Episodios

  • Ep 6.7- Van Don Williams

    Ep 6.7- Van Don Williams
    Jun 21 2026
    Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Chaplain (Lt Col), retired FDNY firefighter, ordained chaplain, and nationally recognized leader in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), , Van Don Williams ’77. Van Don has dedicated his life to serving others through emergency response, spiritual care, crisis intervention, and leadership. He began his career with the New York City Fire Department, where he served for more than 20 years as an Emergency First Responder and Battalion Firefighter. After Colgate he earned a Master of Science degree in Fire Protection Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, becoming the first active-duty African American firefighter in FDNY history to attain that degree. His experience responding to disasters fueled a passion for Critical Incident Stress Management, a commitment that deepened after surviving the collapse of World Trade Center Tower One during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of that tragedy, Van Don used his chaplain training to help fellow firefighters and first responders navigate grief, trauma, and healing. Following his retirement, Van Don continued his work in crisis response and mental health support. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Chaplains for the United States Air Force Civil Air Patrol, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his more than 30 years of service with Civil Air Patrol, he has served at the squadron, group, wing, region, and national levels, while also developing and implementing Critical Incident Stress Management programs throughout the organization. At Colgate, Van Don earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology. He later earned a Master of Divinity and continued a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and helping others heal in times of crisis.
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    1 h y 35 m
  • Ep 6.6- Phinel Petit-Frere

    Ep 6.6- Phinel Petit-Frere
    May 10 2026
    Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with VP, Station Relations – ABC at The Walt Disney Company, Phinel Petit-Frere ’01. A dynamic media executive and former elite student-athlete, he has built an impressive career at the intersection of broadcast media, relationships, and strategic growth. In his current role, Phinel leads station relations for ABC, working closely with affiliate partners across the country to strengthen network alignment and drive performance. His journey with the Disney ABC Television Group spans more than 15 years, where he has held multiple leadership roles including Director and Associate Director of Affiliate Relations. Prior to Disney, he began his career at ESPN, laying the foundation for his deep expertise in the media and entertainment industry. While at Colgate, Phinel distinguished himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in program history. Joining the Track & Field team as a walk-on, he quickly rose to become team captain and a dominant force in the Patriot League. Over his career, he captured six Patriot League championships, earned 10 All-Patriot League selections, and was named Patriot League Field Athlete of the Meet multiple times. He remains unmatched in Colgate Track & Field history as the only athlete to achieve sub-11 seconds in the 100 meters, sub-22 seconds in the 200 meters, a 24+ foot long jump, and a 7+ foot high jump. Phinel holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Colgate University.
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    1 h y 17 m
  • Ep 6.5- Keisa Caesar

    Ep 6.5- Keisa Caesar
    May 1 2026
    Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Human Resources Director at Guardian News & Media US, Keisa Caesar ’01. A seasoned HR leader with more than 20 years of experience, Keisa has built a career centered on strengthening organizations through people, culture, and inclusive leadership. In her current role, Keisa leads strategic human resources initiatives that support a high-performing and equitable workplace. Her expertise spans employee relations, organizational development, compensation and benefits, compliance, and people analytics, and her work has been instrumental in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Before being promoted to HR Director in 2024, Keisa served as an HR Manager at the Guardian and spent over two decades at The Associated Press. Based in Brooklyn, New York, she is also a proud mother of five, balancing leadership, service, and family with intention and purpose. After Colgate. she earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior from NYU Poly. A dedicated alumna, Keisa continues to give back through her service on the Colgate Alumni Council and her involvement in the Alumni Admission Program, mentoring prospective students and sharing her Colgate experience. While at Colgate, she was deeply engaged in campus life as a member of the Colgate Prep Band, Sojourners Gospel Choir, dance groups, and African American and Caribbean student organizations, and also studied abroad in Trinidad. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology, with a minor in Caribbean Studies.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Ep 6.4- Naledi Samela

    Ep 6.4- Naledi Samela
    Mar 28 2026
    Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with public health leader and community advocate Dr. Naledi Sean Semela ’10. A thoughtful and purpose-driven leader, Naledi has dedicated his career to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging within educational spaces and beyond. He currently serves as Chief Equitable Practices Officer and teaches English at The Browning School in Manhattan, where he works to ensure that institutional practices align with values of equity and student-centered learning. In addition to his work in the classroom, he partners with schools and nonprofit organizations to strengthen their approach to equity, with a focus on communication, leadership development, and organizational strategy. Grounded in the philosophy of ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Naledi’s work centers on the belief that our shared humanity shapes how we learn, lead, and engage with one another. His leadership extends to governance as well, serving as a trustee at both The Town School and Friends Seminary, and contributing to the broader field through his involvement with the NYSAIS Diversity Committee. After Colgate, Naledi earned a Master’s degree in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. At Colgate, Naledi was involved in Brothers and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Art History.
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    1 h y 13 m
  • Ep 6.3- Hans Ottinot

    Ep 6.3- Hans Ottinot
    Mar 14 2026
    Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Ottinot Law Managing Partner, Hans Ottinot ’92. With more than 20 years of experience representing local governments and private businesses, Hans has built a distinguished legal career focused on complex development, governance, and community-building across South Florida. After graduating from Colgate, Hans earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and went on to serve as City Attorney for several municipalities, including the City of Sunny Isles Beach, City of Tamarac, City of North Miami Beach, and the City of Miami Gardens. In his role as City Attorney, Hans played a key role in major redevelopment efforts across South Florida. He was particularly instrumental in helping establish the City of Miami Gardens, now the largest African-American city in the State of Florida and home to the internationally known Jazz in the Gardens music festival and the Miami Dolphins. Throughout his career, Hans has remained deeply committed to public service, serving on numerous boards and supporting civic organizations that strengthen communities across the region. At Colgate, Hans earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was recognized as an All-ECAC Football All-Star, setting the foundation for a career defined by leadership, impact, and service.
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Ep 6.2- Derek Jones

    Ep 6.2- Derek Jones
    Mar 8 2026
    Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with retired aerospace executive and community leader Derek “Boston” Jones ’77. With a remarkable 36-year career at United Technologies Corporation (UTC), Derek built a legacy of leadership across manufacturing, operations, and global program management within the aerospace and defense industry. His work took him around the world, leading projects across the United States, Poland, Japan, and the Czech Republic. Since retiring in 2019, Derek has dedicated his time to mentoring and community service. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he recently received the 2025 Volunteer Impact Award from United Way of Greater New Haven. At Colgate, Derek earned his Bachelor’s degree and began a journey that would take him from Boston to boardrooms and global operations around the world, while never losing his commitment to service and community impact.
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    1 h y 12 m
  • Ep 6.1- Michele Alexandre

    Ep 6.1- Michele Alexandre
    Mar 1 2026
    Alvin and German conduct a powerful and wide-ranging conversation with Dean of the School of Law at Stetson University, Michèle Alexandre ’96. A first-generation lawyer and nationally recognized legal scholar, Dean Alexandre has built a distinguished career rooted in justice, equity, and institutional transformation. After graduating from Colgate University, she went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, launching a career that bridges academia, advocacy, and leadership. Her scholarship and public engagement focus on sustainability, race and gender equity, economic independence, and advancing social justice for small farmers and marginalized communities around the world. At Colgate, she was deeply engaged in campus life, serving as a leader and active member of multiple student organizations — a reflection of the same courage, intellect, and commitment to community that continue to define her leadership today. Michèle made history as the University’s first Black valedictorian, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
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    57 m
  • Ep 5.8- Anita Bueno

    Ep 5.8- Anita Bueno
    Jun 29 2025
    Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with licensed landscape architect and Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®, Anita Bueno ’90. A lifelong learner with a passion for connecting mind, body, and environment, Anita has dedicated her career to exploring the relationship between thought, movement, and our inner and outer worlds. Through the Feldenkrais Method®, Anita uses movement to help people activate and reorganize their nervous systems—empowering them to think clearer, feel better, and show up as their most creative, fully embodied selves. She integrates this work with her practice as a landscape architect, designing spaces that foster connection to nature and sustainable living. For ten years, Anita designed recreation areas for the US Forest Service, and for another decade she founded and directed BuenoLuna Landscape Design (now Cummings Landscape Architecture), a residential design/build firm focused on mitigating climate change through ecologically responsible landscapes. Beyond her professional work, she has lived in India studying yoga and Carnatic dance and music, traveled her ancestral lands of Hispaniola and Central America, and taken on countless creative pursuits—from watercolor painting and playing guitar to sewing her own clothes, figure skating professionally, commercial fishing in the Bering Sea, and bike touring in Mexico and New Zealand. At Colgate, Anita was a proud member of the Women’s Rugby team, setting the stage for a life defined by curiosity, resilience, and a fearless spirit of exploration. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Colgate University.
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    1 h y 18 m