From navigating burnout in higher education to balancing family responsibilities, Kristine Cody shares how unexpected moments of planned happenstance became pivotal in shaping her career in learning and talent development. Now a Staff Development Consultant at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Kristine discusses how fostering meaningful professional relationships has been key to her growth, and how her commitment to continuous learning drives her future goals. Tune in for practical strategies on finding your professional sweet spot and thriving in your career!

👉Connect with Kristine Cody:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-cody

📧Contact Us:

chancecareerstories@gmail.com

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For those in a position to help, please join us in donating to reputable organizations that are meeting the immediate and long term needs of those impacted by the LA wild fires.

Verified GoFundMe Fundraisers:

https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california#/

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation:

https://supportlafd.org/

California Fire Foundation:

https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html

Y.M.C.A. of Metropolitan Los Angeles:

http://www.ymcala.org/community-response

Pasadena City College Community Relief Fund:

https://www.pasadena.edu/fireupdates/donate.php

Pasadena Humane Society:

https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134/#!/donation/checkout

American Humane Society:

https://www.americanhumane.org/

Baby2Baby:

https://donate.baby2baby.org/give/648067/#!/donation/checkout

World Central Kitchen:

https://wck.org/relief/california-fires-jan25

LA Regional Food Bank:

https://www.lafoodbank.org/fire/

National Day Laborer Organizing Network/Pasadena Community Job Center:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/lafires2025

Direct Relief:

https://www.directrelief.org/2025/01/as-southern-california-fires-rage-medical-aid-en-route/

Season Finale Alert! 🎉 Hosts Karissa Sorenson and Priscilla Vallejo wrap up the first season of Planned Happenstance with an exciting look back at their favorite moments. From insightful takeaways with industry professionals to behind-the-scenes, they share laughs, lessons learned, and what’s in store for Season 2 in 2025. Tune in for valuable career advice and a fun-filled conclusion to Season 1!

👉Connect with Priscilla: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillavallejo⁠

👉Connect with Karissa: www.linkedin.com/in/kcsorenson

📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com

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From call center rep to corporate recruiter, Daniel Carlos shares his journey of seizing planned happenstance moments that elevated his career. Now an Early Career Recruiter for NBCUniversal, Daniel blends his passion for human resources and higher education to coach others in navigating professional paths in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong network of champions, knowing your worth, and staying mobile and open to new opportunities. Whether you're a student or professional looking to broaden your horizons, this conversation is packed with valuable insights to help you make bold moves and embrace unexpected opportunities with a curious mindset. Tune in to learn how to turn chance moments into career-defining opportunities!

👉Connect with Daniel Carlos.:

www.linkedin.com/in/danieljcarlos

📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com

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After experiencing profound loss, Dr. Lorena Márquez shares her personal journey through grief and healing and how these experiences led her to embrace planned happenstance in her career. As the founder of I am Esperanza and creatress of Doctorahood — platforms dedicated to empower and amplify women of color, Lorena shares how she uses her story to inspire others to harness their inner strength and move forward with purpose. Tune in for a compelling conversation filled with resilience, hope, and practical advice in navigating the messiness of life.

👉Connect with Dr. Lorena Márquez.:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctora-lorena-marquez

https://www.instagram.com/doctorahood_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

https://www.iamesperanza.com/

📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com

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Known for his work in cultivating inclusive learning environments across diverse industries—visionary coach and workforce development trainer, Derrin Ford shares key moments of planned happenstance that ignited his consulting business and contract work. Derrin opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, finding confidence in packaging and protecting your own intellectual property, and building a personal "bank" of skills and knowledge that fuels long-term growth. Tune in for inspiring insights on investing in your most valuable asset—yourself.

👉Connect with Derrin Ford.:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrin-ford

https://www.dfordconsulting.com/

https://www.instagram.com/professordford_/?hl=en

📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com

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Upon taking a series of internships in the museum world—most notably at the Smithsonian Institution—Roshni D. Lal, Ph.D. reflects on the planned happenstance moments that brought her career full circle, combining her love for museums with career education. Roshni shares how the intersectionality of her identities shaped her career choices and emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning throughout her journey. Tune in for an inspiring look at the paths that lead to passion-driven work and the lessons learned along the way!

👉Connect with Roshni D. Lal, Ph.D.:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-d-lal-ph-d

📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com

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Navigating the challenges of job loss to discovering new opportunities, Gareth Roberts shares the pivotal moments of planned happenstance that ultimately led him to land his dream job as a senior manager at Shopify. Gareth’s insights on networking, adapting to change, and thriving in the enterprise technology industry will leave you feeling motivated to pursue your goals. Tune in for practical advice in accelerating your career!

👉Connect with Gareth Roberts:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethoroberts

📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com

Music by penguinmusic - Uplifting Summer Electronica from Pixabay