Ann King Lagos, Founder + Designer REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry, shared the story behind her title with us on December 23, 2024.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: “Listen in as I sit down with Maria to talk about her younger years growing up in Philadelphia, playing varsity soccer on a boy's team, the loss of her father to Colon Cancer, her best advice for women in sales, and why she loves her job so much!”

ABOUT ANN:

Ann began her career "at the bench," hand-forging precious metals using traditional fine jewelry techniques. A chance meeting at a trade show led her to love, marriage and LAGOS®. For over two decades Ann and Steven Lagos collaborated to create one of the world's top jewelry companies. When QVC came calling, Ann responded with the Ann King for QVC collection and sold it on air. Along the way her work garnered numerous awards, including Moore College of Art's Visionary Women Award honoring outstanding women leaders who have made a powerful impact in the world of art and design.

Maria Grasso, the Chief Sales Officer at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), shared the story behind her title with us on December 4, 2024.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: “Listen in as I sit down with Maria to talk about her younger years growing up in Philadelphia, playing varsity soccer on a boy's team, the loss of her father to Colon Cancer, her best advice for women in sales, and why she loves her job so much!”

ABOUT MARIA:

Maria Grasso is the Chief Sales Officer at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), leading three business development divisions, the convention sales team and destination services team in growing convention bookings, while positioning Philadelphia as the premier destination for meetings, conventions and major events.

Actively involved in Philadelphia's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Maria serves as the hotel accommodations expert, representing Philadelphia and the PHLCVB with FIFA and U.S. Soccer. She has served in similar capacities for other historic events including the 2015 World Meeting of Families & Papal Visit, 2016 Democratic National Convention and the 2017 NFL Draft.

A 25 year veteran of the organization, Maria joined the PHLCVB in 1999 as senior director of national accounts, quickly establishing herself as the organization's top-producing sales director. She most recently served as vice president of sales and convention services, a customer-facing role focusing on organizational growth in key industry verticals.

Eylem Demir Sentürk, Founder of Women on Stage, shared the story behind her title with us on September 25, 2024.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: "Listen in as I sit down with Eylem this week to talk about Eylem's family having to flee Turkey as Kurdish members, the challenge of integrating into a new culture in Switzerland, her experience with workplace bullying by her manager in a large Pharma company that led to a mental and physical breakdown, and the founding of her new venture to help working women thrive."

ABOUT EYLEM:

Beginning her career in the banking world, Eylem swiftly transitioned into the Pharma Industry, leaving an indelible mark at renowned companies such as Actelion, Celgene, Vifor Pharma, Novartis, and Bayer. Over a span of 22 years, she not only led international teams but also collaborated with professionals from 40 different nationalities. Eylem’s commitment to excellence extended beyond corporate boundaries as she coached, and trained over 1000 individuals.

On June 12, 2022, we shared the true story behind the title of Dr. Robyn Graham, a Business and Mindset Coach, the Host of The Robyn Graham Show, and the author of You, Me, and Anxiety: Take Action Over Anxiety to Enjoy Being You, in which she shares her life-long journey with anxiety to help others navigate anxiety to live a joyful, peaceful, purposeful life.

Dr. Graham is passionate about serving others and helping high-achieving anxious women find clarity around their purpose, so they can build personal brands and strong foundations for long-term business success. 

Dr. Graham helps her clients overcome mindset barriers, create brand marketing strategies, navigate the challenges of tech, systems and processes, and take intentional effective action to build the businesses of their dreams. She saves her clients from investing time, energy, and money with no results.

Dr. Graham enjoys speaking about personal branding, mindset, anxiety, and faith to help women become confident in pursuing their God-led callings and navigate the digital world of entrepreneurship. 

Dr. Graham is a wife, a mom of three, and a woman of faith. She serves on the executive board of directors for Face to Face Germantown, an organization in the greater Philadelphia area that provides support and much-needed services to impoverished members of the community.

SUE SAYS

"Today's entrepreneur has a lot to think about and an enormous amount of 'to do's" to manage. Before any of it can be done effectively, you need to have the right mindset that comes from a deep dive of introspection into who you are and what makes you tick. Robyn Graham learned first-hand how to manage her own anxiety in order to build her dream business and she can help you too."

Karith Foster, Author, Speaker, Comic, Diversity Engagement Specialist and Founder of INVERSITY™ Solutions, shared the story behind her title with us on June 5, 2022.

For nearly two decades, Karith has taken her passion for entertaining and critical thinking nationwide- from the airwaves to organizations; from universities to corporations creating a seismic shift in mindsets to create a space for effective communication.  

​She is the visionary behind INVERSITY™ a philosophy and methodology intentionally designed to revolutionize and transform the way we address issues of diversity and leadership.

As the former co-host of controversial radio personality Don Imus and a former Fortune 500 human resources executive administrator, Karith draws inspiration from her vast experiences, creating the perfect blend of anecdotes, audience engagement, and expertise to convey the constant need to address diversity and inclusion. She builds a true connection to her audiences, providing individuals with not only information about diversity but simple ways to promote inclusion in their daily lives. Karith leaves each of her audiences feeling inspired and encouraged to commit to a journey to find mutual respect, acceptance, and a greater sense of belonging.

"Karith Foster grew up as the only black girl in her class and suffered an identity crisis in her early years. What she discovered later was that her experience actually became a benefit leading to her ability to not let others define who she is."

Sandra Clark, CEO of StoryCorps, shared the story behind her title with us on May 29, 2022.

As Vice President for News and Civic Dialogue at WHYY in Philadelphia since 2016 and a member of the executive team, Sandra led WHYY’s news operation across all platforms, including radio, TV, web, and digital, and works collaboratively with teams across the enterprise to expand and diversify local audiences and national program carriage, grow revenue and build membership, and amplify the station’s brand and positioning.

Sandra is a leading voice in journalism, challenging norms and practices that create barriers to building trust and meaningful, sustainable connections with communities. She is credited as the primary driver of the station’s diversity, cultural competency, community engagement, and trust-building efforts. Under her guidance, WHYY’s newsroom went from 19% to 45% BIPOC in four years. Her innovative mutual-aid engagement approach with local content creators and communities of color has drawn national recognition as models for stations across the country.

Angela Val, President & CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, shared the story behind her title with us on May 22, 2022.

Angela is charged with spearheading the economic engine for the region’s robust tourism industry, which supports local businesses, creates jobs, generates taxes, and ultimately enhances residents’ quality of life.

A recognized trailblazer within Philadelphia’s tourism and hospitality industry, Val brings more than two decades of destination marketing experience to her role, which she assumed in June 2022. Her distinct track record of success and impact in destination marketing and organizational leadership will take VISIT PHILADELPHIA® to new heights of recognition among diverse regional and national audiences.

Val’s homecoming to VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is full-circle. She began her career at the organization 17 years ago, where she worked her way up from executive assistant to the c-suite. Her efforts helped establish the organization as a powerhouse, executing some of its most successful campaigns and initiatives, including With Art Philadelphia, Philly 360, Philadelphia Neighborhoods, and the Philly Overnight Hotel Package. Val significantly contributed to the organization’s growth and concluded her first tenure in 2016 as Chief External Affairs Officer.

Val is an effective leader, connector, and culture builder, always striving to lead by example with an approachable and earnest executive style. She is abundantly committed to bringing vibrancy to Philadelphia’s business and cultural communities and currently serves on the board of Horizons Greater Philadelphia. A Maryland native, Val moved to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University, where she received her bachelor’s degree and made the city her chosen home upon graduation. Thirty-one years later, she now resides in Point Breeze with her husband, Joe.

Renée Williams​, Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime, shared the story behind her title with us on May 15, 2022.

In addition to being the Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime, Renée also serves as the Director of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, an affiliate program of the National Center. Prior to taking the helm of the NCCV, Renée was the executive director of a legal services organization in Pittsburgh, which focused on the legal rights of victims of domestic violence and other indigent clients. Renée is seasoned in nonprofit leadership, also serving as a board member for several non-profits, most recently, Voices in Action and the Community Liver Alliance. Renée is passionate and stays connected to the community as well. She volunteers at Children’s National Hospital and Maryland Therapeutic Riding, and advocates for children as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA). For these efforts, she has been recognized as an Athena Young Professional Finalist, named one of Pittsburgh’s 40 under 40, and received a Jefferson Award. Renée completed her undergraduate studies in theatre arts at Point Park University and subsequently received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law.

Renee grew up with educators as parents and a desire to go into the arts. Her aspirations would take a turn however when a family member became involved in a criminal case, and Renee saw firsthand how victims of crime are treated within our justice system. She would go on to become a leader for victims' rights across the country.

Priscilla Sims Brown, President & Chief Executive Officer of Amalgamated Bank, shared the story behind her title with us on May 8, 2022.

Priscilla is a multi-national board director and C-suite executive with 30 years of financial services experience. Prior to joining Amalgamated Bank she was the Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where she focused on rebuilding trust and pride in the bank with direct responsibility for end-to-end marketing, branding, stakeholder insights, government and public affairs, and environment and social policy.

Prior to Commonwealth Bank, Ms. Brown held senior positions at AXA Financial, Inc., Sun Life Financial, and Lincoln Financial Group. She has advised several digital startups and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Emerge.me, a digital health insurance broker.

She was a member of the AXA Financial US Executive Committee, serving as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), where she directed all aspects of US marketing and led global digital marketing initiatives. Prior to AXA Financial, Ms. Brown served as CMO at AmeriHealth/Caritas, where she developed a new go-to-market strategy for the largest Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medicaid company in response to the Affordable Care Act. At Sun Life, Ms. Brown served as CMO and Chief Strategist, where she negotiated and managed Sun Life Stadium naming rights, Pro Bowl, Super Bowl and other major events with the Miami Dolphins NFL football team.

"Priscilla did not grow up in what society would describe as traditional. She was left by her parents in the U. S. and adopted so that her mother could return to Ethiopia as the first woman to serve as a Senator there. Priscilla describes herself as having both the genetic makeup of her biological mother as well as the influences of her adopted mother. Both shaped her and led her down the path of social justice."

Elissa Brown, Founder & CEO of Polite Tumor, shared the story behind their titles with us on May 1, 2022.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 31, Elissa launched Polite Tumor in 2017 as a response to the community that emotionally and financially supported her and that was critical in her healing process.

Polite Tumor’s mission is to provide financial assistance to women under 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. When financial assistance comes with strings attached, the message is “we know what you need more than you know what you need.” Polite Tumor challenges that model. What we know is that cancer is expensive, that every woman’s needs are different, and that no one can foresee the financial obstacles that will be thrown their way. We’re giving women the opportunity to look beyond their diagnosis and their treatment, we’re providing the freedom to heal – however they define it.

"At 31 Elissa was diagnosed with breast cancer. A year later she set out to help other young women finance the high cost of beating this awful disease. As someone who always believed she could conquer anything, naive as that might sound she states, that her non-profit is unique, growing, and sure to become national in no time."

Maraia Hoffman-Tanner, CEO of Star Harbor Space Academy, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

Star Harbor Space Academy is the world’s first publicly accessible spaceflight training facility and cutting-edge research and development campus.

Our mission is to cultivate a sustainable and thriving future for all those on and off the planet.

We believe the minds and technologies that solve our challenges in space will help to solve many of our most pressing challenges on Earth. This is why we are creating affordable public access to the critical infrastructure and testing environments necessary for human spaceflight training and the rapid development of impactful technologies.

"Maraia grew up in a small town in California and had a lifelong curiosity about space. As a young girl, she often felt like an outsider as what she describes as a talk, red-haired freckle-faced girl. Having a mother who always supported her nonconformist interests and views, she grew up to launch the very first astronaut school and is committed to finding solutions for climate change and sustainability. "

Carol Alexis Chen, partner & trial lawyer in Winston & Strawn LLP’s Los Angeles office, shared the story behind her title with us on April 17, 2022.

Carol is a former award-winning career federal prosecutor and trial lawyer in the United States Department of Justice,

As a member of the Firm’s White Collar, Regulatory Defense, & Internal Investigations group, she represents public and private companies, corporate officers, and other individuals in white-collar criminal and regulatory matters, both before and after charges have been filed. With respect to investigations, in addition to responding to government inquiries, she conducts sensitive internal investigations for her corporate and individual clients and counsels them on the development, implementation, and enhancement of compliance and remediation programs, including with respect to the Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering, trade, export control, and health care laws and regulations, and the False Claims Act and related qui tam provisions. In the civil realm, Carol represents clients on a wide range of complex commercial litigation issues, including business torts, fraud, and RICO. 

"Carol grew up in California one of three with parents who were immigrants and demonstrated what it is to sacrifice for their children. With a mom who was often home alone to parent, Carol saw what a strong woman looks like and carried that with her throughout her career. Her advice for young women? Fake it til you make it."

Liz Kaplow, Founder & CEO of Kaplow Communications, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, April 10th, 2022.

Liz is a visionary entrepreneur who has reinvented the practice of public relations for today’s social/digital world.

Liz founded Kaplow Communications on the belief that brands can make meaningful connections with consumers through storytelling, an insight ahead of its time. Two-plus decades later, she pioneered the use of emerging technology to revolutionize the practice and better serve clients.

A respected advisor to business leaders around the globe, Liz also has been a mentor to prominent young practitioners. She has earned many honors, including the coveted Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications and PRNews’ Top Women in PR Award, as well as a repeated spot on New York Observer’s PR Power List.

She serves on the boards of Cosmetic Executive Women and the PRSA Foundation. An honors graduate of Vassar College, she has a graduate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

"As a young girl, Liz was naturally fascinated by people and wanted to learn more about who they were. This inquisitive nature opened up opportunities for Liz to understand the importance of relationship building. In the world of communications and PR, her natural ability to connect has been the foundation of her firm's success for over 30 years."

Katie Goar, President of Quadel, shared the story behind her title with us on September 18, 2024

★★★★★

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: "Listen in as I sit down with Katie to learn what it was like growing up poor and at times homeless, how she was left to care for three younger siblings, her revelation later in life about how hard her mom worked to care for them, and where the affordable housing market is today."

ABOUT KATIE:

Katie Goar’s journey from experiencing housing instability as a child to leading a national affordable housing consulting firm has given her a unique perspective on the importance of safe, stable housing. With nearly 30 years in the affordable housing industry, she has witnessed firsthand how a secure home can transform lives. At Quadel, she is dedicated to enhancing workplace culture and customer service, recognizing that engaged employees are crucial for delivering empathetic, high-quality service. She believes that providing exceptional service not only meets immediate needs but also helps restore hope and stability to vulnerable populations. Katie also hosts the “ChangeMakers” podcast in partnership with Forbes, where she highlights leadership and innovations in affordable housing.

Marion Weiler, Founder & CEO of Weiler International LLC™, shared the story behind her title with us on April 3, 2022.

By working and supporting some of the biggest brands on a global scale such as Sotheby’s International Realty, BMW, and IBM, serving on executive boards, and leading multi-million dollar business divisions, teams and projects, Marion has gained valuable insight into what works and what doesn’t across industries.

As a result, Marion has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities organizations and leaders face in an ever-changing world, particularly complex when navigating international environments and cross-cultural differences.

"Growing up in a traditional family in Germany, Marion was taught that it was not her place to question authority. This did not feel right to her and she spent her early years uncovering her own views and finding the confidence to challenge the opinions of others. Her message for women is that we can indeed follow our ambitions without sacrificing our family and values."

Dr. Joan Fallon, Founder & CEO of Curemark, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

Dr. Fallon is considered a visionary scientist who has dedicated her life’s work to championing the health and wellbeing of children worldwide. Curemark is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies to treat serious diseases for which there are limited treatment options. The company’s pipeline includes a phase III clinical-stage research program for Autism, as well as programs focused on Parkinson’s Disease, schizophrenia, and addiction.

Curemark will commence the filing of a Biological Drug Application for the first novel drug for Autism under the FDA Fast Track Program. Fast Track status is a designation given only to investigational new drugs that are intended to treat serious or life-threatening conditions and that have demonstrated the potential to address unmet medical needs.

"As a child, Joan was told by her father that she could be whatever she wanted to be. That messaging along with her own innate desire to think outside the box led to her success in discovering new therapies for Autism. What struck me about Joan was her commitment to staying true to herself as a woman in science and connecting with her kindness in order to become a leader in her field."

Irina Papuc, Co-founder & Managing Partner of Galactic Fed, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

After a stint at Toptal and a brief detour at CERN, Irina co-founded Galactic Fed to create strategic growth marketing solutions for modern companies of all sizes. Irina has helped shape a Galactic Fed culture that values independent thought, honesty, and humility. Her personal motto, paraphrased from President Abe Lincoln, is: If you have 4 hours to chop down a tree, spend the first 3 sharpening the axe.

"Irina's journey as a two-year-old immigrant from Romania, to landing in Chicago with her grandparents, to a visit back to Romania to find her roots is steeped in life lessons. What struck me was Irina's continued choice to take risks in life, and do the next thing she felt compelled to do. Tune in to find out what allows her to truly live in the moments of life."

Shailja Dixit, CEO of Curio Digital Therapeutics, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, March 13, 2022.

Dr. Dixit is a Physician Executive with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare and life sciences industry. She has been in executive leadership at Sanofi, Allergan, and GE and has been responsible for launching a number of innovative medicines. She was voted innovator of the year at GE in 2008, nominated as a Top 50 Thought Leader in “Big Data” in Life Sciences in 2016, and featured in the Pharma Executive Magazine cover-page article “Real-World Evidence: From Volume to Value” (Oct 13, 2016). Shailja has built and has had successful exits with many projects.

"Shailja was born in India and came to the U.S. to pursue her education in health and life science. Her journey led her to uncover the need for a place that women could go to find the resources and care across their entire cycle of life. Curio will be that resource and guide to help women face each phase of their physical life and well-being."

Lydia Fenet, Global Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships & Lead Benefit Auctioneer at Christie’s Auction House, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, March 6, 2022.

Lydia has led auctions for more than six hundred organizations and raised over half a billion dollars for nonprofits globally. Lydia is a keynote speaker represented by CAA and travels internationally speaking to groups about unlocking their sales potential and empowering their teams in the workplace. She was named one of New York’s most influential women by Gotham magazine and has been featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Crain’s, and has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Town & Country. Her widely acclaimed book, ‘The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You’ was published by Simon & Schuster and was optioned for TV/Film by New Form Entertainment in February 2020. Lydia is currently writing The Most Powerful Girl in the Room is You.

"Lydia grew up in Lake Charles Louisiana, one of four in a household that encouraged art and history. As a boarding school attendee, Lydia learned from an early age to be independent and confident. She took this confidence and love of art to land in the top spot at Christie's Auction House and now is on a mission to help other women find their own inner power and confidence.

Yassmin Gramian, Secretary of Transportation for PennDOT, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

As secretary, Yassmin oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports, and waterways. She manages PennDOT's annual budget of $9.5 billion, which is invested in all of Pennsylvania's approximately 120,000 miles of state and local highways and 32,000 state and local bridges. Under her leadership, PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and roughly 25,400 bridges. She also has oversight of the state's 11.8 million vehicle registrations and 10.3 million driver's licenses and IDs.

Gramian assumed the role of secretary amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. This challenging time necessitated quick, decisive action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to best protect citizens, employees, and business partners. Under Gramian's leadership, PennDOT moved swiftly during the early stages of the pandemic to transfer essential functions to remote operations, while continuing to ensure roads were kept safe and passable, and crews remained available for responding to weather events. Gramian also serves as chair of the Transportation Revenue Options Commission (TROC), which was established by the Executive Order of Governor Tom Wolf to develop comprehensive funding recommendations for Pennsylvania's large and aging infrastructure.

"Yassmin came from Iran to America at the age of 17 without her parents or family. She came for an education and studied Civil Engineering. She would go on to become the very first female bridge inspector for a U.S. engineering firm and later step into a top spot with PennDOT. She attributes her success to her ability to adapt to new people, places, and situations that began as a child." 

Lidija Markovic Rosati, CEO of Momentum Strategies Coaching & Training, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, February 20, 2022.

Lidija is an unconventional entrepreneur, master coach, and an overall corporate hippy, who travels the world coaching budding entrepreneurs, teams, corporations, and awesome females to take their ideas off the ground and turn them into reality, inspiring them to nurture their dreams, to enjoy building and growing their businesses, to enjoy profits, while cultivating the powerful art of hustling gently.

Her work is mindfully created and consciously inspired. She is an accredited Business and Performance Strategist, Strategic Leadership expert, NLP Trainer (Classic and New code), Master Coach, Executive Coach, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, Pranic Healing Practitioner, Deep PEAT Practitioner, Integra Protocol Practitioner, and an expert in non-verbal communication, international public speaker.

She has been in Tony Robbins’s UPW volunteer crew team since 2005, supporting and helping people overcome their limiting beliefs and going for their dreams. The environment inspired her to complete Tony Robbins’s Mastery University.

She studied NLP from its co-creator Dr. John Grinder, Energetic NLP from its creator Art Giser, who is her mentor and spiritual teacher. She studied Pranic Healing from Antoine Delabarre, from the Master Choc Kok Sui’s School.

Lidija believes that we owe to ourselves the deepest and the most authentic version of ourselves, and in pursuing her thirst for new learnings and experiences, she spent some time in Kyoto, Japan, at the Shunkoin Temple, studying Zen Buddhist meditation.

"When Lidija was young she began to have panic attacks that became a routine part of her life. After every excuse she could find for why it was happening, she had a breakthrough and realized she was anxious because she was not living the life that was meant for her. The decision to leave her job to create a life on her own terms changed everything."

Sophie Ruddock, Sophie Ruddock, VP and General Manager of Multiverse, North America, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, February 20th, 2022.

A founding member of Multiverse, a tech startup focused on high-quality education and training through professional apprenticeships, Sophie is a former impact investor and consultant. After helping Multiverse grow its delivery operations over the last four years, she made the jump to NYC, where she now leads its US team.

"Sophie grew up in London and had a love of business from a very young age. At 7 she opened her first lemonade stand and was immediately thinking about ways to keep production going! She is also a ferocious reader and her first book, Noughts & Crosses, left an imprint on her curiosity around racism and how she could serve to fight it. A heavy topic for a little girl but one that makes sense now as she continues to look for ways to mentor those who need it."

Mary A. Dempsey, President of DePaul College Prep, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

Ms. Dempsey served as the first Chair of the Board of Directors at DePaul College Prep from 2014 - 2016. In 2016, Ms. Dempsey was elected President of DePaul College Prep and President of the DePaul College Prep Foundation. She remains a member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Dempsey is an attorney and President of the Philip H. Corboy Foundation. From 1994 - 2012, she served as Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library where she was responsible for the construction of 44 neighborhood branch libraries, the introduction of rich book collections and technology system-wide, and the creation of innovative programs such as One Book One Chicago and the YOUMedia digital technology initiatives for teens. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library, Ms. Dempsey practiced law for 12 years in Chicago focusing principally on legislative and land use issues, which was preceded by her first professional job as a public librarian in suburban Chicago.

"Mary's career has spanned life as an attorney, a commissioner of the Chicago Public Library System, an Administrator and now President of a college prep high school. Throughout her life she has continually connected the dots back to her upbringing and the focus on education that her parents instilled in her. The world is for the taking if you educate yourself and take advantage of the connections you make along the way."

Jennifer Ernst, CEO & Co-Founder of Tivic Health, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, February 6, 2022.

Jennifer is a co-founder and has served as the Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a commercial-stage bioelectronic medicine company focused on treating diseases and conditions by modulating the electrical signals carried along various nerve pathways. They focus on non-invasive products that offer consumers a choice in the treatment of inflammation and related conditions.

Jennifer has also served as the CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of the U.S. subsidiary of Thin Film Electronics ASA. She worked for Xerox PARC for over 20 years, where she held multiple go-to-market roles, including as the Director of Business Development. Additionally, she served as a director of FlexTech Alliance, the U.S. national consortium for flexible and printed electronics, for three years, including one year as the Chair.

Jennifer earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Santa Clara University, and has been featured in Inc., The HealthCare Technology Report, and Thrive Global as a female leader who is shaking up things in the industry.

"Jennifer grew up as a "late in life" baby, the youngest of four, who spent a lot of time listening to the grownups talking. Her inquisitive nature early on in the area of math and science makes perfect sense today as she leads a company that is on the cutting edge of bioelectric medicine. Being a woman in STEM was never something Jennifer questioned or found a challenge as she continually moved up in her career and landed as an inevitable entrepreneur. "

Atia Abawi, a journalist, author, analyst, host and writer, shared the story behind her title with us on September 11, 2024

★★★★★

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: "Listen in as I sit down with with Atia to talk about her parents having to leave their homeland in Afghanistan due to war, her reporting from Afghanistan years later, dispelling myths about the Afghan people, the importance of empathy, and what her life is like today as a mother of two and wife to a fellow journalist.

ABOUT ATIA:

From an early age, Atia knew she wanted to be a journalist. After graduating from Virginia Tech, where she anchored the college’s local television station VTTV, Atia volunteered and was then hired on at CTV 76 –a local TV station in Largo, MD. In Maryland, Atia covered a wide range of stories – from politics to the impact that drugs and crime had on the local community - before moving to Atlanta to work for CNN.

Atia’s first book, “The Secret Sky: A Novel of Forbidden Love in Afghanistan” was published by Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Group, in September 2014. Her second book, "A Land Of Permanent Goodbyes", released on January 23, 2018. The story is based on the ongoing Refugee Crisis. Her next book, “She Persisted: Sally Ride” released in March 2021; the book is a series created by Chelsea Clinton.

In 2022, Atia began her television writing career and is represented by The Gotham Group.

Ilana Golan, CEO & Growth Specialist at Golan Ventures and Founder of CareerLeap, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Ilana is the founder of Golan Ventures and Leap, the exclusive program that has been transforming thousands of lives and careers. Tech executive, turned entrepreneur, board director, and investor (in over 100 companies). Selected top 40 women to watch in 2016, Business Insider Silicon Valley Women of influence in 2017, and the prestigious CEO World award for 2019. Forbes Contributor & award-winning international keynote speaker. Featured on Yahoo Finance, Market Watch, Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, and more. Started her career as an F-16 flight instructor and the first woman to become a commander in her squad.

"In Ilana’s own words – 'I was leaping in my career continuously. Air Force → Engineer →Technical Sales → Product Manager → VP Technical Operations… I decided to start a tech company with a friend. We raised $800,000! I was so excited. I thought I was living the dream. I told everyone about this company-in-the-making. And then, my co-founder decided to take the money and kick me out of the business.'"

Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau, CEO and publisher of MIT Technology Review, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

Since Elizabeth took the helm of MIT Technology Review, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s independent media company, in mid-2017, the business has undergone a massive transformation from its previous position as a respected but niche print magazine to a widely read, multi-platform media brand with a global audience and a sustainable business. Under her leadership, MIT Technology Review has been lauded for its editorial authority, its best-in-class events, and its novel use of independent, original research to support both advertisers and readers.

Elizabeth has a 20-year background in building and running teams at world-leading media companies. She maintains a keen focus on new ways to commercialize media content to appeal to discerning, demanding consumers as well as B2B audiences.

Prior to joining MIT Technology Review, Elizabeth held a senior executive role at The Economist Group, where her leadership stretched across business lines and included mergers and acquisitions; editorial and product creation and modernization; sales; marketing; and events. Earlier in her career, she worked as a consultant advising technology firms on market entry and international expansion.

Elizabeth holds an executive MBA from the London Business School, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College.

"Elizabeth grew up in Tampa Florida in a community where she was out and about most of the time "free wheeling" as she describes. It was a time where helicopter parenting did not yet exist. While the idea of having that kind of freedom was appealing to most kids, Elizabeth shares she was yearning for attention and chose good grades as a way to gain the attention she desired. It certainly paid off landing her in the top spot at MIT Technology Review."  

Elissa Bloom, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

Elissa has been with the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy's Center City since 2011 and, along with the board, launched the successful initiative which is now used as an international model for fashion incubation.

Elissa is a highly sought-after international speaker on fashion incubation and the business of fashion traveling to Italy, Russia, the Baltics, Israel, and Scotland. In 2015, she was invited by The White House to speak at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kenya.

Elissa has been nominated as a 2019 “Connector of the Year” award with RAD Girls. In 2018 Elissa was awarded the Philadelphia Business Journal Woman of Distinction. In 2017 she was nominated as the Philadelphia Ambassador of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, a global event empowering female entrepreneurship that is celebrated in 144 countries with the United Nations. Elissa organized and led Philadelphia’s first and second annual event honoring female entrepreneurs in the region. In 2016 she was honored with the Trailblazer Award by Philly Fashion Week.

"As a young girl, Elissa loved to color. Little did she know that years later her love of color and design would come back and allow her the opportunity to start all over with her very own brand! Throughout her life, she held many titles...consultant, teacher, director, entrepreneur, and mentor. Now she's come full circle and proving it's never too late to start again."

Diana "DB" Barnes, Chief Brand Officer (CBO) and Creative Director of Munchkin, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, December 26, 2022.

Diana (DB) began her career at Munchkin in 2014. She oversees global brand partnerships and manages the Public Relations, Social Media and Brand Design teams worldwide. Under DB’s leadership, Munchkin’s Brand Design team has won over 80 top international design awards for 360 designs, the highly coveted Red Dot Award among the latest. A passionate advocate for trees, animals, and the environment, DB created and leads all Munchkin CSR initiatives such as partnerships with The Whale Sanctuary Project, Trees for the Future, and IFAW (The International Fund for Animal Welfare), and Radiant Colors. Before joining Munchkin, DB served as the Global Director of Brand Design for Dell, Inc. In this key role, she led global teams in Austin, India, China, and Japan. Prior to this, her career actually began in music and entertainment, holding executive creative positions at Sony and EMI, as well as several global ad agencies. She received a BA in English Literature from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a BFA in Graphics/Packaging from the Art Center College of Design. She has also recently completed several Executive MBA programs in Marketing and Finance at Harvard Business School.

"As a young girl growing up in Nashville, DB had a heightened sense of her surroundings. She was also not afraid to ask "why" when presented with things from those around her. The question of "why" is critical for leaders looking to get to the heart of the work they are doing. As DB so artfully says, it can never be about the money…if it's about the "why," the money will come."

Ala Isham, Founder and Creative Director of Ala von Auersperg, co-founder of the National Center for Victims of Crime, and founder of the Brain Trauma Foundation, shared the true story behind her title with us on Sunday, December 19th, 2021.

Ala had been working with the designer Antonio Gual for years, creating such pieces for herself, when in 2015 he suggested applying her original nature- and travel-inspired artworks onto them. From there, Ala Von Auersperg — the brand — was born, with her daughter Sunny Kneissl joining the team as their in-house stylist. Since day one, they've focused on making women feel wonderful in the feminine flow of the fabric, the transparency that reveals but also partially conceals the body, and the soft touch of textiles on the skin.

Their goal is to help all women realize that they can be glamorous, no matter their size or age. AvA is about enjoying life as you are and being the best version of yourself because when a woman looks her best she feels better about herself. We all have roles to play and we’re going to do them more effectively when we’re at our best —and, frankly, there is too much fun to be had to be focused exclusively on what you’re wearing.

This passion for creating clothes that boost a woman’s confidence also underpins Ala's philanthropic work, specifically her work with women who have experienced violence, because the thing that those crimes take away from women is their self-esteem. The National Center for Victims of Crime, which Ala co-founded in 1985, works to remedy this loss, while the Brain Trauma Foundation (originally the Sunny Von Bülow Coma and Head Trauma Research Institute), which she founded in 1986, supports ongoing research on traumatic brain injuries. Together with Ala's conservation efforts, these causes advance my ultimate aim as a daughter, mother, and grandmother: to leave the world a better place.

"Growing up in what Ala described as a privileged upbringing, she is grateful for the opportunities and experiences she had. At the same time, there were events in her life that truly tested her resilience. What she discovered about herself was that she could always move forward and never give up on life...there was always too much to be thankful for."

Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist & Author, shared the story behind his title with us on Sunday, December 12th, 2021.

Dr. Perry is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network, Senior Fellow of The ChildTrauma Academy and a Professor (Adjunct) in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago and the School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia. 

Over the last thirty years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the world.

Dr. Perry is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. Dr. Perry's most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. 

"The moment I read the title of Dr. Perry's latest book, I was struck by the brilliance of the question. All I had ever heard throughout life when it came to children who may have been acting out was what was wrong with them. To turn that question into "what happened to you" gets to the very heart of the reason. Dr. Perry's research is critical for any adult who works with children in order to better understand their behavior and help them thrive."

Lauri-Ann Ainsworth, CEO of the Branson Centre Caribbean, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, December 5th, 2021.

Lauri-Ann carries with her years of experience in developing the Caribbean’s entrepreneurial landscape. Having coached and mentored startups, she’s developed a strong passion for supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem supported by her visionary thinking and leadership capabilities around development, partnerships, fundraising, and communications. She is a certified project manager and a graduate of the University of Toronto.

"Two significant events happened to Lauri-Ann when she was young. Her father walked out when she was 8 years old, and a few years later her brother died. These experiences led to her lack of self-worth and a feeling of victimhood. What is inspiring about her story is her sheer determination to heal so that she could live the best life possible for her children and become keenly aware of who she was."

Anne M. Prisco, PhD, president of Holy Family University, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, November 28th, 2021.

Dr. Anne Prisco began her tenure as the sixth president of Holy Family University in July 2021. She has dedicated herself to advancing higher education and student success. Over the course of her impressive career, Dr. Prisco has served as an administrator, faculty member, researcher, and consultant. From 2012-2020, Dr. Prisco served at Felician University, where she was also their first lay leader. Prior to the presidency at Felician, Dr. Prisco served in a number of higher education institutions, including as a Vice President at Loyola Marymount University, a faculty member at St. John’s University, and a policy researcher at New York University.

Dr. Prisco holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona with the highest distinction, an MBA in Finance from Fordham University, and a PhD in Economics and Education from Columbia University. She is the recipient of numerous awards including a public policy fellowship from Columbia University, named a Top 50 Business Women in New Jersey, and the Wise Woman Award from the National Organization for Italian-American Women. She is a member of the Forum for Executive Women in Philadelphia and is a champion for diversity, inclusion, and access in higher education.

"Anne grew up in Brooklyn the daughter of an immigrant from Italy whose sole reason for coming to the U.S. was to give his family better opportunities to live a life well-lived. Knowing just how important education was to her parents, Anne was dedicated to her schooling but also had her own innate desire to teach. Her openness to learning, pivoting, and evolving led directly to her role as President of Holy Family."

Monique Idlett-Mosley, Founder and Managing Partner of Reign  Venture Capital (RVC), shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, November 21st, 2021.

Monique is a globally recognized entertainment pioneer. Her power and influence stem from a unique blend of business acumen and innovative strategic vision. Monique brings over two decades of unprecedented success as CEO of Reign Venture Capital. By adeptly traversing the spectrum from entertainment, marketing, press, and entrepreneurship, she has earned a reputation as an industry visionary. One of Gotham Magazine’s Powerful 100 names to know, her expansive reach into the hearts and minds of people across the world is transforming the way people interact with each other and iconic brands.

"Monique grew up in what she describes as humble beginnings, but she never felt she was lacking for anything. Her outlook was due to the love and support of a mother who instilled in her the advantage of accepting life's twists and turns and remaining grateful for what is. She now is following her own dream to help the world recognize the power of acceptance without judgment."

Sarah Zubiate, Founder & CEO of Zubi's, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, November 14th, 2021.

Being raised in the El Paso/Juarez area, Sarah grew up on incredible, family meals centered around her mother Gloria’s “famous” salsa. Because Sarah was known to “spice things up”, she shamelessly would add several helpings of lime juice and cayenne pepper to her bowl…leading to what came to be known as "Sarah's Salsa”.

Upon the success of this spiced-up salsa, Sarah expanded her cooking expertise by transforming the traditional, often unhealthy staple Hispanic dips - crema and queso - into healthy, allergen-free, plant-based alternatives.

For Sarah, this was something she not only wanted to do for her family - many of which suffer from various health issues as well as dairy intolerances - but for others too. With a dedication to better health alternatives, Sarah developed healthy, flavorful products with the mentality of "ZUBI's for Everyone" because she envisioned a world and community brought together through delicious, nutritious food (no matter one's dietary lifestyle or preference).

Sarah launched ZUBI Farms and Facility in November 2019. From the beginning, Sarah has focused on ensuring that her dedicated Farm and Facility are zero-waste, certified organic, and always free from the top-8 allergens.

"Sarah grew up humbly in El Paso TX with a loving family and a gift for numbers. Beneath the surface however she questioned why she was so different from her parents. She would later learn she was adopted and it all became clear. What both families shared however was a love of food and so she set out to produce a healthy version of the Latin cuisine."

Susannah Fox, Author of Rebel Health, shared the story behind her title with us on September 4, 2024

★★★★★

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: "Listen in as I sit down with with Susannah to learn about her important role as Chief Technology Officer under the President Obama administration in the Department of Health and Human Services, how a degree in Anthropology has assisted with her work in technology, and how she coined "Peer-to-Peer" advice within the health field."

ABOUT SUSANNAH:

Susannah Fox is a health and technology strategist. Her book, Rebel Health: A Field Guide to the Patient-Led Revolution in Medical Care, was recently published by MIT Press. She is a former Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she led an open data and innovation lab. She has served as the entrepreneur-in-residence at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and she directed the health portfolio at the Pew Research Center’s Internet Project.

Kirsten Moorefield, Cofounder & COO of Cloverleaf and a TEDx Speaker, shared the true story behind her title with us on Sunday, November 7th, 2021.

Kirsten didn't intend to start a tech company, yet here she is, the co-founder and COO of an H.R. tech platform that allows individuals and employees to be their best selves both at work and at home. Cloverleaf believes that good business is about putting humans in positions that allow them to be their best. From their office in Cincinnati, Ohio, they equip employers and empower employees to give the greatest contribution to their organization and have the most fulfilling opportunity in their role.

They believe it's critical for people to be intentional about truly knowing who they work with, even in a small team like theirs. The combination and contrast of their skills elevate ourselves and others. This creates exceptional value to everyone involved.

"Kirsten's life story is a prime example that we are not meant to "follow the rules" and live life like everyone else. We think differently, we learn differently and we are all energized by different things. Once we learn that about each other, there are no limits to what we can create or accomplish together, whether personally or professionally!"

Dana Bookman, founder & CEO of Canadian Girls Baseball and founding VP of American Girls Baseball, shared the true story behind her title with us on Sunday, October 31st, 2021.

Awarded a 2021 Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor-General of Canada for work with CGB & named one of the top 100 most influential people in Canadian baseball by the Canadian Baseball Network, Dana is a strong advocate of empowering girls through sports and giving them the soft skills to become future leaders.

"Dana began her life in Canada with a love of writing and journalism. Life however had a different plan for her as she would later learn when her six-year-old daughter wanted to play baseball, but not be the only girl out of 400 players. As a producer Dana was used to solving problems, so she decided to create a place for her daughter to play and it turned into a national baseball league for girls. Now it's a sport anyone can play!"

Jeane Vidoni, President &CEO of Penn Community Bank, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

Over the course of more than 35 years in banking, Jeane served in various roles at financial institutions of all sizes throughout the Philadelphia region, gaining insight into the workings of community, regional and corporate banks. As an active leader in the Pennsylvania business and financial community, Jeane donates her time and leadership talents to several industry groups, including as Chair of Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and as Pennsylvania Member Director on the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Pittsburgh, which supports homeownership programs throughout Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

"Jean grew up in what she describes as less than ideal circumstances. Her mother suffered from mental illness. Any child unable to have a healthy relationship with their mother knows what that can do. Fortunately, Jeane had a loving and supportive father who instilled a tremendous sense of confidence and independence in her. It helped her to see herself as capable and worthy and she carries that with her today in her role as a CEO." 

Susan McPherson shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, October 17th, 2021.

Susan is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships. Susan has 25+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Inspirefest/Dublin, BSR, Center for Corporate Citizenship’s Annual Summit, DLD and Techonomy, and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

"As the youngest of three and "teeny tiny" in stature, Susan always felt compelled to speak up. It served her well in life as she recognized the ability to speak to others in an authentic and curious way would often lead to opportunities. She also lost her mother in a tragic accident which placed even more emphasis on the importance of meaningful relationships over living with the goal of "what can I get?" Wise words from a champion connector."

Melissa Skoog Dunagan, the Founder & President of Skoog Co and the Co-Founder & Owner of theJuggl, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, October 10th, 2021.

Skoog Co is a brand strategy and communications firm that represents many of the most celebrated luxury and lifestyle brands. theJuggl is a private membership marketplace uniquely featuring advice, tools & direct connections to move you towards your personal and professional goals.

Melissa is as much a fashion insider as they come. After majoring in glass-blowing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Hinsdale native kick-started her career as Anna Wintour's assistant at Vogue. She climbed to accessories editor at Marie Claire before making the not-oft-accomplished leap from editorial to industry, spending four years in San Francisco as a merchant for women's fashion at Gap Inc. There, she co-managed a $200 million business at Banana Republic and soaked up lessons from retail guru Millard "Mickey" Drexler, the former Gap chief who now helms J. Crew.

"Raised as the baby in a small town in Illinois, Melissa spent a lot of time unsupervised and by herself. Her independence was seeded and she dreamt of living in the big city. Ironically after fulfilling her dream of working in fashion in NYC with the biggest names, Anna Wintour and Prada, she felt the need to leave it all behind to focus on herself and the wellness of other women."

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, Author & Speaker, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, October 3rd, 2021.

Gayle is the author of New York Times bestsellers, The Dressmaker of Khair Khana (2011), Ashley’s War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Specia Ops Battlefield (2015), and The Daughters of Kobani (2021).

Lemmon is a frequent speaker on national security topics, including at the Aspen Security Forum and TED forums, and has given talks at West Point, ODNI, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the National Infantry Museum. Her TED Talk on Ashley’s War and the reshaping of the hero story to include women has received more than a million views worldwide. She regularly appears on MSNBC, CNN, PBS, and National Public Radio.

Along with her national security work, she has reported and written extensively on topics including child marriage in the United States for PBS NewsHour and on school choice, single moms, and the power and importance of girls’ ambition for The Atlantic. Lemmon holds an MBA from Harvard and received the Dean’s Award for her work on women’s entrepreneurship. In addition to serving as a Robert Bosch Fellow in Germany, she served as a Fulbright scholar in Spain, on the board of the international aid organization Mercy Corps and is a member of the Bretton Woods Committee. She speaks Spanish, German, and French and is conversant in Dari and Kurmanci. 

"Growing up Gayle was heavily influenced by the women in her life going back several generations. She lost her mother to cancer at the age of 13, but not before her mother taught her that women could and should work to serve others and help to make the world a better place. In bringing forth the remarkable and often untold stories of women in war-torn countries who are stepping and speaking out, she is doing just that."

Melissa Bernstein, Founder of Melissa & Doug Toy Company and Author of Lifelines: An inspirational journey from profound darkness to radiant light, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, September 26th, 2021.

In her latest book, Melissa mother of six, married 30 years, and entrepreneur shares her inspirational journey and the LifeLines that enabled her to triumph over anxiety, depression, and despair, a story she hopes will help others find their path to meaning and inner peace.

"From a very young age, Melissa had deep and dark thoughts about the meaning of life. Not knowing consumed her, and left her feeling alone and severely depressed. It was not until she discovered her purpose of creativity through the creation of her toy company that she was able to live a truly joyful life. Now her purpose is to help others arrive at the same place."

Gayle Martz, the founder of The SHERPA Pet Trading Company, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, September 19th, 2021.

Gayle single-handedly designed, manufactured, and marketed the iconic SHERPA Bag you see everywhere! This carrier, which millions have bought for their dogs, cats, and other animal companions, continues to be THE top-selling, prize-winning, globally popularly soft-sided pet carrier. Further, It is because of Gayle’s advocacy and entrepreneurship that pet travel on airlines is now possible and common. Gayle’s the author of “IT’S IN THE BAG,” which is part memoir and part business book.

"From a young age Gayle was looking for ways to fix things. It makes perfect sense then that she came up with a way to allow people to travel with their pets. While she had a very dark moment in her life facing the loss of a job and her fiance all at the same time, it was her sweet dog Sherpa that not only comforted her through that phase, but spurred her idea that would turn into a multi-million dollar company. Keep on trying, she says."

Wema Hoover, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader, Executive Coach & Culture Curator, shared the true story behind her title with us on Sunday, September 12th, 2021.

Wema has led global DEI efforts for Google, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bristol-Myers Squibb to help inform and guide corporate leadership. Throughout her career, she has led teams of more than 85 people and developed multiple Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Councils to build internal capabilities related to belonging, unconscious bias, cultural competence, and global leadership.

Wema is also an executive coach who holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master’s-level Certificate in Organizational Change Management both from New School University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University and a certification as a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) through the Human Resources Certification Institute.

SUE SAYS

"From a very young age, Wema was interested in people and embraced the diverse community she grew up in. Having experienced first hand the joy that comes from diversity of thought and culture, Wema took this knowledge and landed in leadership roles with fortune 500's to help with their DEI initiatives. While she brought her expertise to these roles, I believe it's her innate optimism that has led to her success."

Dana Snyder, Founder and CEO of Positive Equation, shared the true story behind her title with us on Sunday, September 5th, 2021.

Positive Equation is a digital consultancy focused on helping nonprofits cultivate a passionate online following of donors, volunteers, and advocates.

Dana has worked with Movember, Dress for Success, USTA, American Idol, The Gary Sinise Foundation, Coin Up, Hashtag Lunchbag, and many more.

Dana is a member of the Purpose Collaborative, an invitation-only, global group of 40+ boutique firms, consultancies, and subject matter experts, all passionate about social purpose. Currently based in Los Angeles, she volunteers as the VP of Content for WISE LA.

She believes social media is a powerful vehicle to spark social change.

"Having grown up in Sarasota Florida, Dana was exposed early on to the work of nonprofits and activities that placed her directly in front of people in need. This exposure taught Dana the power of stories and why all organizations should implement strategies that connect their brand directly to the people they are trying to reach. Impatient by nature, Dana set off to start her own company so she could work at her own pace and get things done faster in order to help cause driven organizations."

Madison Eggert-Crowe, VP Political Affairs at Comcast, shared the story behind her title with us on August 28, 2024

★★★★★

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: "Listen in as I sit down with Madison to talk about her upbringing in South Coventry, PA, her aspiration to grow up and work in a tall building in the city, her love of politics and math, and why her mom's deployment to Iraq and subsequent injury was a life-changing moment for Madison."

Madison joined Comcast in 2013 and oversees the Company’s enterprise-wide political activities compliance program. Specifically, she is responsible for the administration, compliance, and disclosure related to political action committee, corporate, and executive personal political contributions; corporate and trade association political action committee solicitations and receipts; state and local pay-to-play; federal, state, and local lobbying; gifts and entertainment of government officials; and government conflicts of interest.

Madison serves as a board member of the Public Affairs Council. Prior to joining Comcast, Madison worked in Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Madison holds a B.S. in Political Science and Mathematics from Drexel University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government.

Suong (Shu) Nguyen, Partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, August 29th, 2021.

Ms. Nguyen is a partner in the firm’s Silicon Valley office. She is an accomplished trial advocate, who has practiced both in New York and California. She co-chaired a patent trial that was named a “Top Plaintiff’s Verdict” by the Daily Journal. She has achieved plaintiffs’ verdicts in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and won defense verdicts in bench and jury trials, as well as arbitrations. Most recently, she won a $50 million jury verdict (and an additional $14.3 million in attorneys’ fees) for Olaplex against L’Oreal alleging infringement of multiple patents, trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract. 

Suong received her J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School, and graduated first in her class from Franklin & Marshall College, where she completed her pre-medical studies with a double major in Chemistry and Special Studies in Economics and Business. 

"I'm always impressed with people who come to the U.S. to start their lives over, learn a new language and pursue their dreams. Suong is one of those people and takes every opportunity to express her gratitude for her parents, teachers and community members who helped her along the way. What struck me the most was her steadfast belief in herself knowing that she can achieve anything she works to achieve...and she hopes to pass that self-esteem on to her daughter."

Dr. Yaba Blay shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, August 22nd, 2021.

Dr. Blay is a scholar-activist, public speaker, and cultural consultant whose scholarship, work and practice centers on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices.

Lauded by O Magazine for her social media activism, she has launched several viral campaigns including Locs of Love, #PrettyPeriod, and #ProfessionalBlackGirl, her multi-platform digital community.

Widely respected as one of the foremost thought leaders on Black racial identity, colorism, and beauty politics, Dr. Blay is a globally sought-after speaker and consultant with an extensive client list of over two dozen academic institutions including Harvard University, Duke University, Spelman College, New York University, to name a few; and such corporate entities as Netflix, UniLever International, SheaMoisture, Estee Lauder Companies, Procter & Gamble’s ‘My Black is Beautiful,’ and the #meToo. Movement.

"Yaba translates her research into engaging creative projects that seek to impact, if not change, our lived experiences for the better.  She has launched several viral campaigns including Locs of Love, #PrettyPeriod, and #ProfessionalBlackGirl. She is also the author of the award-winning One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race, the inspiration behind CNN’s television documentary “Who is Black in America?,” for which she served as consulting producer. "

Tina Brown, the CEO of Overtown Youth Center, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, August 15th, 2021.

Tina is a daughter of Miami – Historic Overtown to be exact – and the powerhouse leader has dedicated her life to improving the lives of those who live, work and play in the community of her birth. 

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Savannah State University; a Master’s Degree in Accounting and more than two decades of experience in the field of accounting and business management for both corporate and non-profit entities.

Today, Tina serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Overtown Youth Center; overseeing both Mourning Family Foundation, & Honey Shine, Inc; with an annual $5 million budget for all for programs; as well as managing a $20 million Capital Campaign Project to reconstruct OYC and expand its programmatic services. Thus far, $15 million has been raised and the project is scheduled to be complete in the 1st Quarter of 2022.

Due to her lifelong passion of empowering young people, Tina doesn’t take her role lightly or for granted. She believes deeply in changing the narrative of children and families residing in low – socio-economic/systemically marginalized communities by providing a comprehensive and holistic approach that levels the playing field.   

"I asked Tina why she felt she was able to aim higher than other children who grew up in the tough neighborhood of Overtown, Florida. It was a teacher, she said. Her history teacher was a man who took the time and interest in Tina and pointed out her gifts so she would see she had choices in life. Tina is certain that having a mentor and someone who believed in her, is absolutely what led her down the right path. Her purpose now is to offer that same hope to other children in Overtown.