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.