About This Podcast
The Paperless Pathways Podcast is a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of individuals Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs). It celebrates the diverse paths to professional success and highlights the talent, resilience, and innovation of STARs in various industries.
Paperless Pathways seeks to inspire, inform, and empower individuals on their journey to success, while also advocating for a more inclusive labor market and greater career mobility for all.
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Let's Celebrate Season 1 of Paperless Pathways
Join us for a powerful, one-hour virtual recap event celebrating our pilot season! Together, we’ll reflect on the stories that shaped our pilot season, hear from STARs and podcast guests, and explore how storytelling can fuel real change in the workforce.
This session will highlight listener testimonials, a live panel featuring STARs and producers, and a forward-looking discussion on what’s next for the podcast—including how YOU can get involved.
Whether you’re a STAR, an employer, an advocate, or simply curious, this is your invitation to connect, celebrate, and co-create the future of Paperless Pathways.
RSVP to save your spot and help amplify STAR voices.
Episode 1
Tear The Paper Ceiling Movement: How It All Began
In this debut episode, host LaShana, STARs Advisory Council Chair and, speaks with Byron, CEO and co-founder of Opportunity@Work, about the origins of the skills-first movement, the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign, and the creation of the STARs acronym (Skilled Through Alternative Routes).
They discuss Opportunity@Work’s mission to unlock opportunities for over 70 million skilled workers and how employers can value skills gained through work experience, military service, bootcamps, and on-the-job training, rather than relying solely on college degrees.
Episode 2
STARs Rise and Shine
In this episode of the Paperless Pathways Podcast, we’re proving that there’s no single path to success! Host LaShana Lewis dives into real stories from STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes) who are breaking barriers and building thriving careers—through their paperless pathway.
✨ Rising STARs: Kelly Powers & Ivan Santillan from Opportunity@Work, open up about the challenges and game-changing moments that shaped their careers.
🌟 Shining STARs: LaFawn Davis, Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Indeed, shares how STARs in leadership roles are changing the game for future talent.
Episode 3
STARs Tear the Paper Ceiling Across Industries
In this episode, we explore the inspiring journeys of STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes) who are thriving in diverse industries, proving that there are many paths to success. From tech and education to transportation and social work, these STARs are making an impact and demonstrating the value of skills, experience, and determination in the workforce.
Host LaShana Lewis sits down with guests Natalia Lara, Barbara Leach, Malinda Venable, and Zane Richards to discuss how they’ve navigated career transitions, leveraged transferable skills, and expanded opportunities in their fields. Their stories highlight the importance of recognizing talent in all its forms and ensuring that opportunity isn’t limited by outdated hiring practices.
Whether you’re a STAR looking for inspiration, an employer seeking untapped talent, or a supporter of equitable career opportunities, this episode showcases how STARs are tearing through industries and reshaping the workforce—alongside all professionals who bring value, regardless of how they got there.
Episode 4
Career Transitions
Changing careers can feel overwhelming, but STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes) have the power to pivot and thrive in new industries successfully.
In this episode, host LaShana is accompanied by Rose Francois and STARs Marsay McKinney, and Malinda Venable, professionals who have navigated career transitions firsthand. They’ll share their journeys, challenges, and strategies that helped them break into new fields. From understanding why career shifts are becoming more common to recognizing transferable skills, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration for all STARs considering a new path.
Whether you’re making a big move yourself or a hiring manager looking to support career changers, this discussion will highlight how embracing non-linear career paths benefits both individuals and the workforce as a whole. Tune in to learn how STARs are tearing through barriers and confidently stepping into new opportunities!
Episode 5
Networthing with STAR Power
In the final episode of our pilot season, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools for STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes): building authentic connections and personal brands that open doors. Host LaShana Lewis, Chair of the STARs Advisory Council, is joined by Marsay McKinney, Lateria Brown, and Kelly Powers for a rich conversation on how STARs can confidently communicate their value, elevate their visibility, and grow their networks with purpose.
This episode breaks down what it means to go beyond traditional networking — into networthing — building relationships that are rooted in shared value, strategic collaboration, and long-term impact. You’ll hear practical tips on how to tell your story, craft your brand, and make meaningful professional connections in today’s job market.
Whether you’re a STAR navigating your next move or a workforce professional looking to empower diverse talent, this episode offers real talk, actionable tools, and inspiration to move forward.
🌟 This marks the season finale of our pilot series, but we’re just getting started. More Paperless Pathways are on the horizon. Stay tuned!
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About Opportunity@Work
Opportunity@Work is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is enable at least 1 million working adults in America to translate their learning into earning — generating a $20 billion boost in annual earnings. Opportunity@Work engages with corporate, philanthropic, and workforce partners to directly address the barriers that STARs face, recognize STARs talent and remove bachelor’s degree screens. Learn more at opportunityatwork.org.
