ACCESS GRANTED

Episode 13 | Valin Brown, CEO, Alliant Educational Foundation | Doors Opened, Lives Changed

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/ [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 [https://cloudcastmedia.us/].   This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producers Natalie Beltran and Naol Hailemeskel. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.

Episode 12 | Jeff McCain: From Dyslexia to Design: Building, Failing, & Winning on Your Own Terms

Jeff McCain shared his inspiring journey from struggling with reading and writing in childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Despite his learning disabilities, he leveraged his skills in welding and electrical work, eventually founding McCain Traffic Signals. He faced significant challenges, including a $1 million inventory error, but overcame them by innovating and expanding into Mexico. McCain sold his company in 2017, focusing now on helping others, particularly youth, through his book and public speaking. He emphasized the importance of self-belief, passion, and focusing on strengths to achieve success. If you would like to learn more about Mr. Mccain's journey, you can visit www.jeffreylmccain.com or follow him on Instagram @Jeffreylmccain. His book, Success Is a Special Need, is also avalible on Amazon. Introduction to Access Granted Podcast * Renato Pavia introduces the Access Granted podcast, emphasizing its focus on stories of hope, perseverance, inspiration, and impact. * The podcast aims to explore the who, what, when, and why of guests' lives, highlighting opportunities, pivotal moments, and their impact on their communities. * Renato Pavia mentions Nelson Mandela's words on the power of sports as a catalyst for social change and the universal language it speaks. * The podcast is about more than just sports; it delves into the doors that open in life, the moments that shape journeys, and the people who help others step through to the next level. Jeff McCain's Early Life and Struggles * Renato Pavia welcomes Jeff McCain to the podcast and asks him to share the beginning of his life. * Jeff McCain describes growing up in Southern California, struggling with reading and writing from an early age, and receiving help from his parents and teachers. * He shares how he overcame his challenges by focusing on his strengths, such as making things, and learning to weld from a neighbor. * Jeff's early experiences with welding and making things gave him confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which helped him navigate his school years. Jeff's Journey into Electrical Work and Entrepreneurship * Jeff explains how his father's electrical contracting business influenced his interest in making things and working with his hands. * He describes his early involvement in the family business, learning electrical work, and eventually becoming proficient and taking on more responsibilities. * Jeff shares how he and his brothers transformed their family business into a larger company, with his parents and brothers becoming partners. * He talks about his rise within the company, becoming the president, and his involvement in various organizations in San Diego. Expanding the Business and Overcoming Challenges * Jeff discusses his decision to start installing traffic signal lights, driven by his curiosity and the potential for new opportunities. * He describes the challenges of bidding and executing traffic signal projects, including the need for innovative solutions like using backhoes for digging holes. * Jeff shares his experiences with large projects, such as upgrading the lights at Jack Murphy Stadium and installing fiber optics under the Coronado Bridge. * He talks about the growth of his company, McCain Traffic Signals, and the expansion into manufacturing traffic signal equipment. The Financial Struggle and Turnaround * Jeff recounts a significant financial issue his company faced due to an accounting error, which led to a strained relationship with the bank. * He describes the steps he took to resolve the issue, including finding a maquiladora in Mexico to produce parts at a lower cost. * Jeff explains how he managed to turn the situation around within 60 days, impressing the bank and securing new financing. * He shares the eventual sale of his company in 2017, emphasizing the importance of finding the right buyer and ensuring the company's continued success. Post-Retirement and Philanthropic Efforts * Jeff talks about his decision to sell his company and his initial feelings of numbness and relief. * He describes his new focus on helping younger people and sharing his story of resilience and success. * Jeff shares how he wrote a book about his experiences, which led to him speaking publicly and inspiring others. * He emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and helping others find their success, drawing from his own journey and the lessons he learned. Advice for Young People and Final Thoughts * Jeff offers advice to young people, encouraging them to believe in themselves and focus on their strengths. * He stresses the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving success. * Jeff reflects on his own experiences and how they have shaped his approach to helping others. * Renato Pavia thanks Jeff for his contributions and inspiring stories, highlighting his impact on the Access Youth Academy and the broader community. 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/ [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 [https://cloudcastmedia.us/].   This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producers Natalie Beltran and Naol Hailemeskel. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.

Episode 11 | Nick Hundley: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: Competing, Failing, and Leading the Right Way

Welcome to ACCESS GRANTED In this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, interviews former Major League Baseball player Nick Hundley. Nick discusses his journey, including his upbringing, early sports involvement, and professional baseball career spanning 12 seasons. He highlights the importance of competition, mental preparation, and the value of empathy in leadership. Nick shares his transition to working with the Texas Rangers, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He also reflects on the significance of sports in personal development, community building, and overcoming challenges, drawing parallels to his own experiences and the lessons he imparts to his children. The conversation revolves around the lessons learned from overcoming challenges in sports and life. Nick discusses the impact of having a tough coach and how it can shape future decisions and life choices. Renato shares a story about sending his daughter Marina to a tough tournament in Brazil, emphasizing the value of hardship and resilience. Nick Hundley reflects on his minor league experience, highlighting the hardships but also the reward of achieving his professional goals. The discussion concludes with Nick encouraging young athletes to persevere through adversity, as the effort is ultimately worth it. Introduction of Nick Hundley * Renato introduces Nick Hundley, a former major league baseball player, highlighting his 12-season career, his work with the Texas Rangers, and his role as a father of two girls. * Nick Hundley expresses gratitude for being on the podcast and reminisces about his days playing squash with the host, Renato Paiva. * Nick shares his background, mentioning his parents' long marriage, his father's career as a college football coach, and the values of competition and winning instilled in him from an early age. * Nick describes his family's frequent moves across different states and his early involvement in various sports, including baseball, track, tennis, basketball, and wrestling. Nick's Early Baseball Career * Nick recounts his early days playing baseball, influenced by his older brother Jake, who was a wrestler and aerospace engineer. * He shares how his mother supported his sports activities, taking him to the field and allowing him to condition with the team from a young age. * Nick's father, a college football coach, taught him the importance of competition and winning, which helped him develop a strong work ethic and mindset. * Renato Paiva recalls Nick's father's involvement in his baseball training and the intense focus Nick had as a catcher from a young age. Nick's College Experience and Professional Baseball Journey * Nick discusses his decision to attend the University of Arizona instead of joining the major leagues, influenced by his parents' emphasis on education. * He shares his experience of being drafted in the fifth round by the Marlins and his father's negotiation tactics to secure a better deal. * Nick explains the rule that prohibits players from being drafted out of high school and the benefits of attending college for three years before being eligible for the draft. * He describes his time at the University of Arizona, meeting his wife Amy, and the supportive environment of the baseball team, which included several players who later played in the major leagues. Nick's Professional Baseball Career with the Padres * Nick talks about being drafted by the Padres in the second round in 2005 and his initial excitement about playing for a major league team. * He recounts the challenges of playing for a team that had to cut payroll after being sold and the support he received from manager Bud Black. * Nick shares his experience of playing in the minor leagues and the quick progression to the major leagues, where he faced tough competition and learned to adapt. * He reflects on the importance of mental preparation and the challenges of playing against top-tier pitchers like Randy Johnson. The Role of a Catcher in Baseball * Nick explains the unique role of a catcher in baseball, comparing it to the setter in volleyball and the point guard in basketball. * He highlights the importance of anticipation, game planning, and leadership in the catcher's role. * Nick describes the daily routine of a catcher, including pre-game preparation, mental and physical readiness, and the collaboration with pitchers and coaches. * He emphasizes the mental exhaustion that comes from the constant engagement and decision-making required in the catcher's role. Nick's Approach to Mental and Physical Preparation * Nick discusses the balance between mental and physical preparation for a catcher, emphasizing the importance of being mentally exhausted after a game. * He shares his daily routine, including pre-game preparation, in-game adjustments, and post-game recovery. * Nick reflects on the lessons learned from veteran players and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. * He highlights the significance of empathy and understanding the different mindsets and challenges faced by players at various stages of their careers. Nick's Transition to Post-Playing Career * Nick talks about his transition to a post-playing career, working with Chris Young at Major League Baseball and later with the Texas Rangers. * He describes his role as Senior Advisor to the President, where he contributes to various aspects of the organization, including manager hires, free agency, trades, and minor league staffing. * Nick reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in the front office, including the flexibility to balance work with family life. * He shares his experiences of working with minor league players and the importance of empathy and understanding in his role. Nick's Philosophy on Leadership and Personal Growth * Nick discusses his philosophy on leadership, emphasizing empathy, anticipation, and continuous learning. * He reflects on the importance of meeting players where they are and understanding their unique challenges and motivations. * Nick shares his personal growth journey, including the lessons learned from setbacks and the importance of finding intrinsic value beyond external success. * He highlights the significance of community and the impact of sports on personal development and relationships. Nick's Perspective on Sports as a Vehicle for Learning * Nick shares his perspective on sports as a vehicle for learning, emphasizing the importance of community, accountability, and overcoming adversity. * He reflects on the life lessons learned through sports, including mental toughness, teamwork, and the value of hard work. * Nick discusses the impact of sports on personal development and the long-term benefits for success in various aspects of life. * He shares personal anecdotes and experiences that illustrate the importance of sports in shaping values, character, and relationships. Nick Hundley's Career Insights and Life Lessons * Nick discusses the importance of learning from difficult experiences, such as having a tough coach, and how it can shape future decisions and behavior. * Renato shares a story about sending his daughter Marina to a challenging tournament in Brazil, emphasizing the value of overcoming adversity and the positive impact it had on her. * Nick reflects on the challenges of playing in the minor leagues, highlighting the hardships and the rewarding moment of being called up to the professional level. * Renato praises Nick Hundley's career achievements and personal qualities, including his role as a father and golfer, and expresses gratitude for the conversation. * The episode concludes with Renato encouraging listeners to seek new opportunities and inviting them to follow the podcast and Access Youth Academy for more inspiring stories. 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/ [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 [https://cloudcastmedia.us/].   This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producers Natalie Beltran and Naol Hailemeskel. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.

Episode 10 | Peter Ahn: Navigating Pressure and Finding Purpose Through Family, Failure, and Human Connection

Welcome to ACCESS GRANTED In this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, interviews Peter Ahn, Chief Customer Officer at Tiger Beetle, and discusses his journey from Korea to the U.S., his education at Stanford, and his career in tech sales. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in sales, advocating for building human connections over automation. Ahn shares his experiences at Google, Dropbox, and Slack, highlighting his decision to prioritize values over financial gains. He also discusses the impact of AI on sales and the necessity of hard work and genuine interactions. Ahn offers advice to young people, stressing the value of overcoming obstacles and the importance of dedication in achieving success. Introduction of Peter Ahn * Renato Paiva introduces Peter Ahn, the current Chief Customer Officer at Tiger Beetle, a tech sales coach, startup advisor, and Stanford graduate. * Peter Ahn is noted for his unique perspective on leadership and sales, especially through the lens of his Korean background. * Renato mentions meeting Peter at a basketball court and expresses admiration for his athletic skills. * Peter Ahn thanks Renato and expresses his honor to be on the podcast, appreciating the community work Renato is doing. Peter Ahn's Background and Early Life * Peter Ahn shares his background, starting from his birth in Korea and moving to Rochester, New York, where his father was getting his PhD at the University of Rochester. * Peter describes moving multiple times before settling in Palo Alto, California, and grappling with his identity as a Korean American in predominantly white areas. * He attended Stanford University after moving to Palo Alto and worked at Google, Dropbox, and Slack, finding a passion for coaching early-stage startup founders on sales. * Peter discusses his current role at Tiger Beetle, a company that powers real-time financial transactions, and his excitement about growing the company and brand. Choosing Stanford and Early Career Challenges * Peter explains his decision to attend Stanford, influenced by its proximity and the high pressure and competition in Palo Alto. * He describes the challenges of adjusting to Stanford, including the high-pressure environment and the competitive nature of getting into prestigious schools. * Peter shares his experience of being rejected from consulting and investment banking jobs after graduating from Stanford and how he almost didn't get into Google due to a technical error. * He credits his best friend, who was an intern at Google, for helping him get an interview and eventually land his first job at Google. Sports and Extracurricular Activities * Peter talks about his involvement in sports, including playing tennis in high school and basketball in college. * He shares his experience of coaching the JV girls tennis team and his initial interest in rowing crew at Stanford. * Peter recounts how he ended up joining the cheerleading team at Stanford, initially as a challenge and later as a passion, traveling with various sports teams and enjoying the experience. * He reflects on the importance of sports and extracurricular activities in his life and how they shaped his identity and interests. Transition to Sales and Authentic Sales * Peter discusses his transition from Google to a career in sales, initially handling chat and phone support for advertisers. * He explains his love for pivoting conversations based on the needs and emotions of different people and how this led him to explore enterprise sales. * Peter shares a story about creating a television commercial for a client, which helped him understand the creative aspects of sales and the importance of expanding customers' mindsets. * He emphasizes the concept of authentic sales, which involves building human connections and understanding the motivations and backgrounds of clients. Impact of AI on Sales and Trust Building * Peter expresses concerns about the impact of AI on sales, noting that AI tools often focus on automation and scale rather than building trust and genuine connections. * He believes that AI can be beneficial for automating mundane tasks but argues that the human element is crucial for long-term trust and success in sales. * Peter shares his approach at Tiger Beetle, which emphasizes intentionality and avoiding excessive automation to maintain human interaction. * He discusses the importance of thinking long-term and building relationships rather than focusing solely on short-term transactions. Personal and Professional Failures * Peter reflects on his personal and professional failures, including leaving Slack after nine months due to dissatisfaction with the leadership and company culture. * He shares the decision to prioritize his happiness and mental health over financial success, even if it meant missing out on potential financial gains. * Peter discusses other instances where he chose to leave companies for similar reasons, emphasizing the importance of values and long-term satisfaction over short-term gains. * He believes that these experiences have shaped his career and helped him understand what truly matters in life and work. Advice for Young People and Final Thoughts * Peter advises young people to embrace obstacles and hard times, as they can become their superpowers in the future. * He emphasizes the importance of hard work and being obsessed with what you do, even if it doesn't always feel easy. * Peter shares his belief that the details and hard work put into every aspect of life can define one's journey and success. * He concludes by encouraging young people to find their own voice and identity in their careers, building genuine connections and maintaining integrity in their work. 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/ [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 [https://cloudcastmedia.us/].   This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producers Natalie Beltran and Naol Hailemeskel. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.

Episode 9 | Hugh Davies: From Apartheid to Art—A Life of Impact

Welcome to ACCESS GRANTED In this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy interviews Hugh Davies who shared his journey from South Africa to the U.S., highlighting his family's move due from apartheid and his education at Princeton and Groton. He discussed his career in art, including his dissertation on Francis Bacon and his 33-year tenure at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art. Davies emphasized the importance of perseverance and family, recounting how he balanced work with personal life. He also discussed his involvement with Access Youth Academy, where he supports young people through education and sports. Davies' story underscores the power of sports and education in fostering resilience and community impact. Achievements * Hugh Davies worked as the director of the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art (now Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego) for 33 years. * Davies has been involved with Access Youth Academy for about 10 years. * Renato Paiva has been working with Access Youth Academy for 19 years. Introduction to the Access Granted Podcast * Renato introduces the Access Granted podcast, emphasizing its focus on stories of hope, perseverance, inspiration, and impact. * The podcast aims to explore the lives of guests, their pivotal moments, and how they became difference makers in their communities. * Renato highlights Mandela's words on the power of sports as a catalyst for social change and a universal language. * The podcast promises to feature guests from various walks of life, sharing their unique stories of opportunity, resilience, and impact. Hugh Davies' Early Life and Family Background * Renato welcomes Hugh Davies to the podcast and asks him to share his life story, starting from his childhood. * Hugh Davies was born in South Africa in a town named Grant's Town, which later changed its name to Maconda. * His father, a British soldier, moved to Rhodes University to start a department of divinity and theology, but had to leave due to the introduction of apartheid in South Africa. * The family moved to Oxford, England, where Hugh's father taught at Mansfield College, and later to Princeton, New Jersey, where Hugh attended school and experienced a significant cultural shift. Hugh's Education and Early Sports Involvement * Hugh attended Groton Prep School in New England on a scholarship, where he played various sports like cricket, rugby, and field hockey. * He later moved to Princeton University, where he played squash and was part of the undefeated freshman squash team. * Hugh's father had a sabbatical in Cambridge, England, where Hugh attended an English school and enjoyed playing sports, which he couldn't do in the fully integrated school in the US. * Hugh's experience at Groton and Princeton shaped his love for sports and his academic journey. Hugh's Academic and Professional Journey * Hugh graduated from Princeton in 1970 and decided to pursue graduate studies to avoid being drafted during the Vietnam War. * He spent a year in London researching British painter Francis Bacon, securing first-person interviews with the artist. * Hugh returned to the US, completed his dissertation, and started working at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst as the founding director of the University Museum of Contemporary Art. * He later taught modern and contemporary art at Amherst College and co-taught a course with his first wife. Transition to California and Career at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art * Hugh took a sabbatical and traveled to Rwanda and Israel before receiving a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts to study museums and galleries in Southern California. * He visited the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art and was impressed by its exhibitions, which inspired him to apply for a director position. * Hugh was hired as the director of the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art in 1983 and worked there for 33 years until 2018. * He played a significant role in the museum's growth and development, making it a well-known institution in San Diego. Hugh's Involvement with Access Youth Academy * Hugh became involved with Access Youth Academy after attending one of their fundraisers and being impressed by the students' social awareness and engagement. * He and his wife started supporting Access Youth Academy and later joined the board, despite a potential conflict of interest due to his other nonprofit work. * Hugh's retirement has allowed him to focus more on volunteering with Access Youth Academy and other organizations. * He values the time he spends with his grandchildren and emphasizes the importance of family and friends in his life. Lessons and Advice for the Youth at Access Youth Academy * Hugh emphasizes the importance of perseverance and sticking with challenges, even when things are tough. * He shares a personal story about his son, who felt neglected due to his father's busy schedule, and how he made a conscious effort to be more present at home. * Hugh advises the youth at Access Youth Academy to stay committed to their goals and not give up easily. * He highlights the value of family and friends in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. 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/ [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 [https://cloudcastmedia.us/].   This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producers Natalie Beltran and Naol Hailemeskel. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.