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Miguel welcomes Gary Denning to the First Gen 101 Podcast to share practical strategies for making the most of professional conferences. Gary explains how conferences can accelerate learning, expand your network, and create unexpected career opportunities.

Gary shares advice on preparing before a conference, researching attendees, setting networking goals, starting conversations, and staying connected after the event. He also discusses the differences between virtual and in-person conferences, common mistakes to avoid, and why being confident, present, and engaged matters.

Whether you're attending your first conference or looking to improve your networking skills, this episode offers practical advice for building meaningful, long-term professional relationships.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:11 Gary’s Career Twists

05:47 Majors Aren’t Linear

07:44 Why Conferences Matter

09:20 First Conference Story

10:59 Cities and Recharging

12:46 Prep Like a Pro

17:01 Simple Networking Goals

19:02 Introverts Can Network

21:05 Conference Connections Pay Off

27:26 Staying in Touch Systems

30:02 Virtual vs In Person

34:22 Common Conference Mistakes

36:12 Be Present Not Phone Bound

38:49 Confidence and Final Takeaways

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On the First Gen 101 Podcast, Miguel interviews Dr. Ciera Graham, a first-gen graduate, higher education leader, and business owner, on navigating college and professional life. She discusses overcoming challenges in college, building a meaningful career in higher education, launching a business, and the power of storytelling, networking, mentorship, and confidence to help first-gen students thrive after graduation. Check out DR. C GRAHAM CONSULTING

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:50 Dr Graham Background

04:03 First Gen College Challenges

08:30 Choosing Sociology Counseling

11:36 Finding Your Career Fit

14:29 Landing the First Job

19:19 Building Campus Initiatives

24:35 Consulting and Career Coaching

27:29 Storytelling and Networking

30:29 Remote Work Relationship Building

34:25 Obstacles Mentors Sponsors

39:11 Greatest Achievement and Closing

🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on:
📱 Facebook: First Gen 101
📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast
🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101
🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com

🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast?
📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

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Miguel sits down with first-generation lawyer Jeffrey Deskovic to discuss his wrongful conviction at age 16, his exoneration through DNA evidence, and how his experience inspired him to found the Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice. Jeffrey shares how his nonprofit has helped free 15 wrongfully convicted individuals and supported nine criminal justice reforms. He also reflects on his decision to attend the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, offers practical advice for succeeding in law school, and discusses the challenges of nonprofit leadership, criminal justice reform, and how others can support the mission.

00:00 Welcome to First Gen 101

00:31 Wrongful Conviction Story

02:07 Freedom and Advocacy Path

04:41 Why Law School at Pace

06:59 Preparing for 1L Success

10:43 1L Reality Check

13:55 Study Groups and Support

15:33 Finding Mentors in Law

19:57 How Law School Changed Him

22:51 Inside Deskovic Foundation

24:49 Running a Nonprofit Daily

28:53 Policy Goals and Active Cases

32:26 Advice for Future Advocates

35:24 Lessons and How to Help

41:11 Final Advice and Farewell

🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on:
📱 Facebook: First Gen 101
📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast
🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101
🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com

🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast?
📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!