In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley interview David Ma, CEO of Hope Street Group. David shares his unique journey from China to the U.S., through Google and Facebook, leading to his current role at Hope Street Group, a nonprofit focused on democratizing career and education opportunities. The discussion highlights Hope Street Group's new product, FutureMe, an AI-driven career exploration tool designed to help students discover potential career paths. David explains how FutureMe works, its impact on student engagement, and its alignment with Utah's data privacy requirements. The conversation also touches on the importance of ambitious thinking and the potential for AI to level the educational playing field.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:52 Introducing the Guest: David Ma, CEO of Hope Street Group

01:48 David Ma's Journey: From China to Tech Giant

07:08 Hope Street Group's Mission and Vision

09:25 FutureMe: Revolutionizing Career Exploration

11:33 Implementation and Impact of FutureMe

20:31 Ensuring Safety and Privacy in AI Tools

22:14 Final Takeaways and Reflections

25:43 Quick Highlight for Hope Street Group’s Future Ready AI Challenge

26:53 Conclusion and Upcoming Opportunities

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• David Ma - CEO of Hope Street Group
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtma/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• 🚀Full Demo: hopestreetgroup.org/launch-demo

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2025 Rising Teacher Leader of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @mrstowner9) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Technology Specialist, Project Manager, and Podcast Producer.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.