Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Her Way Podcast

In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Lindsey Felt, a scholar and educator in Stanford’s Writing and Rhetoric program. A former player on the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team at the Melbourne Deaflympics, Dr. Felt also served as ESPN’s primary U.S. Women’s Soccer columnist during an era marked by Abby Wambach, the professionalization of players, and accelerating investment in the women’s game. She recalls the early stages of sports journalism, pitching articles as an undergraduate before being endowed ESPN’s USWNT columnist. She discusses her selection to the Deaflympics and unpacks pervasive disability myths she was subjected to as a player- particularly the perception of disability as a personal tragedy that elicits pity and charity. Observing how these portrayals distorted her language in interviews as an inspiration, she was motivated to pursue journalism and cover athletes in a different manner. Beyond disability rhetoric, Dr. Felt’s research encompasses disability innovation and technology, media culture, and accessible arts. She notes writing as a muscle she’s trained across genres, occupying dual modalities while writing game analyses, feature pieces, and literary essays. Identifying as a deaf person, Dr. Felt shares how writing is the most authentic mode of expression: “It allows me to have time to  meditate how I want to articulate myself.” She sees communication and language as not merely transactional, but as a full-bodied experience and proposition that requires both parties. Dr. Felt concludes by discussing her current collaborative projects with disabled artists using cutting-edge technologies, embracing her role as a “perpetual student.” 

0:00 Introduction and Early Life

3:28 Exposure in the Sports Realm 

6:01 Covering the USWNT as the Primary ESPN Columnist

10:27 Transitioning from Sports Journalism to Academia 

12:48 Writing as a Medium of Expression

15:09 Subtleties in Communication as a Deaf Person

16:20 Mainstream Disability Narratives

20:48 Selection to the Deaflympics

22:11 Conclusion

Today we chatted with Professor Iris Stewart-Frey, a professor of hydrology and water resources at Santa Clara University's Environmental Studies Institute. Iris discusses her multifaceted role encompassing teaching, research, and service to both the university and the larger community. She elaborates on the unique mission and climate of Santa Clara, highlighting its Jesuit values. Iris also delves into her involvement with Santa Clara's Environmental Justice and the Common Good Initiative, a program focused on addressing environmental injustices through research and community action. We discuss water equity issues in Silicon Valley, the importance of translating scientific research into accessible information, and the university's role in promoting environmental justice. Iris advises to think beyond short-term gains and reflects on the significance of fostering meaningful debates and collaboration across boundaries.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Current Work at Santa Clara University

00:55 Climate and Culture at Santa Clara University

02:40 Environmental Justice and the Common Good Initiative

07:07 Water and Climate Justice Research

09:42 The Uneven Distribution of Environmental Burdens and Benefits

14:23 Balancing Science and Community Engagement

16:40 Advice for Climate Policy Makers

17:43 The Role of Universities in Environmental Justice

19:52 Hope for the Future and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we talk to Professor Rabab Haider, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan's College of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Professor Haider discusses her work on infrastructure systems, with a focus on the future of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. She shares her passion for sustainability, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and her experiences transitioning from industry to academia. Professor Haider emphasizes the global challenges of decarbonization, the development of equitable energy frameworks, and the necessity of combining technical solutions with policy and human-centric applications. Reflecting on her career path, she highlights her dedication to impactful research and mentorship.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Professor Haider's Work and Motivation

02:02 University of Michigan's Interdisciplinary Environment

04:05 Industry Experience and Academic Path

06:47 Global Challenges in Renewable Energy

12:50 Equity in Power Systems

16:23 Bridging Science and Policy

22:34 Measuring Success and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Her Way AAPI, we are joined by Shelley Lee, Professor of American Studies, History, and Humanities and Affiliate of Urban Studies at Brown University. She also co-organizes their Asian Pacific American and Diaspora Studies working group and was formerly the chair of Comparative American Studies at Oberlin College. Born in Seoul in the 70’s and raised in the intersection of Silicon Valley’s tech boom and demographic change, Professor Lee grew up immersed in ethnically diverse communities and socioeconomically diverse school systems. After entering academia at UC Berkeley, she began to interpret history through the lens of ordinary people- adopting a bottom up perspective- and delved into race as a social construct, examining how such categories arise. “These are constructions that arise in response to specific historical forces,” she explains. Professor Lee discusses how her undergraduate studies highlighted the ways in which her story was embedded within the broader American narrative, leading her to contribute to the reconceptualization of American history through Asian American history. She reflects on the movement for ethnic studies, emphasizing how Asian studies or Asian American studies was often an “entry point” for students hoping to make sense of who they are in the greater world. Professor Lee underscores her conviction that Asian American history has always been US history and discusses the myths her students work to dispel and the greater historical narratives these myths sustain. While the historical content itself does not change, she observes that evolving current events and perspectives shape our relationship to the past. She concludes by sharing the ethos that guides her work with Brown’s scholarly APA & Diaspora studies working group, noting that “I like to help create a community where I see the potential for community, but it doesn't quite exist.” 

0:00 Introduction and Welcome

1:16 A Formative Early Life: Tech Boom and Demographic Change

4:30 Exploring Asian American Studies at UC Berkeley

5:42 Seeing Patterns, Rethinking Categories

11:05 Oberlin College and Asian American History in US History

15:34 Freedom of Teaching

16:51 Discussing and Dispelling Myths 

20:22 Asian American: a Broad and Nuanced Category

22:05 Interpreting History Differently 

25:07 Working Group at Brown University

In this episode, we speak with Dawn King, Teaching Professor at the Institute at Brown for Environmental and Society, and Dean of the College for Curriculum at Brown University. Professor King shares insights on her career in sustainability education and policy, focusing on the impacts of local food economics and urban sustainability. She discusses her early interest in food systems, inspired by the multifaceted nature of food and its cultural ties. King explains her role at Brown University, where she teaches courses on local food systems and energy policy, and involves students in real-world community projects. She emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, incorporating fields like sociology, biological sciences, and economics. Highlighting the necessity of a just transition to sustainable agriculture, King advocates for community involvement in decision-making processes.

00:00 Introduction and Career Overview

00:15 Passion for Local Food Systems

02:31 Role at Brown University

04:46 Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainability

08:42 Urgent Changes in Food Policy

15:34 Energy Policy and Politics

20:08 Inspiration and Mentorship

24:17 Advice to High School Self

In today’s episode, we welcome Mrs. Frey Dagne, a film director and actress best known for her 2021 short film Raine. Though she always carried a deep passion for filmmaking, Dagne reflects on how breaking into the industry required full immersion. She learned to study films relentlessly to understand the nuances of the whole business and slowly gain credibility. Dagne unpacks how her acting experience informed her leadership as a director, particularly in her most complex work Raine, where she helmed being the lead director, main character, and first time screenwriter. Dagne also analyzes the delicate balance of weighing constructive feedback from peers while preserving one’s own story arc and narrative: “ You have to map the road before you talk to other people… you have to have your own idea. You have to see your picture on your paper. And you have to protect your writing.” She explains how remaining independent from studioheads in Hollywood keeps her films raw and vulnerable, ensuring the films reflect the narrative she is committed to portraying, such as the Ethiopian culture in Raine. She notes, “[As Ethiopians] we have so much more to offer than what people see on TV or social media.” Dagne concludes by speaking to the responsibility she feels as a film director to take bold risks in casting and to foster an inviting environment and family-like partnership between actors. 

0:00 Early Life and Introduction

4:21 Studying and Understanding the Film Industry

5:43 Discussing Mainstream Narratives 

8:11 Raine: Idea to Production

11:18 Building and Managing a Production Team

12: 39 Shifting Between Macro and Micro Levels

17:35 A Tight and Rigid Industry

18:43 Taking Risks as a Director

24:30 Going Outside 

In today’s episode, we speak with Winnie Lu, Co-Founder of Fly Tot, known for its pioneering travel products. Drawing from her own long-haul flights between Asia and California, Lu shares how she identified a gap in the airline industry and validated a widespread need from fellow parents for comfort devices. She reflects on building the product organically and iterating the initial business model for greater ease and a less cumbersome travel experience. Lu talks about the challenges of integrating her product globally into a restrictive airline industry while simultaneously leveraging the rise of social media campaigns at the time to market her product. With a long-standing interest in language and culture, Lu reflects how this deep passion became a natural gateway to international business and the traveling sector. She also discusses the important pursuit of obtaining a patent; despite the difficulty of fully preventing knockoffs (through a legal path), she offers insights into the reality of all sides to her business. Lu tells aspiring entrepreneurs to “believe in yourself and put in the hard work. You have the time. You have the energy to do it.”

0:00 Early Life and Introduction

2:06 Fly Tot and Company Mission

4:11 Iterating and Working with IATA ( International Air Transport Association)

6:16 Navigating a Restrictive Travel Industry

8:19 Lack of Airplane Comfort Devices

9:44 Customer Outreach, Testing Cycle, and Facebook Groups

10:56 Marketing to a Specific Audience

12:36 The Intersection of Her College Major and Company

13:14 Understanding Local Cultures and Languages 

13:54 Pursuing Patents and Global Protections

15:58 A Rewarding Journey and Concluding Stories

In this episode, we met with Dr. Christa Hasenkopf, Director of the Clean Air Program at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. Dr. Hasenkopf discusses her work at the intersection of air pollution policy and technology, discussing the global implications of air quality monitoring. She details her transition from academia to a career that integrates technology, policy, and environmental governance, highlighting her work in non-profits, private sectors, and governmental applications focusing on air quality and data transparency. She elaborates on her current responsibilities, the creation of the Air Quality Life Index, and the efforts under the Epic Air Quality Fund to improve air monitoring and transparency globally. Dr. Hasenkopf also reflects on her past roles at USAID and Open AQ, discussing the challenges of coordinating large-scale air quality strategies and making air quality data accessible and actionable. 

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:37 Dr. Hasenkopf's Career Journey

01:31 Transition to Applied Work

03:22 Current Role at UChicago

06:42 Founding the Clean Air Program

11:16 Challenges in Air Quality Monitoring

14:17 Open Data and Government Collaboration

16:44 Role at USAID

23:07 Future Steps and Advice

25:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode we’re joined by Ida Hempel, Vice President at Galvanize Climate Solutions. Ida shares her journey of working at the intersection of climate, technology, and investment, sharing how her passion for the natural environment converged with her interest in clean energy and climate tech. Ida shares her experience building an institutional-scale investment firm tailored for energy transition and climate solutions. She explores the challenges and strategies of scaling climate solutions sustainably, citing examples like Arable, a company that supports precision agriculture through innovative soil sensors. Ida also touches on important topics such as AI's environmental impact, the role of data in decarbonization, global policy differences, and emerging fields in sustainability. Highlighting key mentors in her career, she offers valuable advice on following one's passions and maintaining individuality in a rapidly evolving world.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:10 Career Beginnings and Passion for Climate Solutions

01:13 Role at Galvanize and Day-to-Day Work

02:07 Balancing Fast Scaling with Sustainability

03:54 Corporate Climate Leadership and Incentives

05:46 Collective Action and Decarbonization

08:05 AI and Sustainability Paradox

10:46 Impact of Energy Policy Changes

13:01 Global Perspective on Sustainability

14:24 Emerging Fields in Sustainability

16:28 Role Models and Career Advice

18:33 Measuring Success and Final Thoughts

Today we’re speaking to Professor VanRiper, Lecturer of Environmental Studies and Co-Director of the Sustainability Exchange at Washington University in St. Louis. Professor VanRiper discusses her passion for sustainable sanitation and systems thinking, highlighting her international work and interdisciplinary approaches to community-based conservation. VanRiper’s research in container-based sanitation in Haiti demonstrates the impact of immersive fieldwork and collaboration with local communities. She emphasizes the importance of equity in global partnerships, appropriate technology in economically and environmentally insecure areas, and the role of students in driving positive change. The episode concludes with VanRiper's advice for engaging with politics to understand the regulatory frameworks influencing industrial operations.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:08 Discovering a Passion for Sustainable Sanitation

01:52 Current Work at Wash U

04:23 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches

06:42 Global Collaboration and Equity in Research

10:13 Appropriate Technology for Sanitation

15:12 Container-Based Sanitation in Haiti

22:52 Empowering Students and Future Hopes

24:04 Role Models and Final Advice

In today’s episode, we welcome Justina Chen, young adult novelist known for North of Beautiful and A Blind Spot for Boys. Justina reflects on discovering the power of words from a young age and wanting to venture into investigative reporting and foreign journalism, industries that felt countercultural to her at the time. We discuss her journey into young adult fiction and how her mother’s dedication to building bridges within the Asian American community profoundly shaped the stories she tells. Justina discusses the necessity of cultivating meaningful relationships with agents and editors- ones who not only offer critique, but also hold you to your potential. “It’s important for them to challenge my thinking and perspective,” she says, “but they never tell me to delete.” She emphasizes the value of representation in literature and surrounding yourself with courageous advocates for your stories- they say if it is the truth, it must be expressed. We also delve into Justina’s transition from analytical writing in academic settings to developing a keen ear for voice and emotional resonance in fiction.

0:00 Early Life and Introduction

2:24 Studying Economics in College

7:00 Process of Writing a YA Novel

9:01 Finding Inspiration from her Close Circle

12:27 Asian American Representation in Literature

14:53 The Literature, Writing, and Publishing Industries

17: 26 Crafting an Ear for Tone

22:29 Needing to Shift and Pivot

25:08 Closing Advice 

In this episode of Her Way podcast, we sit down with Alice Siu, the Associate Director of Stanford's Deliberative Democracy Lab. Alice delves into the applications of deliberative polling in modern politics and its impact on public engagement. She shares her personal journey to her current role, highlighting the importance of listening and respecting diverse experiences in democratic processes. The conversation covers issues like climate change, the role of youth in combating political polarization, and the global reach of deliberative democracy. Alice emphasizes the importance of integrating deliberative practices in education and encourages young people to consider roles in policymaking to effect real change.00:00 Welcome00:35 Alice's Journey to Stanford's Deliberative Democracy Lab05:09 Understanding Deliberative Polling08:09 Climate Change and Public Engagement17:03 Deliberative Democracy Around the World21:55 Youth and Deliberative Democracy24:21 Advice for Young Changemakers26:44 Closing Remarks

In this episode of Her Way Climate, we speak with Allison Wolff, the co-founder of Vibrant Planet, a tech platform specializing in advanced analytics for climate hazards including wildfires, floods, and droughts. Allison discusses how Vibrant Planet uses sophisticated machine learning models to provide real-time data for improving ecosystem health and community risk management. She shares her journey from Silicon Valley tech roles at eBay, Google, and Meta to founding Vibrant Planet, driven by a passion to modernize risk mitigation and planning. Allison details how her platform facilitates collaboration across diverse stakeholders and explains the impact of recent policy changes on wildfire resilience efforts. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable forest management and the potential benefits of recent executive orders. Lastly, Allison offers advice to aspiring young women, encouraging them to trust their instincts and stand firm in their convictions.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:12 Founding Vibrant Planet: Mission and Technology

04:40 Transition from Corporate to Conservation

06:38 Leadership and Collaboration Strategies

09:34 Impact of Political Landscape on Wildfire Management

17:08 Future Goals and Policy Changes

23:04 Advice for Young Women

In this episode, we are joined by Celine Teoh– Unicorn CEO coach, team coach, and Stanford lecturer on Leading Effective Teams. Born and raised in Malaysia and shaped by global experiences across the U.K., Singapore, and the U.S., Teoh reflects on her early career in banking and consulting, where she honed the ability to navigate various industries, adapt quickly, and present to senior executives. From here, she realized that the “people side of things” was equally as important as the intellectual pursuit- it “wasn't just about the head, it was also about the heart.” Teoh discusses how, despite cultural tendencies to value technical ability, success and leadership often hinges on the ability to show up boldly, stand out, and cultivate meaningful connections. Founders and entrepreneurs, she notes, “are a particular breed. They're really passionate about what it is they're doing. And so sometimes it's a surprise to them that the folks around them don't, aren't as excited.” Her mentorship emphasizes listening to what the person across the table wants and believing in them. On the other hand, coaching is about helping leaders learn how to fish. It requires teaching them to come to realizations themselves, which requires meeting them in a way they understand. The discussion concludes with three pieces of advice: 1)Trust yourself deeply that you are capable 2) There are so many future successful you’s 3) Pay attention to what you’re good at that gives you joy. Let that be your compass and your North Star and just keep following the North Star- an internal one.

0:00 Welcome and Introduction

3:00 Experience at McKinsey and Goldman Sachs

4:20 The Importance of Soft Skills

8:45 Teaching Leaders to Bring Everyone Along 

10:50 Consulting vs. Coaching: Meeting them where they’re at 

11:35 Coaching with Adaptability

12:30 Finding Confidence to Guide Executives

14:35 Hustle Culture and the Youth Mindset

17:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life

In this episode of Her Way Climate, we interview Lila Preston, Head of Growth Equity at Generation Investment Management, a Sustainable Management firm co-founded by Al Gore and David Blood. Lila shares her unconventional career trajectory from grassroots conservation work in Chile to leading sustainable investments. She explains Generation’s philosophy of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into traditional investment processes to achieve long-term financial returns. Preston discusses how the firm measures sustainability impact through KPIs, addresses the challenges of greenwashing, and emphasizes the importance of holistic, long-term investment strategies. We end the episode by discussing the rapidly changing political climate and she shares her projections for promising spaces in sustainability.

00:06 Introducing Lila and Generation Investment Management

02:06 Lila's Career Journey: From Grassroots to Corporate

04:41 Generation's Philosophy on Sustainability and Financial Value

07:17 Tracking Sustainability KPIs and Measuring Impact

12:36 The Evolution of Sustainable Investing

15:04 Addressing Political Challenges and Carbon Pricing

18:30 Preventing Greenwashing and Promoting Genuine Sustainability

20:51 Exciting Areas in Sustainability and Advice for Young Listeners

24:19 Conclusion and Farewell

In this next episode of Her Way AAPI, we welcome Krystal Ka’ai, the former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders under the Biden Administration. The first Native Hawaiian to lead this Initiative, Ka’ai also worked on Capitol Hill for nearly 15 years, where she was the Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Raised in Hawaii, Ka’ai recalls not only seeing a lack of diversity, but greater visibility for the AANHPI community in Washington’s critical decision making spaces. She worked to ensure federal accessibility for all Americans, including helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with federal entities. Under Ka’ai’s leadership, the Initiative focused on three core pillars: combating anti-Asian hate, advocating for disaggregated data collection, and expanding language access and preservation. Ka’ai discusses balancing these priorities with current events, such as the need to quickly pivot in response to the Maui wildfires and shootings in Monterey Park. Overseeing a diverse demographic, Ka’ai highlights the need to find both commonalities and distinct needs of each group. Lastly, as she reflects on her shift from journalism to advocacy, she underscores the value of trusting yourself and being open to anything and everything.

0:00 Introduction and Early Life

2:23 Hawaii, Lehigh and D.C.

5:25 Federal Accessibility for all Americans

6:05 Leading a Broad Coalition

9:34 Three Main Pillars of the Initiative

14:25 The Importance of Adaptability 

17:06 Leaving Home, a New Perspective 

20:02 Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch

23:16 COVID 19 Hate Crimes Act

25:05 Concluding Advice

In today’s episode, we are joined by Karen Polle, an equestrian athlete representing the Japanese National Team, a 2024 Paris Olympics Alternate, and an Asian Partner Rider at Hermés. Polle shares her exposure to this sport growing up in New York City and dives into the mental rigors of training, emphasizing how the psychological preparation is more difficult than the physical aspect at times, especially in a sport “where my partner is a 1200 pound animal who has it's our own thoughts, opinions, moods. It's like you're constantly getting presented with things that you cannot prepare for and you can't foresee.” As a partner rider of Hermes, a Kinoshita Group Sports athlete, and an ambassador for Mikimoto, Polle discusses the responsibilities and qualities that define a great ambassador of global brands. She shares her perspective competing in a gender neutral sport, carrying a mindset of “equal footing” during competition while also noting how she may be perceived differently than her male counterparts in both athletic and workplace settings.  

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:00 Early Life and NYC

3:22  Exposure to Riding

04:26 Mentors and Athletes

05:02 Mental Preparation 

10:05 Being a Good Ambassador

11:46 Competing in a Gender Neutral Sport

15:46 Pursuing Economics and Business

17:56 Staying in the Present

In today’s episode, we are joined by Cari Pang Chen, Director of Innovation, Strategy & Planning at the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP). At FFRP, she plays a crucial role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals transition into firefighting careers through comprehensive training, certifications, and mentorship. We discuss the significant barriers these individuals face, including low wages—just over a dollar an hour—and the struggle to transfer the valuable skills gained during incarceration to post-release employment. Nonetheless, Chen highlights this unique and transformative opportunity to shift from incarceration to public service, a stark contrast to a system that so often perpetuates the reverse. She reflects on the adaptability required to tackle emergencies like the LA fires and underscores how this program offers a vital sense of possibility for many marginalized (zero to hero). Chen finds the greatest reward of mentorship witnessing the growth of confidence in each individual and the positive impact on their families as they continue to graduate. 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:40 Early Life and Hawaii

05:00 FFRP’s Mission 

07:03 Training and Employment Challenges

10:40 California’s Fire Camps 

15:50 Community Impact and Partnerships

22: 56 Transition from College Education to Career Journey 

25:11 Rewards: Personal Relationships Built 

In this episode we welcome Claudia Polsky, the founding director and a clinical instructor at Berkeley Law's Environmental Law Clinic. Prior to the clinic, Claudia worked as the Deputy Attorney General for the Environment Section of the California DOJ for fourteen years. In our conversation, Claudia delves into the clinic's work in training law students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. She shares how the clinic's multi-tool approach equips students with skills beyond litigation, preparing them to tackle environmental matters through legislation, advocacy, and agency practice. Moreover, Claudia discusses notable successes in legislative and litigation efforts, including the pioneering fragrance disclosure law and EPA regulation challenges. Claudia also discusses the ways in which climate changes and human rights grow increasingly entangled, reflecting on the social impact her litigation has. Finally, she offers advice to young individuals to follow their passions and navigate their paths with curiosity and commitment.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:09 Overview of Berkeley Law's Environmental Law Clinic

01:41 Impact and Achievements of the Clinic

09:44 Student Experiences and Career Paths

16:56 Environmental Justice and Inequality

27:00 Comparing Roles: Deputy Attorney General vs. Nonprofit Work

30:04 Advice for Aspiring Environmental Lawyers

32:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Her Way Climate, we speak with Professor Sommer, a clinical instructor at Harvard's Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic. Professor Sommer shares her journey from litigator at the DOJ to Deputy General Counsel at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and now an educator. She discusses the similarities and differences between these roles, her passion for working with students, and the various impactful projects at the law clinic, including amicus briefs and comment letters. Sommer also delves into the influence of political polarization on environmental litigation, the importance of federal agencies like the EPA, and strategies for combating climate change through legal frameworks. Professor Sommer emphasizes the critical role of resilience and public engagement in environmental law and shares hopeful perspectives on the future of climate action.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:20 Career Journey and Roles

02:20 Teaching and Mentorship at Harvard

04:11 Impact of Amicus Briefs and Legal Work

07:06 Political Influence on Environmental Law

09:46 Future of Environmental Legislation

12:23 Role of Federal Employees and EPA

18:09 Challenges and Rewards in Environmental Law

23:05 Advice for Aspiring Lawyers

24:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Mauria Finley, Vice President of Google Store and Google Fi Wireless, Founder and CEO of multi million companies Allume and Citrus Lane, and adjunct lecturer at Stanford University. Finley shares her experiences of overcoming educational disparities, the impact of her work on major tech products like Netscape and Gmail, and her transition from startups to big tech. Finley also discusses her role at Google, blending technical and managerial skills, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to enter male-dominated fields. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and gives insights into her teaching approach at Stanford. Concluding with advice for high school students, she reminds listeners to lead with radical empathy in the workplace.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

00:35 Discovering Computer Science at Stanford

02:09 Career Highlights in Tech

03:42 Role as VP at Google

05:31 Startups vs. Big Companies

07:20 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

13:58 Teaching at Stanford

17:09 Human-Centered Computer Science

19:38 Future of Computer Science

22:06 Advice for Women in Tech

23:19 Advice for High School Students

In this episode, we welcome Christine Luong, the sustainability manager of Palo Alto. She shares her transition from pre-med to environmental policy, sparked by volunteering at an environmental justice organization. Christine discusses the development of Palo Alto's Climate Action Plan and the increasing governmental effort she has led to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2030. She discusses leading diverse initiatives, developing Palo Alto's Climate Action Plan, and the crucial role of local government in sustainable development. For aspiring climate advocates, Christine highlights the impact of voting and actionable climate-friendly practices.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:15 Christine's Journey to Sustainability

02:37 Education and Career Insights

04:23 Leading Successful Initiatives

06:22 Developing Climate Action Plans

08:42 Government and Community Collaboration

15:40 Leadership and Motivation

19:29 Advice for Aspiring Climate Advocates

25:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In the next episode of the series Her Way AAPI, Her Way spotlights Wendy Nguyen, co-founder of Stand with Asian Americans and Asian Americans Rise, two movements dedicated to amplifying Asian American political voices. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen reflects on how being a beneficiary of the American system fueled her commitment to advocacy and equity. In the wake of the Atlanta spa shootings, she co-authored a pivotal open letter in the WSJ. She then established two nonprofits focused on the legal and civic responses to anti-AAPI hate. Nguyen also discusses her current initiative to mobilize over 300,000 young AAPI voters through a “moneyball” approach that maximizes impact and cost by targeting specific demographics. She asks “What is the cost per vote or registration?” Nguyen reminds us to pursue the path that is also congruent with our values. 

In today’s interview, we are joined by Rachel Quon, Head of Operations at Just Women’s Sports and a pivotal member of their startup team. Just Women’s Sports is a media company founded during the pandemic dedicated entirely to women’s sports.  Rachel herself is a former soccer player for the Canadian national team and the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars. During her time as a student-athlete at Stanford, she experienced firsthand the highly competitive culture of college soccer, which was the pinnacle for many players at the time.  Throughout her professional career though, Rachel witnessed the minimal investment in women's sports, often traveling by train and staying with host families. She was drawn to Just Women’s Sport’s vision and product, crediting the early founders for building it from the ground up by grinding out small wins to gain credibility. Rachel still embraces the role of "wearing many hats," covering business strategy, finance, HR, and marketing.  She also emphasizes the fierce competitiveness of female athletes—highlighting rivalries like that of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese that are drawing the largest audiences and expanding the sport globally. Looking ahead, she is focused on building a robust ecosystem for women’s sports and sees immense growth potential in the industry’s future. 

We're kicking off the school year, and our new series HER WAY CLIMATE with an interview with Deborah Sivas, an Environmental Lawyer and Director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Stanford Law School. Professor Sivas shares her experience working in the nuanced intersection of climate policy and environmental law. Sivas predicts that due to a conservative Supreme Court, there will be less and less judicial environmental protection as court decisions continue to water down protective litigation, as seen in cases regarding the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act. Moreover, Professor Sivas urges updates to environmental legislation that was “adopted in a different era,” in order to adapt to our current climate crisis. Sivas emphasizes that addressing climate change requires the work of not only environmental litigators, but policy makers, independent institutions, and ordinary citizens: it truly “takes a village.”

In the next episode of the series Her Way AAPI where we highlight Asian American female leaders, Her Way welcomes Mae Lee, department chair and professor in Asian American and Ethnic studies at De Anza College.  Raised in New York City, Professor Lee grew up in predominantly white neighborhoods and schools with few Asian peers.  She shares how her perception of herself shifted  from identifying primarily as Chinese to embracing an Asian American identity after attending Stanford University.  She describes feeling like an outsider due to cultural differences, but describes how “cultural analysis led [her] to have a deficiency mindset.”  In her courses, she focuses on providing historical context on Asian hate to help people understand the ongoing injustice, and has recently observed heightened sensitivity among her students to Asian hate crimes.  She emphasizes the importance of having this foundation and fosters active participation in addressing contemporary social issues.

In today’s episode, we are joined by Jean Kwok, award winning, New York Times and internationally bestselling Chinese American author. Kwok is the author of novels Girls in Translation, Mambo in Chinatown, Searching for Sylvie Lee, and more. Her work has been published in twenty countries and taught in universities, colleges and high schools across the world. In this episode, Kwok shares how she overcame hardship when immigrating from Hong Kong to Brooklyn at five years old. Kwok explains how her experience tolerating failure has shaped her success today, reminding listeners that your potential for success is inversely proportional to your ability to overcome setbacks. Kwok delves into the nuanced lines that immigrants straddle between their cultural origins and their new homeland, urging listeners to chase a life that is authentically your own, rather than attempting to fulfill exterior expectations. Throughout the interview, Kwok draws deep connections between how her positionality and cultural identity reflect in her writing.

In the first episode of the series Her Way AAPI where we highlight Asian American female leaders, we are joined by Margaret Abe-Koga, former mayor of Mountain View and current candidate for Santa Clara County Supervisor.  Born and raised in the Peninsula, Margaret became a translator for her Japanese parents and personally witnessed the discrimination one receives without a voice.  She then took various positions in local government and was mentored by several prominent politicians including Anna Eshoo and Norman Mineta before being elected the first Asian Pacific Islander American woman to serve as Vice Mayor and Mayor in Mountain View’s history.  With a deep passion for creating opportunity, Margaret shares how she cultivated a strong base of support and explains why it's so important to take a chance and break the glass ceiling.  As a community leader, Margaret works on raising minimum wage, assuring a guaranteed basic income program for low-income families, and creating clean energy authorities to lower carbon emissions.  Her election for County Supervisor is on March 5th!  Check out https://www.mak4supervisor.com/ to learn more. 

Her Way Climate hosts a spotlight on Lauren Weston, the Executive Director of Acterra, a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to bringing people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet. Lauren has nearly two decades of leadership experience in fundraising, philanthropy, and advocacy from several well-regarded education nonprofits including the Breakthrough Collaborative, Hiller Aviation Museum, and the YMCA. In this spotlight, Lauren discusses the core programs of Acterra, ranging from beneficial electrification to their motto of "healthy plate, healthy planet." She also explains Acterra's Theory of Change, which is to compel the wider public to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and to increase people's willingness to take appropriate actions. This spotlight ends with a guest Q&A.

Her Way Spotlights are online events made available for listeners to join. See our upcoming events at herwayspotlights.com.

In this episode we explore the journey of Abby Greubel, co-founder of ELETE, an online platform connecting collegiate athletes with youth athletes. Abby shares how she navigated the complex process of founding ELETE by interviewing Stanford athletes, gathering valuable insights into what they desired from ELETE and leveraging their network for feedback. Despite the challenges of running ELETE while being a full-time student athlete, Abby emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's path, setting realistic goals, and defining progress and momentum. She shares the dual-sided service ELETE offers, catering to both college athletes and youth athletes, and highlights the support she received from the student athlete community. Abby's journey is a testament to the value of pursuing one's strengths, staying resilient in the face of challenges, and creating a sense of purpose by supporting the next generation of athletes. Her story encourages listeners to be open to new opportunities and to invest time and energy in endeavors that bring value and a sense of importance.

In today’s episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Christine Su, a global product executive and the current Head of Product for AI Recommendations at eBay.  Su previously founded PastureMap, a startup that helps ranchers make climate-friendly and profitable decisions and also led global content moderation strategy at Twitter.  With a background in humanities, Su dives into how she developed the confidence to lead AI initiatives at large companies and shares the profound impact she believes generative AI will have on future generations.  As someone who is an entrepreneur at heart and takes pride in leading teams and developing strong relationships, Su emphasizes the importance of exploring new career paths at all stages, seen through her own switch from the climate activism realm to working for large social media corporations.  She reminds us to stay curious about what we are truly passionate about and not let fear dictate the choices we make.  

Welcome back to Her Way podcast! To start off the 2023-2024 school year, we are joined by Mo Fong, the executive director of STVP, the Stanford Engineering Entrepreneurship Center.  After emigrating from Taiwan to the United States at an early age, Fong studied chemical engineering before pursuing her passion for education and entrepreneurship.  As she began to learn about systemic education reform, Fong shares about how the few people in education with a dual business background motivated her to apply business principles to different fields.  Fong explains that “some people think of entrepreneurship as startups or founding companies… the way [the STVP] think about entrepreneurship is more of a mindset,” teaching people to examine their own values and principles, so they are grounded when ethical dilemmas arise.  Fong believes that finding great allies who will advocate for you and being courageous to ask for help is key to career success.    

In today’s episode, Her Way welcomes Charu Ramanathan, the Co-Founder and CEO at Vitalxchange, a digital health platform that provides a safe parenting ecosystem and network to coach parents in helping support their children’s needs.  Charu describes herself as the “chief, cook, and bottlewasher,” where she does anything that needs to be done, but primarily drives strategy and product development.  With a background in biomedical engineering and as the founder of multiple successful companies including CardioInsight and Lokyata, Charu explains how her love for creating and building from ground zero has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her entrepreneurial journey.  She describes the significant challenges, but also huge rewards that come with creating a unique company that aligns with her mission and authentic core values.  Charu inspires us to nurture our ideas from a young age and let the world react, as this is the time to explore our passions.   

On this episode of Her Way, we are thrilled to be joined by Tracy Jan, deputy health and science editor at the Washington Post. After joining The Post in 2016 to launch a beat on the intersection of race and the economy, Jan has covered immigration policies, racial and economic disparities, and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on marginalized communities. In this episode, Jan shares about her vocational journey, reminding us to “dream big” when pursuing our passions. Jan walks us through how she assesses story potential and looks for underreported stories. She reminds us that storytelling is a tool that should amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Jan’s motivation, empathy, and intellectual acuity shine through her writing, and through her words in this Her Way episode. We hope you enjoy!

In today’s episode of Her Way, we sat down with Diane Moy Quon, Academy Award-nominated film producer.  Following her career as a marketing executive at NBC and Paramount Pictures, Quon has recently produced Oscar and Emmy-nominated films such as Bad Axe and Finding Yingying which highlight the neglected experiences of Asians across the world.  She dives into the importance of Asian representation in the media and shares the challenges she has faced as an Asian woman in a competitive film network.  With a focus on documentaries, she talks through the difficult tradeoff between profit and impact when trying to create sustainable films.  Quon hopes that her social documentaries will not only allow viewers to see the world through a new lens, but ultimately inspire support and respect among our differences.  Be sure to look out for Quon’s upcoming films!  

In this episode, Pulitzer photojournalist Anita Pouchard Serra discusses her unique storytelling approach to photography, in which she prioritizes the individuality of each story over capturing merely beautiful or unique images. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and presenting stories from her perspective, drawing motivation from her deep connections with the people and communities she documents, as well as her personal interest in uncovering untold stories. Serra also underscores the significance of journalistic ethics, particularly in respecting her subjects' privacy and maintaining transparency. Serra’s avid passion for storytelling allows her journalism to continue to evolve, ultimately influencing the subjects and communities she chooses to document.

On this episode of Her Way, we are joined by Sucheta Narang, Accessibility Program Manager at Adobe and Recipient of the NAB Delhi Award for Excellence 2021. Today, Narang shares how she navigates the challenges of being a visually impaired woman of color in her competitive workspace. She acknowledges the recent growth of disability awareness, but still believes there is more work to be done for disability inclusion. She emphasizes the need to truly understand and listen to the specific needs of disabled students in education, and cautions us against generalizing disabled needs.  When faced with challenges, Sucheta encourages everyone to seek help when needed and have the confidence to break barriers and pave the way for others.

In today’s episode Her Way welcomes Madison McIlwain, partner and investor at Defy.VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early stage startups. Madison is also a co-host of The Room, a podcast featuring founders and funders of technology and consumer products. As a former product manager at Gap Inc, Madison shares how her retail experience helped her form a consumer-oriented mindset. She discusses the differences between being an operator and investor, along with key interconnections between the two roles. Madison reminds us that understanding your vocational ecosystem and trusting your peers and teammates is crucial to success. Throughout the conversation, Madison emphasizes the importance of tenacity coupled with self-conviction to be seen in the competitive venture capital industry.

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On this episode of Her Way, we are thrilled to be joined by Liz Kniss, the former Mayor of Palo Alto and adept politician. Currently serving on the League of Women Voters’ Board of Directors, Kniss emphasizes the importance of policy consistency and maintaining public credibility. She reminds us that the hardest part of elected office is making tough decisions that aim to best serve public interest. With experience in both the public and private sector, Kniss shares the differences between the two fields, highlighting the value of political power checks to ensure that the community’s voice is heard. Kniss advocates for female representation in public office and advises us to not allow fear of failure limit our potential.

Her Way sits down with Muriel Alarcón, Pulitzer Center fellow and Chilean journalist working as a freelance journalist based in Santiago, Chile. With work published in the New York Times, Grubstreet, and Univisión, Alarcón walks us through her hopes for journalism’s societal impact. She reminds us that journalism has the power to create meaningful conversations, and that the best stories will reach people of all backgrounds. Alarcón explains how journalism has offered her an opportunity to express her positionality, helping her to foster cultural competence and empathy.

On this episode of Her Way, we sat down with Beth Gerstein, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Brilliant Earth.  Gerstein shares the inspiration and process of starting her ethically sourced jewelry company.  She talks us through the benefits of leaving her previous corporate job to start Brilliant Earth, reminding us that controlling your own success motivates further growth. Gerstein discusses how the company balances realistic business goals with its core values of sustainability and transparency. As an entrepreneur, she emphasizes the importance of being able to adapt and evolve based on customer feedback.  Enjoy the episode!

To kick off 2023, Her Way welcomes Ting-an Lin, an Interdisciplinary Ethics Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University. Ting-An Lin explains how she navigated her current intersection of AI and social ethics. She dives into detail about AI's social impact, restructuring technology to recognize human biases, and the importance of approaching the field with an optimistic attitude. As a Taiwanese woman, Lin says her background helped shape the perspective of which she approaches the field she works in today.  Enjoy the episode!

On the first episode of Her Way, we are joined by Gloria Chen, the Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President at Adobe. In this conversation, Chen emphasizes the importance of being open minded to your definition of success, exploring your superpower, and having confidence in your abilities. As Chief People Officer overseeing 28,000 employees in over 35 countries worldwide, Chen discusses how she navigated through the many challenges the company faced with COVID. She provides valuable advice to young women and high schoolers hoping to pursue their own passions. Enjoy the episode!