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"My target audience is mainly young adults, so I aim to reach all of the dream chasers out there to encourage them to follow their passion and do exactly that ... chase their dreams!"

Kiesha Lalama, M.F.A., professor of dance

Kiesha Lalama, M.F.A., professor of dance, teamed up with School of Communication students to create and produce the Pathways to Perform podcast series. 

"The goal of this podcast is to inspire and guide young, aspiring hopefuls on a path towards success in various industries," Lalama said. "Additionally, it aims to expose students to hands-on training in the areas of storytelling, as well serve as an opportunity to network with industry professionals and alumni."  

Lalama received a Social Impact Grant from Point Park's Department of Community Engagement to support the podcast, which she hosts. A team of School of Communication majors assist with editing and promotion of the podcast as part of their practicum projects. 

Some of the featured guests included: 

Listen to Pathways to Perform

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

In Their Own Words: Hear From the Podcast Team 

kieshalalama2021_300.jpgKiesha Lalama, M.F.A.

Professor of Dance
Podcast Creator


What impact does this podcast have on listeners at any point in their path?

My target audience is mainly young adults, so I aim to reach all of the dream chasers out there to encourage them to follow their passion and do exactly that ... chase their dreams! There is a path. There is a way. I hope to inspire them and help guide them on a path to success.


blake300x300.jpg Blake Beshero '21

Podcast role: Video and audio editor
Major: 
Broadcast production and media management
Hometown: Sharpsville, Pa.
High school: Kennedy Catholic High School
Dream job: Own and operate my own production studio

Tell us about your key responsibilities.

As the video and audio editor, I work to make the podcast sound and look amazing. Additionally, I upload all of our videos to YouTube and other places you can listen to the podcast (Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.).

How have you grown professionally as a result of this experience?

My professional experience has grown significantly, and I am proud of the work I put out for this podcast. I am landing small video editing gigs that I would not have gotten If I did not accept this role.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you are just starting out — like I am — always say yes to an opportunity that just might lead you to something more down the line. For me, it all started with an email from Kiesha asking to help edit her videos. I instantly said yes and cannot believe how big this podcast is becoming.


randi300x300.jpgRandi Riggleman '22

Podcast role: PR, marketing & social media
Major:
PR & Advertising 
Hometown: Tyrone, Pa.
High school: Tyrone Area High School
Dream job: Celebrity Publicist

How has your Point Park experience prepared you for this role?

The classes I took at Point Park really prepared me for this role, especially Social Media Practices with Jenna Lo Castro; she’s an amazing professor.

Why would you recommend this type of hands-on experience to a prospective student?

I would recommend this type of experience to those who want to learn more about how to run a social media page. I personally feel that hands-on experience is the best way to learn. I have grown and learned so much with Kiesha's help and guidance. 

How have you grown professionally as a result of this experience?

I've had the opportunity to learn how to manage, market and brand for a business — which is essential for my major.


Pictured is Nicolas DeSarnoNicolas DeSarno '21

Podcast role: Website design and digital marketing
Major:
PR & Advertising 
Hometown: Murrysville, Pa.
High school: Franklin Regional High School
Dream job: Helping companies grow their business through marketing

How has your Point Park experience prepared you for this role?

Without Point Park, I would have never been able to get the opportunity to meet and work with Kiesha on this website. For my job, I manage a digital marketing agency called Reflex Brands. Here, I get the opportunity to help businesses, large and small, redesign their brands and grow their businesses through digital marketing. I enjoy what I do every day, but even more so when I get the opportunity to help someone make the vision in their head come to life.

Why would you recommend this type of hands-on experience to a prospective student?

There is no better way to learn how to do something than actually doing it. I learn when something breaks on a website and I need to fix it, instead of just reading about how it's done from a textbook.

How have you grown professionally as a result of this experience?

I have grown professionally from this experience by getting introduced to a new industry that I previously had minor connections to. Kiesha is absolutely amazing and very well established in her industry. Creating a new website for her to show her work was a humbling experience for me.



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