How a First-Gen College Graduate Became County Manager in New Mexico | Degrees of Success Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards talks to Dr. Scott Andrews, the County Manager for Doña Ana County in New Mexico. Dr. Andrews shares his remarkable journey to leadership, from his roots as a first-generation U.S.-born college graduate to 21 years of service in public sector administration across Florida, Georgia, and California. A powerful story of resilience and transformation, Dr. Andrews overcame personal tragedy—the loss of his baby daughter—to launch The Violet Movement, a non-profit dedicated to fostering love, kindness, and positive change through scholarships. His book, Violet’s Are Blue: Finding Relief From Grief and Lessons from Depression, reflects his personal battle with grief and his determination to help others navigate similar challenges. Dr. Andrews’s journey is a testament to how overcoming personal adversity can lead to not just professional success, but also a lasting impact on communities. In this episode, he discusses the power of education, the importance of leadership in times of difficulty, and how transformative change starts with a vision for a better future. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix brings you the inspiring success stories of alumni who have turned challenges into triumphs and made an impact in their fields and communities. Whether you’re seeking motivation or practical advice on overcoming obstacles, Dr. Andrews’s story offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and using education to build a brighter future. Tune in and discover how education, perseverance, and a desire to help others can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

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Scott Andrews on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscottandrews/
Scott Andrews Book:
https://a.co/d/iKuviup
The Violet Movement:
https://www.thevioletmovement.com/

Alumni Chronicles | Scott's Story
https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumnus-scott-andrews.html
Alumni Chronicles | Main Page
https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html

Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Page:
https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html
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