ACCESS GRANTED
ACCESS GRANTED
Podcast Description
Access isn't just another six letter word. It is THE word if we want to lift, learn, lead, and leverage our collective and individual talents to change lives. On ACCESS GRANTED, we will be granting access. Opening doors on the angles, the corners, the rules of the game. Providing access to worlds and people who are life changers, rule breakers, major players and most of all, dream makers. Access to the right to dream, the right to soar, the right to the pursuit of personal excellence. No doors closed, all doors open. The game begins with knowledge. If we grant them access, they will get it themselves. Welcome to ACCESS GRANTED. About Access Youth Academy"Access Granted" is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility and leadership using sports as a catalyst. We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential. To Learn more about Access Youth Academy and explore how you can become a game changer, please visit our website. Access Youth AcademyAbout Cloudcast MediaAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "Access Granted" throught its CauseCast platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media | Cloudcast Media.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on themes such as youth empowerment, academic growth, health and wellness, and leadership development, featuring episodes that explore the transformative power of sports, storytelling of personal journeys, and the significance of mentorship in youth sports.
Access isn’t just another six letter word.
It is THE word if we want to lift, learn, lead, and leverage our collective and individual talents to change lives.
On ACCESS GRANTED, we will be granting access. Opening doors on the angles, the corners, the rules of the game. Providing access to worlds and people who are life changers, rule breakers, major players and most of all, dream makers. Access to the right to dream, the right to soar, the right to the pursuit of personal excellence. No doors closed, all doors open. The game begins with knowledge. If we grant them access, they will get it themselves.
Welcome to ACCESS GRANTED.
About Access Youth Academy
“Access Granted” is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility and leadership using sports as a catalyst. We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential. To Learn more about Access Youth Academy and explore how you can become a game changer, please visit our website.
About Cloudcast Media
As the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces “Access Granted” throught its CauseCast platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media | Cloudcast Media.
In this episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, sits down with nonprofit leader Valin Brown, CEO of the Alliant Educational Foundation. Valin takes us on a journey from his early years in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and a pivotal move to St. Charles, Illinois, through an intense academic run at Northwestern University in philosophy and cultural anthropology, to a life devoted to impact in the nonprofit sector. Valin shares how financial aid opened the door to a world-class education, how early roles with United Way led to becoming a CEO at just 26, and how a bold move to San Diego reshaped his life and career. He talks about building educational and mental health initiatives for children and families, the mentors who believed in him before he believed in himself, and what it means to unify your life’s work with your deepest values. Beyond his professional story, Valin opens up about surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma and how that experience deepened his gratitude and sense of purpose. He also invites listeners into his personal passions: traveling the world, exploring great wine regions, and creating an Italian-inspired urban vineyard in the heart of San Diego. The episode closes with powerful advice for young people: work hard, pursue what you love, and align effort with passion to build a meaningful life.
Valin Brown’s Early Life and Upbringing
- Valin Brown shares that he was raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a town called Coatesville, and had a great family upbringing.
- At age 13, his family moved to St. Charles, Illinois, due to his father’s job, which turned out to be a blessing as the new school district was much more challenging.
- Valin describes the transition as a massive disruption but a significant opportunity for growth and thriving, both academically and personally.
Academic Journey and Early Career
- Valen attended Northwestern University, where he studied philosophy and cultural anthropology, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in four years.
- He discusses the financial aid package that allowed him to attend Northwestern, highlighting the importance of financial support in his educational journey.
- Valin’s early career included working with United Way in Knoxville, Tennessee, and later in Denver, Colorado, where he managed early childhood development programs.
- He shares his experience of being offered the CEO position of Colorado Bright Beginnings at the age of 26, which was a significant door-opening opportunity.
Transition to San Diego and Current Role
- Valin moved to San Diego in 2008 to run the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, where he worked for seven years.
- In 2014, he joined United Way of San Diego County as the Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, unifying his life and work in the same metro area.
- Currently, Valin works at Alliant International University, leading the Alliant Educational Foundation, which focuses on mental health programs for underserved children and youth.
- He describes the rewarding experience of building new bridges with youth-serving nonprofits and the impact of their programs on children’s mental health.
Personal Interests and Passions
- Valen discusses his passion for wine, including his Italian-inspired vineyard in San Diego, which he started in 2021.
- He shares his interest in mixology and hosting events at home, where he and his wife create a welcoming environment for friends and family.
- Valen reflects on the importance of balancing professional work with personal passions, which adds depth and fulfillment to his life.
- He mentions his travels and the influence of different cultures on his interests, particularly in wine and mixology.
Mentorship and Influences
- Valin credits Ben Landers, former CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville, as a significant mentor who opened doors for him in his career.
- He also highlights Mike Durkin, former CEO of United Way of Denver, who provided support and encouragement during his early career.
- Both mentors played crucial roles in Valin’s professional development, offering guidance, humor, and practical advice.
- Valin emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping his career and personal growth.
Overcoming Challenges
- Valin shares his experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in 2011, and the impact it had on his life.
- He describes the treatment process, including six months of chemotherapy and a month of radiation, and the support he received from his family and friends.
- Valin reflects on the deeper appreciation for life and the motivation it has given him to pursue his passions and make a positive impact.
- He emphasizes the importance of resilience and gratitude in overcoming adversity and continuing to thrive.
Advice for Young People
- Valin advises young people to work hard and take their education seriously to open doors for meaningful opportunities.
- He stresses the importance of pursuing passions and finding ways to connect hard work with what inspires and motivates them.
- Valin believes that combining effort and passion leads to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment in life.
- He encourages young people to find what they are passionate about and work hard to achieve their goals, emphasizing the long-term benefits of this approach.
About Access Youth Academy
Access Granted is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility and leadership using sports as a catalyst. We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential. To Learn more about Access Youth Academy and explore how you can become a game changer, please visit our website.
https://accessyouthacademy.org/
About Cloudcast Media
As the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces “Access Granted” through its CauseCast platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media.
This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producers Natalie Beltran and Naol Hailemeskel. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.
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