S1 Episode 4: From the Peace Corps to the White House and Beyond with Chloe Kontos

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“I’m not a scientist, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t work on these issues or work in this domain. So I think that it’s really important to have the courage to try out different domains and areas and not think that you need to be an expert. There are generalist roles in these STEM fields…and that means that you are part of the STEM workforce.” – Chloe Kontos 

Part 1 of 2! This week guest host Paige Curtis speaks with Chloe Kontos, the incoming Director of the Office of the CTO at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Chloe shares her experiences in the Peace Corps – “the reason I have everything I have today in my life” – and a career working within three White House administrations. In Part 1, Chloe takes us through her time in the federal government, what it means to be an “honest broker”,  and how the average citizen unexpectedly interacts with government agencies throughout their lifetime.

This week, we ask you to consider making a charitable donation to Destination Imagination, so you can fuel more creative educational experiences for young people around the world. Click here to make your contribution today.


“Communication is a big piece of every job I’ve ever had. If you have the best idea in the world, but you can’t explain it to people, or explain it in a way that they can understand…your idea doesn’t matter.” – Chloe Kontos

Part 2 of 2!  Guest host Paige Curtis continues her conversation with Chloe Kontos, the incoming Director of the Office of the CTO at MD Anderson Cancer Center. In Part 2, Chloe details how she used the four Cs (communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking) in her work in the Peace Corps, the White House, and JP Morgan Chase. Chloe also shares the value of being a generalist and finding a good mentor.

This week, we ask you to consider making a charitable donation to Destination Imagination, so you can fuel more creative educational experiences for young people around the world. Click here to make your contribution today.

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