Episoder

  • Felicia and Rachel chat with Mica Le John, the Chief of Staff at Black Girls Code. We dove into her super interesting career journey and explored her passion for digital spaces, meaningful partnerships, and support for young people - they’re the future! Speaking of the future, we also discussed the future of the tech industry, workplace inclusion, mental health, and so much more. Mica shared insights into her work at Black Girls Code, the need for equity in the tech industry, the impact of social media, and the role of millennials and Gen Z in shaping digital spaces. Let’s go!

    Links:

    For ThemIdoruBlack Girls CodeKim Stanley RobinsonChapters:

    00:00 Intro

    00:57 Election Day Reflections and Team Policies

    02:08 The Importance of Mental Health and Productivity

    04:54 Newsletter Announcement and Welcoming Mica

    05:58 Mica's Journey: From Child Actor to Chief of Staff

    12:31 The Role and Impact of Black Girls Code

    14:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Tech Diversity

    24:07 Humanist Technologist: Balancing Tech and Humanity

    27:25 Nostalgic Dive into the 'Uglies' Series

    28:05 Books vs. Movies: A Lifelong Debate

    29:39 Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges

    30:03 Ideal Life and Personal Reflections

    34:04 Future of the Digital Space

    36:01 Generational Perspectives on Technology

    46:51 Climate Advocacy and Personal Goals

    50:35 Geeking Out: Plants and Speculative Fiction

    52:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this bonus episode, we share an Inclusion Geeks webinar that was recorded on October 30, 2024, between Felicia Jadczak and Katie Hyten, Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners. They explore the benefits and challenges of discussions about the election in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of employee agency, setting conversation norms, and ensuring psychological and emotional safety. Practical strategies include using opt-in mechanisms, conducting temperature checks, and de-escalating tensions through curiosity and structured dialogues.

    Webinar Description: The political landscape is changing rapidly. While discussing politics in the workplace can be uncomfortable and is often discouraged, it’s impossible to completely separate politics from work. Politics remains on many people’s minds and impacts actual lives and livelihoods. Managers and business leaders need to be prepared to support their teams through the various impacts of the election.

    Listen and find out how to best support your team members during times of political change.

    Chapters:

    00:22 Introduction to Today's Special Episode

    00:42 Managing Political Discussions at Work

    01:08 Webinar Introduction and Format

    02:04 Meet Felicia Jadczak

    04:04 Meet Katie Hyten

    10:00 The Importance of Political Conversations at Work

    16:03 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue

    18:51 Leadership and Check-ins

    28:20 Navigating Workplace Dynamics

    29:14 The Power of Asking Different Questions

    31:22 De-escalating Politically Charged Situations

    32:16 Embracing Curiosity and Complexity

    32:57 Practical Tools for De-escalation

    40:52 Preparing for Election Day

    42:09 Supporting Teams Through Uncertainty

    50:19 Strategies for Emotional Management

    54:17 Leadership's Role in Open Conversations

    57:27 Final Thoughts and Resources

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

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  • In this episode, Felicia and Rachel welcome Jumai Yusuf, a talented filmmaker and storyteller. Jumai shares her unique journey from Massachusetts theater kid to LA film director, highlighting her background in neurobiology and her passion for blending art and science. She discusses the development of her animated series 'Layla and the Starship Afrotopia,' which features a young Black Muslim girl with wormhole powers. We dive into the process of directing, from working with screenwriters to location scouting and casting. Before we talk with Jumai, we chat about our experiences at a few conferences - it turns out IRL events are still amazing!

    Links:Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)Sundance and Disney's Muslim Artist FellowshipIslamic Scholarship FundJumai Yusuf InstagramNate and John Film InstagramChapters:

    00:25 Felicia's Networking Adventures at WBENC

    04:56 Rachel's Culture Summit Experience

    08:22 Introducing Jumai Yusuf

    10:14 Jumai's Journey and Inspirations

    20:24 Directing The Eid Gift

    26:18 Casting for Ramadan America

    26:46 Balancing Writing and Directing

    28:13 Challenges in Directing

    29:37 Impact of Me Too and Black Lives Matter

    31:33 Advice for Aspiring Directors

    33:06 Cosplay and Anime Passion

    41:49 Renaissance Fair Adventures

    44:20 Peloton and Fitness Goals

    46:30 Final Thoughts and Social Media

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, Felicia and Rachel talk to author, historian, and educator Blair Imani. Blair discusses her origin story and how her experiences shaped her career in activism and education. She shares her perspectives on current social and political challenges, including the backlash against DEI initiatives and knowing when and how to speak out. We discuss Blair's incredibly powerful social media series, 'Smarter in Seconds,' and her decision-making process for creating content. Blair also recounts her experience attending the DNC, where she interacted with influential politicians like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Cory Booker, highlighting the importance of participating in political processes.

    Links:Bridging Generational Gaps to Build Stronger Teams ResourceBlair ImaniSmarter in SecondsChapters:

    (00:08) - Bridging Generational Gaps in Workplace

    (09:32) - Blair Imani

    (13:05) - Navigating Activism and Well-Being

    (19:55) - Revolution and Systemic Change Perspectives

    (26:39) - Navigating DEI Backlash and Activism

    (38:22) - DNC Reflections and Future Priorities

    (45:19) - Political Engagement and Civic Responsibility

    (51:51) - Community Accountability and Personal Growth

    (55:59) - Saying Goodbye to Blair Imani

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, hosts Rachel and Felicia welcome return guest Rachele Pojednic, an expert in nutrition and wellness. Rachele discusses her career trajectory, from teaching at Simmons University to her current roles at Restore Hyper Wellness and Stanford University's Center on Longevity. We talk about complementary therapies such as cryotherapy, the importance of consistent healthy habits, and the role of social connections in health. Rachele also addresses public health misconceptions, the challenges of scientific research, and the influence of popular science communicators like Andrew Huberman and Joe Rogan. We also explore the complexity of balancing between scientific integrity and public dissemination of health information.

    Links:

    Episode 64: Creating a Strong Process with Rachele PojednicEpisode 23: Fitness and Nutrition with Rachele PojednicRestore Hyper WellnessRachele PojednicStrong ProcessOctober Webinar RegistrationChapters:

    00:32 Preparing for Election Season

    01:35 Election Day and Workplace Policies

    04:25 Scenarios for Election Outcomes

    08:16 Introducing Guest Rachele Pojednic

    11:45 Rachel Pojednic's Career Journey

    18:54 The Role of Science in Wellness

    30:58 Challenges in Public Health and Science

    34:49 The Honey Study: Unveiling Bias in Research

    37:07 The Rise of Science Communicators

    40:00 Navigating Trust in Science and Media

    42:06 Understanding Longevity and Healthspan

    47:09 The Basics of a Healthy Lifestyle

    50:45 Complementary Therapies: Cryotherapy and More

    55:43 The Debate on IV Drips and Micronutrients

    01:02:59 The Role of Social Connection in Health

    01:09:02 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, we welcome guest Huriyyah Muhammad, a writer, director, and producer, to discuss her journey in the film industry, the role of lifting up others in creative work, and her latest project 'Chocolate with Sprinkles'. Huriyyah also shares insights on breaking into directing, the impact of representation in Hollywood, and co-founding the Black TV and Film Collective. Before the interview, Felicia and Rachel discuss the importance of setting workplace boundaries and acknowledging how challenging it can be to maintain professional and personal well-being.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to She Geeks Out Podcast

    00:26 Discussing Workplace Boundaries

    01:59 Navigating Authenticity and Boundaries at Work

    05:21 The Impact of Values in the Workplace

    08:45 Introducing Huriyyah Muhammad

    10:06 Huriyyah's Journey into Film

    21:13 Chocolate with Sprinkles: A Personal Story

    25:48 Exploring Magical Realism in Film

    28:26 Introduction to the Black TV and Film Collective

    30:09 Challenges and Growth of the Collective

    31:40 Industry Shifts and Representation

    34:49 Media Literacy and Misinformation

    39:38 Directing Ramadan America

    43:18 Breaking into Directing

    50:23 Personal Reflections and Parenthood

    56:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Links:

    We Are Not Family Blog post40% of Gen Zers, millennials say they would quit over political differences at workhttps://www.afi.com/news/tag/afi-dww/https://www.blacktvfilmcollective.org/DEI Is A Trillion Dollar Blind Spot. Sephora Gets It - You Should TooChocolate With SprinklesHuriyyah Muhammad Instagram

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast presented by Inclusion Geeks, we interview Sara Seligman, a writer, producer, and director whose work includes the film "Ramadan America" and the feature "Coyote Lake." Sara shares her journey from training as a ballet dancer in Mexico to becoming an actress in telenovelas to transitioning into directing and producing films. She discusses the challenges of breaking into the industry as a Latina and the complexities of different directing and producing roles in film and television. Sara also touches on the significance and controversies of the term 'Latinx,' and the importance of diverse representation in the media.

    We also discuss our journey from "She Geeks Out" to "Inclusion Geeks," explaining how our name change better reflects our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training. Join us as we discuss our evolution from "Boston Girl Geek Dinners" to our current mission, highlighting our broader focus beyond gender to include race, ethnicity, social class, disability, and more.

    Links we discussed:

    Ramadan AmericaCoyote LakeSara Seligman InstagramInclusion GeeksInclusion Geeks Instagram

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Introduction and Podcast Rebranding

    (00:53) The Evolution of Our Name

    (03:40) Why 'Inclusion Geeks'?

    (06:34) Celebrating Birthdays and Switching Topics

    (08:13) Interview with Sarah Seligman

    (09:37) Sarah's Villain Origin Story

    (18:05) Moving to LA and Producing Films

    (27:16) Role of a Line Producer

    (28:46) Balancing Director and Producer Responsibilities

    (32:55) Breaking into Directing

    (33:42) Challenges in Different Directing Fields

    (37:50) Commercials vs. Narrative Directing

    (45:38) Leadership and Management in Film

    (52:28) Representation and Identity in Film

    (01:01:40) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, we speak with guest Allison Byers, founder and CEO of Scroobious, about her journey into entrepreneurship. Allison shares how she reclaimed her career after facing gender-based professional roadblocks and what it looks like to face the challenges of fundraising in the male-dominated venture capital industry. Allison discusses the concept behind Scroobious, which aims to make fundraising more accessible for underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing education, personalized feedback, and connections to angel investors. We dig into her involvement as a co-author of California Senate Bill 54, which mandates the collection of venture capital data, and her advocacy work with organizations like All Raise.

    Links We Mention:

    Scroobious, SB54, All Raise, Olympics Blog Post

    (00:06) Olympics, Paralympics, Inclusion, Workplace, Inspiration

    (13:15) Building a Diverse and Sustainable Company

    (25:05) Navigating Venture Capital and Angel Funding

    (32:47) Intersection of Human Capital and AI

    (42:38) Venture Capital, Diversity, & Mentorship

    (51:11) Future Trends in Diversity & Entrepreneurship

    (56:45) Empowering Women in Business

    (01:03:40) Thanking Allison

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, we discuss the latest news around SHRM's decision to remove the word "equity" from their DEI language. We’re then joined by Chief Economist at Revelio Labs, Lisa Simon, to discuss a data-driven look at the future of employer and employee trends. Tune in for a lively conversation about current events and the ever-evolving landscape of diversity initiatives and the future of work!

    [00:00:56] Felicia and Rachel talk about SHRM's removal of "equity" in DEI.

    [00:13:30] Interview with Lisa starts.

    [00:17:30] Workforce intelligence at Rebellion Labs.

    [00:23:31] Remote work trends post-COVID.

    [00:26:27] Employee loyalty and trust.

    [00:30:18] Challenges in employer-employee dynamics.

    [00:35:54] Generative AI in the workforce.

    [00:39:15] AI and Creative Tasks.

    [00:45:25] Surprising new gender gap.

    [00:49:44] Work activities taxonomy.

    [00:51:45] Job titles are meaningless.

    [01:00:18] Collecting cliff salt in Spain.

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode, we reflect on our journey from Boston Girl Geek Dinners to She Geeks Out, highlighting how the landscape has completely changed for supporting women in tech. We then talk with Lisa Hannum of Beehive PR about the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion within executive leadership through the pandemic, social crises, and beyond.

    [00:00:19] Girls in tech non-profit closing.

    [00:06:32] Sponsorship challenges in tech community.

    [00:10:39] Evolution of diversity work.

    [00:11:45] DEI work and crisis work.

    [00:12:45] Interview with Lisa starts.

    [00:15:12] An unexpected career change.

    [00:20:10] The power of clarity.

    [00:25:43] B Corp certification.

    [00:28:55] Mind your own bobber.

    [00:35:18] DEI work as organizational identity.

    [00:39:10] Crisis communication and DEI work.

    [00:43:33] Organizations and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

    [00:46:44] Leadership challenges and expectations.

    [00:50:09] Speaking Up in Difficult Situations.

    [00:54:32] Return to work policies.

    [01:00:53] Women in C-suite roles.

    [01:03:18] Choices and marginalized communities.

    [01:07:22] Where to find Beehive.

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • On this episode of the SheGeeksOut podcast, we chat with Dr. Charmain Jackman, founder of InnoPsych, a mental health platform focusing on therapists of color. Dr. Jackman shares insights on challenges in mental health support for BIPOC communities, her journey with InnoPsych, and how emotional well-being practices can translate into the workplace. Tune in for an engaging discussion on promoting diversity and inclusion in mental health services.

    [00:01:16] Interview with Dr. Charmain starts.

    [00:06:29] Entrepreneurship journey and challenges.

    [00:08:24] Overcoming obstacles in therapy.

    [00:14:47] Finding the right therapist.

    [00:18:04] Workplace well-being.

    [00:20:24] National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness.

    [00:26:59] Importance of cultural competency

    [00:30:49] Lack of cultural competency in therapy.

    [00:33:21] Accessibility in finding therapists.

    [00:35:30] Decolonized approach to therapy.

    [00:42:32] The role of AI in therapy.

    [00:44:21] Privacy concerns in therapy industry.

    [00:49:31] Self-care and prioritizing health.

    [00:53:27] Stepping out of comfort zone.

    [00:55:24] Stay updated on all things.

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode, we chat with Katrina Loutzenhiser, Director of Learning and Development at Oncology Nursing Society, about challenges in providing learning and development to a member organization, motivating people to engage in DEI work, and integrating DEI into the workplace. We also discuss our involvement with ONS as clients and share insights from our recent work together.

    [00:00:50] Clients as podcast guests.

    [00:04:25] Interview with Katrina starts.

    [00:06:25] DEI Journey

    [00:10:55] Tying bonuses to diversity training.

    [00:13:50] Mandatory vs voluntary training.

    [00:18:13] Engaging in lunchtime conversations.

    [00:21:27] Impact of Five Minute Conversations.

    [00:24:06] Importance of post-training work.

    [00:28:44] Intersection of L&D and DEI.

    [00:32:06] Knowledge checks.

    [00:37:10] Future goals and aspirations.

    [00:40:44] Meaningful job for women.

    Links mentioned:

    Contact Katrina via email at [email protected] website

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • This week on the She Geeks Out podcast, we chat with Erica Becks, the Confidence Guru, a seasoned leadership and transformative mindset coach. Erica empowers women to break barriers and boost confidence using a personalized and evidence-based approach. With a Master's from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor's from Brown University, Erica's impactful coaching has been featured in major outlets like the Today Show and the Huffington Post. Tune in to gain insights from Erica's wisdom!

    [00:02:36] Mexico's first woman president.

    [00:05:26] Gender parity in Mexico.

    [00:08:03] Supreme Court justices controversy.

    [00:10:31] Interview with Erica starts.

    [00:15:27] Entrepreneurial opportunity at social networking.

    [00:19:36] Conquering fear of public speaking.

    [00:23:25] The power of confidence.

    [00:25:55] Trauma in the workplace.

    [00:28:41] Therapeutic background in coaching.

    [00:32:38] Internal barriers for women.

    [00:38:58] Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence.

    [00:39:44] Neuroplasticity in brain science.

    [00:43:38] Cultivating Confidence Quickly.

    [00:47:25] Meditation and its benefits.

    [00:51:33] The power of positive self-talk.

    [00:55:26] Positive self-talk app.

    [00:58:29] Generational differences in parenting.

    [01:02:28] Evolution of leadership mindset coaching.

    [01:05:29] Manifesting with the Mindvalley app.

    [01:09:07] Stay updated on all things.

    Links mentioned:

    Self Talk Plus appMind Valley appFollow Erica on LinkedIn

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In our latest episode, we speak with Bo Young Lee, President and Chief Impact Officer of AnitaB.org, discussing her expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bo's experience at Uber and other major organizations highlights her impact in driving meaningful, positive change. Our conversation covers Bo's origin story, DEI backlash, supporting underrepresented people in the workplace, and insights on the tech industry. Don't miss out on the valuable resources available at www.sgolearning.com to learn more about mitigating bias in various settings.

    [00:02:14] Women in tech spaces shutting down.

    [00:06:50] The changing tech industry landscape.

    [00:08:05] Interview with Bo starts.

    [00:08:52] Origin story and resilience.

    [00:11:51] Embracing cultural identity in leadership.

    [00:16:33] Anita Borg's Impact and Evolution.

    [00:19:29] Challenges at Grace Hopper.

    [00:24:27] Scarcity mindset in tech companies.

    [00:27:15] Ethical considerations in tech industry.

    [00:32:36] Leadership and tech ethics.

    [00:36:29] Evolution of DEI initiatives.

    [00:37:11] Diversity and inclusion initiatives.

    [00:41:16] Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

    [00:47:20] Diversity and Perception.

    [00:48:45] Diversity and Inclusion

    [00:54:05] Organizations in DEI space landscape.

    [00:57:43] Creating an alternative version of capitalism.

    [00:58:59] Privacy and social media boundaries.

    Links mentioned:

    Blog post about events for women in techFollow Bo Young Lee on LinkedIn

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • This week on the She Geeks Out podcast, we chat with Marta Schaaf, Director of the Amnesty International Program on Climate, Economic, and Social Justice. We discuss her awe-inspiring background in advocacy work, her current work on climate change (both locally and globally), and the importance of corporate responsibility. Spoiler alert - corporations can make a heckuva lot more impact on climate action than we can by recycling or quitting plastic straws. Her passion for the work is clear, and we were moved. We bet you will be, too!

    [00:02:28] Student demonstrations for divestment.

    [00:07:07] Privilege and College Protests.

    [00:10:55] Two-state solution debate.

    [00:11:39] Toxicity in alumni groups.

    [00:13:37] Interview with Marta starts.

    [00:18:07] Climate justice.

    [00:21:34] Fatal Fuels.

    [00:25:55] Plastic straw movement and activism.

    [00:29:30] Activism and climate change.

    [00:31:03] Access to Power and Hope.

    [00:36:11] Getting involved at a local level.

    [00:41:26] Political engagement and activism

    [00:43:22] Corporate Responsibilities and Regulations.

    [00:49:01] Labor leader's impactful statement.

    [00:50:33] Colonizing space is a distraction.

    [00:54:46] Geeking out about national parks.

    [00:57:41] Becoming an abortion activist.

    Links mentioned:

    Amnesty InternationalClimate Families NYCFollow Marta on LinkedIn

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • On this week's episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, we chat with Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan, cousins and co-founders who also lead their company as Co-CEOs. We explore the unique challenges and rewards of managing a business with family. Our discussion also covers important topics such as access to period products and the challenges of fundraising as women entrepreneurs. Kicking off the episode, we examine the significance of May Day and its impact on workers' rights.

    [00:00:45] Co-CEO relationships and family dynamics.

    [00:06:36] The 40-hour work week.

    [00:08:05] Interview starts.

    [00:08:13] Unique name stories

    [00:12:40] Impactful female-focused bathroom product.

    [00:17:49] Men as allies in innovation.

    [00:20:41] Choosing the name "Unicorn."

    [00:23:15] Magic in the bathroom.

    [00:25:50] Unconventional marketing strategies.

    [00:31:33] Upgraded to twin beds.

    [00:33:53] Period poverty.

    [00:39:25] Workplace health and performance.

    [00:42:11] Workplace challenges and perceptions.

    [00:44:54] Gender-neutral bathrooms.

    [00:50:16] Ownership and Business Decisions.

    [00:53:31] Certification challenges and humor.

    [00:57:40] Women in professional poker.

    [00:59:31] Legacy of period product accessibility.

    [01:02:16] Free code for courses.

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In our latest episode, we interview Erin Loos Cutraro, the founder and CEO of She Should Run, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging women to run for office - it’s so needed! Did you know that women still hold less than 30% of all elected offices across the federal, state, and local level, and the numbers are even lower when looking at women from underrepresented communities? Black women comprise less than 6% of officeholders in Congress, statewide elective executive offices, and state legislatures; only 7.9% of all women state legislators identify as Latina; and, roughly 0.23 percent of U.S elected officials identify as LGBTQIA+. Women are still less likely than men to have thought about running for office or to express interest in running for office in the future. Women are less likely to have opted into leadership roles from a young age. In fact, few of us– less than 2%– grow up with the dream to run for office one day. There’s lots of work to do!

    Before the interview, we chat about the movie American Fiction and how the Black American experience is portrayed in media.

    [00:02:22] Felicia and Rachel discuss the movie American Fiction.

    [00:10:50] Interview with Erin.

    [00:11:15] Origin story and childhood upbringing.

    [00:18:34] Challenges for women candidates.

    [00:22:42] Running for office aspirations.

    [00:23:46] Women in political roles.

    [00:29:35] Nonpartisan space and misconceptions.

    [00:33:13] Running for public office journey.

    [00:36:17] Women's surge after 2016 election.

    [00:41:17] A different political climate.

    [00:45:35] Overcoming political exhaustion and paralysis.

    [00:49:12] Finding women who aren't looking.

    [00:53:12] The importance of diverse opinions.

    [00:57:28] Future goals and hopes.

    [01:00:49] The opportunity in Gen Z.

    Links mentioned:

    https://sheshouldrun.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlooscutraro

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • In this episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, Felicia and Rachel interview two remarkable scientists who were part of the Homeward Bound expedition to Antarctica. Tiffany Vora is the Vice Chair of Digital Biology at Singularity University and a faculty member at EY Tech University. Dr. Judit Jimenez Sainz is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Valencia and University College London. They discuss their passions for mentorship, diversity, and translating cutting-edge science into practical solutions for societal advancement.

    [00:01:09] Women in STEM advancement.

    [00:04:36] Subverting the white savior trope.

    [00:07:59] The power of fictional characters.

    [00:12:23] STEM careers and Mars exploration.

    [00:15:31] Technology and healthcare advancements.

    [00:21:55] Future of cancer research.

    [00:24:07] Genetic testing and preventive surgery.

    [00:29:01] Space exploration benefits humanity.

    [00:32:45] Space community joy.

    [00:35:28] Women in STEM and Antarctica.

    [00:39:02] Mars simulation in high Canadian Arctic.

    [00:42:22] Women in Antarctica community.

    [00:46:49] Climate change and advocacy.

    [00:49:37] Transforming Doom and Gloom into Action.

    [00:56:09] Future plans and goals.

    [00:58:39] Future priorities in science.

    [01:01:31] Party and dancing passion.

    [01:03:50] New podcast merch available.

    Links mentioned:

    https://homewardboundprojects.com.au/https://tiffanyvora.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyvora/https://jimenezsainzlab.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/juditjimenezsainz/https://www.teepublic.com/user/she-geeks-out

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • Dr. Michaela Musilova, an accomplished astrobiologist, author, and analog astronaut, joins the She Geeks Out podcast to discuss her mission of making science and climate change accessible to all. She shares insights from her space-related research and leadership roles, including being part of Homeward Bound Excursions empowering women in STEMM.

    [00:00:16] Dr. Michaela Musilova, astrobiologist, author.

    [00:06:00] Importance of sharing pronouns.

    [00:09:42] Space dreams and inspiration.

    [00:13:36] Overcoming obstacles to study abroad.

    [00:15:00] Life on other planets.

    [00:21:35] Blackmailed out of grant.

    [00:23:11] Overcoming challenges and guilt.

    [00:26:57] Overcoming financial challenges in Hawaii.

    [00:32:31] Passion for astrobiology research.

    [00:36:06] Building settlements on Mars.

    [00:38:25] Space exploration and balance.

    [00:43:36] An impactful expedition experience.

    [00:44:29] Female leadership in STEM fields.

    [00:48:33] Pursuing Science and Technology

    [00:52:18] Creating your own path.

    [00:57:50] Geeking out about rocks.

    [09:23] Sign up for our mailing list.

    Links mentioned:

    Leading DEI Conversations program: https://bit.ly/49JosgNhttps://www.instagram.com/astro_michaelahttps://twitter.com/astro_michaelahttps://www.facebook.com/astroMichaelaMichaela’s Chuffed Funding Campaign: https://chuffed.org/project/astrosevensummits

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  • Dive into the world of redlining and real estate with Derek Lumpkins and Melony Swasey, hosts of the Black Lining Forum podcast. Discover how they are reshaping narratives by centering black and brown perspectives on owning real estate. Learn about anti-racist practices to combat discriminatory practices like redlining. Also, celebrate Women's History Month and its focus on empowerment and resilience in the face of challenges.

    [00:01:38] Women's History Month.

    [00:04:23] Gender evolution and inclusivity.

    [00:10:35] Community building and racial understanding.

    [00:14:35] Real estate as wealth pathway.

    [00:19:38] BIPOC professionals facing housing challenges.

    [00:21:38] Buying the Hood.

    [00:27:03] Homeownership and wealth building.

    [00:30:20] Tangible benefits of owning property.

    [00:33:06] Corporations vs. individuals in property ownership.

    [00:38:01] Community responsibility in real estate.

    [00:41:47] Market Rent Dilemma

    [00:45:18] Exploring new menu options.

    [00:49:07] Self-care in a capitalistic society.

    [00:52:57] Redlining and real estate wealth.

    Links Mentioned:

    Blacklining Forum podcastBlacklining Forum on YouTubeSGOLearning.comSheGeeksOut.com/podcast for code to get a free mini course@[email protected] @goodbostonlivingRefreshstrategiestoday.com

    Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.