BoostHER: conversations designed to inspire you, me, & her

Today is both the end of ChangeMakers Month, and also marks our Season 2 finale, with Senior Apparel Designer for adidas Basketball, Kat Chen, joining us in the BoostHER Club to round out our season. Kat talks to us about the duality of growing up in a traditional Taiwanese household, and growing up in the bustling borough of Queens, NY - the Mecca of hip-hop, rebellious basketball (cc: the 90s-era NY Knicks), as well as a cornerstone for fashion and art. Kat talks to us about the difficulties that duality posed, and also details the path/risks she took that led her to find, and wholeheartedly walk in, her purpose - with Kat's undying love for basketball and its culture as her guiding force. Lastly, we discuss Kat's excitement for her next chapter as her time at adidas comes to an end, and the limitless possibilities that stand in front of her.

We continue to celebrate Changemakers throughout Women's History Month with Ciara Iglehart, creator of Your Pace Matters and a Brand Ambassador for Black Girls Run. Ciara talks to us about how joining a running club has led to so many positive changes - from encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for women, to facilitating positive conversations to bring women from various backgrounds together in sisterhood. Ciara also details how YPM and BGR have empowered long-term and positive changes on her communities, not just locally, but nationwide. Lastly, we learn about Ciara's "rock bottom" moment: what led to it, what helped pull her out, and how it has had a lasting effect on Ciara prioritizing her mental health.

We kick off our episodes with Women's History Month as we champion women who are Changemakers in their own right, be it within their careers, side hustles, or simply through their perspectives. Hilary LaRose joins us today to talk about her stance as a Changemaker as it relates to sustainability, and making sure she is always positioning herself in a role that drives us towards better global environmental health. Hilary talks to us about her role, how and why sustainability is a passion so deeply engrained in her, and even helps us with our own ways that we can keep the planet healthy. Hilary talks to us about trusting her gut, the lows around her mental health postpartum, and the benefits of asking for help, and not being ashamed of it. We also learn about the successes within Hilary's career that will only propel her to continue breaking the mold for cultivating a sustainable, environmentally-friendly world.

Julia Bennett-Jean joins us in the BoostHER Club to talk us through her role as a lawyer, specifically within Commercial Litigation. Julia explains to us that what we might see on film and tv doesn't necessarily equate to what the reality of the law profession is, and all that her journey entailed in order to get to where she is now along her path within Law. Julia talks about the importance in shattering generational curses and workplace stereotypes in order to be able to show up each day authentically as herself, and pave the way for black women coming after her to do the same. Lastly, Julia talks about the magic she feels as a black woman and feels in seeing her community of black people around her, paying homage to the women before her, allowing Julia to stand on their shoulders to further not just her own greatness, but Black greatness overall.

As Black History Month continues in the BoostHER Club, Lisa C. Willis joins us in the BoostHER Club to discuss her 9-5 corporate role at Nike, as well as her 5-9 side hustles as a public speaker, trainer, author (When the Buzzer Sounds), among many other entrepreneurial ventures. Lisa talks about the importance of finding what work is energy-giving, and using that energy in a way to amplify life overall. We also learn about how Lisa's experiences in college, the WNBA, as a Team USA gold medalist, and also within the New York Knicks organization have dealt a significant hand in how she approaches people, career, and life overall. Lastly, we learn that Lisa's Black History celebration is never-ending, as she dives into her love for black history and black culture, and the way it fuels her as a black woman.

As we keep our party going for Black History Month, Jessica Onyepunuka joins in on the celebration here in the BoostHER Club. As the Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Experience at the University of Southern California, Jessica talks to us about all that comes with her role within marketing around collegiate athletics, and how it differs from any of the other facets of marketing. As a daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Jessica's upbringing informed her early childhood ambitions to be both a Track & Field Olympian and a lawyer, before an internship at USC changed her vision in a way she could not ignore. We discuss the notion of choosing each day the path for your life -- career ambitions, personal relationships and everything in between -- through instituting an honest and personal check-in to take stock of your life's goals. Lastly, we discuss the difficulties black women sometimes face with celebrating themselves, the steps Jessica is undertaking to practice celebrating herself more often, right before she gives gratitude for the blessings that come with the magic of her blackness.

We are kicking off Black History Month here in the BoostHER Club and joining to help us begin our celebrations is Ashley Booker, Technical Recruiter for Stripe, a technology company centered around building economic infrastructure for the internet. As a Facebook and Google alum in the realm of technical recruiting as well, Ashley details for us all that goes into the role both as a member of global tech giants, and now currently as she works for a hyper-growth start-up company. Ashley talks to us about navigating the predominantly white, male space as a Black woman, and how she welcomes the challenge to counter any and all preconceived notions that may arise as it relates to Black women, noting the responsibility to not just represent for her community, but to also lead the charge in uplifting and promoting an environment that includes more diversity hires within the world of tech. Ashley takes us to school surrounding the topic of salary negotiation, right before she talks to us about the pride she feels in being a Black woman, noting the rarity of the Black experience as something she values and appreciates the most.

University of Oregon Women's Basketball assistant coach Jackie Nared-Hairston joins us in the BoostHER Club today to conclude our month of conversations centered around ‘new beginnings'. In her return to Oregon, Jackie is also returning to her home state, and to where early career days began as video coordinator for the UO program. Returning now as an assistant coach, Jackie notes how the move back to Oregon felt right in terms of wanting to settle down both personally and professionally. We learn that Jackie loves the role she plays in the lives of her athletes and within this program, and because of that, her job rarely feels like work. We discuss representation, family, and the period of time where Jackie questioned if this was actually a career she wanted to pursue, right before discussing her baby boy due in March, and her plans to not only be a great coach, but a stellar mom as well.

Today, Brenda Zullo, Director of Product Development Sport for Tory Burch, joins us in the BoostHER Club to discuss her New Beginning, departing from adidas, it's global/North America headquarters, plus its sport culture, and diving more into the fashion realm with Tory Burch. Brenda details all that entails her role and also the windy path it took to reach this role. We discuss with Brenda the ups and downs of working in a corporate space, and also the ups and downs that can come within personal relationships from being an ambitious, smart, and strong woman. Lastly, Brenda pays gratitude to one of her lowest moments, as it has helped her to find absolute joy in her current role and stage in life.

Gold medal Olympian Kim Hill joins us in the BoostHER Club to celebrate our month of January centered around New Beginnings. Kim talks to us about her experience as a volleyball player collegiately, overseas, and with USA Volleyball: the highs and the humility associated with being a part of such dominant and successful programs, and all that she's gained from her years of experience in the sport. Kim also talks to us about the overwhelming feelings retirement brings, how she is deciphering what's next for her, and the gratitude she has for the skills volleyball has taught her, that will ultimately prepare for whatever exciting new adventure she has next.

Boss BoostHER Month concludes with Domonique Debnam, Senior Director of Fitness and Tennis Footwear at Nike, joining us in the BoostHER Club to talk all things career, life, relationship green flags, and most importantly, how she finds it a responsibility to always maintain her authenticity throughout her journey, so that the young women following her can also show up authentically along their own paths. We learn about Domonique's humility, and how celebrating her wins is still something that she is learning to pause, reflect, and make time for, but something she acknowledges as a key to continued success. Domonique also discusses her connection to Nike, how it started, how it has manifested throughout the years, and we also discuss her new role as Senior Director; how she is learning to find gratitude in both the growing pains and the significance in this being an exceptional milestone not just for her career, but for her industry overall.

We invite Natasha Salter into the BoostHER Club as we continue celebrating December as our month of Boss BoostHERs. Tash leads the way for adidas Basketball as the Design Director for Color and Materials and goes into detail for us surrounding all that encompasses her role, and the areas across sports apparel and footwear in which her and her team makes an impact. We talk about what led Tash to the role, what she could see herself doing if not for her current role, and we also discuss how, although Tash has worked on some amazing projects in her career, her biggest honor lies in helping to bring along the women she works with to help further their ability to take up space in the industry. Lastly, Tash displays a an openness and vulnerability surrounding her mental health and how it was a low that she has been able to turn into an incredible strength, pushing her to continually learn and see the beauty in each experience life has to offer her.

We continue Boss BoostHER month with Ilona Stepanyants ("Lo"), Senior Vice President of Brand and Partnerships for The ARIA Network. Lo talks to us about how making sure she is always the most prepared person in the room has served her career thus far, and how her confidence level also hinges on making sure consistent preparation is a key staple of her professional endeavors. We talk about salary negotiation, the importance of having your own personal "board of directors" to ensure you're not operating in a bubble of solely your own opinions, and we dive into the importance of family to Lo, and how it has become the cornerstone of making sure she is operating in a way that still allows her to show up as her best self for her family each day. Lastly, Ilona discusses a disappointing period in her career that she wouldn't change for the world, as it allowed her to work with icons such as Pharrell and Beyonce, including talking through all of the knowledge that she gained from such wonderful experiences.

December is our month for celebrating our Boss BoostHERs, so it is only fitting that Niveen Rasheed, Director of Brand Communications for the National Basketball Players Association joins us in the BoostHER Club to kickstart this month. Niveen discusses her path to both the NBPA, as well as her path to the role she currently holds - noting a specific experience around salary negotiation that allowed her to showcase her strengths and her worth across her department. Niveen also talks about the authenticity that comes from working in an environment that champions diversity and how that directly translates to the amazing work she does with the NBPA. Lastly, we celebrate Niveen's Palestinian heritage, as well as her love for community and the sense of belonging and growth our different communities can provide for us, all before we acknowledge our gratitude for Niveen's presence in our BoostHER Community.

We finish out Gratitude Month by talking with Crystal Duncan, licensed therapist based out of San Diego, California, and someone in a profession we have a lot of gratitude for here in the BoostHER Club. In today's episode, Crystal talks to us about the nature of her role as a therapist, and some of the tools that allow her to really work as a teammate with her patients in order to help them reach a place of healing and wholehearted living. We talk about the influences that have shaped both Crystal's path to becoming a therapist, and also that promote her growth within this career - Brene Brown and Oprah Winfrey, just to name a few. Lastly, Crystal discusses with us how making sure she has a healthy relationship with herself is the catalyst to maintaining healthy relationships with others, and how continually doing the important internal work is a great trick to amplifying our life experiences.

Episode 3 highlights Dr. Alcha Strane, an obstetrician-gynecologist in the state of Georgia, and one of our many healthcare professionals deserving of our gratitude as she has been on the frontlines all throughout the pandemic. Alcha takes us through the ins and outs of her role, the misconceptions she can face from an outsider looking into her role, and we even get a glimpse into all of the different roles Alcha played before settling in as an OBGYN. We learn about the medical disparities that plague women - namely, black women - and all of the ways Alcha is working to make sure her patients, and all women, never have to face these inequities, or are well-equipped if they ever do. Lastly, Alcha reminds us of the importance of leaning into our purpose, and by her doing so, she now proud serves her community as *Dr.* Alcha Strane.

We continue Gratitude Month by celebrating Veterans Day in the BoostHER Club this week. Today, we talk with 9-year U.S. Navy veteran, Tracey Walker, about her time in the Navy as an Air Traffic Controller. Tracey talks to us about the highs and lows that come with being a woman in the military, but also shares with us how it is an experience she wouldn't trade for the world. We learn about the world of Air Traffic Control, the misconceptions that women in the military may face, and how Tracey built a confidence and leadership style that she still carries with her today. Lastly, we learn about some of the difficulties veterans face when they end their contract within the military, and how, through finding her support system in a community of veterans, she's been able to move past the uncertainty, and move towards her next adventure with a spirit of excitement and determination.

We kick off Season 2 with a very special guest in Rebecca Jury, VP of Women's Apparel Product at Nike WHQ. Previously a 15-year adidas alum, Rebecca talks about her time at the German-based company; how she got her start, and how doing such culturally-relevant collaborations with the brand added a more meaningful scope to her role overall. We talk about Rebecca's transition from adidas to Nike, and how dissolving the internal pressures she placed on herself led to a beautiful path of self-discovery. Rebecca discusses with us the highs and lows along her journey, and in the spirit of November as our Month of Gratitude, she explains why she is grateful for the good experiences as well as the not-so-good, just before detailing her gratitude for her most favorite role of them all: being a mom.

Our BoostHER creator, Nya Mason, takes a break from the host chair and moves into the guest seat this week to share with guest host (and episode 7 BoostHER), Dr. Charlotte Marshall, anecdotes from her own personal and career journey thus far. She takes us through her motivation and the process that went into creating BoostHER, and how both the evolution of the podcast, and of herself, truly have gone hand in hand throughout season one. Nya discusses how her family, her experiences as an athlete, and how the legacy she wants to leave on the world has shaped her worldview and allows her to live in a way that finds her always seeking growth and new ways to "level up". To end, Charlotte puts Nya in the hot seat for her version of a "Lightning Round", right before our BoostHER Up segment, where we learn the moment that has positively defined Nya's career.

It is AAPI Heritage Month and we have Corrie Tin Villatoro here in the BoostHER Club to help us celebrate. Corrie, with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the PR realm as former VP at Edelman, and in the Brand Communications realm as Communications Manager for both Nike and adidas, talks to us about how those experiences shape our path, and our evolution not just as professionals, but as people. We talk about how to pivot when a salary negotiation conversation may not go as desired, and about how having respect for people's lived experiences empower us all to show up authentically as ourselves. Lastly, Corrie talks about the joy she feels in being a Chinese-American woman, and how amidst all of the struggles brought on from the past year, her resolve has been fortified in terms of standing up for and with others in the fight towards a collective sense of equality and justice.

We talk with Emily Boscacci-Franch and Adrianna Franch (aka "AD") about how they met, how they support one another in lieu of their career and personal goals, and we discuss their respective careers - the ups, downs, and everything in between. Emily and AD share with us how they navigate staying committed and accountable not only to their own individual goals, but also to each other's goals, and the compromise and support that is required to help one another be their best selves. While AD shares with us the sense of pride she feels for the NWSL's commitment to equality and standing up for what's right, Emily discusses the importance of speaking up for yourself as a woman in corporate or male-dominated spaces, right before we end with a BoostHER Up segment that is one for the books.

Today, we invite three mothers, all at different stages of motherhood, into the BoostHER Club to discuss its various aspects; to the day they found out they were expecting, all the way to how they envision their future as the days, months, and years continue to teach them new aspects within the realms of both motherhood *and* life. We discuss their fears, joys, and everything in between, and we even are able to pick their brains on the one piece of advice they'd give to any mother willing to listen. The laughs are endless, the stories are priceless, and we learn how the journey of motherhood is amazingly unique, everlasting, and full of memories to last a lifetime.

Cydnie Smith-McCarthy, founder and owner of Drink Mamey, a premium cold-pressed juice bar and wellness boutique, joins us in the BoostHER Club as our final guest to help us celebrate Entrepreneur Month. In this episode, Cydnie takes us through her journey as an entrepreneur: all of the unanticipated, yet rewarding, work that goes into running Drink Mamey, the tragedy in her life that has beautifully inspired all of the wellness benefits her brand has to offer, and how she sees her path as an entrepreneur, and Drink Mamey as a whole, evolving in the future. Cydnie rounds out the episode with the perfect advice for women also looking to make the leap into entrepreneurship, right before heading into our BoostHER Up segment where we learn Cydnie's career-defining moment, which was just the beginning of all of the magic that is Drink Mamey.

Our spotlight on female entrepreneurs continues this week with Saraa Green, cofounder of The Braid Releaser joining us in the BoostHER Club this week. Saraa talks to us about all of the different avenues she is working in on her path to both career and personal growth: cofounding the Braid Releaser with her mother, working in footwear development for adidas Basketball, all while in graduate school pursuing her Doctorate of Design. We learn the motivations of creating the Braid Releaser, which is rooted around strengthening black families, and removing the dread that comes with "Hair Day" for people with tender heads. Saraa also discusses her drive for always being on point, in both the corporate and entrepreneurial space, and explains that true success comes once you learn how to define yourself by your most positive personal attributes.

We continue to celebrate our female entrepreneurs here in the BoostHER Club with Jill Miller, owner of Arch + Arrow brow studio, to talk about her interesting path that's led her to the entrepreneurial success she sees now. Jill explains the world as an eyebrow artist, her clientele, the stories, and taking pride in her business as a “people” business, not just a brow business. Jill talks to us about the leap of faith that has brought her to one of her biggest career adventures, right before we discuss allyship, and the importance of unapologetically showing and speaking up for what's right.

Entrepreneur month continues forward this week with Dr. Jamila Flowers joining us in the BoostHER Club this week. Founder of her own practice, Thryve Wellness Group, Jamila is a Doctor of Chiropractic that is both innovative and holistic when it comes to treating her patients, and understands the responsibility that comes with being a black woman in this entrepreneurial space. Jamila talks to us about the importance of attacking your goals, whether you feel ready or not, and tuning out the external noise in order to truly realize your purpose.

We are celebrating female entrepreneurs in their respective spaces this month in the BoostHER Club, and Madison Ornstil, Sports Marketing manager for adidas Women, joins us to discuss the entrepreneurial spirit that every woman should seek to employ in their quest for equity and equality. In today's episode, we learn about the people and places that have helped Madison truly blossom, as well as the remarkable experiences that have solidified her sense of knowing, both personally and professionally. Our conversation with Madison reminds us how important it is to slow down and appreciate the journey, as that is the best way to make sure we can fully acknowledge and admire our successes.

Women's History Month concludes with Edniesha Curry (AKA "Coach Eddie"), assistant coach for University of Maine Men's Basketball, NBA Summer League Coach for the San Antonio Spurs, and mentor for up-and-coming coaches spanning the HS & NCAA to WNBA & NBA levels. In this episode, Eddie talks to us about the importance of her reach, acknowledging that her role within the sport of basketball is "bigger than her", and takes pride in the responsibility of pulling up those who will come after her. Eddie talks to us about some of the female coaching pioneers, specifically in the men's space, that have truly inspired her on her journey and continue to root for her. Lastly, we discuss the lasting impact of Eddie's father: the strength, confidence, and passion he has instilled in her that drives her desire to win.

Today's Women's History Month episodes centers around the discipline of Political Science, and professor Cathy Wineinger joins us to discuss her role as an educator on the subject, and also how applying examples from our current political climate serves as the best way for her students to grasp the main concepts of her lectures. We talk about how Cathy quitting her collegiate softball team made way for much greater in terms of realizing her purpose, all that she's learned through both her Ph.D. dissertation and writing a book, and how, influence from a very inspirational Congresswoman continues not just Cathy's professional ambitions, but her life overall.

Brittany Cameron, assistant coach for Wake Forest Women's soccer, joins us in the BoostHER Club to talk about all of the ways soccer has enriched her life as a young black girl, the lessons she's learned growing up in the game, and the responsibility she feels in widening that path and being a source of representation for the young girls that will inevitably come after her. In true celebration mode for Women's History Month, we also get to hear about three major role models in Brittany's life, and how the influence they've had on her extends far past the soccer field.

March is Women's History Month, and we welcome Ashley Corral as our first guest to help us celebrate in the BoostHER Club. Founder and Coach of Ashley Corral Performance Training, Ashley talks to us about how being a trailblazer and empowering women in the space of basketball training and development will always be naturally embedded in everything she's doing with her gym and programs. We learn her philosophy towards coaching, and the responsibility she feels in molding young, respectable, open-minded adults whether they're on the court or off, as well as the non-negotiables on what she will and will not allow to exist within her programs. Lastly, Ashley talks to us about the importance of eliminating the gender bias within coaching, because, as we all, know, "basketball is basketball."

Our final episode of Black History Month features Erica Jones, Middle School Assistant Principal at The American School in London, England. In a discussion that directly correlates to Black history and the Black experience, Erica talks to us about why creating a curriculum that speaks to the depth of Black history is of major importance to her, and how she works to amplify those students whom the system does not always serve. Erica talks to us about the dangers of performative allyship, and the ways in which it shows up, and ends our conversation through quoting and paying tribute to the Black historical figures in her life that have helped her to find her real true love: herself.

Coiya Wilson joins us in the BoostHER Club to talk to us about how to decipher which obstacles lead to growth and which obstacles require us to seek change. The perfect guest to help us celebrate Black History Month, Coiya has a joy and appreciation for black people and black culture that is palpable throughout the episode, and she challenges us all to join her in expressing that joy and appreciation every day - not just one month of the year. A major proponent for always showing up as her true self, Coiya reminds us that being unapologetic in our authenticity will not only be a personal source of inspiration, but a source of inspiration for all those we encounter.

Dr. Charlotte Marshall Powell visits the BoostHER Club this week and we discuss everything from her middle school awkwardness to her enthusiasm for educating as a college professor and consultant, to her entrepreneurial spirit that compelled her into the world of childbirth as a Doula. Charlotte also details where her drive for success comes from, and how her faith gives her that extra push to keep going forward, yet keep life in perspective. As we continue celebrating Black History Month, Charlotte gives a nod to all of the strong, Black influences that have given her the strength to work towards a legacy that widens the path for the young Charlottes of the world that will inevitably follow in her footsteps.

Our Black History Month celebration continues with Sandrine Nzeukou, Executive Director for Invest Africa US, who joins us to discuss her role towards bettering and advancing African businesses and communities. Sandrine talks about how her heritage is a major player in why her professional efforts hold the level of importance that they do, and we learn about the mentors, influences, and priorities that continue to bolster her forward, making sure that African voices and ideas are being heard, invested in, and respected.

Today's conversation is the first of our Black History Month series, and centers around Footwear Product Test Analyst for Nike Basketball, Natalie Jones. We talk with Natalie about the obstacles and triumphs her role presents, and how through it all, just being a caring human has been her biggest key to success. Natalie shares with us how much pride she takes in being a vehicle for representation and a voice of the athlete, and lastly, we discuss her influences from Black history and present-day, who allow her to go forward and use her voice for change for the young Natalies that will come after her.

The BoostHER Club welcomes two 20+ year veterans from the Education field - who just happen to be the mother and aunt of our host - to discuss the systematic inequities within Education that compelled them to enter into this career and work to create a positive environment for *all* children. Anita and Evelyn discuss the influence their parents have had on both their personal and career development, and also talk to us about, if they could do it again, the things they might've changed to further amplify their already fulfilling journeys.

Meg Brady and Jill Hub, apparel designers/best friends in the sporting industry, join us in the BoostHER Club to talk about how their friendship has grown from the lonely halls of their college dormitory to excelling as colleagues within the same profession, and how tough love + a passion for growth can be the recipe for career success.

We welcome Hoop York City founder, Alex Taylor, to the BoostHER Club today to talk about the experiences she has had that influenced the sisterhood she's created through this New York City community of women's basketball players. We discuss not only how they lift each other up, but Hoop York City's philosophy towards uplifting its city.

In our premiere episode we talk to Shani Storey, Art Producer for creative agency Wieden + Kennedy, and PR Specialist, Nanea Woods, on how hard they root for one another and how their friendship has been able to maintain its closeness throughout the years. We dive into their passions that drive them outside of their respective "9-5"s, and we discuss the most important BoostHERs in their lives - their mothers.

Welcome to BoostHER: conversations designed to inspire, you, me, and HER. An interview podcast that features an incredible cast of diverse women - BoostHERs - each week, to learn their stories of success in spite of the obstacles they may have faced along their respective journeys. BoostHER serves as a reminder that as women, not only can we strive for success in our own right, we can boost each other up along the way.