Meeting You Where You're At Podcast: Recent Episodes
Meeting You Where You're At
Podcast featuring Women Entrepreneurs, Disruptors, and Purveyors of change. Meeting You provides an amplifying platform for Women Entrepreneurs, Founders, and Leaders who are focused on Social Impact and Innovation.
What if the biggest thing holding your career back isn't your talent... but your visibility?In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, Richard sits down with Sarah Robson, Global Head of Advertising Effectiveness at On Device, for a conversation that goes far beyond advertising and analytics.Sarah shares the lessons she's learned over a remarkable career spanning leadership, research, technology, and sales, including navigating redundancy while on maternity leave, taking career-defining risks, and discovering that doing great work alone isn't enough. You also have to make sure the right people know about it.Together, Richard and Sarah explore:- Why visibility, not just hard work, is often the key to career growth- The difference between mentorship, sponsorship, management, and leadership- How great leaders create psychological safety and empower others- Why women still face unique challenges in advancing into senior leadership- How to recover from career setbacks by reframing your experience- The power of networking, advocacy, and taking smart risks- Why the best leaders aren't the smartest people in the room, they're the ones who help others succeedWhether you're launching your career, leading a team, considering your next move, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on leadership, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and genuine encouragement.Sometimes the next step in your career isn't about working harder.It's about becoming visible.Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjane-robson/#Leadership #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Management #Advertising #DataAnalytics #Technology #CareerAdvice #Podcast
Alison Harding | VP, Data Solutions EMEA, LotameFrom knocking on doors selling newspaper advertising to helping brands reach billions of consumers through data-driven marketing, Alison Harding has witnessed one of the most dramatic transformations in business history.In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, Richard speaks with Alison Harding, VP of Data Solutions EMEA at Lotame, about her remarkable career journey through media, advertising, ad tech, leadership, and digital transformation. Together, they explore how advertising evolved from local newspapers and community relationships into a global ecosystem powered by data, technology, and customer insights.Alison also shares her leadership philosophy, the importance of adaptability in rapidly changing industries, and why trust, relationships, and human connection remain at the heart of business—even in an age of AI and automation.Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, sales leader, or simply fascinated by the future of digital advertising, this conversation offers valuable lessons on reinvention and lifelong learning.Topics discussed:Digital advertising and ad techLeadership and team developmentData-driven marketingCareer reinventionCustomer insights and targetingWomen in technologyThe future of mediaFor more information, please visit https://www.lotame.com/
Gamble, Absolut Vodka, and Oriflame.The conversation explores the power of consumer-centric leadership, the importance of understanding people before products, and what it takes to build brands that stand the test of time. Anna reflects on entrepreneurship, meritocracy, diversity, leadership, and her belief that success often comes from helping others realize potential they didn't know they possessed.This episode is packed with insights for founders, marketers, executives, and anyone navigating their own career evolution.Topics discussed:Brand leadershipConsumer insightsEntrepreneurship and innovationGlobal businessDiversity and meritocracyBeauty, wellness, and sustainabilityLeadership lessons from iconic brandsFor additional information, please visit - https://www.oriflame.com/
Bauer KyanaWhat if product packaging could actually talk back?In this fascinating episode of Meeting You Where You're At, Richard sits down with Sandra Wagner, Founder and CEO of AuraVeo, to explore how technology is transforming ordinary packaging into interactive, intelligent consumer experiences. Sandra's work sits at the intersection of AI, connected products, consumer engagement, sustainability, and digital transformation.Sandra shares her unique journey from studying medicine and working in the early days of information technology to becoming an innovator in connected packaging and digital product experiences. Along the way, she discusses how curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking have shaped both her career and her vision for the future.The conversation dives into digital product passports, AI-powered consumer engagement, augmented experiences, and how brands can create deeper trust and transparency with consumers. Sandra explains why packaging should no longer be viewed as a static object, but rather as a dynamic communication channel that connects people directly to products, information, and experiences.Beyond technology, Sandra offers an honest perspective on leadership, innovation, resilience, and what it takes to bring transformational ideas to life inside established industries.If you're interested in AI, consumer behavior, brand innovation, sustainability, or the future of customer engagement, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.Topics discussed:Connected packagingAI-powered consumer experiencesDigital product passportsBrand storytelling and trustInnovation leadershipSustainability and transparencyThe future of consumer engagementEntrepreneurship and digital transformationFor more information, please visit - https://aura-veo.com/
Alicia Wagner | Founder, Sunra HealthWhat happens when a mother's lived experience collides with a healthcare system that isn't designed for personalization?In this powerful episode of Meeting You Where You're At, Richard sits down with Alicia Wagner, Founder of Sunra Health, to discuss the deeply personal journey that led her from a successful pharmaceutical career into healthcare entrepreneurship. Alicia shares how her daughter's health challenges inspired her mission to build a platform focused on personalized pediatric wellness, genetics, and preventative care.Together, they explore the intersection of motherhood, healthcare, technology, advocacy, and innovation. The conversation dives into precision medicine, the future of pediatric care, the role of AI in supporting families, and the importance of asking whether institutional healthcare guidance is keeping pace with emerging science.More than a startup story, this is a conversation about courage, resilience, and the willingness to pursue solutions when existing systems leave important questions unanswered.Topics discussed:Healthcare entrepreneurshipPrecision medicine and geneticsPersonalized pediatric wellnessMotherhood and advocacyStartup leadershipBuilding mission-driven companiesInnovation in healthcareFor more information, please visit - https://sunrahealth.com/
CEO, Next On Scene MediaLearn more:https://nextonscene.com#Podcast #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #PublicRelations #PersonalBranding #FounderStory #Media #Visibility #Leadership #Boston #NextOnScene #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt
What does modern leadership actually look like in a world driven by pressure, performance, AI, and constant change?In this deeply thoughtful and surprisingly emotional episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, Richard sits down with Charlie Johnson, SVP of International at Digital Envoy, global technology leader, mentor, mother, and proud dyslexic thinker, for a conversation about leadership, vulnerability, resilience, and the humanity behind high performance.Charlie shares her incredible journey through the world of technology and operations leadership while opening up about the very personal experiences that shaped the way she leads today. From navigating self-doubt during pregnancy while stepping into executive leadership… to redefining dyslexia as a superpower instead of a limitation… to learning how to create psychologically safe environments where people can actually grow and thrive, this conversation is packed with honesty, wisdom, and heart.One of the most powerful moments in the episode centers around a young woman Charlie once found crying on the floor of a London restroom after being criticized for her dyslexia at work, a moment that completely transformed Charlie’s perspective on mentorship, visibility, and “paying it forward.”Richard and Charlie also explore:• Why empathy and accountability are both necessary in leadership• The importance of “taking a moment” before reacting• What organizations still get wrong about learning and development• Why women absolutely belong in sales and tech leadership• The loneliness of executive leadership• How AI should augment people, not replace them• And why the best leaders never stop learning themselvesThroughout the conversation, Charlie’s warmth, humor, emotional intelligence, and authenticity shine through in a way that feels incredibly refreshing.This episode is for leaders. Builders. Mentors. Students. Operators. Parents. People trying to navigate uncertainty. And honestly… anyone who needs a reminder that success and humanity do not have to exist separately.Sometimes the strongest leaders are simply the ones willing to say:“I need a moment.”🎧 Listen now to our conversation with Charlie Johnson on Meeting You Where You’re At. For more information, please visit https://meetingyoupodcast.com/
Designer Racheal Xavier, founder of Valentina Ventura XX, joins Meeting You Where You’re At for a bold and thought-provoking conversation on fashion, identity, femininity, and radical self-expression.Racheal’s work exists at the intersection of couture, streetwear, art, and rebellion, challenging conventional ideas of beauty while creating space for authenticity, sensuality, and self-acceptance. In this episode, we explore her journey from sewing as a child to building her own boundary-pushing label, the emotional philosophy behind her designs, and why fashion can be far more than clothing, it can be empowerment.We also discuss creativity through constraint, dressing for yourself instead of the male gaze, queer femme visibility, entrepreneurship in the arts, and how embracing what makes you “different” can become your greatest strength.This is a powerful conversation about confidence, courage, and creating from your truest self.🎧 Learn more: https://www.valentinaventuraxx.com/📲 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinaventuraxx/#Podcast #Fashion #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SelfExpression #Art #Identity #LGBTQ #CreativeJourney
What if confidence isn’t something you have… but something you build?In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, Richard sits down with Valerie Mercurio, Global Head of Business Development at InfoSum (WPP), for a conversation about growth, voice, and learning to take up space in rooms where you’re not sure you belong.Valerie shares her journey from quietly observing as a “sponge” early in her career to becoming a leader who asks the questions others are thinking—but don’t say out loud. Together, they explore what it really means to develop confidence over time, how to navigate high-stakes conversations, and why empathy—not ego—is the foundation of effective leadership.From managing self-doubt to leading with intention, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters—and that sometimes, the question you’re hesitant to ask is the one that moves everything forward.🎧 If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room… this one’s for you.For more information on Meeting You Where You're At, visit - https://meetingyoupodcast.com/For more information on InfoSum, please visit - https://www.infosum.com/And follow Valerie on LinkedIn at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-mercurio-1306464b/
Women in Leadership, AI, and the Future of the Digital Economy | Emma Newman | Meeting You Where You're At PodcastWhat does it really take to lead in an industry defined by constant disruption, AI transformation, and global competition?In this episode of the Meeting You Where You're At Podcast, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Emma Newman, Chief Revenue Officer for EMEA at PubMatic, to explore leadership, accountability, and the rapidly evolving digital media and internet economy.Emma has spent more than two decades helping shape the digital advertising ecosystem—from the early days of the internet to today’s AI-driven transformation of media and technology. In this conversation, she shares powerful insights on career growth, leadership accountability, sponsorship vs mentorship, and navigating uncertainty in a world where technology evolves faster than ever.Emma also discusses how the internet economy created new opportunities for women in leadership and why ownership, accountability, and courage to raise your hand can transform a career. This episode is packed with practical advice for leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals navigating complex systems and rapid change.In This Episode We Discuss• Why the internet economy created a level playing field for women leaders• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship in career growth• How accountability transforms leadership and performance• Leading through AI disruption, privacy shifts, and industry change• Why measurement—not symbolism—drives real equity in organizations• The leadership difference between managing systems vs building them• How to build your own personal “Board of Directors” for career support• Why resilience does NOT mean enduring everythingAbout Meeting You Where You're AtMeeting You Where You're At is a globally recognized podcast spotlighting women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are shaping the future of business, technology, healthcare, and society.Hosted by Richard Juknavorian, the show explores the stories behind leadership, resilience, and the people creating meaningful change.https://meetingyoupodcast.com/Connect with Emma NewmanFind Emma on LinkedIn and follow her work in the digital media and technology ecosystem. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-newman-0491518/
CEO of Bebesita, returns! It's hard to believe it's been nearly eighteen months since we've had Claudia on the show. Claudia gives us a full update on all her goings-on, including her foray into modeling, showcasing the Bebesita brand at runway shows, and beginning to create her own designs. Claudia continues to show us that she's all about the hustle and self-learning. She never stops looking to achieve more, but has worked hard to balance and blend her professional and personal lives. We're so excited to have Claudia rejoin us for this very special episode. For more great content and products, please visit https://www.bebesita.net/ and https://www.instagram.com/bebesitas.shop/
Associates, about the realities of workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation — and what employees can do when power dynamics make speaking up feel impossible.Brittany is an employee-side employment attorney who represents individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their professional lives. In this candid and compassionate conversation, she breaks down how discrimination and retaliation actually show up at work, why “just saying no” isn’t always an option, and how fear, silence, and imbalance of power continue to shape workplace experiences — especially for women.This episode explores:- Sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the workplace- Pregnancy and maternity-related discrimination and subtle forms of retaliation- The importance of documentation, witnesses, and internal complaints- How colleagues, HR, and leadership can better support vulnerable employees- What true workplace cultures of safety and accountability look like- The emotional toll of advocacy work — and how Brittany sustains herselfBrittany also shares her own career journey, her approach to mentorship, and why helping people find their voice is at the heart of the work she does every day.This is a powerful conversation about justice, resilience, and the courage it takes — both personally and professionally — to stand up when something isn’t right.🎧 Listen now.For more information, please visit https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com/
Michelle Monaco | Designing Virtual Care That Puts Humans FirstIn this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Michelle Monaco, Senior Vice President of Product at Wheel, for a thoughtful conversation at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and human-centered design.Michelle leads both product and engineering at Wheel, where she’s helping reimagine virtual care infrastructure to improve access, quality, and trust for patients and clinicians alike. Together, Richard and Michelle explore what it means to build the right thing and build it right in a deeply complex, highly regulated healthcare system.This conversation covers:- Why product and engineering leadership are increasingly converging- How empathy, curiosity, and experimentation drive better digital health experiences- The role of AI in amplifying — not replacing — clinicians- Designing for transparency in virtual care, from pricing to access- Servant leadership, mentorship, and learning to do hard thingsMichelle also shares her personal journey into health tech, her approach to leadership as a working parent, and why following relationships — not just roles — has shaped her career.If you’re interested in digital health, product leadership, AI in healthcare, or building technology that truly meets people where they are, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. For more information, please visit - https://www.wheel.com/
CEO of Lynx Educate — to explore how education, purpose, and global experience intersect to shape the future of work.Sylvie shares her journey from CFO to entrepreneur, her global career across Latin America, Europe, and the U.S., and the inspiration behind launching Lynx Educate, an organization helping employers drive social mobility and workforce impact through learning.Together, we discuss:• How international experiences shape views on equity and access• The transition from operator to visionary founder• Female leadership in male-dominated spaces• The power of networks and authentic connection• The evolving role of learning in the age of AI and workforce transformationThis is a conversation about reinvention, purpose, and the belief that talent truly is everywhere.Watch now and be inspired by Sylvie’s thoughtful, global view on lifelong learning and impact.For more information on Lynx Educate, please see -- https://lynxeducate.com/
Noble, or signed copies on her website)Coordle: Her tech platform for simplifying group travel
Camille “Cami” Lee is redefining what sports storytelling looks like. As the founder of Backfield Media, she’s building a platform that gives athletes a voice—one that highlights their humanity, mental health, education, and community impact beyond the game.In this episode, Cami joins host Richard Juknavorian to discuss her journey as a journalist, creator, and advocate. From her early love of football and her father’s influence to the challenges of being a woman innovating in a male-dominated industry, Cami opens up about authenticity, advocacy, and how collaboration fuels her mission.🎙️ Themes: sports media, athlete storytelling, women in sports, mental health, advocacy, journalism, leadership, entrepreneurship, Gen Z creators, community impactFor more information, please see - https://linktr.ee/BackfieldMedia#MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #PodcastInterview #WomenInMedia #StorytellingPodcast #SocialImpactPodcast #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #SportsMedia #AthleteStories #BackfieldMedia #WomenInSports #SportsJournalism #CollegeAthletes #AthleteAdvocacy #SportsStorytelling #SportsContentCreator #AthleteMentalHealth #StudentAthletes #EducationMatters #MindsetMatters #AdvocacyInAction #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityBuilding #AuthenticLeadership #GenZCreators #WomenEntrepreneurs #PurposeDriven #InclusiveLeadership #EmpowermentThroughStorytelling #InspirationInAction #RichardJuknavorian #CamilleLee #CamiLee #ODU #InnovationInMedia #NextGenLeadership
Episode Title: Redefining Midlife: Dr. Sonia Singla and the Marigold Approach to Women’s HealthIn this inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Sonia Singla, founder of The Marigold Center, to explore how she’s transforming the conversation around menopause, aging, and women’s well-being.After facing her own early menopause at 39, Dr. Singla realized that mainstream medicine was missing something vital—a holistic, compassionate approach that treated women as whole beings. Today, she’s created a sanctuary where science meets soul, offering integrated care that spans hormone therapy, Ayurvedic treatments, nutrition, meditation, and community connection.Together, Richard and Dr. Singla discuss:Why menopause is not a medical footnote, but a profound life shiftHow The Marigold Center blends Western medicine and Ayurveda—the Sanskrit “science (Veda) of life (Ayur)”What personalized, two-hour intake visits can teach us about true patient careThe importance of community and storytelling in women’s healingHow midlife can become a decade of power, clarity, and expansionMeeting You Where You’re At continues to spotlight women who are reshaping the narrative of leadership, entrepreneurship, and well-being—one fearless story at a time.🌸 Learn more about Dr. Sonia Singla and her work at marigoldc.com and follow @the_marigoldcenter on Instagram: instagram.com/the_marigoldcenter
Finding Calm in the Chaos: Maleekha Fong and the Cozy Mind ClubDescription:In this uplifting episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Maleekha Fong, founder of Cozy Mind Club and a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, to talk about mindfulness, community, and the power of building something meaningful from the heart.What started as Maleekha’s personal search for balance during her freshman year has grown into a multi-channel movement inspiring students to slow down, breathe, and pursue mindful productivity — progress over perfection. Through Instagram, Pinterest, and her Kofi platform, she’s cultivating a safe space for reflection, gratitude, and connection.Together, Richard and Maleekha explore:The origins and purpose behind Cozy Mind ClubHow she defines “mindful productivity” in a hustle-driven cultureThe lessons she learned through UConn’s Werth Innovators ProgramThe importance of vulnerability, empathy, and building safe online communitiesHer new guided journal, Work in Progress💬 “If I can impact just one person,” Maleekha says, “then I’ve met my goal.”Follow https://www.instagram.com/thecozymindclub/ and https://ko-fi.com/cozymind to join Maleekha’s growing community — and discover how you, too, can find calm in the chaos.🎧 Meeting You Where You’re At celebrates women innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are creating meaningful change in their communities and the world.
✨ Finding Life Magic in Tech, Leadership, and Spiritual Growth — with Kim SnowDescription:In this powerful episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian welcomes his longtime friend and mentor Kim Snow—a cybersecurity compliance leader by day and an energy healer, yoga teacher, and speaker by heart.Over the course of this rich, thoughtful conversation, Kim shares how her 25+ year career in male-dominated tech industries intersected with her deep commitment to spirituality, wellness, and women’s empowerment. From navigating corporate leadership to launching her spiritual practice Life Magic, Kim offers insights on:Practicing self-advocacy and self-care as a woman in leadershipBalancing motherhood, blended families, and career ambitionBuilding resilience through yoga, meditation, and energy workHelping others recognize and activate their inner “light”What it really means to show up, do the work, and transformKim also shares her journey through Cornell Law School’s Master’s program, her upcoming speaking engagements, and the book she’s currently writing.💻 Learn more about Kim at: www.thekimsnow.com✨ Follow her Life Magic journey through her website’s hidden gem sectionWhether you're a young woman figuring out your path or a seasoned professional craving reconnection with your purpose, this episode will inspire you to trust your energy, live your values, and create space for your own magic.#WomensLeadership #SpiritualGrowth #EnergyHealing #Cybersecurity #MindBodySpirit #LifeMagic #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt
From Trauma to Tech: Jenny Lynn Walding and the Mission Behind Milkmade🍼 In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Jenny Lynn Walding—marketing strategist, Certified Lactation Counselor, and founder of Milkmade. What began as a personal trauma during her early breastfeeding journey 11,000 miles from home has evolved into a pioneering FemTech innovation designed to transform lactation care through technology, empathy, and data.Jenny Lynn shares how her lived experience with tongue-tie, mastitis, weighted feeds, and the mental load of postpartum uncertainty led to her “QVC moment”: the realization that the centuries-old nipple shield could—and should—be reimagined. Enter Milkmade: a smart nipple shield that uses embedded sensors to deliver real-time lactation data, empowering both parents and providers with insights that reduce anxiety and improve care.💡 Together, we explore:The hidden trauma and ambiguity of early breastfeedingHow the lack of access and equity continues to undermine maternal careHer journey from mom to “traumapreneur” to startup founderThe science and purpose behind Milkmade’s smart nipple shieldWhy rural care, cultural humility, and data equity matter in maternal health innovationJenny Lynn isn’t just building a product—she’s leading a movement for better, more compassionate postpartum support.🌐 Learn more: https://milkmade.me📲 Follow Milkmade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkmade_me/🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milkmade-me/posts/?feedView=all
Daring Ventures, Bold Voices: Maddi Holman on Mentorship, Women’s Health, and Rewriting the VC Playbook📄 Episode Description:In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Maddi Holman, Co-Founder and General Partner at Daring Ventures, for an unforgettable conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, and redefining what success looks like in venture capital.Maddi’s journey is anything but traditional—from pursuing a pre-med track and playing Division I volleyball at Rice University to discovering her true calling in venture capital through an unexpected course at Imperial College London. Today, she’s leading with purpose, backing early-stage founders with lived experience and a relentless drive to solve meaningful problems.We dive into:- Her bold pivot from medicine to venture capital- How Daring Ventures is disrupting VC norms with a focus on founder authenticity and real-world obsession- Why mentorship is a cornerstone of her approach—and how her athletic roots shaped her leadership- Her podcast Let’s Be Heard, which spotlights taboo-breaking conversations in women’s health- The power of vulnerability, community, and cold outreach that actually worksThis is a must-listen for founders, aspiring VCs, and anyone passionate about making an impact through innovation and empathy.🔗 Connect with Maddi:Website: https://daringventures.vc/Podcast: Let’s Be Heard: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gUuN40KsBHJFxykuKBg8e?si=fb5988ca0aab4fedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddi-holman-0b5b5a113/✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations like this!#VentureCapital #WomenInVC #Founders #Entrepreneurship #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #DaringVentures #WomensHealth #LetsBeHeard #Mentorship #Innovation #Podcast
Advocacy with Dr. Maggie Marcus📻 Meeting You Where You’re At PodcastIn this inspiring episode, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Maggie Marcus, Executive Director of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation, Fellow at the Century Foundation, and a passionate advocate for equitable access to dual language education.Together, they explore:🌍 Maggie’s personal journey — from teaching Spanish in Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, to raising her own children bilingually.🏫 How early experiences shaped her career in bilingual education and systems change.🧠 The powerful intersection of language access, mental health, and culturally responsive learning.💡 What “relational philanthropy” looks like in action and why it matters in educational equity.🏫 Models of dual language instruction that work — and what school districts and policymakers still get wrong.📣 A call to action for anyone looking to volunteer, mentor, or support multilingual learners in their local community.Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or aspiring social innovator, this episode offers rich insights into the real-world challenges — and possibilities — of creating equitable, multilingual education systems.🔗 Learn more about Maggie and her work:🌐 Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation - https://sullivanfamilycharitablefoundation.org/🔗 The Century Foundation - https://tcf.org/🔗 Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-marcus-ph-d-8547b450/🎙️ Subscribe for more stories of impact, resilience, and social innovation from women leading change.
In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Andrea Giancontieri (pronounced Jahn-con-TYEH-ree), a digital marketer, advocate, and entrepreneur who turned her personal journey through menopause into a powerful movement.Andrea shares her candid and often humorous story of navigating misdiagnoses, dismissive doctors, and finally finding her voice as an advocate. From co-founding The Whiny-Guiny to testifying at the Massachusetts State House in support of menopause awareness legislation, Andrea is leading the charge to break the silence and stigma surrounding menopause.✨ In this conversation, Andrea and Richard discuss:Why menopause is still so stigmatized in 2025How personal experience can spark advocacy and entrepreneurshipAndrea’s journey from media buyer to co-founder of The Whiny-GuinyWhat needs to change in medicine and society to better support women🎧 Whether you’re experiencing menopause, supporting a loved one, or passionate about women’s health advocacy, Andrea’s story will leave you inspired, informed, and empowered.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more inspiring conversations with women leaders and innovators.🔗 Visit: https://thewhinygynie.com/ 🔗 Follow: https://www.instagram.com/the_whiny_gynie/
In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, Richard sits down in person with Jasianna Ortiz, founder of Apothecary Braids and the creative force behind Braided by Jasy.What started as a side hustle during the pandemic has grown into a thriving business rooted in artistry, culture, and community. Jasianna shares her journey from teaching herself how to braid as a child, to navigating the challenges of being a solopreneur, to graduating from the EforAll accelerator program and winning multiple awards.Together, we explore:How Jasianna built her business from her dining room table to a professional studio.The importance of protective styles and hair health in her work.The role of mentorship, community, and wellness in sustaining entrepreneurship.Her advice for anyone afraid to take that first step toward starting their own venture.Follow and connect with Jasianna here:📸 Instagram (Braided by Jasy): https://www.instagram.com/braidedbyjasy/📸 Instagram (Apothecary Braids): https://www.instagram.com/apothecarybraids/🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/braidedbyjasyTune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of following your passion.
There’s More to Life: Empowering Women Through Financial Confidence with Analisse DesrochersIn this inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Analisse Desrochers, a financial advisor at Wise Financial, who is redefining what it means to be empowered through financial literacy.After a successful career in logistics, Analisse made a bold pivot into financial services—driven by a deeply personal loss and a desire to help others avoid the same burdens she faced. Now, she’s on a mission to make financial planning approachable, especially for women and small business owners.Analisse shares how she uses education-first strategies to help her clients build personalized financial plans, the common misconceptions around wealth and insurance, and why she believes women supporting women is key to long-term success. From debunking financial myths to building a new all-women networking group, Analisse brings honesty, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom to the conversation.💬 Topics Covered:Making a career pivot with purposeThe emotional toll of poor estate planningEmpowering women through financial educationCommon financial mistakes and how to avoid themBuilding community and confidence in a male-dominated industryWhy you don’t need to be rich to talk to a financial advisor📲 Connect with AnalisseInstagram: www.instagram.com/analisse.financials/Website: www.wisefinancial.net/🎙️ Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories of resilience, reinvention, and the women making it happen. We want to hear from you!
From Oncology to Advocacy: Dr. Shikha Jain on Leadership, Women’s Health, and Driving ChangeIn this inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Shikha Jain, oncologist, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Women in Medicine Summit and nonprofit.Dr. Jain shares her journey from aspiring pediatrician to finding her true calling in oncology, a field she loves for its human connection as much as its science. She opens up about building trust with patients and families, advocating for women in healthcare, and why she created the Women in Medicine movement to empower and equip leaders across the profession.We also explore her “gender moonshot” vision, the urgent need to prioritize women’s health, and how to navigate the balance — or as she calls it, the blend — of work, life, and purpose. Dr. Jain’s practical advice for aspiring physicians and change agents is both motivating and deeply honest.Topics Covered:Why oncology captured Dr. Jain’s heart and mindThe origin and growth of the Women in Medicine SummitThe gender moonshot and closing gaps in women’s healthWork-life “blending” for dual-physician householdsHow to lead change and build strong alliancesAdvice for women entering medicine today📍 Learn more about Dr. Jain: https://shikhajainmd.com/📍 Women in Medicine Summit: https://www.womeninmedicinesummit.org/
Stina Leigh on Reinvention, Radical Self-Love, and Building an Authentic LifeDescription:In this powerful episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, we meet the multifaceted Stina Leigh – a global entrepreneur, wellness leader, brand strategist, and unapologetic force of nature.Stina shares her journey of personal transformation, from burnout and breakdown to healing, reinvention, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. As the founder of three businesses – Stina Leigh Practice, Productions, and Promotions – she helps people and brands move with authenticity, clarity, and compassion. Whether leading yoga retreats in Costa Rica or strategizing brand turnarounds, Stina's work is rooted in helping others show up as their truest selves.In this candid conversation, we talk about:Breaking free from hustle cultureBridging the gap between business and emotional healingTurning silence into powerRedefining success on your own termsThis episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and remember that it’s never too late to start again—with integrity, curiosity, and courage.🔗 Follow Stina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamstinalicious/🎧 Subscribe for more stories of women reimagining what’s possible#Entrepreneurship #WellnessLeadership #Authenticity #WomenInBusiness #YogaRetreats #MentalHealth #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt
Newsletter: www.valhealth.com👇 Like, share, and subscribe to hear more stories of women transforming the way we live, work, and heal.#BehavioralEconomics #HealthEquity #WomenInLeadership #HealthcareInnovation #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt
Eastern Europe’s startup ecosystemHow The Recursive supports founders through media and strategyWhy internal narratives matter just as much as external ones🔗 Learn more about The Recursive: https://therecursive.com📍 Follow Kristiana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiana-kuneva/🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with women who are changing the game: https://meetingyoupodcast.com/💬 Leave a comment below with your biggest takeaway from this episode!#KristianaKuneva #TheRecursive #WomenInTech #StartupStorytelling #InnovationLeadership #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #SocialImpact #AuthenticBranding #CentralEasternEurope #FounderStories
YouTube📣 Connect with Samira: @samirasabatinni or @fetchfits.io or Samira Francois on LinkedIn✨ Like, comment, and share to support women entrepreneurs making a difference.This episode of the Meeting You Where You're Podcast is brought to you by the Women in Medicine Summit 2025. Experience the excitement and motivation of connecting with some of the most inspiring women from across the country and the world. September 18-20, 2025 | The Drake Hotel, Chicago Visit https://www.wimedicine.org/wim-summit to register and find additional information. #WomenInTech #GenZFounders #StudentStartups #CircularEconomy #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #FetchFits #WomenInMedicine #WIMSummit
In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Elizabeth Tikoyan, the visionary founder and CEO of Healp, a platform transforming the landscape of clinical research and patient support.A recent Chloe Capital Founder Fellow, Elizabeth shares her journey as a mission-driven entrepreneur and dives into how Healp is bridging critical gaps in healthcare by connecting patients with chronic and rare conditions across 70+ countries. By building a trusted community and leveraging patient profiles with co-morbidities, Healp helps accelerate clinical trials, addressing the enrollment crisis that delays over 80% of studies.Elizabeth also reflects on the influence of her Armenian heritage, the challenge of reaching younger patient populations, and the lessons learned while scaling a global health tech startup backed by Techstars, J.P. Morgan, and BARDA.Whether you're a patient advocate, a healthcare innovator, or someone passionate about making systems more human-centered, this conversation is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in to hear how Elizabeth is turning empathy into innovation — and why Healp is much more than a platform. It's a movement.#Healp#ElizabethTikoyan#WomenInTech#HealthTech#RareDisease#ChronicIllnessSupport#DigitalHealth#ClinicalTrials#PatientAdvocacy#ArmenianEntrepreneur
Finding Clarity in Your Career with Rachel Serwetz, CEO of WOKENIn this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, we sit down with Rachel Serwetz, Founder and CEO of WOKEN, a tech-enabled career coaching platform helping individuals navigate job transitions, professional growth, and purposeful career development.Rachel shares her journey from corporate roles at Goldman Sachs and Bridgewater Associates to building WOKEN from the ground up. We talk about how WOKEN offers a more holistic, intentional approach to career coaching—combining personalized guidance, actionable tools, and even AI support to empower people through every stage of their professional journey.Tune in to hear us discuss:- The difference between proactive and reactive career coaching- How to overcome networking anxiety—especially for early-career professionals- What it means to take ownership of your career with clarity and purpose- Why WOKEN’s platform goes beyond just landing the next job- How AI is shaping the future of career developmentWhether you're in the middle of a job search, contemplating a career pivot, or just want to be more intentional about your path, Rachel’s insights will leave you inspired and equipped to take your next step with confidence.Learn more about WOKEN at https://www.iamwoken.com
🦴 Episode Title: Stronger, Longer: Laura Yecies on Osteoboost, Women's Health, and Redefining Longevity📢 In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Laura Yecies, CEO of Osteoboost, to discuss her trailblazing journey from Silicon Valley tech executive to medtech innovator addressing one of the most under-discussed issues in women’s health: osteoporosis and bone loss.💡 Laura shares how a NASA-backed concept of vibration therapy was reimagined into a wearable belt — now an FDA-cleared device — and how Osteoboost is creating a proactive, non-pharmaceutical path to stronger bones and longer healthspans. They also explore the societal blind spots around aging, why women’s health continues to be underfunded, and how startups can scale purpose-driven innovations with scientific rigor and storytelling.🎧 Tune in for an insightful conversation covering:Laura’s leadership journey from Netscape to OsteoboostThe NASA origins of vibration therapy for bone densityChallenges in commercializing women’s health innovationsWhy prevention is the future of aging wellHealthspan vs. lifespan, and what true longevity means✨ If you're interested in the future of digital health, medtech innovation, or just want to hear from a mission-driven woman leader building with impact — this episode is for you.🔗 Learn more about Osteoboost: https://osteoboost.com
In this episode, we sit down with Vivian Chen, the dynamic founder and CEO of Rise—an AI-powered job search platform that’s redefining how people navigate one of life’s most stressful transitions: finding meaningful work.From her early days at L'Oréal to an unexpected leap into entrepreneurship, Vivian shares her personal story of rejection, reinvention, and resilience. She talks candidly about applying to 200 jobs, building Rise from scratch, and how her platform is helping job seekers feel less alone and more empowered—with the help of community and smart AI.💡 Topics we cover:Why traditional job boards are brokenThe emotional toll of the job search—and how Rise is changing the experienceVivian’s wild fundraising story (spoiler: it started with no pitch deck!)Career change advice for professionals and students alikeThe future of work in the AI economy🎙️ Whether you're job hunting, exploring a pivot, or just love a good founder story—this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.👉 Learn more about Rise: https://joinrise.co🌟 Subscribe for more stories of women innovators, change-makers, and risk-takers.#VivianChen #Rise #WomenInTech #AIandJobs #CareerChange #JobSearch #FutureOfWork #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #SocialImpactPodcast
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Julie Stadlbauer, Chief Business Development Officer at Progyny, a leading benefits management company transforming the way we think about fertility, family building, and women’s health.Julie shares her personal and professional journey — from her early days at Cigna to helping grow Progyny into a national leader serving over 530 employers across 45+ industries. We explore the emotional, financial, and systemic barriers to fertility care, the expanding definition of family, and Progyny’s bold vision for integrated women’s health that spans fertility to menopause and beyond.We also talk leadership — Julie opens up about leading with empathy, supporting working parents, and what it means to model possibility and purpose in the workplace.💡 Whether you’re an HR leader, health plan executive, working parent, or advocate for health equity, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with women leaders changing the world.🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.#Progyny #FertilityCare #WomenInLeadership #WomensHealth #FamilyBuilding #MenopauseAwareness #Podcast #HealthcareInnovation #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt
Joanna is the founder and CEO of SimpliHere. She is a mission-focused founder bridging the communication gap in caregiving for patients and families impacted by neurodegenerative diseases. She applies her technology marketing background with personal experiences as an ALS caregiver to grow a sustainable, mission-based venture. Her experience spans small software companies through global corporations- developing go-to-market strategies, demand generation and awareness, messaging and positioning, and product launches. Joanna received her BA from the University of Connecticut and MBA from the Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College. For more information on SimpliHere, please visit - https://simplihere.com/
In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with the incredible Danielle Mikaelian—a Harvard Law student, Columbia University alum, and a dynamic leader who is making an impact across law, business, and advocacy.Danielle’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From growing up in Southern California to earning her place at Columbia and later Harvard Law, she has consistently demonstrated resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to her community. She has served on multiple executive boards, led student initiatives, and played an active role in Armenian advocacy.In this conversation, Danielle shares:✨ Her journey from a competitive high school to Ivy League institutions✨ How she balances leadership, academics, and community impact✨ Her passion for Armenian advocacy and why representation matters✨ The importance of taking risks and never counting yourself out✨ Her creative side as a writer and poetThis episode is packed with insights on ambition, resilience, and the power of stepping up in spaces where you can make a difference. If you're someone who wants to break barriers, advocate for change, or simply gain inspiration from a young leader shaping the future—this one's for you!🎧 Tune in now and be sure to subscribe for more powerful conversations with trailblazing women!📣 Join the Conversation!Like, comment, and share your thoughts on Danielle’s story. Who inspires you to keep pushing forward? Let us know below!#Podcast #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #WomenInLeadership #HarvardLaw #ColumbiaUniversity #Advocacy #ArmenianHeritage #WomenInLaw #CareerSuccess #PodcastInterview
Shireen’s work in healthcare policy, system transformation, and patient advocacy is deeply personal. After years of struggling with undiagnosed endometriosis, it was Ada Health’s own symptom assessment tool that finally helped her get the answers she needed. Now, she’s leveraging her expertise to ensure patients around the world have better access to information, faster diagnoses, and more equitable healthcare solutions.In this episode, we discuss:🔹 Shireen’s incredible journey across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in healthcare transformation🔹 The power of AI in improving patient outcomes and why Ada Health is a game-changer🔹 Women’s health challenges, medical gaslighting, and the urgent need for change🔹 How Shireen navigates leadership as a woman executive in healthcare & tech🔹 The global partnerships Ada Health is building to make healthcare more accessible for millionsWhether you’re passionate about healthcare innovation, women’s health advocacy, or the intersection of AI and medicine, this conversation will leave you inspired.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoyed this episode!📌 Learn more about Ada Health: https://ada.com/#Podcast #HealthcareInnovation #AIinHealthcare #WomensHealth #DigitalHealth #EndometriosisAwareness #HealthTech #WomenInLeadership #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt
Join us for an inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You’re At as we sit down with Vicky Demas, CEO of identifeye HEALTH. In this engaging conversation, Vicky shares her incredible journey from a hands-on engineer to a pioneering leader in healthcare innovation. Learn how she’s leveraging AI to transform retinal screening and make early detection of diabetic retinopathy—and other systemic diseases—more accessible than ever before.In this episode, we explore: • Vicky’s transition from technical roles at industry giants like Google Life Sciences and Verily to leading her own startup• The innovative use of AI and automation to democratize healthcare diagnostics• Building a diverse, high-performing team in a predominantly male-dominated field• Overcoming challenges and biases with a data-driven, patient-centric approach• How her passion for engineering, science, and leadership continues to drive groundbreaking advancements in healthcareWhether you’re a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, or an aspiring entrepreneur, Vicky’s story is sure to motivate you. Tune in to discover how she’s making a tangible impact in diagnostics and shaping the future of patient care.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we meet incredible leaders who are changing the game!For more information, please visit - https://www.identifeye.health/#HealthcareInnovation #AIDiagnostics #FemaleFounders #StartupJourney #RetinalScreening
🎙️ Meeting You Where You're At Podcast | Featuring Charlene Platon, Co-Founder & CEO of Fifth WindowIn this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, we sit down with Charlene Platon, Co-Founder and CEO of Fifth Window, to discuss the urgent need for mental health support and emotional well-being in the nursing profession.Charlene shares her powerful journey from bedside nursing to becoming a nurse innovator and entrepreneur. She opens up about her personal struggles with anxiety during the pandemic, the challenges that nurses face with burnout and emotional fatigue, and why vulnerability should be embraced—not avoided—in healthcare.At Fifth Window, Charlene and her team are creating a safe space for nurses to prioritize their well-being through community, live discussions, and self-care practices. From a groundbreaking nurse-led hackathon to a full-fledged wellness platform, she shares the pivotal moments that led to her startup’s mission of helping nurses “Nurse Their Joy.”💡 In this episode, we explore:✔️ The hidden struggles of nurses & why mental health must be prioritized✔️ The inspiration behind Fifth Window and how it’s evolving✔️ How community and technology can create a lasting impact✔️ The power of curiosity, resilience, and embracing change🔗 Learn more about Fifth Window: www.fifthwindow.com📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!#Podcast #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #CharlenePlaton #FifthWindow #NurseInnovation #MentalHealth #HealthcareLeadership #NurseWellness #WomenInLeadership #HealthcareTech #SelfCareForNurses
In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Sadie McKeown, President of the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), to explore the intersection of affordable housing, sustainability, and economic equity.With over 30 years at CPC—starting as an intern and rising to President—Sadie has been a driving force in community development, climate resilience, and financial equity for underserved neighborhoods. In this conversation, she shares:✅ Her journey from volunteer to executive leadership✅ How CPC transforms communities through sustainable housing projects✅ The role of women in leadership and breaking barriers in real estate and finance✅ Climate change and the future of green, affordable housing✅ Advice for young professionals looking to make an impact in community development💡 If you’re passionate about social impact, sustainability, or urban development, this episode is a must-watch!📌 Connect with Sadie & CPC:🌐 Community Preservation Corporation - https://communityp.com/
In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, we sit down with Jess Jamison, the founder of Revolution Health, a licensed therapist, personal trainer, and advocate for health at every size. Jess shares her deeply personal journey, from overcoming disordered eating and overexercise to launching a practice that integrates mental and physical wellness.Jess discusses her unique approach to trauma-informed care, combating diet culture, and empowering women to embrace body neutrality. We explore the importance of aligning your values with your work, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and creating a supportive framework for lasting change in health and wellness.Whether you’re on a journey of personal healing, seeking a more inclusive view of health, or inspired by stories of resilience and purpose, this episode is for you.Tune in and be inspired by Jess’s powerful story and her mission to redefine how we approach health and wellness. For more information, please visit https://revolutionhc.com/
In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, we sit down with Sandi DeRuntz, the innovative founder of Zipper Buddy. Zipper Buddy is a game-changing adaptive clothing device that allows users to zip their jackets or hoodies with one hand—offering convenience, independence, and style.Sandi shares her inspiring journey from artist and advocate to entrepreneur, discussing how she turned a simple idea into a product that empowers people of all abilities. We explore the challenges and triumphs of building Zipper Buddy, her rapid prototyping process, and her vision for the future of adaptive fashion.Visit www.thezipperbuddy.com to learn more about Zipper Buddy, and don’t miss out on the exclusive $10 off discount code "meeting you" at checkout!
Sunitha Malepati is the visionary founder of the Buffalo Initiative, a groundbreaking effort dedicated to transforming the rare disease ecosystem through community-driven translational research. With a background in law and philanthropy, Sunitha has held roles at prestigious organizations such as Living Cities and Georgetown Law, where she led efforts to drive social impact and innovation. Inspired by her personal journey as the parent of a child diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, she has become a passionate advocate for rare disease families.Under her leadership, the Buffalo Initiative is building collaborative networks between patient advocacy groups, researchers, philanthropists, and biotech companies to develop treatments that bring hope and tangible solutions to historically underserved communities. Sunitha’s work exemplifies resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives through bold and impactful action. For more information, please visit https://buffaloinitiative.org/
We sit down with Tiffany Wilson, President and CEO of the Science Center, to explore how her leadership is shaping the future of healthcare innovation. Tiffany shares her incredible career journey—from early challenges in medtech startups to her current role empowering entrepreneurs and building transformative programs like the Capital Readiness Program.We dive into the unique hurdles of healthcare startups, the importance of effective provider partnerships, and what it means to be a resilient leader in a male-dominated field. Tiffany also offers candid insights into her personal process for balancing the demands of leadership with self-care and reflection.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned innovator, or curious about the behind-the-scenes efforts that drive healthcare innovation, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. For more information, please visit https://sciencecenter.org/
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Erica DaCosta, a powerhouse advocate for gender equity, education reform, and immigrant rights, as well as a gifted poet and storyteller. Here's the highlights: Erica's journey as a double-major graduate in Legal Studies and Public Affairs from Lasell University.How her role as Deputy Director of Community Building at Leading Women of Tomorrow is connecting women to life-changing opportunities.The intersection of art and advocacy—how Erica uses poetry to amplify emotions, stories, and change.Her reflections on performing a moving spoken word piece at LaSalle University’s presidential inauguration.Her vision for the future, including pursuing a career in law to drive meaningful reform.This episode is filled with stories of resilience, community building, and the power of using your voice to inspire change. Whether you're an advocate, artist, or someone seeking motivation to make a difference, this one’s for you. To learn more about Erica and her poetry, please visit https://www.instagram.com/ec_verse/
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Betsy Biemann, CEO of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a leading community development financial institution dedicated to fostering economic equity, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.Betsy shares her journey from her roots as the daughter of immigrants to becoming a global change-maker. With a background in education and agriculture, her career has spanned continents and industries, ultimately leading her to CEI, where she’s transforming lives and communities in rural Maine and beyond. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, social impact, or strategies for creating resilient communities, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration.Learn more about CEI and their mission at ceimaine.org.This episode of Meeting You Where You're At is brought to you by Nourish Room, where self-care meets transformation. Ready to prioritize your wellness? Visit nourishroommassage.com to book your session today. Because when you take care of yourself, you can take on anything.
Anna is the chief product officer at Tongo. Prior to Tongo, Anna spent 20 years at Microsoft as a product leader. She has an MBA from the University of North Carolina and a BA from Emory University, where she started at Oxford College. Outside of work, Anna and her family spend their volunteer time helping those experiencing food insecurity – cooking for local nonprofits and supporting their local food bank. For more information on Tongo, please visit https://gettongo.com/This podcast episode is sponsored by Que Mami, the premier brand marketing and public relations agency empowering Latina-owned businesses to thrive. Que Mami is dedicated to helping Latina entrepreneurs elevate their brands, connect with their audiences, and make a lasting impact. Connect with Que Mami on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/quemami.inc
Gladys Muñoz is the founder of IntiNova Consulting, a dynamic business consulting firm dedicated to empowering small business owners, with a special focus on women of color, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Originally from Lima, Peru, and now based in Salem, Massachusetts, Gladys draws from her multicultural roots, her service with the Peace Corps, and over seven years of experience in business consulting, leadership, and project design.Through IntiNova Consulting, Gladys provides innovative, sustainable solutions to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers, achieve growth, and build thriving businesses. Her mission-driven work bridges the gap between business success and social equity, making her a true force for change in the entrepreneurial world. For more information, please visit https://intinovaconsulting.co.site/This episode of Meeting You Where You’re At is brought to you by Bebesita—an intimate apparel brand with a mission to redefine womanhood and empower women to embrace their natural beauty. Bebesita isn’t just about lingerie; it’s about helping women feel confident, unstoppable, and beautiful from the inside out. Right now, listeners of Meeting You Where You’re At can get 15% off their order by using the code MEETINGYOU15 at checkout. That’s right—treat yourself and save while celebrating your unique beauty. Visit bebesita.net to explore their collection and join a movement about celebrating you. Don’t just wear Bebesita—own your power. Please visit https://www.bebesita.net/ today!
Diamond is a coach, speaker, and Human Design enthusiast on a mission to help women overcome self-doubt and confidently develop their strengths. She started in visual communications and brand strategy, facing the struggles of entrepreneurship firsthand. Her life transformed when she discovered Human Design and Gene Keys, which illuminated her unique energy blueprint and helped her break free from one-size-fits-all success formulas.Diamond uses her expertise as a Human Design reader and Gene Keys guide to help others unlock their personal instruction manuals, empowering them to trust their instincts, embrace their quirks, and build authentic lives and businesses. She shows clients how to let go of conventional expectations and align with what truly works for them through speaking engagements, group sessions, and one-on-one coaching.Drawing on personal growth tools like psilocybin trials and affirmations, Diamond’s work is grounded in helping others see beyond self-imposed limits. Her motto, “The limit doesn’t exist, but fear and self-doubt will make you think it does,” embodies her approach: she’s here to help women embrace their potential and step into their authentic leadership, creating lives that are both successful and fulfilling. For more information, please visit https://www.diamonddripconsulting.com/
Dr. Maria Carney is a distinguished expert in geriatric and palliative care, currently serving as the Medical Director of Post-Acute Services and Chief of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at Northwell Health. With a career dedicated to improving healthcare for older adults, Dr. Carney leads innovative initiatives focused on creating age-friendly health systems, enhancing dementia care, and supporting family caregivers. Her work addresses the critical need for comprehensive, compassionate care for an aging population, soon to outnumber younger generations in the United States. Dr. Carney is also the author of The Aging Revolution, a thought-provoking exploration of the urgent reforms needed in healthcare to support longevity and quality of life for aging adults. Recognized for her commitment to improving public health, Dr. Carney continues to advocate for a healthcare system that prioritizes the unique needs of older adults and their caregivers. To purchase Maria's book on Amazon, please visit https://a.co/d/5kad8E2
Sarah Nicholson is the Senior Vice President at Babyscripts, a pioneering digital health company dedicated to transforming maternal healthcare through technology. With over a decade of experience at Babyscripts, Sarah has been instrumental in developing solutions that improve prenatal and postpartum care, especially in underserved areas facing critical maternal care shortages. Her work centers on empowering mothers-to-be and healthcare providers with tools like remote patient monitoring and personalized patient education to address complex challenges in maternal health. Sarah's commitment to advancing healthcare access, her leadership in advocating for sustainable reimbursement for maternal care solutions, and her passion for inclusive support have positioned her as a key advocate for maternal health reform. Through Babyscripts, Sarah strives to ensure that all women have the resources and care they need during pregnancy and beyond. For more information, please visit https://babyscripts.com/
Susan has extensive R&D and business leadership experience across the life sciences and technology industries. Adept at shaping and leading global commercial, sales and operational strategies, she most recently held a decade-long tenure at Illumina, Inc. where she served as Chief Commercial Officer for three years until joining DELFI in January 2024. Susan spearheaded the engineering and launch of several of Illumina’s most impactful and well-recognized products, and is adept at driving value and commercial success for organizations. Earlier at Illumina, she led the product development organization as Chief Product Officer, and drove the acquisitions of three companies to scale up Illumina’s software solutions. She also brings experience from leadership roles at Eastman Kodak’s Consumer Inkjet Systems as Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Phogenix Imaging LLC and Hewlett-Packard. Susan is a 2022 Forbes ‘50 over 50 Entrepreneurs’ honoree and was named one of the 50 Top Diverse Leaders for 2020 by the California Diversity Council. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineers and the International Women’s Forum, a global organization of preeminent women of significant and diverse achievement. For more information on DELFI, please visit https://delfidiagnostics.com/
Ambreen is passionate about designing and developing a better future. In 2023, she was named one of the top 50 Women Making an Impact in Tech.Currently, she serves as Planned Parenthood’s National Director of Product Innovation, a role she loves. Under her leadership, Planned Parenthood’s Innovation team has launched an AI-powered chatbot and a newly redesigned period and birth control tracking app available in both English and Spanish. Her team has also been instrumental in building web applications and conducting ethical research on GenAI and HealthTech market trends to make sexual and reproductive health services more accessible.Before joining Planned Parenthood, Ambreen spent nearly fifteen years in media and EdTech in both product and development roles, including close to eight years managing teams ranging in size from two to fifteen. She has also taught and developed curricula for institutions such as Pratt, Parsons, and General Assembly at various points throughout her career.Ambreen remains actively involved in the industry as a member of Chief, Women in Product, and Women in Innovation. She is a proud alumna of Parsons School of Design and The University of Texas. For more information, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Simran Nath is the founder of Simran Nath LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping early-stage startups streamline their business operations and marketing strategies. With deep roots in Silicon Valley's startup ecosystem, she excels in connecting founders and funders through high-impact events that promote collaboration and drive growth. Simran's career began in influencer marketing, working with brands like Dior and Lord & Taylor before she expanded into real estate, non-profit work, and tech, where she played a pivotal role in scaling companies like Kojo Technologies.Simran is also passionate about diversity and inclusion in venture capital and entrepreneurship, particularly for women of color and immigrants, who are often underrepresented in the industry. She has created spaces where underrepresented founders can thrive by hosting female founder-specific events, partnering with women-focused venture organizations, and speaking on industry panels. Through her platform, she continuously raises awareness about the funding disparities women and WOC entrepreneurs face, advocating for more equitable investment opportunities.Beyond events, Simran has a proven track record of mentoring startups led by women and underrepresented minorities. She is committed to fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where all founders can access mentorship, resources, and capital equally. She also loves traveling and coffee shops. For more information, please visit https://www.nathsimran.com/
Nicole Ferry, a seasoned law enforcement professional with 26 years of experience,rose to the esteemed position of Special Agent in Charge and achieved the rank ofSergeant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.With a deep personal understanding, her advocacy for mental health and suicideawareness stems from her own battle to overcome PTSD, trauma, and suicide.Nicole, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, holds advanced degrees in CriminalJustice and Public Administration. Through her open sharing of personal experiences,she leads impactful discussions and facilitates resilience training programs nationwide.www.nicoleferry.com TRIGGER WARNING Please note that this episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised.
Carlota Castillo is a Dominican-born immigrant, single mother, and founder of the Cold Castle Podcast. Carlota shares her inspiring story, diving into the powerful intergenerational relationships with her grandparents and mother that shaped her life and led her to create her own podcast. She also speaks openly about her immigrant experience, her pride in her Latina heritage, and her mission to uplift her community by providing entertainment and valuable resources through her platform. For more information, please visit www.instagram.com/coldcastlepodcast
Dr. Sipra Laddha is a dedicated psychiatrist with a passion for improving the lives of others, particularly in the realm of women’s mental health. With her extensive background and deep expertise, Dr. Laddha has supported countless women through various life transitions, including pregnancy and postpartum.Recognizing women's significant challenges in accessing affordable and convenient mental health care, Dr. Laddha co-founded LunaJoy, a unique telemedicine platform designed to enhance access to high-quality therapy, medication, and mind-body interventions. With LunaJoy, patients spend less time commuting and waiting and more time focused on receiving the care they need. The platform's ability to work with most insurance providers helps reduce the financial burden, addressing one of the primary barriers to mental health support.Dr. Laddha is committed to ensuring that every woman, from adolescence through menopause, has access to the mental health care she deserves. LunaJoy's services allow women to navigate emotional challenges more efficiently, enabling them to engage more fully and authentically in their lives. By reimagining women’s mental health, Dr. Laddha and her team at LunaJoy empower women to live with greater joy and efficiency. For more information, please visit https://hellolunajoy.com/
Natalie Weakly has spent her career empowering others to be the best version of themselves. As an image consultant, she has worked with more than 300 private clients to elevate their confidence and influence through style, body language, and communication. As a speaker, Natalie has appeared in over 30 TV segments and regularly presents to universities and Fortune 500 companies. For more information, please visit https://www.natalieweakly.com/
Claudia Pupo is the visionary founder and CEO of Bebesita, an intimate apparel brand based in Boston that redefines womanhood and promotes self-love and confidence. At just 24 years old, Claudia launched Bebesita to empower women to embrace their natural beauty and feel unstoppable in their own skin. Driven by her passion for entrepreneurship, Claudia started the brand at 22, creating a movement beyond lingerie—Bebesita is about helping women break free from societal pressures and build authentic self-confidence. For more information, please visit https://www.bebesita.net/
Sarah Watkins is the passionate founder of AUsome Sauce, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children with Autism. Her journey began when her own son was diagnosed at the age of two, a moment that left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Driven by the challenges she faced and the gaps she encountered in available support, Sarah decided to take matters into her own hands. Her mission is to provide a safe, supportive space for families navigating the complexities of Autism and other neurodivergent needs, drawing from her own experience to foster connection and understanding. For more information, please visit https://www.ausomesauce.org/
Sol Williams is an Afro-latina born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She moved to NY when she was 17 in the pursuit of her dream of becoming a fashion designer. Years later she moved to California and that is where UNBRTHD was born.UNBTHRD became the name because she believes that in order to achieve happiness and your dreams you must remain "UNBTHRD" by outside troubles. You must always focus on you and what makes you happy. For more information, please visit https://www.unbthrdfashion.com/
Relational leadership and management authority Cheryl L. Mason, J.D. is a TEDx speaker, author, CEO, and Chief Catalyst of Catalyst Leadership Management. As the fourth presidential appointed, senate-confirmed — and the first woman and military spouse — to serve as the CEO/Chairman of the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals, The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason has a proven track record of leading with an impactful, morale-boosting, trust-based, people-centric approach. Mason also authored “Dare to Relate: Leading with a Fierce Heart.” For more information, please visit https://www.catalystleadershipmgmt.com/
Arielle Warren is the founder and CEO of Places To Go. Places To Go is a mobile app for Gen-Z friends to plan, book, and pay for group travel. After years of being the go-to trip planner in her social circle, Arielle recognized the need for a streamlined solution to simplify vacation coordination! Driven to make connecting through travel easier, she launched Places To Go, which will soon be available in the App Store. For more information about the upcoming launch, please visit https://www.placestogoapp.com/ and follow along on Instagram @placestogoapp
Katie Button is a five-time James Beard Foundation award-nominated chef, cookbook author, media personality, and founder of Asheville-based Cúrate, a collection of restaurants, an online marketplace, a wine club, and culinary journeys designed to connect people with the Spanish experience. She honed her craft in the kitchens of some of the world’s best chefs, most notably Ferran Adrià and José Andrés, before finding her own success with her restaurant group, Button Meana Group, and Cúrate lifestyle brands. For more information, please visit https://katiebutton.com/
Cristal Delgado is a creative entrepreneur specializing in brand consulting and social media strategic content creation. Her journey began as a freelance makeup artist, unlocking her passion for marketing and human connection. As the former COO of the community platform startup Minds With Purpose, she excelled in organizing events and supporting local businesses with marketing efforts. Now, she offers content creation and brand-building services to founders and professionals. She hosts the Embracing The Journey podcast, building a community focused on goal setting, motivation, and sharing vulnerable stories. For more information on Cristal, please visit https://linktr.ee/cristaldelrey
Stephanie is a student at Harvard College studying Molecular & Cellular Biology and Global Health & Health Policy. She is passionate about synthesizing translational research and policy-focused advocacy for patient care and public health. Her current research in the Daley Lab at Boston Children's Hospital examines the impact of epigenetic regulators on T cell differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells for CAR T therapies. She synthesizes wet-lab and deep-learning approaches to build regulatory maps of hematopoietic and immunological processes. Stephanie is also passionate about health equity, particularly issues surrounding the high cost of drugs, disparate cancer outcomes along racial and socioeconomic lines, and quality of care for LEP and immigrant patients. Informed by her health policy research at HMS and MSKCC, she is building the Health Disparities Think Tank, a multidisciplinary student-led research-to-policy pipeline affiliated with leading hospitals, advocacy/governmental organizations across the country, including MGH, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the U.S. House of Representatives. For more information, please visit https://www.hdtt.org/
Lilly Tench believes in using innovation and entrepreneurship to address the world’s most pressing problems. Over the past decade, she has worked with hundreds of social entrepreneurs in the energy and agriculture industries. She has gained crucial insight into the opportunities and complexities of mixing mission and money. Early in her career, Lilly worked alongside No Impact Man to design sustainability education and engagement programs worldwide and helped manufacturers improve their environmental impact through an organization called ITAC. She later joined the NewLab team and helped start an innovation center for entrepreneurs in an abandoned ship-building facility now home to over 800 entrepreneurs. Lilly went on to support cleantech researchers at Columbia University Technology Ventures, tech innovators at the non-profit AgLaunch, and currently works as Director of the Spark Innovation Center at the University of Tennessee Research Park. Lilly has a BA in Peace and Social Justice from Berea College, an MBA, and an MS in Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics from the University of Tennessee. For more information, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillytench/
Megan is a dynamic force in personal and leadership development. She spent 13 years with Tony Robbins’ Executive Team, honing her negotiation and coaching skills while curating world-class events worldwide. As a Certified Yoga Teacher for 13 years, she owned Grace Yoga and trained under renowned instructors. Megan holds degrees in Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations from Emerson College and Metaphysics from the University of Sedona. A dedicated business owner, philanthropist, and loving mother, she co-founded “Your Best Life Now,” a global mastermind uniting faith, family, fitness, and finance for entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit https://yblnow.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/meganmcshane99/
Shilpa Gadhok is an award-winning brand executive passionate about unleashing the power of individuals, teams, and organizations to impact our world positively. For over 10 years, she has led some of the most iconic global brands at Procter & Gamble and The Hershey Company and led teams at high-growth start-ups. As the Founder and CEO of SEE GOOD STRATEGY GROUP, a boutique consulting firm focused on brand strategy and leadership development for mission-driven organizations, Shilpa is passionate about fueling teams, brands, and organizations with the tools and thought leadership necessary to step-change their growth and broader role in society. Her clients span industries across Healthcare, Financial Services, Non-Profit Organizations, Tech, and Consumer Packaged Goods. For more information, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/seegoodstrategy/
Julia Boorstin is CNBC’s Senior Media & Tech correspondent based at the network’s Los Angeles bureau, where she reports and conducts CEO interviews across CNBC programming and plays a key role on CNBC’s bicoastal tech-focused program TechCheck, delivering reporting, analysis, and interviews around streaming, social, and the convergence of media and technology. In 2013, she created and launched the CNBC Disruptor 50, an annual list she oversees, highlighting the private companies transforming the economy and challenging companies in established industries. Additionally, she reported a documentary on the future of television for the network, “Stay Tuned...The Future of TV,” and helped launch CNBC’s “Closing the Gap” initiative, covering the people and companies closing gender gaps, and leads CNBC’s coverage of studies on this topic. Before joining CNBC, Boorstin was a writer and reporter at Fortune magazine and a contributor to “Street Life,” a live market wrap-up segment on CNN Headline News. For more information, please visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/When-Women-Lead/Julia-Boorstin/9781982168223 and https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1982168226?tag=simonsayscom
Charlene loves helping companies understand their financials. She believes that a business will only go as far as its people. Charlene doesn't just hand over financials and do half of the job; she explains every material item so clients can decide on the next steps. Her goal is to help businesses grow, train their staff, create policy and procedures manuals, develop reimbursement policies, find the right benefits for their company, assist in hiring, manage overhead, create budgets, provide variance reporting, and conduct forecasting—essentially, everything a Controller or CAO would do. Charlene is dedicated to cleaning her client's financials up so they are ready for anything coming their way! For more information on Charlene, please find her on her socials @hashtagcpa
Dr. Leila Daneshmandi is an Assistant Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Department. She is the co-founder and COO of Encapsulate, a biotech startup in cancer precision diagnostics that has raised over 1M in non-dilutive funding and is conducting preclinical studies in partnership with Hartford Healthcare. Leila teaches Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship I & II to students in the Schools of Engineering and Business. She is the PI for the Master of Engineering in Global Entrepreneurship program and the ThirdBridge Grant offered to student entrepreneurs by the School of Engineering. For more information, please see https://encapsulate.bio/
As a first-generation immigrant and second-generation techie, Zoya's pedigree is deeply rooted in IT. Over the past 20 years, Zoya has built, operated, and scaled B2C/B2B experiences within FinServ, FinTech, and SaaS. Zoya left her corporate career in pursuit of founding a startup on a mission to harmonize the logistics of daily life. Joined by a seasoned team of 6 professionals, the Team has bootstrapped and juggled families and full-time jobs to proudly bring Orgo to market in under 12 months! Prior executive leadership roles held within Digital Innovation, Digital Transformation, FinTech Partnership Enablement, Global Customer Success, Strategic Planning, Consumer Banking, Capital Markets, Governance and Program management, Vendor management, and IT Operations verticals. Zoya was privileged to lead large-scale, complex teams through times of great transformation, such as divestiture, merger/acquisition, integration, and IPO initiatives. For more information on Orgo, please visit https://www.orgohq.com/
Leanne Mair is the Brit-Jamaican CEO and Founder of Benefactum Group. She is also a mother, wife, friend, and daughter. Her multifaceted experiences have shaped her journey and fueled her passion for creating equitable opportunities and fostering success for others. Gender and racial equity are core to Leanne's life philosophy, guiding not only her professional pursuits but also her personal approach to living with intentionality. Through Benefactum Consulting, she drives change in organizational cultures and governance, while initiatives like The Sororum and the invitation-only network, On The HERizon, create space for underrepresented voices and new possibilities. For more information, please visit https://www.leannemair.com/, and for more information on Closing the Gap, please go to https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CJ33ZZBR
Chef Tirzah Love is a Private Chef and Caterer. Her love of cooking began at nine, but her path to becoming a chef was far from straightforward. After working in the private industry for over seven years, Chef Tirzah realized that "If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life,"- Thus beginning her transition into becoming a chef and the birth of Chef Tirzah Love Catering LLC. Along with being a full-time private chef, Chef Tirzah also founded a Meal Experience Kit company called Soul Box. Where she sends non-perishable ingredients, an instructional cooking video, a DJ-curated playlist, and conversation starter cards. For more information, please visit https://www.cheftirzahlove.com/ or https://soulbox.biz/
Angelique Albert is the CEO of the Native Forward Scholars Fund. In the last 50 years, they have empowered over 20,000 Native scholars to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Since its inception, they have awarded more than $400 million in scholarships. With 25 years of experience in executive management of nonprofits, philanthropy, business, Tribal gaming, and education, Angelique has dedicated her professional career to positively impacting Tribal communities. For more information, please visit https://www.nativeforward.org/
Sandra Worth is the Founder and Executive Director of My Autism Connection (MAC), a non-profit organization based in Florida. MAC aims to empower adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by providing them with essential social skills, career training, and experiential learning opportunities to enhance their independence and quality of life. The organization serves autistic adults between the ages of 18-50, offering a range of activities and programs that facilitate personal and professional development. For additional information, please visit https://myautismconnection.net/
As a woman of color facing worse healthcare outcomes, Courtney Williams thought she was going to become a statistic when she fell ill in the days after giving birth. Instead, she survived, and what she experienced helped inspire her POV on how technology (like pregnancy apps) can do more than provide cute diversions but serve real women's needs, especially in the increasingly deadly postpartum period.Courtney is also the award-winning CEO of Emagine and has previously written for Fast Company about the maternal mortality crisis. Emagine is a prize-winning alumnus of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Program. They partner with healthtech pioneer Withings and Afrotech; many others have profiled her for her work addressing maternal mortality.For more information, please visit:https://emaginest.com/https://thejourney.health/http://tinyurl.com/whatcomesaftereport
Taya is an expected 2024 graduate of Lasell University, with concentrations in communications and journalism. As a communications major, Taya is fascinated by globalization, and as a result, the focus of her academic studies is on public relations, media, journalism, and much more. She is the founder and proprietor of Everlastinglens (@everlastinglens) where her tagline is "Capturing Life Creating Art". For more information, please visit https://www.instagram.com/everlastinglens/
Meet Allie Reeves, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of BARO, your next favorite fashion revolution. With a vibrant journey that zigzagged from TV and Film to mastering marketing strategy for the giants and gems of the business world, Allie's entrepreneurial spirit ignited BARO in 2022. This isn't just another clothing rental marketplace—it's a movement to mend our fashion footprint. Disillusioned by the outdated "buy-wear-dispose" cycle, Allie and her visionary team crafted BARO. Their mission? To disrupt how we view and value our wardrobes. Imagine transforming seldom-worn outfits into earnings, all while offering others the chance to dazzle in these pieces at a sliver of the cost. Ready to be part of this stylish, sustainable swap? Dive into the BARO community today. Download the app for free in the App Store and start sharing your wardrobe wonders. For more information, please visit https://www.trybaro.com/
Ravid is the founder and Chief Product Officer of Embie, a leading Fertility Clinic Operating System and Remote Care Platform. Her professional journey encompasses over 23 years of experience in product development and digital marketing for some of the largest entertainment and sports brands in the world. Her venture into the fertility sector was sparked by her personal journey, seeking to fill a critical void she encountered firsthand in patient care and support. Inspired by this need, Ravid and her co-founders developed Embie, a suite of products powered by ML/AI designed to enhance fertility clinics' operations while significantly improving the patient experience. For more information, please visit https://embieapp.com/
Cytrandra Hoover is a social impact and inclusive insurance consultant and the founder of B3C Global. A transformative global leader renowned for adeptly addressing complex issues and driving change across 60+ countries. Combining strategic insight with anthropological insights to deliver lasting value consistently. As a pioneering business intelligence innovator excels in harmonizing diverse perspectives, revealing concealed profit opportunities and propelling social change. For more information, please see https://www.b3c-global.com/
After a career in corporate America at companies ranging from early-stage startups to large enterprise organizations, Ann is thrilled to partner with Accountability Works. As the company looks to deliver Accountability at Scale, Ann brings 20 years of extensive C-level coaching, mentoring, program leadership, and consulting expertise. Accountability is a struggle for many organizations, especially as they currently navigate multi-faceted work environments (in-person, hybrid, remote). In meeting Accountability Works, she was impressed with their mindful approach to accountability and how applicable their process is to the workplace — meeting the needs of managers and employees, no matter the industry or size of the organization. For more information, please visit https://accountabilityworks.com/
Hallie Seltzer is the founder and CEO of PinPoint Productions. After spending more than a decade in the event industry, Hallie founded PinPoint Productions in 2015 to fill a significant gap – helping influential brands and organizations make meaning through events and experiences. PinPoint partners with the world’s most impactful brands – Google, Instacart, Squarespace, Netflix, and more – to create events and experiences, including for their social impact verticals -- that leave lasting impressions and motivate real change. PinPoint has supported events in 54 US states and territories and globally and is expanding its presence into Europe. For more information, please see https://pinpoint-productions.com/
Emma is the Founding Partner of Y&Z Ventures, a Los Angeles based direct investment vehicle and fund of funds investing on behalf of individuals and private foundations in the Los Angeles area. As a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) professional, Emma's experience uniquely positions her to work with companies to build for the end game, or the Y&Z. An honest optimist, Emma believes each shortcoming is an opportunity to create change. Founders and Funders make it their livelihood to execute that change. For more information, please see https://www.generationshe.co/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/y-z-ventures/
Anita Anello is a business owner, coach, successful software executive & mom dedicated to helping fellow women of faith enjoy more time, money, & freedom. After leaving her thriving software executive job, Anita embraced the demanding role of a full-time homeschooling mom to her children. Amidst this, she even ventured into the world of Amazon business. But life had other plans. When COVID struck, it hit her business hard, a story all too familiar for many entrepreneurs nationwide. To make things even more challenging, she faced a marriage and health crisis.Yet, from these challenges emerged something incredible. They became the driving force behind her journey to building a 6-figure business from scratch within just a year. Anita's story isn't just about overcoming hurdles; it's a testament to her unwavering resilience, unbreakable determination, and profound commitment to professional success and personal growth. For more information, please visit https://www.therippleaffect.net/
Tara Barauskas is the Executive Director of Community Corporation of Santa Monica, a nonprofit affordable housing organization based in Santa Monica, California. Since joining in 2016, she has overseen the organization's functional areas, including management of over 2,000 units of affordable housing, housing development, resident services, and maintenance and administration of 100 staff. Ms. Barauskas has over 20 years of experience in affordable housing development, having worked at for-profit and non-profit housing development organizations before joining Community Corporation. For more information, please visit https://communitycorp.org/
Tamika Bickham is an award-winning broadcast journalist, creative director, and podcast host, touting over 15 years in front of and behind the camera. Tamika's expertise is undeniable, with a remarkable track record of hosting and reporting over 3,000 hours of live broadcast TV and producing/directing over 2,500 videos. As the Founder and CEO of MBE-certified firm TB Media Group, she leads a nonfiction video production studio, crafting long-form, documentary-style content for CSR and ESG leaders. Tamika's talent for distilling complex information into engaging, explicit, concise visual stories has garnered recognition, including the ABBY for Best Feature in Journalism and multiple Hermes Creative Awards for her podcast hosting and creative directing skills. For more information, please visit https://tbmediagroup.com/
Recently named one of the first 250 entrepreneurs on the Forbes Next 1000 List, Illana Raia is the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls. Believing that mentors matter as early as middle school, Illana brings girls directly into companies they select to meet female leaders face to face. Illana is an International Space Station U.S. National Lab Education Subcommittee member and serves on the National Girls’ Collaborative Champions Board. She has appeared on TV, radio, and podcasts and speaks on mentorship, leadership, and what girls eyeing – and entering – the workforce are thinking. Illana has also authored 60+ articles for HuffPost, Ms. Magazine, and Thrive Global, and her award-winning book Être: Girls, Who Do You Want To Be? was released on Day of the Girl 2019. Her second bestselling book, The Epic Mentor Guide, arrived on International Women’s Day 2022. For more information, please visit https://www.illanaraia.com/
Amy Williams is the founder and CEO of Good-Loop, the purpose-led advertising platform that makes it easy and profitable for big brands to do good at scale. Working with the world’s biggest advertisers, including Nike, Unilever, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and L’Oreal, Good-Loop’s ad formats drive engagement and build brand love while donating millions to global charities. Good-Loop’s carbon-neutral advertising has raised over $10m for charities worldwide and planted over a million trees – all while supporting high-quality journalism and diverse publications. Amy founded Good-Loop in 2016 after quitting her job at ad giant Ogilvy to volunteer at a soup kitchen in Argentina. She was impassioned by creating a company that could transform advertising into a force for good worldwide.Amy was listed as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30, is among Ad Age’s Women to Watch Europe, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year, and a face of the United Nations #SheInnovates global campaign. She’s also an Adweek contributor, a Cannes SDG Lions judge, and a passionate Bloom mentor. For more information, please visit https://good-loop.com/
Sarah Gardner is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Heat Initiative, a collective effort of concerned child safety experts and advocates encouraging leading technology companies to detect and eradicate child sexual abuse materials on their platforms. This year, she launched Heat's multimillion-dollar effort to hold Apple accountable for its inaction in removing child abuse from iCloud.Sarah previously spent 10 years at the Thorn, an organization that builds technology to combat online child sexual abuse, where she was integral to its growth from a small, start-up effort to a multi-million dollar nonprofit. For more information, please see https://protectchildrennotabuse.org/
Antoinette Mayer has a track record in achieving transformational change, marrying business and social impact goals, and building world-class teams. Under her leadership, Blue Shield of California's first Corporate Citizenship signature initiative, BlueSky, launched in 2019, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar statewide initiative focused on boosting access to mental health support for youth in California. For more information, please see https://bluesky.blueshieldca.com/
Kassia Davis is the founder of KADA (a sustainable clothing line offering elevated essentials to real women) and the new owner behind the iconic American heritage footwear brand PF Flyers. Kassia is a Boston-based entrepreneur and designer who spent ten years of her career at New Balance. For more information, please see https://wearkada.com/
Emily is the founder and CEO of Ethos Giving. Equal parts head and heart, Emily has spent her career working for social change. With deep experience in government, advocacy, nonprofit, corporate, and philanthropic work, Emily can uniquely envision and steward philanthropic contributions that maximize benefit and value for all. For more information, please see https://ethos-giving.com/
Our guest, Marissa Fayer, founded HERHealthEQ, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for equitable access to healthcare worldwide, particularly for women. Health, as she passionately believes, equals choices, and she is on a mission to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to make choices that lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.For more information, please see https://marissafayer.com/ and https://www.herhealtheq.org/.
Cheryl Field has 30+ years of experience in nursing, specializing in rehabilitation in the post-acute area with a focus on analytics, compliance, quality, and reimbursement. Cheryl has served various roles, including clinical director, VP of Healthcare, Chief Product Officer, and most recently, Group Product Leader. Cheryl has spoken at state and national conventions over 25 years on various healthcare care industry topics. For more information, please see https://www.cherylfield.com/
Nyamekye is the founder and lead servant at Black Sisters in STEM; she is on a mission to build LinkedIn for Black college women across the diaspora in STEM—the first of its kind in the world. Nyamekye is preparing the next generation of Black female leaders with cultural competency, technical skill sets, and inclusive leadership skills to meet the demands of the emergent workforce. For more information, please visit https://www.blacksis.org/
Reva is an experienced dental specialist in implant dentistry, reconstruction, and sleep-disordered breathing. A career encompassing clinical research, teaching, public speaking, and private practice. These skills and a French culinary background were the fertile ground to develop Savorease Foods - solving for food dissatisfaction with dysphagia diets. For more information, please visit https://savorease.com/
Allison Byers is the Founder & CEO of Scroobious, which is increasing diversity in the startup ecosystem by teaching founders how to create investable pitch material through a scalable online platform and making it easy for investors to discover them through data-driven curation. For more information, please visit https://www.scroobious.com/
Zandra Moore is a passionate tech leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the technology sector. She is the co-founder and CEO of SaaS software firm Panintelligence. She has been at the forefront of enabling more women in tech. Zandra founded Lean In Leeds and is an active member of WILD (Women in Leeds Digital), both UK organizations focused on increasing female representation in tech companies. For more information on Panintelligence, please visit https://panintelligence.com/
Rebekah Bastian is a product leader, entrepreneur, writer and artist. She is currently SVP of products at Glowforge, helping people make unique creations with 3D laser printers. Before that, she founded the social timeline platform OwnTrail, which was acquired by Teal, and spent 15 years at Zillow, with roles including VP of Product and VP of Community & Culture. Rebekah wrote the award-winning book Blaze Your Own Trail and is a Forbes contributor. For more information, please see https://rebekahbastian.com/
Isabella Mandis is the Founder and CEO of Girls Who VC and a student at Harvard concentrating in Statistics and Computer Science. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, technology, and education. Girls Who VC is the first organization to bring young women into venture capital, with over 3,000 members and 100 female mentors internationally (6 continents). For more information, please see https://www.girlswhovc.com/
For Founder & CEO Abby Michaelsen, it all started in a shoebox...you know, those tiny spaces New Yorkers call an apartment. After cramming a holiday tray into the back of her cabinet, all her excitement from her celebration turned into regret for buying something impractical. So, she set out to redesign and disrupt the home decor space! For more information, please see www.statementhome.com/ and use the PROMO CODE meetingyou20 for 20% off your purchase!
Amy Spurling is the Founder and CEO of Compt, which designs employee perks so they work. A serial entrepreneur, it is the time Amy spent as CFO and COO of early and growth stage companies before Compt that drives her belief that companies and employees can achieve so much more together when employees are fully supported. For more information, please visit https://www.compt.io/
Brooke Cote has been an entrepreneur her entire life! In addition to her wildly successful career in Life Sciences, Brooke is the CEO and Founder of SmokeShow Golf! Smoke Show Golf aims to help women get out of their comfort zone and feel their best. Use the code SMOKESHOW20 to enjoy 20% off your Smoke Show golf apparel purchase! https://smokeshowgolf.com/
Meg Wood is the Managing Director of NYBC Ventures. New York Blood Center created NYBC Ventures to accelerate innovation in blood-related fields and cellular therapies and technology. For additional information on NYBC Ventures, please visit https://www.nybcventures.org/
Kim Crowder has been featured by Forbes twice, where she was named an Anti-Racism Educator Your Company Needs Now. Kim is an expert at communicating and connecting in powerful and engaging ways. Her deep knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism (DEIA) is informed by years of executive-level DEIA practice and consulting in advocacy and implementation. For more information, please visit https://www.kimcrowderconsulting.com/
Rita Colwell is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland at College Park and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, senior advisor and chairman emeritus at Canon US Life Sciences, Inc., and president and chairman of CosmosID, Inc. For more information, please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_R._Colwell
Meet young entrepreneur Isis McFadden! Little Regalia LLC is a minority-owned and operated small business enterprise specializing in merchandise that inspires and empowers children and all who are young at heart. For more information, please visit https://littleregalia.com/
Founder and CEO of Brianna Régine Visionary Consulting (BRVC) - a full-service agency offering brand development, strategic communications, marketing, public relations, and operations management support-, Brianna Régine Walston is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, brand growth strategist, and public speaker - regularly advocating for workplace wellness, and DEI. For more information, please see https://www.brvisionaryconsulting.com/
Anne Hunger is an accomplished entrepreneur and product innovator who co-founded Glüxkind Technologies, a Vancouver-based startup revolutionizing pedestrian mobility. As Chief Product Officer, Anne’s visionary leadership and deep understanding of user needs have been instrumental in creating a flagship product, the smart baby stroller “Ella,” which delivers unparalleled safety and convenience for urban parents. For more information, please see https://gluxkind.com/
Monica Plath is the Founder & CEO of Littlebird Connected Care, a Seattle area native and mother of two active toddlers. After a caregiver mishap, she leveraged her background in CRE Development and start-up ecosystems to transform an opportunity into reality when the solution she sought did not exist. For more information, please visit https://www.littlebird.care/ Use the code LUCKY20 for 20% off!
Betty Francisco is an entrepreneur, business executive, attorney, and community leader. She is a powerful convener and changemaker, unapologetic about creating visibility for Latinx and POC leaders. The Boston Business Journal named Betty one of the 2020 Power 50 – Extraordinary Year Extraordinary People. For more information, please see https://bostonimpact.org/
Elyssa Kelly is the director of development for the Women and Philanthropy Network, with responsibility for driving strategy for women’s philanthropy to UConn’s strategic initiatives and amplifying the power of UConn women. Before this role, Elyssa served as senior director of alumni relations for the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, responsible for driving alumni engagement. For more information, please visit https://www.foundation.uconn.edu/
Jennifer has spent more than 20 years leading global business development programs and launching innovative new products as an executive at American Express, Verizon, Hands-On Mobile, CBS, EMI, and Orbit. She is the Co-Founder and President of Quesnay. For more information, please visit https://www.quesnays.com/
Drew and Emily are the co-founders of Resist Nutrition, both struggled with their hormone health and couldn’t find a bar that kept their blood sugar stable and didn’t mess with their hormones. So they used their combined experience in CPG to launch Resist right out of college and embarked on a mission to make it easy to snack for balanced hormones on the go. Resist makes plant-based nutrition bars filled with hormone-supportive, naturally low-carb ingredients and a clinically proven slow blood sugar response. For more information, please visit https://eatresist.com/
Ally Vallieres (RYT-500, Reiki Level II)is the proprietor of The Yoga Tree Studio in Haverhill, MA. Her love of restorative yoga started over a decade ago; she was drawn to the practice's deeply meditative and healing qualities, as well as the sense of ease in the body. She believes that everyone can benefit from this compassionate and supportive practice. For more information, please see https://linktr.ee/yogatreehaverhill
Cristina is a Business & Brand Content Coach, Women Empowerment Speaker, Founder, and Designer. She founded The Fuschia Files and Studio Bold (a content creation & personal branding studio). For more information on Cristina, please see https://www.instagram.com/le_fuschia/
Stephanie Wong is a Google Cloud Product Leader, a 3x Webby Award-winning content creator, and the Co-founder of How They Make Money on YouTube. For more information on Stephanie, please see https://www.stephrwong.com/ & https://www.youtube.com/@HowTheyMakeMoney_
Pallavi Pande is a mompreneur based in Portland, Oregon, and a proud founder of DTOCS. DTOCS tableware is made from naturally fallen palm leaves. They are chemical-free, plastic-free, compostable, microwave-safe, elegant, and single-use disposable. Use the promo code DTOCS10 for 10% off any order at http://www.Dtocs.com
Jessicah Pierre is the Chief of Communications for the City of Boston. She was also the Founder and Principal Publicist for the J. Pierre Communications Agency. One of her original ventures was Queens Company, a network for women of color. For more information, please see https://www.boston.gov/departments/press-office or https://jessicahpierre.com/
Allison was the CEO and co-founder of Rebellion Photonics. Rebellion Photonics focused on Oil and Gas safety with their Gas Cloud Imaging camera for continuously monitoring explosive gas leaks. Allison is also a methane emissions monitoring expert. Honeywell acquired the company in 2019.
Jennifer Matthews is the Executive Director and Community Leader at L'Arche Boston North. She was recently named the Woman in Business of the Year by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer is also a Board Member at Haverhill Bank. For more information on L'Arche Boston North, please see https://larchebostonnorth.org/
Martina Welkhoff is a Managing Partner at the WXR Venture Fund. An entrepreneur at heart, she founded her first mobile gaming startup over a decade ago. After exiting that, Martina founded a VR production studio called ConveneVR. For more information on WXR, please visit https://www.wxrfund.com/
Hayley Segar is the founder of onewith: a disruptive women's swimwear startup that changed swim so that women don't feel like they need to change themselves. onewith fills a white space in an otherwise saturated industry with their patent-pending swimwear that fits more like underwear than traditional swim. Dig-free, elastic-free, and edgeless, onewith consistently goes viral with their problem-solving product that women adore nationwide. For more information, please see https://onewithswim.com/
The patient-founder of Meter Health, MJ leads a team of world-class biotechnology executives while driving corporate strategy and fundraising activities. A patented inventor, she is also active in Meter’s scientific publications and clinical research. For more information, please see https://meterhealth.com/
Tram T. Nguyen serves as the Massachusetts State Representative for the 18th Essex District. Tram was first elected into office in November 2018 and is the first Vietnamese American woman in elected office in the Commonwealth and the first Vietnamese American elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. For more information, please see https://www.votetram.com/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTram
Co-Founder and CEO of Neurotrack, Elli Kaplan is taking the challenge of cognitive health. Neurotrack is building the cognitive health platform of the future, giving people direct access to tools and technology to assess, strengthen, and monitor their cognitive health. For more information, please visit https://neurotrack.com/
Jennifer Mathieu is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI). An entrepreneur herself, Jennifer is also an HBJ 40 Under 40, educator, and community builder. For more information on the CCEI, please see https://ccei.uconn.edu/
Lisa Williams is the founder of It's Simply Digital, a full-service digital marketing firm. But there's so much more to Lisa than that! She's an author, speaker, podcaster, and genuinely authentic human being! For more information, please visit https://itssimplydigital.com/
Angela Liu is the Director of Strategy & Growth at Hack Diversity. She's also the 2020 City of Boston, SPARK Boston Impact Winner & Chair, WBUR Advisory Board. For information on Hack Diversity, please visit https://www.hackdiversity.com/
2022 Boston Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree Stephanie Roulic is the Founder and Lead Organizer of Startup Boston. Startup Boston is on our mission to connect, educate and celebrate Boston’s startup community. For more information, please see https://www.startupbos.org/
Pooja Ika is the founder and CEO of eternalHealth. At the age of 24, she is the youngest woman to launch a new Medicare Advantage Health Plan in the United States. Pooja founded eternalHealth to deliver high quality, affordable care to her fellow Massachusetts residents. Committed to doing things the right way, eternalHealth was built on trust, transparency, and integrity. For more information, please visit https://eternalhealth.com/
October is LGBTQ+ History Month, and October 11th is National Coming Out Day. History UnErased is an education nonprofit founded in 2015 by veteran classroom teachers to provide K-12 schools with the curriculum and training they need to teach LGBTQ-inclusive history. For more information, please see https://unerased.org/
As the Founder and CEO of Wellist, Ashley combines her passion for improving patients' lives with deep experience in strategic planning and business development. Wellist provides integrated whole-family care. For more information, please visit https://www.wellist.com/.
Jeni Lu is a Realtor with Bentley Real Estate and creator of Wicked Northshore, a local guide to all things real estate in the Boston Northshore and Southern New Hampshire. For more information, please visit https://wickednorthshore.com/
Raquel Quezada is the Founder of Cambiando el mundo de personas con discapacidades which focuses on advocacy and education for parents of children with disabilities. Raquel is an author, radio and television personality, and international leader for the rights of disabled individuals. For more information, please see - https://www.facebook.com/cambiandoelmundo04
It's our 1 Year Anniversary! Richard takes a moment to thank all of our guests, our listeners, and our amazing team. Follow us on Instagram for more updates - https://www.instagram.com/meetingyoupodcast/
Spiritune takes a scientific approach to creating music. By leveraging clinically informed, evidence-based research in music therapy and neuroscience from leading institutions like NYU and Stanford, Spiritune has identified the specific musical characteristics that invoke certain emotions in the brain. For more information, please visit https://www.spiritune.com/
Founder, CEO & Data Scientist - BetterMeal AI
Swathi is a Data Scientist and passionate Nutrition researcher. Eager and curious, Swathi proves that no technological feat is too big to tackle. From business analysis to technological solutions, you want this hard-working innovator in your corner. For more information on BetterMeal AI, please visit https://www.bettermeal.ai/
wellness #nutrition #AI #guthealthmatters #womenentrepreneurs #womenceo #datascientist #podcast
Shanel Fields is the Founder and CEO of MD Ally. MD Ally was designed to enable an innovative EMS-provider collaboration that optimizes community-based medical services, establishes strong patient-provider relationships, and ensures great clinical and financial outcomes for the patient. For more information on MD Ally please visit - https://www.mdally.com/
womenentrepreneurs #womenceo #podcast
To start off Season 3, we chat with Tracie Dean Ponder. Tracie Dean Ponder is an entrepreneur, educator, equality advocate, writer, and filmmaker. For more information, please see https://www.traciedeanponder.com/
womenentrepreneurs #womenceo #podcast
Forward Thinking Leader | Community Resource Facilitator | Dynamic Community Advocate | Speaker | City Councilor - For More Information on Eunice, please visit https://eunicezeigler.com/
Lianna Kushi is the Programs Director at Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll). EforAll partners with communities nationwide to help under-represented individuals successfully start a business. For more information please visit https://eforall.org/
Nada Nosseir is the co-founder of Art Link. Their goal is to tackle the issue of social isolation and cultural silos in Vancouver by connecting people with arts and culture, and by fostering further collaboration in the arts community. For more information please visit https://www.vanartlink.ca/
Preview of the First Four Episodes of Season 2! Please subscribe, like, comment, and leave a 5-star review!
Esther is an entrepreneur, technologist, and social enterprise consultant. She is the founder and CEO of Helpfie. Helpfie provides innovative solutions to educate the lay public with basic first aid and equip emergency professionals with access to the latest EMS protocols. For more information on Helpfie, please visit https://www.helpfie.com/
Nana Younge is an Entrepreneurship Educator, Community Organizer, and Founder of Get Girls Going. Get Girls Going is entrepreneuring the future of leadership by helping black teen girls rise above racial and gender disadvantages. For more information please visit https://www.getgirlsgoing.org/
Michelle Wax, founder of American Happiness and a 3-time entrepreneur, author, documentarian, and national speaker. To learn more about American Happiness visit https://american-happiness.com/ or follow them on IG: @americanhappinessproject
Yahoo Finance named Shinjini as a Top 10 Motivational Speakers to Watch in 2021. Das Media Group offers motivational media marketing content strategy and execution to B2B, B2C, and D2C clients.