Welcome back to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In this episode, our cohost Rafael Cedeño reunites with a long lost childhood friend - Justin Rodriguez, a current US Peace Corps member who has just returned from Morocco. Born and raised in Washington Heights, NY, Justin shares an incredible journey that embodies the triumph of resilience and self-belief. He opens up about the uncertainty he felt after college, confessing that before the Peace Corps and his study abroad in Paris, he was genuinely lost. His path to clarity wasn't easy: from working at CVS during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with depression, to making the bold decision to leave his comfortable environment. But instead of settling, he ignited a radical personal transformation: a bold study abroad in Paris, followed by an impactful three-year commitment in the Peace Corps in a rural Moroccan town. Here, Justin wasn't just observing; he was integrating, mastering the local dialect of Darija and dedicating himself to youth development. He shares how the burning desire to empower his students—who dreamed of studying engineering in London—became his fuel on the toughest days, a raw testament to the power of purpose. Now, Justin's relentless application and self-belief have culminated in a fully funded acceptance to pursue a Master’s in Global Politics at the world-renowned London School of Economics (LSE)! If you take away anything from this conversation, anyone that is struggling to find their path can prove that when you silence the self-doubt, ignore the statistics, and fully commit to your own potential, you become the author of your own extraordinary story. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Justin RodriguezEmail: Justinnrodriguez123@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.n.rodriguez/As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, FaceBook, Threads, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast#travel #morocco #college #motivation #religion

Welcome back to a very special episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In this next component of our educational series, we met with our very first U.S. Congressman on this podcast - U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat representing District 13. We had the chance to sit down with a man whose life is a living testament to the power of perseverance. From his journey as a nine-year-old formerly undocumented immigrant from the Dominican Republic to becoming the first person with that background to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, his story defies the very notion of "no" and proves that the human spirit, as he says, "is the most powerful thing on earth." This conversation is a masterclass in turning personal adversity into a force for public good.The interview delves deep into the congressman's unwavering commitment to his community, providing specific insights into the battles he fights every day. He passionately discusses his vocal opposition to the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which he argues would disproportionately harm over 600,000 of his constituents by slashing Medicaid and Medicare benefits. His own experience fuels his fierce advocacy for immigrant rights, as he recounts the chilling effect of being undocumented and praises a local coach as a "national treasure" for defending children from ICE agents in a batting cage. Congressman Espaillat's journey from a young immigrant in the 1960s to a prominent voice for affordable housing and tenants' rights in neighborhoods like Harlem is a powerful reminder that with determination, the underdog can not only succeed but also fight for the success of others. His philosophy of "throwing the first punch" and never taking "no" for an answer is not just will power—it's the very foundation of his life's work.A steadfast champion for working- and middle-class New Yorkers, his impactful career in public service is a testament to this philosophy. As a key member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, he is directly responsible for advancing and amplifying legislative priorities that improve the lives of families across the nation. During his tenure, he successfully introduced over 50 bills, with the most notable being the successful passage of HR 6852—the Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Act—which will permanently enshrine the iconic Harlem basketball court as a federally recognized beacon of community empowerment. Representative Espaillat also secured billions in federal funding to begin the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway, a monumental achievement that will better connect historically transit-barren communities. This dedication to his constituents and the nation is a continuation of his extensive public service, which began with his groundbreaking election as the first Dominican American to a state legislature in 1996 and continued through his work in the New York State Senate, where he was a vocal advocate for tenant protection and economic development.It was an honor to interview our very first U.S. Congressman and we hope you gained some inspiring motivation to make change in your community! Stay tuned for more episodes like this!U.S. Representative Adriano EspaillatWebsite: https://espaillat.house.gov/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repespaillat/FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/RepEspaillat/X: https://x.com/RepEspaillatBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/repespaillat.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.com/@repespaillat?xmt=AQF0SEDZC7kllAxsrHYpa6WYDimLijpkdqqCtaQ4R2WnNNkYouTube: @RepEspaillat LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/repespaillat?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadw136QWgL59vhOEQFp_lrfLMSz4PBWiuGOejIk9Yp3Sq9gk8v5MAIvDnGj0Q_aem_HWkUNN7l_9zeQSry9Kf5PAAs always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast

HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!Welcome back to another edition of The Defying All Odds Podcast with your Hosts: Jesse DeJesus and Rafael Cedeño and our Producer: Luis Cruz.In this special celebratory episode, hosts Jesse and Rafael take a moment to reflect on their incredible journey. From a single camera setup in a Columbia University classroom, they have grown into an international podcast with over 40 episodes and an expanding community of listeners. This episode is a candid and inspiring look at their mission to highlight everyday stories of adversity and prove that everyone has a tale of perseverance.Here our hosts delve into their personal growth, sharing how they have evolved both individually and as a team. Jesse opens up about his journey from a private individual to a confident on-camera personality, embracing the role of a content creator. Rafael reflects on his experience in collaborative work, learning to delegate and building a strong, cohesive team. The Defying All Odds Podcast also highlights the impact of their diverse guest list, which has featured everyone from high-profile figures like former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernández and U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, to student-athletes and entrepreneurs. They discuss how these interviews not only provided them with invaluable insights but also gave their platform the credibility it needed to grow.Beyond the interviews, Rafael and Jesse share their favorite behind-the-scenes moments—the teamwork, the long recording days, and the laughter. They talk about their memorable experiences recording in unique locations like the Dominican Consulate, Front River Cafe, and the nostalgic halls of Butler Library. Both hosts also express their astonishment at their growing international audience, a testament to the universal power of their message. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on their ambitious goals for Year Two, including securing new sponsorships and continuing to share impactful stories. Join Rafael, Jesse, and Luis in celebrating their first anniversary and get a glimpse into the drive, dedication, and passion that continues to fuel The Defying All Odds podcast.Stay tuned for what is next in Year 2!🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, FaceBook, Threads, Spotify LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcastAlso be sure to check out Jesse, Rafael, and Luis on their platforms:Jesse DeJesus: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/jessedejesus?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacz8MBwMomqjGxvE_Gdf0u6z9qNukkpX0uKTRhEwcK63zGFg0obQJAHiVwPJw_aem_MPFTPXMiYcAoVu9hqR0uhwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdejesus7/Email: jjd2191@columbia.eduRafael Cedeño: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafa_tography/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rafa.c09LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-cedeno09/Email: Rafaelcedeno179@gmail.comLuis Cruz (Producer):Email: ljc2186@columbia.eduInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elluisitocruz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-cruz-462b22307/ #podcast #intro #grief #photography #duet #childhood #adversity #motivation #motivational #motivationalvideo #motivationalspeech #determination #nevergiveup #columbia #nyc #usa #mindset #college #dr #dominicanrepublic #vacation #travel #faith #funny #host #newpodcast #defyingexpectations #americanuniversities #highereducation #highschool #uppereastside

Welcome back to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In the heart of the South Bronx, Front River Cafe's cofounder - Samuel "Sam" Brooks - isn't your ordinary café owner. Working a 9 - 5 in Wall Street, Sam's vision for a café begin with the idea of creating a community, With the different art pieces, seating arrangements and unique location being next to a waterfront, Front River Café has something for everyone - coffee, pastries, and community bonding.The visionary co-founder of Front River Cafe, a powerful beacon of hope and community in the South Bronx. Samuel's remarkable journey began with his immigration from Honduras to the U.S. in 1974, planting roots in the very heart of the South Bronx. He is a proud product of the local educational system, being among the first graduates of South Bronx High School. His career path is a testament to his multifaceted drive: from dedicating seven to eight years to running impactful tutoring companies that served thousands of children in the South Bronx, to a rigorous 23-year tenure on Wall Street—a "day job" that ironically fueled his profound passion for community upliftment.Samuel and his partner, Idelsa, were moved by a powerful vision to counteract the historical lack of waterfront access and community spaces in the Bronx. Their dream became a tangible reality when they meticulously crafted a business plan, proposing a "community empowerment center" with a coffee shop as its "economic engine," which was then successfully presented to Brookfield, the property developer. Front River Cafe officially opened its doors with the motivational tagline, "cafe, community, and much more," a clear indicator that their mission extended far beyond serving coffee. They meticulously sourced high-quality products, from Italian-roasted coffee beans and Italian espresso machines to locally baked pastries, all while committing to a cost-effective pricing model, like their $3 drip coffee, to ensure accessibility and cultivate repeat patronage within the community.The cafe's design itself is an inspiration, with an intentional seating arrangement that encourages interaction and genuine connection, fostering a sense of belonging often missing in traditional coffee shops. Front River Cafe has become a vibrant hub for community engagement, hosting diverse events ranging from financial literacy workshops for adults and career development sessions for high school students, to intergenerational tech support where younger residents help seniors with their iPhones. They actively celebrate local talent through successful book launches, planned open mic series, creative "morning cafe raves" with DJs, and unique "doggy events" that blend art and pet ownership. The cafe consistently features and rotates art displays by young local artists, truly embodying its commitment to nurturing community growth and talent. Samuel's journey and the cafe's mission powerfully illustrate the incredible transformation of the South Bronx from its past struggles to a dynamic, thriving community, proving that with unwavering dedication and a heart for service, one can indeed defy all odds to create profound, lasting change.🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Front River CafeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontrivercafe/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@frontrivercafeAs always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast#motivational #podcast #inspirational #determination #smallbusiness #bronx #nyc #grit

Welcome back to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In the confines of Butler Library, we had the chance to interview Iman Kanooz, a rising junior at Columbia University majoring in political science and american studies while being pre-law and a full time content creator. Iman is an extraordinary individual whose rise from rural, agrarian community of just 500 members in central Appalachia to the elite world of Columbia University is testament to great grit and perseverance. Iman describes her unique experience as being "the only Muslim, Pakistani child growing up in a conservative environment", explaining her methods to counteract cultural isolation through the acquisition of skills to navigate her identity and confidently "break the mold." Her unflinching desire to escape her hometown town was the catalyst, allowing her to gain entry to Columbia without the advantage of academic preparation, thereby demonstrating that raw will and dedication are essential to achieve extraordinary possibilities.Beyond academia, Iman exhibits excellence as a content creator, having successfully balanced the challenges of intensive academic obligations with major collaborations with well-known big players like Chegg, Amazon, Uber, and Microsoft. She explains how integrating her professional goals with her academic workload and three internships has contributed to strengthening her organizational skills and time management, thus proving her exceptional ability to function well under pressure. In addition, Iman stresses the importance of integrity in her work, explaining how she ensures creative authenticity in her collaborations with brands and highlights the importance of authenticity throughout her work. She freely describes an important moment of personal accomplishment: her decision to switch from a pre-med course of study, an intensely long-held familial expectation, to pursue the world of pre-law and Political Science, in which she immediately stood out. This courageous decision to take the path of her genuine passion, despite the challenges entailed in deviating from her family's long-standing heritage of medicine, eventually developed into one of the most rewarding events of her life. Iman's story is an inspiring testimonial to her ideology of breaking limitations and converting the skepticism of others into fuel for her accomplishments. Her ability to succeed in multiple areas—ranging from her academic pursuits to her self-created work as a hip-hop dancer and online content creator—exemplifies her tireless drive and inspiring commitment to quality in all endeavors. Additionally, she shares important insights on succeeding in the challenging academic environment of Columbia, explaining how competition is an influential motivator and how the acceptance of challenges leads her over the brink into new extremes. Iman passionately expresses her credo of giving 100% to any endeavor, driven by her unique ability to translate others' skepticism into personal motivation. Her approach to juggling multiple internships and tasks, along with a full course schedule, is an exemplary demonstration of her mastery of time and underlines the essence of giving first consideration to personal authenticity in any endeavor. Iman's story invites listeners to embrace their passions, overcome obstacles with the transformation of their own possibilities, and maintain an indomitable will towards their goals.🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Iman KanoozEmail: imankanooz@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imankanooz/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imaaaaannnnnnnnnLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iman-kanooz-1788191a1/As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast

Welcome back everybody to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Sarafina Belafonte, a rising senior at Columbia University majoring in Neuroscience who is a singer, dancer, and actress. Coming from New York City, Sarafina, who is also the granddaughter of the late Harry Belafonte, represents a deeply integrated journey wherein her dedication to rigorous academic pursuits seamlessly complements her ardent love for the performing arts, all while respecting a celebrated family legacy.Outside the laboratory walls, Sarafina's cultural heritage—and that rooted in her grandparents, who were music teachers in Denmark and danced professionally with Katherine Dunham and with her mother, a singer and theater producer—strongly influenced her understanding of herself. She openly navigates the complexities of being biracial and a woman responsible for preserving significant Civil Rights heritage. In addition, she speaks at length with great sadness regarding the loss of her grandfather, Harry Belafonte, and the legacy dedication her family undertook to preserve and build upon his Black heritage in the midst of efforts to erase it. This determination manifested in the formation of the Belafonte Family Foundation in 2019 and represents an embodiment of a multi-generational effort to ensure equitable access and opportunity to historically disenfranchised communities. Sarafina's great involvement in the foundation speaks to her own commitment to social justice and to ensuring proper recognition of her grandfather's legacy and heritage. Her boundless energy seems to be echoed in her active career in the performing arts. She expresses her deep love of musical theater with abounding passion and has recently released her first single, "Wandering Eye," along with promises of more musical projects in the near future. We also learn of her exhilarating experiences with Columbia's Varsity Show, itself whimsically called the "longest running show on Broadway" for its all-student-written and all-student-performed material satirizing college life. Sarafina outlines the unique challenges and considerable personal growth involved in the constantly evolving script of the production, laying stress on a key tenet for successful living: the capacity for adaptation while subordinating ego to facilitate creative adaptability. This ongoing search to overcome boundaries and to become masterful across a variety of disciplines exemplifies her animating commitment to both her scientific and artistic pursuits, demonstrating that by virtue of determination and courage, one may master multiple fields.Sarafina Belafonte’s journey is just unfolding! Stay tuned for what's next!🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Sarafina BelafonteEmail: sarafinabelafonte@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarafinabelafonte/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafinabelafonteYouTube: @sarafinabelafonte9826 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarafina-belafonte-975824234/overlay/contact-info/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JNKDciyMlDoOGY7vG2BuK?si=Ow8qvzMaQwCGUNO8RwqZCQApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sarafina-belafonte/1786115570Belafonte Family Foundationhttps://www.belafontefamilyfoundation.org/As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast

Welcome back to another profoundly inspiring episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast! In this compelling conversation, we delve into the remarkable journey of Diego Rivas Lazala, a recent graduate from Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science with a major in Computer Science. Diego is an individual whose life story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence against a backdrop of significant change. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Diego's path to success began with a courageous leap across continents.His story unfolds with his move to New York City in December 2009, a pivotal moment that plunged him into a new cultural landscape. Diego recounts the initial period of navigating various neighborhoods within the Bronx, eventually finding a semi-permanent home between 173rd and 174th streets. His academic journey continued at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic school from 5th to 7th grade, before a subsequent move to Elmwood Park, North New Jersey, where he embarked on his high school years. Here, he attended a technical high school within the esteemed Bergen Technical School System, immersing himself in engineering technology and gaining exposure to a myriad of engineering facets that would shape his future. His dedication culminated in his acceptance into Columbia University, a significant achievement where he majored in Computer Science and became deeply involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).Looking ahead in his career, Diego is poised to embark on a traditional software engineering path with Bank of America after graduation, eager to "be a sponge" and absorb every possible learning opportunity in his first year. Beyond his professional aspirations, his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands out. He describes it as a vital "offline hobby" that relentlessly forces him to learn and test his knowledge in the most physical and traditional ways—a powerful reminder that true mastery often comes from direct, hands-on engagement beyond screens and textbooks. Moreover, Diego’s commitment to family shines through as he expresses his intention to support his mother’s inspiring endeavors in building a women’s empowerment non-profit, an initiative dedicated to bringing businesswomen together to enhance their soft skills and foster a supportive community. Diego Rivas Lazala’s journey is an inspiring blueprint for how dedication, cultural adaptation, and a proactive spirit can lead to remarkable personal and professional triumphs.🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Diego RIvas LazalaEmail: drlazala@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/diegowrl/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegolazala/GitHub: dwr2118As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedefyingalloddspodcast/videosSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FAsCF8TnXQVN6kk9UpUraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefyingalloddspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedefyingalloddspodcast?lang=enEmail: thedefyingalloddspodcast@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-defying-all-odds-podcast/