This episode is a bit of a departure from our usual lineup, and we think it’s exactly what many of us are craving right now. We’re joined by intuitive guide and founder of Soul-Speak , Cindy Aaker, who shares her deeply personal spiritual journey, from waking visions and archangel encounters to discovering the Akashic Records and connecting with guides beyond this realm. Recorded in the midst of global uncertainty and collective exhaustion, this conversation is an offering of meaning, stillness,...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 157
In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Aparna Rae —educator, entrepreneur, writer, and disruptor—who brings clarity, honesty, and depth to our conversation about equity, data, and the future of work. We get into the real talk around corporate DEI, why so many initiatives fall flat, and how data can actually help drive meaningful change when used well (and not just to check a box). Aparna shares insights on how to survive this current moment—marked by authoritarian creep, economic anxiety...
Jun 16, 2025•54 min•Ep. 156
In this powerful and important episode, we sit down with Mary Rose Mazzola—attorney, public policy powerhouse, and Chief External Affairs Officer at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts—to unpack what it means to fight for reproductive justice in an increasingly chaotic world. MaryRose shares how her personal experiences shaped her advocacy, the strategic decisions her team is making post-Dobbs, and the unique role Massachusetts plays as a safe haven and leader in this fight. We also get r...
May 19, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 155
What happens when a movement built on innovation starts to eat itself? In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Bracy—CEO of TechEquity Collaborative and author of World Eaters —for a bold, unflinching conversation on the state of tech, venture capital, AI, and what it really means to build an equitable future. We get into: How blitzscaling became a blueprint for burnout Why “disruption” often means sidelining equity What it takes to re-center people in an industry built for profit We also dig...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 154
Amber Cabral, a celebrated leadership strategist and author, joins us to share her insights on the art of "humaning well" in both the workplace and in life. Amber guides us on how to maintain the delicate balance between supporting others and ensuring our own well-being. She challenges the traditional nine-to-five grind, advocating for alternative ways of working that align better with personal productivity and mental health. Her personal journey through grief after the loss of her father provid...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 153
And we’re back! In our first episode of 2025, we dig into the state of DEI—what’s shifting, what’s under attack, and how some companies, like Costco and McKinsey, are staying the course while others retreat. We’ll break down the misconceptions fueling resistance and share ways to keep inclusion at the core of workplace culture, even when legal and political pressures make it challenging. We’re also talking about how to stay informed without getting overwhelmed. In a time when news cycles feel no...
Feb 19, 2025•42 min•Ep. 152
In our latest episode, we welcome Karen Catlin, author and advocate for inclusive workspaces, back to the pod for the first time since 2020 . Our discussion covers celebrating ten years of learning through Better Allies, shifts in DEI dynamics post-2020, and the increased backlash against DEI initiatives in current times. We discuss the continued importance and evolution of allyship, with practical strategies for individual and organizational support. Karen also shares personal anecdotes, mistak...
Nov 27, 2024•58 min•Ep. 151
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 socia...
Nov 13, 2024•54 min•Ep. 150
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-escalat...
Nov 01, 2024•58 min•Ep. 149
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 locat...
Oct 30, 2024•49 min•Ep. 148
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 crea...
Oct 16, 2024•57 min•Ep. 147
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 h...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 146
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 bou...
Sep 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 145
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 producin...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 144
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...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 143
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 ...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 142
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. [...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 141
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:...
Jul 10, 2024•56 min•Ep. 140
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] Tyin...
Jun 26, 2024•42 min•Ep. 139
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 f...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 138
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...
May 29, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 137
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 w...
May 15, 2024•59 min•Ep. 136
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...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 135
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 legislature...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 134
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 mentor...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 133
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] ...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 132
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 inc...
Mar 06, 2024•54 min•Ep. 131
Join us for an important conversation about gender and the workplace as we explore topics ranging from confirmation bias to gender-based violence and the subtleties of power gap relationships. Our guest is Emily Nix, Assistant Professor of Finance and Business at the USC Marshall School of Business and a labor economist who studies the economic impacts of violence against women, the gender income gap, inequality, and human capital accumulation. Her research and expertise have been featured in th...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 130
Listen in as Julia Taylor , Founder and CEO of GeekPack shares her remarkable transition from intelligence work to tech entrepreneurship. Her story is a tapestry of life-altering moments—her first deployment, finding love, and the challenges faced as a military spouse, ultimately leading her to the tech world. She recounts how a simple Google search sparked her coding passion, emphasizing the value of community and mentorship. As Julia's tale unfolds, we also peel back the layers on the evolutio...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 129
We know budgets are tight, but there are still so many ways you can continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at your company without spending money. In today's bonus episode, we'll guide you through simple yet powerful steps that can support an inclusive workplace culture. From the way we craft our emails to the structure of our hiring processes, every action counts. Learn how to magnify your DEI efforts through everyday practices like using inclusive language and revising company po...
Jan 31, 2024•21 min
