Sit tightly as we take a journey through the life and accomplishments of Evan Baum, a distinguished UVA alumni and the current Vice President at Ares. An engaging conversation that sees us traverse from his college years, where he was not only a prodigy in academics but also a stand-out soccer player, to his career transition from banking to real estate. His journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and the strength of networks, as he reminisces about his early days on campus, the influence of his mentor, and his decision to leave a potential soccer career behind. 

Buckle up for the second leg of our chat with Evan as we move from the field to the world of banking and then real estate. His stories of transitioning from public markets to the buy side serve as a lesson to anyone looking to make their mark in the finance industry. Dive deep into his portfolio-level underwriting experiences, relationships fostered along the way, especially with UVA great Ronde Barber, and his invaluable insights about asset classes. And as a cherry on top, we delve into his experiences of the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Rondes importance in his life. Join us for this exhilarating journey of growth, transition, and the power of networking!

Redefining Leadership in Education with Principal Dare'ra Spragg

Join us on an intriguing journey with Dare'ra Spragg, a remarkable figure in the field of education, and the principal of Leadership Preparatory Brownsville Middle Academy. She is redefining leadership and reshaping education from the helm of her school in Brooklyn, New York. In this episode, she takes us through her non-traditional path from UVA to Teach for America, and eventually finding her calling as a school principal. She opens up about her day-to-day challenges, her commitment to her students, and her relentless pursuit of creating a safe, supportive environment for academic excellence.

Dare'ras story is one of passion and perseverance. She shares her experiences from her college days at UVA, where she found her sense of community in various clubs, leading her to join Teach for America. We discuss the critical skills she honed during this period and her eye-opening experiences in Atlanta public schools. It was here that she witnessed the stark achievement gap in America, a realization that spurred her decision to earn a master's degree, backed by a robust support system embodied by her family.

In the final segment of the episode, listen to Dare'ra as she reflects on her journey to becoming a principal, supported by her post-graduate experience at Johns Hopkins University. She discusses her experiences teaching in Baltimore and New York City, and how these experiences prepared her for her current role. We also delve into the significant impact of the pandemic on student learning, the importance of fostering relationships within the classroom, and the critical role of school safety. If education and leadership inspire you, or if you enjoy hearing about the journey of a passionate professional, this episode with Dare'raa Spragg is a must-listen.

Today's show is sure to inspire! Ashley Mays, a dynamic guest with a compelling story, walks us through her journey from her college roots at the University of Virginia (UVA) to her impactful career in economic development and real estate. She uncovers her experiences at UVA, including her venture to Valencia for studying abroad, navigating all grounds recruiting, and the beginning of her career at Rolls Royce.

Fueling our conversation further, Ashley delves into her transition to the economic development field during the real estate boom in 2003. She passionately advocates for equitable development and illuminates the barriers black businesses face in seizing opportunities. Drawing from her experiences in real estate, from midtown Manhattan to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, she unveils sobering truths about racial disparities in the industry. Her insights into the lack of color in these spaces are both revealing and inspiring.

Finally, we steer the conversation towards the power of representation in business structures. Ashley emphasizes that simply having a seat at the table can make a world of difference in bridging the inequity gap. Her plans to assemble a syndicate of black and brown folks to invest in mid-sized projects are nothing short of ambitious and revolutionary. As a board member of the University of Virginia White Ruffin Byron Center of Real Estate, she is relentlessly working towards ensuring access to resources for students, making a profound impact. This episode is a treasure trove of invaluable insights, compelling ideas, and a testament to Ashley May's incredible journey. Prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation.

From Interior Design to Full-Time Painting: An Artist's Journey with Lucy Clare Spooner

Ever wondered how an interior designer turned full-time painter navigates the uncertainties of the art world while still pursuing their passion? Meet Lucy Clare Spooner, a creative soul from the small town of Williamsburg, Virginia, now thriving on the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York. Clare takes us through her interesting journey, from majoring in Psychology and French at UVA to her unexpected transition into painting. Hear first-hand about her experiences moving back to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia at a young age and the cultural shock that ensued.

In our engaging conversation with Clare, we uncover the fascinating dynamics of art business pricing and company valuations. She enlightens us on the complex art of pricing artwork, factoring in size and materials, and the concept of allowing potential buyers to determine the worth of a piece. We also dive into the unpredictable nature of art fairs and the rollercoaster ride that is making money in the art industry. Join us as Clare shares her unique journey and learn how she successfully juggles her love for interior design with her commitment to painting.

Are you familiar with the journey of a student-athlete, from the struggles of maintaining a balance between sports and academics to chasing dreams of making it to the NFL? Join us as we navigate the inspiring journey of UVA Football Alumnis, Austin Pasztor & Perry Jones. 

Transitioning from a thrilling football career to finding a new passion can be quite a challenge.  In this episode you will see there's more than meets the eye when it comes to the life of a student-athlete. Buckle up as we delve into the challenges of transferring schools, the importance of staying focused amidst adversity, and the path that led to each of their current positions.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an aspiring athlete, or simply looking for some motivation, this episode promises to captivate you with profound insights into the dynamic world of sports.

Tune in to "The Hooshwere" podcast, hosted by Chase Minnifield, for an enlightening episode featuring a remarkable guest, Chudi, who hails from Nigeria but found his academic and career path in the heart of Washington, D.C. and UVA.

In this episode, Chudi shares his educational journey, which began at the University of Virginia, where he studied politics. He candidly discusses the culture shock he experienced after years away from the U.S. and how he managed to stay connected with high school friends. Chudi reveals his decision to pursue a double major and his eventual enrollment in grad school at the prestigious Baton School for public policy.

As the conversation unfolds, Chudi takes us on his policy journey, from a two-year program focused on local county-level projects to interning at the mayor's office and conducting transportation funding research for his thesis. After graduation, his role shifted to a business development coordinator role, helping businesses secure funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts contributed to increased funds and profits in Charles County, which attracted diverse entrepreneurs and solidified the county's status as the richest black county in the nation.

Currently holding the title of business development specialist, Chudi tracks legislation from the Maryland State House and expresses a deep interest in agriculture policy, particularly in rural areas. he shares his experiences in local politics and emphasizes the importance of fostering community engagement between students and Charlottesville residents.

Chudi also discusses his vision for policy changes, including improving roads in underserved areas and supporting local businesses and food production. Her advice for aspiring public policy professionals is to keep an open mind, seize opportunities, and be versatile in their approach.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Chudi's journey from UVA to shaping policy, along with his commitment to creating positive change in his community. The episode concludes with a fun rapid-fire question session, providing a glimpse into Chudi's travel preferences, media choices, and personal opinions.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Subscribe now on YouTube and Apple Podcasts to stay connected with "The Hooshwere" podcast!

Welcome to "The Hooswhere" podcast, hosted by Chase Minnifield and recorded live in the vibrant heart of DC. This season, join us for intriguing conversations, as we're joined by the insightful Max and our special guest, John Colan, a seasoned professional with a unique journey.

In this episode, John takes us on a fascinating ride through his academic and professional life, starting with his time at the University of Virginia, where he studied history and discovered his love for Greek life and sports. John's decision to attend UVA over the University of Michigan, due to proximity and affordability, set the stage for his future endeavors.

John delves into the importance of networking outside of his fraternity during college and the pivotal moment when he decided to pursue law school. His passion for sports law was ignited during his time interning at Coaches Inc., which ultimately led to a full-time job offer.

As a sports law professional, John shares captivating stories about his work with lacrosse and hockey coaches, offering insights into contract negotiation, career development, and crisis management. He emphasizes the vital role of leverage in securing favorable deals for clients and the impact of winning records on coaches' value.

But John's journey didn't stop there. He transitioned into commercial real estate, bringing his expertise in negotiation and trust-building with him. He shares his thoughts on leveraging contracts and the importance of referrals in both industries.

In a thought-provoking discussion, John predicts the future of office-to-residential conversions in commercial real estate, driven by market changes and the need for alternative uses for vacant office buildings, especially in oversupplied big cities.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into John's non-traditional career path, his appreciation for independent work, and his plans for the future, including ventures suggested by his partner.

The conversation turns to a hot topic - Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) compensation for college athletes. John acknowledges the deserving players but criticizes the NCAA's handling of the matter. He offers a nuanced perspective on how NIL deals impact coaching contracts and the potential paradigm shift in thinking about amateurism in college sports.

Join us as we explore the worlds of sports law and commercial real estate with John Colan. Subscribe now on YouTube and Apple Podcasts to stay connected with "The Hooswhere" podcast!

Welcome to "The Hooswhere" podcast with your host Chase Minnifield, broadcasting from the heart of DC. Joining Chase and Max is a remarkable guest, Toria Edmunds-Howell, a UVA alum who's taken the entrepreneurial world by storm.

In this episode, Toria shares her journey from choosing UVA to her career evolution, reflecting on her academic pursuits and her transition from psychology to English and African American Studies. Currently, she's an innovation center manager at a financial institution while simultaneously running her own thriving small business.

Toria dives into her college experience, revealing that UVA wasn't a culture shock for her, but she wishes she had embraced those moments more. As an introvert, networking wasn't a priority during college, yet she found her calling as a college advisor post-graduation through the Virginia College Advising Corps program.

The conversation shifts to Toria's decision to pursue a Master's degree in Education and her path as a teacher. She opens up about her motivation for launching a business focused on safe and non-toxic household cleaning products. Toria discusses market opportunities, the need for educating consumers about toxic ingredients, and her journey from online sales to expanding into mass retail.

Toria shares the challenges she's faced in entering the mass retail market and the importance of securing funding to meet production demands. Despite hurdles, she radiates optimism about her business's future.

Listeners will gain insights into Toria's unwavering vision and the sacrifices she's made for her business. She explores potential B2B opportunities and the thrill of realizing her business's success, from selling out inventory to charting a path for acquisition.

Toria emphasizes the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and offers advice on effective time management. She discusses her marketing strategies, from social media to SEO, word-of-mouth, and agency partnerships, as well as the invaluable lessons learned through accelerator programs like Target Accelerator and Square Accelerator.

As an aspiring entrepreneur, Toria encourages others to bet on themselves and take action. She shares exciting updates about her brand, North 24 Home, including new product launches and press opportunities. Toria's commitment to transparency with investors and customers shines through as she invites listeners to follow her journey on social media.

The episode concludes with a fun rapid-fire question session, giving you a glimpse into Toria's personal preferences. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a rising entrepreneur. Subscribe now on YouTube and Apple Podcasts to stay connected with "The Hooswhere" podcast!