Nate Shrake: Emo Kid to Marine Rocker, Firefighter to Recreation Therapist

Say Yes, Be Present, Keep Going

In this episode, we mark two years of the We Do That:Careers That Make a Difference podcast with a compilation of seven recurring career themes from guests, including you don’t have to have it all figured out, clarity comes from action, and you say yes to opportunities. The final advice is to keep going—stay resilient, learn from setbacks, take leaps of faith, and trust that everything will be okay.

Katie Kenyon-Appelt: From Water Polo to Campus Leadership

Katie Kenyon-Appelt shares how sports—especially waterpolo—shaped her life and led her from Washington’s dual-enrollment “RunningStart” program to ASU at 17. She entered college aiming for nursing, switchedto community sports management, found community through club sports, and gainedleadership experience on the Sport Club executive board. During COVID, acanceled Seattle Mariners internship pushed her to cold-email athleticdirectors until she landed an unpaid internship at Arcadia High School,learning athletic operations and administration. She earned a master’s inphysical education and student taught, but left K–12 due to the politics andconstant advocacy. Mentored through campus recreation and sport clubs, shemoved into Student Affairs as a coordinator for Student Connection and Communityat ASU. Her key advice: say yes to opportunities, be a self-starter, and acceptthat career paths change.

Dana Rowitz: Building community through tourism and hopsitality

ASU alum Dana Rowitz shares how a planned career in special education turned into a passion for hospitality. Now a sales manager at Omni Tempe at ASU, she reflects on mentors, student involvement, joining Omni’s pre-opening team, and growing into sports and ASU group sales. Dana offers practical advice on building relationships, mastering your current role, using LinkedIn well, and staying present

Taylor Wilson: A Career in Adaptive Sports and Boston Marathons

Taylor Wilson, the current Para and Adaptive Program Manager for the Boston Athletic Association, shares her journey from Delaware and Arizona to managing adaptive sports programs for the Boston Marathon. Originally a chemical engineering major, Taylor discovered recreational therapy through a part-time job at a recreation center. She changed her major, interned, and eventually took a full-time job at Arizona Disabled Sports. Now overseeing adaptive d athletes for the Boston Athletic Association, which produces the Boston Marathon, Taylor highlights the importance of making connections in the field and provides insights into her career transition, day-to-day responsibilities, and the rewarding aspects of her job. She also emphasizes the life-changing impact of adaptive sports for athletes with disabilities.

Nate Shrake: Emo Kid to Marine Rocker, Firefighter to Recreation Therapist

Nate Shrake went from an awkward emo kid to a Marine, firefighter, and now a recreation therapist helping veterans. He talks about failure, career pivots, and the joy of working with the elderly. Along the way, he shares his passion for music, writing, and the power of one-on-one human connection.