Accelerate Access

Miles Mariano-Ortilla, 2019 Nyah Fellow, youth activist, and head coordinator of the TAP Scholarship Fund, sits down with Leigh-Ann all the way from Ritsumeikan University in Japan. They discuss why he struggles with the label “Filipino-American,” his concept of home as a self-proclaimed wanderer, and why he’s passionate about education access for all. Also find out how his Nyah Project experience inspired him to create a scholarsh...

Jaida Houston, 2019 Nyah Fellow and soon-to-be graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss life from Overtown to “Black Hollywood”, how she got interested in urban planning and development, and the need for community and a sense of belonging. Also find out more about Jaida’s journey to success at an HBCU, her take on the affordable housing crisis, and more!

They also discuss:

• Her 3 biggest...

Dewayne Martin, 2017 Nyah Fellow and soon-to-be graduate of Hamilton College in New York, is a storyteller, organizer, and so much more. The youngest Nyah Fellow ever selected at 14, Dewayne sits down with Leigh-Ann to dive deep into his personal definition of freedom, the connection between his philosophical and emotional journey, and the importance of unlocking opportunities and individual narratives. Also find out Dewayne’s chil...

Angelica “Angie” Gonzalez, a 2016 Nyah Fellow pursuing her master’s degree at John Hopkins University, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss prioritizing personal needs over familial expectations and obligations, imposter syndrome as the gifted scholarship student at her high school, and how her Nyah Project Fellowship to Ghana sparked her passion for environmental justice. Also find out why she emphasizes open-mindedness and convers...

David Barbier, Jr., 2018 Nyah Fellow, 2019 Peer Facilitator, and Syracuse University graduate, sits down with Leigh-Ann for an emotional conversation to answer the question “who am I when no one is around?” and discuss the power of love. Also, find out why he considers himself both a dreamer and a doer, how he’s building his personal board of directors, and more!

“I wish kids growing up knew what love felt like. As I learned t...

On this week's episode of Accelerate Access: The Podcast, Rita Vega, 2019 Nyah Fellow and University of Michigan graduate, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss visual storytelling to bridge gaps between diverse communities, her foundation story in Nicaragua, and early career struggles in the Big Apple. Also, find out why Rita focuses on the power of human connection and relationship building, and more!

"Questions lead ...

Ian Rodriguez, 2021 Nyah Fellow and Florida State University student, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss his journey to self-awareness and self-expression, navigating queerness in an unwelcoming environment, and the importance of listening to younger generations. Also find out how the COVID-19 lockdown and Nyah Project played a large role in helping Ian grow as a person, and more!

“I have to find spaces and places where I can thin...

Kenya Handfield, 2020 Nyah Fellow and student at Spelman College in Atlanta, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss redefining success, friendship breakups and human connectivity, and owning your own narrative. Also find out how the death of a friend inspired her to give back and start Project FRESH, how she used Access Online to help her win over $1.5 million in scholarships, and more!

“I definitely think that's how I define succ...

Elijah Adorno, 2019 Nyah Fellow and University of Florida student, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss his ongoing process of learning and growth, balancing mental fortitude with physical strength, and desire for self-validation and contentment. Also find out what drives his accomplishments, early mornings, and desire to give back, and more!

"By taking the characteristics of other leaders and putting them into that future pers...

Anaisa Tate, 2018 Nyah Fellow, doula and nursing student, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss boldness to challenge societal norms, young motherhood, and the people and places that pushed her into her destiny. Also find out why Leigh-Ann called Anaisa a “young revolutionary” after their first meeting, and more.

“Now I see there's so much opportunity, and to be able to really help women who look like me, who don't have ...

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Access: The Podcast! We share stories of how access to opportunity changes lives. Hosted by Nyah Project founder, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, the podcast provides an inside look into the transformational journeys of our Nyah Fellows as they navigate college, careers, and personal growth as young leaders in the community.

This week’s guest is Adrian Oyola, 2022 Nyah Fellow and student at Loyola ...

Tasfia Howlader, 2021 Nyah Fellow and student at Nova Southeastern University, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss personal growth and self-confidence, why she’s an advocate for women’s health and mental health, and her nonprofit focused on global education. Also, find out why she decided to wear the hijab, how she overcame dyslexia and how she stacked scholarships to go to college for free.

“If I want there to be a shift, a l...

Welcome to the third episode of Accelerate Access: The Podcast! We share stories of how access to opportunity changes lives. Hosted by Nyah Project founder, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, the podcast provides an inside look into the transformational journeys of our Nyah Fellows as they navigate college, careers, and personal growth as young leaders in the community.

This week’s guest is Julio Burgos, 2015 Nyah Fellow and Syracuse University g...

Daniela Flores, 2020 Nyah Fellow and student at Florida State University, sits down with Leigh-Ann for a heartfelt discussion about her undocumented father’s passing, her fellowship experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of education for economic mobility. Tune in to discover Daniela's leadership insights and her vision for making a difference in healthcare.

“I want to connect with people and actually give ...

John Paul “JP” Mejia, 2019 Nyah Fellow and student at American University, sits down with our host + Nyah Project founder, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, to discuss his journey growing up with an incarcerated parent to becoming a national leader in climate justice. Also, find out what his superpowers are and the most impactful moments he had in Bali + Ghana with Nyah Project.

“There is a difference between access and power, but they often...