TSA Voices: Leadership Lessons from Alumni
Discover how the TSA experience shapes future leaders in TSA Voices, a podcast series featuring alumni who reflect on their personal and professional growth. Each episode spotlights a 21st Century Leadership Skill—like collaboration, adaptability, or communication—and how it has influenced their journey beyond TSA. These stories offer valuable insights for current members and anyone looking to grow as a leader.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 1
Adaptability by Tiffany Ashton Bramblett
In this episode, Tiffany Ashton Bramblett shares how her TSA journey helped her embrace a “yes, and” mindset—one that shaped her into a highly adaptable and open-minded leader. That foundational skill has been influential in the development of her dynamic and successful career path, from performing and composing music for major television and film productions to becoming a Grammy voter, ACM and CMA artist, and now pursuing a degree in naturopathic medicine – plus authoring her first book. Tiffany’s story is a powerful example of how adaptability can unlock unexpected and meaningful opportunities.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 2
Initiative by Rachael Domer
In this episode, Rachael Domer shares how taking initiative at every stage of her journey transformed her love of engineering into a lifelong mission to lead and inspire others. From discovering TSA in middle school to serving as New Jersey’s TSA state president, Rachael’s story highlights how early leadership opportunities helped her connect her passion for STEM with a fulfilling career in education. Now a program manager in one of the nation’s largest school districts for technology and engineering education supporting over 90 educators, Rachael reflects on the ways TSA gave her confidence, mentorship opportunities, and a safe space to take action—even in the face of failure. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership starts when you take the first step.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 3
Leadership Through Initiative by Audrey Garoutte
In this episode, former National TSA President Audrey Garoutte reflects on how taking initiative shaped her journey—from serving as a TSA leader at the state and national levels to moving to Spain to teach English before starting medical school. Audrey shares her three-step framework for proactivity: observe, prepare, and act. She offers real-life examples of how she identified needs, stepped up to support others, and created new opportunities for herself—whether helping a middle school TSA chapter thrive, launching a student organization in college, or cold-emailing a professor to land a research role. For Audrey, initiative is rooted in curiosity, courage, and the willingness to connect across disciplines. Her story is a powerful reminder that TSA is the perfect space to practice taking initiative—one small step at a time.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 4
Flexibility & Adaptability by Leigh Anne (Hamlin) Hoes
In this episode, Leigh Anne (Hamlin) Hoes—former National TSA Vice President and Georgia TSA President—shares how embracing discomfort and saying "yes" to new opportunities shaped her unexpected journey from musical theater to real estate. From her early days in TSA, she learned the power of flexibility and adaptability—skills she carried into theater, hospitality, and now her career in real estate. Leigh Anne reflects on how TSA helped her get comfortable being uncomfortable - encouraging her to step into unfamiliar roles, trust her abilities, and continue growing. Her story is a reminder that the path forward is not always mapped out—but with an open mindset, the possibilities are limitless.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 5
Perseverance and Grit by Garv Jain
In this episode, Garv shares how he became involved in TSA and rose to leadership roles at the chapter, state, and national levels—despite battling self-doubt. As chapter president, he focused on building community and increasing engagement, and he helped build a stronger, more connected chapter. Despite this success in high school - and then into college, he struggled to see himself as a leader. With the help of others, who helped him understand his potential, and his perseverance, he landed a competitive internship alongside students from top universities. TSA taught him to own his story, work through challenges, and lead with quiet consistency. As Garv says, “grit means you keep going forward even when you face obstacles.”
SEASON 1, EPISODE 6
Critical Thinking & Analysis by Rajan Jani
In this episode, Rajan Jani—former Virginia TSA state officer and chapter president—shares how TSA sparked his interest in critical thinking and helped him develop the leadership and analytical skills that shaped his academic and professional journey. From reviving his high school TSA chapter to earning degrees in systems engineering and business analytics, Rajan emphasizes the importance of thoughtful problem-solving, collaboration, and data to drive decisions. His story shows how TSA empowers students to make an impact at every level—school, state, and beyond—through curiosity, trial and error, and a commitment to growth.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 7
Communication by Noah Kelley
In this episode, Noah Kelley explores the powerful role communication has played throughout his journey—from competing in TSA to studying at Vanderbilt and preparing for a career in medicine. He reflects on how communication is not just about having the perfect words, but about being present, listening deeply, and building meaningful relationships. Whether bridging the gap between complex science and public understanding or connecting with future patients, Noah emphasizes that communication is a skill anyone can cultivate. He shares practical advice: know yourself, know your audience, know your purpose, and practice daily. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that communication, at its core, is about connection—with others and with yourself.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 8
Collaboration by David Marquez
In this episode, 2023–2024 National TSA President David Marquez explores how TSA shaped his understanding of collaboration—from involvement in his first chapter meetings to leading at the national level. Now studying biology at the University of Colorado Boulder, David shares defining moments that taught him how to build trust, navigate group dynamics, and show up for others. Whether it was leaning into differences on a state officer team, enhancing TSA with his fellow national officers, or finding power in everyday friendships, David reflects on true collaboration and how it begins with empathy and support. He ties it all together with a unique metaphor from his biology studies of lichens, organisms made stronger through partnership - showing how great teams, like great ecosystems, thrive when individual members bring their strengths to the table.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 9
Creativity by Hannah Ongmanchi
In this episode, University of Texas architecture student Hannah Ongmanchi shares how her TSA journey—from chapter reporter to Texas TSA state officer—helped her grow both creatively and professionally. Starting as a high school sophomore, she found a passion for design through events like CAD and Architectural Design, which strengthened her creative thinking and technical skills. After high school graduation, Sarah continued to contribute as a graphic designer for Texas TSA, merging national themes with state identity through visual storytelling. She notes that for her, creativity is not just about art—it is about leadership, collaboration, quick thinking, and prioritizing what matters. Her message to current members: Say yes to opportunities, because what you give to TSA influences what you get back.
SEASON 1, EPISODE 10
Communication by Harrison Wissel-Littmann
In this episode, Harrison Wissel-Littmann, a human factors engineer working on next-generation aircraft systems, shares how his career and life journey began with TSA and the communication skills he built along the way. As a Texas TSA state officer and competitor, Harrison discovered the power of clear, effective communication—a skill he now uses every day to design systems that put people first. Human factors engineering is all about anticipating human error and designing technology that prevents small mistakes from becoming catastrophic. Harrison explains that this mindset does not just apply to engineering—it is essential for leadership, teamwork, and life. Communication is a technical skill and mastering it can start now. Through TSA, Harrison learned that words, instructions, and questions matter. Whether building systems or building relationships, communication is a valuable tool.