn why confidence isn’t always “faking it till you make it,” but about connecting with your story, practicing your skills, and visualizing your future. From recognizing transferable strengths to celebrating small wins, Joey shares practical strategies to help you navigate your career with confidence .    Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Joey Ratcliff Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta   Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How to Build your Career Confidence

  5. 12/09/2025

    How Toneise Built A Career Outside the Traditional 9 to 5

    On this episode of Promoted, Toneise talks about building a career different from the traditional 9 to 5 job – transitioning from being a senior Store Manager to a User Tester, working as a Program Advisor for kids, and launching her boutique. She reflects on navigating big moves, translating her hands-on skills from “physical to digital,” and the importance of keeping personal projects and creative pursuits alive, even while working temporary jobs. She shares how embracing being different and focusing on mindset helped her build a career – and life – that aligns with her vision and ambitions.    Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Joey Ratcliff Guest: Toneise Holmes Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta   Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How Toneise Built A Career Outside the Traditional 9 to 5

  6. 12/02/2025

    How to Advocate For Yourself In Your Job Search

    In this episode of Promoted, Bekah Thompson, a Merit America career coach, talks about how to advocate for yourself in your job search. Bekah shares how to recognize your worth, communicate it with confidence in interviews, networking, and salary discussions, and frame areas of growth as strengths. With practical strategies and actionable tips, she shows how advocating for yourself can help you take ownership of your career and build professional and personal confidence.   Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Bekah Thompson Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta   Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How to Advocate For Yourself In Your Job Search

  7. 11/25/2025

    How Pamellah Rebuilt her Career After Starting Over

    On this episode of Promoted, Pamellah shares her journey of navigating a new country, learning a new language and culture, and finding her way into the job market. She talks to her former Merit America Career Coach, Bekah Thompson, about the challenges of starting over, her process of building confidence, and how she advocated for herself in her job search. She also shares how leveraging her network, staying persistent despite setbacks, and keeping her family and long-term goals in mind helped her land a role where she can help and advise others.   Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Bekah Thompson Guest: Pamellah Mirembe Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How Pamellah Rebuilt her Career After Starting Over

  8. 11/18/2025

    How to tell your story in the age of AI

    Tanesha Washington, a Merit America career coach, explores how AI is shaping today’s job search and what it means for telling your story effectively. Learn the pros and cons of using AI tools, how they can refine your materials and highlight your strengths, and where they risk making your story sound less authentic. From sharpening resumes to preparing for interviews, Tanesha shares practical ways to use AI as a supplement—not a substitute—so you can stand out with confidence and keep your voice at the center of your career journey.   Learn more about Merit America here.   CREDITS: Host: Tanesha Washington Creative Directors: Brittany Davis-Green, Anne Keenan Executive Producer: Deshani Semaan Created by Merit America This is a Maed in India production Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Ruchi Sawardekar Director and Video Producer: Jishnu Guha Junior Producer: Devanshi Chandak   Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni, Lakshman Parsuram Visual Design: Alika Gupta   Support Merit America here: https://meritamerica.org/our-supporters/.

    How to tell your story in the age of AI
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Promoted is a podcast about how to leave low-wage work for good, produced by Merit America, a national workforce development nonprofit that creates fast, flexible pathways to family-sustaining  careers for Americans stuck in low-wage jobs. In this season, Merit America’s career coaches chat with their former learners about their new roles—and how they used AI as a tool to build skills, navigate career transitions, prepare for job interviews, and move toward careers they love. Along the way, you’ll learn how you can leave low-wage work for good, too.

Information

  • Creator
    Merit America
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Merit America
  • Show Website
    Promoted