Champions of Active Women

Dr. Ami Hampole is a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor who practices Sports Medicine and Neuro-Musculoskeletal Medicine. She is also a US figure skating triple gold medalist, former 8x Indian senior national figure skating champion, a World figure skating competitor, and a coach. She currently spends her time as the executive director for Chicago Youth Foundation, a Women-lead organization that helps make the highly expensive and non-diverse ice sports more accessible to the community. She is also a mother of three. Dr. Ami grew up in a culture where a sedentary lifestyle was highly encouraged, especially for women. However, she ended up becoming one of scarce South Asians to get involved in competitive Figure Skating, and with a limited access to resources. She attributes her athletic background to her success in launching change in many communities on multiple levels. She also attributes her athletic background to her state of health and wellness. She was able to avoid falling prey to eating disorders, drugs, and abuse, which have been seen commonly in this and other sports. Her healthy eating habits and activity levels in her teenage years, are largely responsible for her health and wellness today, especially during her pregnancies and postpartum partum years, allowing her to continue to perform for ice shows, etc. But being a healthy woman has not always been glorifying. There have been many challenges, especially as she went into a career in medicine where "healthy" women are not always given the support to meet their full potentials, and also a career where women are not always seen as equal to men. Dr. Ami feels that these barriers oftentimes affect women's ability to give back 100% to their communities. However, she is hopeful that women can work together instead of against each other, alongside men, to create positive changes in this regard, in the near future.  For more information about the Chicago Youth Foundation, visit: https://www.chicagoyouthfoundation.org/.                                                                                                If you enjoyed this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353  

Dr. Heather Adams-Blair is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science in the College of Health Science at Eastern Kentucky University. She is in her 25th year at EKU and loves her career! Her passions include youth sport development, the psychology of coaching and exercise, and gender issues in sports. She is a mom to Cadyn, who is a freshman at the University of Tennessee, and Elijah, a sophomore at Lexington Catholic. She loves to move, be active, and play outside. Kylie Fitzgerald is a graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University pursuing a Master's degree in Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in Exercise and Wellness, which she will complete this summer. After graduation, Kylie will return to her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio to work as an assistant high school girls' soccer coach. Kylie was a varsity soccer athlete at EKU for 5 years. Kylie enjoys sharing her love of soccer with younger girls and loves all things sports and being active!  For more information about the EKU Department of PRESS, please visit: https://www.eku.edu/chs/parks-recreation-exercise-and-sport-science/. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353

Dr. Kimberly Clay, PhD, MPH, MSW, Founder and CEO, Play Like a Girl Dr. Kimberly S. Clay is the Founder and CEO of Play Like a Girl, a Nashville-based non-profit organization working to level the playing field for girls by leveraging the skills gained from sport to propel young women into male-dominated careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Since its inception, Play Like a Girl has reached over 25,000 girls and young women across the United States and Canada, as well as in Africa and the Caribbean. Dr. Kim began her career as a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early in her career, she saw the gender gap in education and health firsthand while working in underserved communities across the South. This led her to establish Play Like a Girl during her doctoral studies in health education. In 2007, she returned to the classroom—this time, as a tenure-track professor—at the University of Georgia where she taught and conducted research exploring long-term cancer survivorship in women. Nikki Martens, MS, Program Manager, Play Like a Girl Nikki is a proud New Orleans native and former high school athlete with a deep passion for women's sports. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and a Master's in Health Education, bringing a strong foundation in health and wellness to her work. With over five years of experience in the nonprofit sector leading youth development programs, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation. As a committed feminist and advocate for gender equity, she is thrilled to be part of Play Like a Girl, helping young girls reach their full potential and leveling the playing field for girls and women everywhere. For more information about the Play Like a Girl, please visit: https://iplaylikeagirl.org/ where you can find links to the newsletter and social media channels that were mentioned in this episode. If you enjoyed this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353    

Sarah Chew is a Science Programs Manager at the Society for Women's Health Research, where she helps plan and execute a range of science programs, while supporting strategic planning and communications efforts across the organization. With a diverse background in public health, Chew has experience in non-profits, city government, and health insurance. She previously served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Commissioner in the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where she provided strategic support and project management for bureau processes and staff. She has also worked as a Senior Manager at UnitedHealthcare Community & State and as Program Director for Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia. Before graduate school, Chew supported a portfolio of comparative effectiveness research projects at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) in the Communication and Dissemination Research program. Chew holds a Master's in Public Health with a certificate in Health Promotion Research and Practice from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and a BA in Psychology and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory University. For more information about the Society for Women's Health Research, please visit: https://swhr.org/. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353  

Tara B. Blackshear is a distinguished equity scholar focusing on health, physical activity, and education. Currently an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and program coordinator for the Physical Education Teacher Education program at Towson University, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and equitable educational policies and practices. Dr. Blackshear earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education from Florida A&M University and a doctorate in education in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. With 17 years of diverse P-12 teaching experience across public, private, charter, and international schools in the United States, Egypt, and Thailand, Dr. Blackshear brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Before her overseas experiences, she spent three years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she played a pivotal role in preventing type II diabetes among middle school students through the nation's most extensive school-based health and physical activity intervention – The Healthy Study. In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Blackshear is the proud mother of Akinyemi and Afi Blackshear, who share her passion for equity. Together, they have collaborated as co-authors, contributing to the discourse on intersectional racial equity in schooling, reflecting a family commitment to advocacy and transformative change.  Recently, you might have spotted her in a BLinG-Health t-shirt, proudly promoting her newly established nonprofit organization. This initiative empowers Black girls to lead group fitness activities, encourage physical activity, and explore careers in health and physical activity—where representation is critically lacking. As the Founder and CEO, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in these areas. Her research has gained national and international recognition, driving institutional change, policy reform, and best equity practices. Dr. Blackshear's advocacy work has influenced global media and led to collaborations with organizations striving to create culturally responsive, equitable environments. Through her candid and impactful approach, she has successfully transformed performative institutional gestures into tangible outcomes, ensuring accountability and meaningful progress in the pursuit of equity. For more information about BLinG-Health, please visit: https://bling-health.org/ . If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353

Dr. Carrie Davidson is the owner of Elemental Yoga & Wellness in Versailles, Kentucky. Carrie has been practicing yoga since 2003 and first became certified in 2004.  Carrie's journey to wholistic living includes a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a Master's of Divinity degree. Carrie believes that we are whole beings-a body, a mind, and a soul. Carrie completed a Doctor of Education degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, and RYT200, E-RYT200, and E-RYT500 and C-IAYT-Yoga Therapist. She is a continuing education provider for Yoga Alliance (YACEP) and Elemental holds RYS200 and RYS300. Carrie is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as an Exercise Physiologist and Exercise is Medicine and as a group fitness instructor, Functional Movement Specialist, and Certified Medical Exercise Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Carrie finds her spark in working with people who have special concerns or conditions and encourages others to, "Always listen to your body, it knows the way!" For more information about Elemental Yoga & Wellness, please visit: https://www.elementalyogawellness.com/. To connect with Dr. Carrie Davidson, you can email: elementalwellnessky@gmail.com. For more information about the benefits of yoga that were referenced during this interview, visit: https://r.yogaalliance.org/About_Yoga/Scientific_Research_on_Yoga. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353

Jenny Gaither is the Founder and a Board Member of the Movemeant Foundation, where she leads efforts to empower global fitness communities through virtual coaching, body-positive curricula, athletic scholarships, and the largest body-positive charity fitness festival in the country, We Dare to Bare. With over 11 years as a Master SoulCycle instructor, she played a pivotal role in expanding the brand into key markets like San Francisco and New York City. Jenny was also one of just 25 founding instructors featured on the Equinox+ app and has collaborated with top brands such as Lululemon, Allbirds, and Reebok. A dynamic speaker, Jenny has shared her expertise on platforms like Fox Business News and Huffington Post, as well as at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and Boston College. As a certified Confidence and Mindset Coach, she previously empowered Millennial women through her digital platform, Brave Babe, helping them build courage, confidence, and achieve their personal and professional goals. Currently, Jenny serves as an Advisor & Consultant at Amara Technologies, where she plays a key role in shaping the company's health and wellness programs for seniors. Amara focuses on helping older adults maintain physical vitality and mental clarity through tailored fitness and therapeutic programming in multifamily homes. By developing innovative solutions and supporting the onboarding and training of health professionals, Jenny ensures that Amara's offerings empower individuals to live independently, stay active, and enhance their quality of life. Based in San Diego, CA, Jenny continues to be a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and empowerment, inspiring individuals to live with purpose and confidence at every stage of life. For more information about Movemeant, please visit: https://www.movemeantfoundation.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/movemeant/. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353  

Barbara Anthony is a licensed independent social worker for 20+ years in Ohio, and notably a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Play Gap, a one-of-a-kind women-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for women to access safe and inclusive recreational and competitive options in various sports and athletics. She earned her Bachelor's Degree with honors from Mercyhurst University and Master's Degree from Case Western Reserve University. Barb received the 2024 NCAA Legends and legacy Community Award – Final Four (Cleveland) and 2022 NASW Ohio Service to Profession of Social Work. She is a third-generation athlete, former NCAA athlete, a 2002 NCAA Academic All- American Recipient in Water Polo, and Varsity Athlete and Captain in basketball and track and field. She is currently an active masters athlete, member of the Western Reserve Rowing Association, and most recently the Pan Am Master's Gold Medalist in Women's 8+ Rowing, Recreational. For more information about Play Gap, please visit: https://www.play-gap.org/. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353  

Kami Barth is from Sykesville, Maryland and is majoring in Equine Science and Management on a Research track. She is the president of the University of Kentucky Equestrian Team.   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program.

Olivia Ferguson is a rising sophomore at the University of Kentucky studying nursing. She is from virginia beach, va and has lived there her whole life. She is on the UK chaarg executive board as a co-event coordinator! Her favorite ways to stay active include running, cycling, and weightlifting. During her free time, she enjoys  reading, hangingout with friends, and working out! If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program.

Hadel Hanieh is an incoming Junior at the University of Kentucky. She is majoring in both Neuroscience & Psychology on the premed track. She is involved in the Premedical Fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, S-STEM program, and is an active member of the movement mentor program.    If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Khushi Patel is from Corbin, Kentucky and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology on the Pre-dental Track at the University of Kentucky. She is involved in the Pre-Dental Society, Fellowship of Women in Dentistry, General Chemistry learning intern, Diversity Health Program, Dental Research and is a Movement Mentor.   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Cadee Pierce is from Charlotte, North Carolina and is majoring in Communication with a minor in Journalism studies. She's a Communication and PR Intern with UK athletics. She's also the director of tours as a tour guide at the University of Kentucky Visitor Center and a Bible study leader with CRU.    If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Rama Shalash is a second-year Neuroscience major following the pre-dental track. She currently holds the position of treasurer for both the Pre-dental Society and the Fellowship of Women in Dentistry. Additionally, she serves as a learning intern in general chemistry and works as a pharmacy technician. Dedicated to community service, she has discovered a passion for fostering healthy, active habits in children through her involvement as a Movement Mentor. "My goal is to become the mentor I wished I had as a child, striving to make a positive impact on the youth in my community."   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Jane is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Finance and Marketing. She is originally from Lexington, KY and has been a Cyclebar instructor since January of 2022. She is moving to Atlanta post-grad to pursue a career in tech consulting.    If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Bella Bell started playing volleyball when she was 13. She played year-round on her school and club team in high school, and she committed to the University of Kentucky her freshman year of high school. She received a bachelors in community development and a minor in wildlife management while at UK along with winning 4 SEC championships and 1 National championship. She redshirted her freshman year due to an ACL tear and due to the covid-19 pandemic as well, she still had 2 years remaining. She transferred to Auburn University to pursue her masters in their Wildlife management graduate program. During her first season at Auburn, the team was ranked for the first time and made it to the NCAA tournament. She is currently in her last year of collegiate volleyball.   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Brooklynn Buboltz is from Sheboygan, Wisconsin and she is a Junior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Elementary Education. She is apart of the University of Kentucky Dance Team and also a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. In addition, she is also on the Programming Committee for UK's student-run organization, DanceBlue!    If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Emily Chazen will graduate in May of 2024 with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications, complemented by a minor in Journalism and a business certificate. She will complete her bachelor's degree in just three years while also graduating with honors.  At the University of Kentucky, she served as a group fitness instructor for UK Campus Recreation and Wellness, where she's had the pleasure of leading invigorating cycle and weight-style classes, fostering a vibrant community of wellness enthusiasts, while also being a tour guide at UK's Visitor's Center!  She has interned with the Louisville Bats, serving as the Game Night Intern and later as the Promotional Intern. This led to her internship in the summer of 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds as their Promotional Events Intern. She is currently working for UK Athletics as a Marketing Intern. After graduation, she plans on continuing her career in the professional sports industry!    If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Sarah Dutton is a Junior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Integrated Strategic Communications with a minor in Journalism. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was recently elected the 2024 Chapter President. Additionally, she is the Director of Public Relations for the UK Figure Skating Club, which was founded just three short years ago. She has been a competitive figure skater and coach for 15 years and has loved getting to develop her skills at the collegiate level. For the past three years, she has worked as a college ambassador for Alani Nutrition, promoting the brand across campus and within the Lexington community.    If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Hallie Lindsey will graduate from the University of Kentucky this May and will attain her BA in both Integrated Strategic Communication and Theatre. While pursuing her academic interest, she is a tour guide at the Visitor's Center for the University, along with an active participant in both colleges in which she is involved. Through the College of Fine Arts, she played Christopher “Kit” Marlowe in “Shakespeare in Love,” along with “Meg March” in Little Women. She is also an active participant in the National Student Advertising Competition. During her time at the University, she is also an active member of her social sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, serving as Music Education Specialist, Bid Day Chair, and Intramural Chair. As the Marketing and Communications Intern for Active Girls, Healthy Women, she promotes all of the initiative's activities on our social media platforms, photographs events, and will be the new host for season 5 of the Champions of Active Women podcast!   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Mary I. O'Connor, MD is Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Vori Health, a nationwide virtual-first physician-led musculoskeletal medical practice with a biopsychosocial model of care. She is Chair of the Board of Directors of Movement is Life, a nonprofit coalition committed to advancing health equity. Her recent book, “Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman's Guide to Better Health” (Mayo Clinic Press 2022), supports women taking charge of their own health. A recipient of the American Academy of Orthopaedical Surgery Diversity Award and the Mayo Clinic Distinguished Clinician Award, she is Professor Emerita of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic and past Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. O'Connor is past chair of Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic in Florida and past president of many orthopedic societies (AAHKS, RJOS, MSTS, ISOLS, ABJS). An Olympian (US Women's Rowing), she is passionate in her promotion of the power of sports for girls and women and the benefits to all of physical activity.      “Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman's Guide to Better Health” (Mayo Clinic Press 2022 https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/taking-care-of-you/  Movement is Life: https://www.movementislifesummit.org/website/56162/ Vori Health: https://www.vorihealth.com/     If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review.  Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw  If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Stephanie A. Morris serves as Chief Executive Officer at SHAPE America, the nation's largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since being founded in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and SHAPE America's National Standards for K-12 Physical Education and National Health Education Standards serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country.  Previously, Morris served in leadership roles for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the American Council on Education, Widmeyer Communications, and the National Women's Business Council.   Morris holds an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, and earned her bachelor of arts degree in Russian and Eurasian Studies from Mount Holyoke College. Morris brings deep knowledge of the PreK – 12 and higher education landscape and a passion for helping all children develop health and physical literacy.

This episode is an interview with Randi Osbourne. She is a Junior majoring in Human Health Science, with a minor in Health Promotion, on the Pre-Med track. She is a part of the AGHW as an Outreach Coordinator for our Movement Mentors Program. She is also on the AGHW Research Team. 

Nikki Hartley is the Healthy Living Director at the YMCA of Central Kentucky. Over the past 7 years in this role (and 9 years with the Y), she has been responsible for overseeing personal trainers, small group training, sport-specific fitness, youth fitness and chronic disease programming. She also serves as the serve as the Race Director for the White, Greer and Maggard Kids Tri at the Y and many other programs that promote an active lifestyle among youth, families, and women. Nikki has a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science from Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio where she played 2 years of collegiate softball. Nikki is a Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Exercise Specialist, and LiveSTRONG® at the YMCA Instructor. Today we'll be talking about Nikki's own active lifestyle and how she supports the health and wellness goals of others. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.     

Today's episode of the Champions of Active Women podcast is guest hosted by Hallie Lindsey. Hallie is the the Marketing and Communication Intern for Active Girls Healthy Women initiative. This interview features Ashlyn Montgomery. Ashlyn is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Human Health Sciences on the Pre-Physician Assistant track with a certificate in Clinical Healthcare Management. She is the outreach coordinator and student leader for the Connected for Movement project. She is also a certified CNA.  If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.     

Dr. Mary Lloyd Ireland is an orthopedic surgeon and professor in the department of orthopedics and sports medicine at the University of Kentucky and the co-founder of the Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative. Dr. Ireland was recently inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Hall of Fame at the organization's 2023 annual meeting, which was held July 13-16 in Washington, D.C. In this episode, Dr. Ireland talks about her induction and reflects on the progress and future of the Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative.

Michelle Rayner is currently the Women's First Team Head Coach & Sporting Director for the Lexington Sporting Club. In this role, she oversees the United Soccer League (USL) Women's pathway from the Professional Team through the Youth Club. Prior to this position, Michelle held a variety of positions within the sport of soccer, including General Manager of Tower Hill Sports, a 45,000 sq.ft. state of the art facility used primarily for soccer, head soccer trainer to several professional and high-level athletes, Associate Head Women's Soccer Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Kentucky, and Head Women's Soccer Coach at High Point University, among others.  Collectively, Michelle has more than 20 years of experience working in elite soccer environments. Michelle was a professional soccer athlete in England, competing for the Millwall Lionesses' Women's Team. As an athlete, she won two National Championships, participated in the 1991 Women's World Championships held in China, and won numerous League Championships. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a minor in Coaching and Health from Lincoln Memorial University. She is using all of these experiences to shape the experiences of girls and women in the Lexington Sporting Club. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw.  If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.      

Dr. Laneshia R. Conner is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. She is a native of Lexington, KY and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, her master's degree in social work from the University of Georgia, and her Ph.D. in social work from the University of Louisville. Her research program is centered on improving scientific knowledge about HIV risk reduction strategies that are acceptable and feasible for older Black women, developing sustainable programs for aging communities that promote sexual health and culturally relevant sexual health knowledge. She is completing her second year as a Disparities Researchers Equalizing Access for Minorities (DREAM) Scholar. She was recently awarded an NIH-funded Administrative Supplement as a BIRCWH Scholar, to support her research focusing on women's health research for two years and the Health Disparities Loan Repayment Program from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). Other areas of scholarship include reflections of her teaching social justice issues using horror films, critical pedagogy in course construction, and salient issues related to perceptions and attitudes of academic self-plagiarism. Dr. Conner serves as the advisor to the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) at UK since their inception in 2021, chairs the Curriculum Committee in the College of Social Work, serves as a Faculty Senator, and is the faculty co-chair of the African American, Black, and African Diaspora Employee Affinity Group. She also coaches track at a local high school and coaches an AAU track club during the summer, The Lexington Stryders.  https://lsctrack.org/  If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukaghw If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.   

Laura Hatfield's career has had a common thread running through it the last 20 years…community.  As the former Director of Community Engagement at the University of Kentucky, Executive Director of the City's Partners for Youth Program, the Mayor's ONE Lexington initiative, and now as the Superintendent of Community Engagement with Lexington Parks & Recreation, Laura has always understood that addressing community needs must involve the community. She has spent her career convening City Government partners, schools, faith partners, non-profit organizations, businesses and neighborhood leaders to tackle issues together.  In her current role with Lexington Parks, she works with partners to lead programs and services in parks and recreation facilities.  Laura has lived in Lexington since 1995 where she received her undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky in Family Studies and her Master's Degree in Community and Leadership Development. Laura serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board and is a proud Big Sister.  She enjoys running and biking with her husband of 20 years, John, and spending time with friends in her favorite coffee shops!

Dr. Giselle Aerni is a sports medicine physician, educator, and founder and host of the Madam Athlete podcast. In her role as a sports medicine physician, Dr. Aerni has covered everything from the WNBA, to NCAA DI and DIII national championship-winning teams, to high-school sports, marathons, and more. Beyond these professional experiences, she founded Madam Athlete in 2020 to help early career women working in male-dominated fields to build their confidence so they can take ownership of their career journeys. Dr. Aerni played lacrosse at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania. Today, she describes herself as an occasionally reluctant athlete who needs to mix up the workouts every few months to prevent boredom. https://madamathlete.com/ If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.     

Kathryn “Rosie” Lanphere received her Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico in 2013. She is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Dr. Lanphere has directed 5 education abroad programs for the University of Kentucky since arriving in the Fall of 2013 in Spain and the United Kingdom. Her previous areas of research included autophagy, aging, pediatric body composition, environmental and endurance exercise. Dr. Lanphere's main role is to teach and instructs the following undergraduate courses; KHP 350, Strength and Conditioning for Sports; KHP 450, Introduction to Exercise Testing and Prescription; KHP 205, Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Physical Education; and KHP 420G, The Physiology of Exercise. She is currently the program director for the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Program (non-teacher certification) and is the faculty mentor of the Exercise is Medicine-On Campus student organization. Dr. Lanphere won the Provost's Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2020, the highest teaching honor at the University of Kentucky. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Shad Lacefield is currently a STEM Learning Coach with Fayette County Public Schools. In this role, he teaches STEM concepts across district schools using the STEM Bus and he is also a part-time professor at Asbury University, teaching online education classes. Shad earned a bachelor's degree from Campbellsville University and a master's degree from Southwest Baptist University and has over 15 years of experience in educational settings. In 2017, Shad and fellow teachers, Garrett Tyson and Antwon Lewis, started the Do Something Extraordinary (DSE) Golf Club. This club was started to introduce students who attend Title 1 schools to the game of golf for free. DSE Golf programs started by reaching 10 kids in 2016-17 and in 2022 reached more than 150 kids. In 2020 Shad received the Distinguished Service Award for the impact the DSE Golf club had in the Lexington community, and in 2021 received the Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award from the Kentucky Science Teachers Association.  If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review.  Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi  If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.        

Milan Bush is an environmental educator with 10 years of experience in childhood development and elementary education. From climbing trees to riding bikes to dancing, Milan has found ways to stay active all her life. She has been a physical education coach and Kidstrong Instructor. She has been a fitness instructor for over a decade now and is currently pursuing her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification. When she is not moving her body, she is teaching people many things from all aspects of life.  If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Julia Maugans graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. While there, they started working as a sustainability intern with alternative transportation and that led to their current position as an Alternative Transportation Educator for the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. Julia uses their bicycle as a primary form of transportation around Lexington, and they love to go swimming and hiking when not cycling. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.  Notes from Interview: AMBUCS https://ambucs.org/  Streetfest, Lexington, KY: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/streetfest     

Jordan Arsenault is the Assistant Headsetter for LEF Climbing in Lexington, Kentucky. She graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with a Bachelor's degree in health and human performance. Jordan has been rock climbing for 6.5 years and is a USAC Level 1 Certified Routesetter. At LEF, Jordan teaches clinics and classes and assists with the youth team as needed. Show Notes: LEF Climbing https://www.lefclimbing.com/ Climb L8 https://rrgcc.org/climb-l8/ If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.   

Katarina Hoskins is the Spanish/Arts & Humanities Teacher at the Rise STEM Academy for Girls and the Outreach Coordinator for the Kentucky Inclusive Health Collaborative at the University of Kentucky. She is also a Sexual Health Researcher with a specific interest in comprehensive sexual health education. Katarina is currently working on developing a Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Program for Elementary School Students with hopes of launching it in Fayette County Public Schools. She is the founder and host of the Warrior Woman's Circle podcast where she engages in open conversations normalizing important but underrepresented topics. Katarina loves to swim, bike, and rock climb and she volunteers monthly with Catalyst Sports, an adaptive climbing clinic in Louisville. She has a cat, a dog, and loves to garden.  If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.

Angela Stark currently works for the Kentucky Department of Education as a School Health Coordinator in a 2-year position. She also is the health. moves. minds. Coordinator for KY Society of Health and Physical Educators (KYSHAPE). Prior to and after the position with the Kentucky Department of Education, Angela was the 4th-8th grade physical education/Health teacher at the School for the Performing Arts (SCAPA) in Fayette County Public Schools. She has built the wellness program at SCAPA through grants, fundraisers, strengthening the wellness policy, and weaving wellness and movement throughout the entire school. In 2020, SCAPA was awarded the Healthy Schools Program Silver Level National award. In 2016, she earned the Kentucky Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance/KYSHAPE Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and Distinguished Service Award and went on to win Southern District Middle School PE Teacher of the year 2017-2018. She is a passionate advocate for movement, especially in schools.   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.   

Nick and Kaylee Woodard are a dynamic jump roping duo with decades of experience in competitive jump roping. Together, they co-founded Learnin' the Ropes, a non profit corporation that exists to inspire, educate, and serve others through jump rope in order to promote active, healthy lifestyles for youth and adults. Nick Woodard has been a part of the sport of jump rope for 28 years. He has won several national and 14 world championships and has traveled the world promoting the sport through workshops and shows for several NBA teams, Cirque Du Solei, schools and summer camps to provide fun jump rope experiences that audiences will never forget. Nick holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Sam Houston State University and a Masters in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee. Nick is passionate about fitness and is a Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sport Medicine. Dr. Kaylee Woodard has been involved with the sport of jump rope for 22 years. During that time, Kaylee has been blessed with many opportunities to compete, teach, and perform all around the world. She has earned multiple national and 6 World Champion titles and has performed with Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Dreams, Saltare, and a variety of other companies. She has also taught jump rope in 9 countries and over 30 states. Kaylee earned a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University, a Master's degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida, and a Ph.D. in Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology from the University of Tennessee. Kaylee is also a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She now works as a professor in Western Kentucky University's Exercise Science Department.  Learnin' the Ropes: https://www.learnintheropes.com/ If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund. 

Welcome to the 4th season of the Champions of Active Women podcast! As we recorded this podcast over the past few years, we have met so many amazing leaders and role models who are supporting the active pursuits of girls and women. This season, we are featuring individuals who encourage and inspire youth to be active. This episode gives you a preview of what's to come in Season 4. If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Show notes: Dee Dlugonski, Coordinator, University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative and host of the Champions of Active Women podcast https://championsofactivewomen.libsyn.com/025-dr-dee-dlugonski-active-womens-health-initiative-coordinator Youth physical activity data by sex: https://nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline/app/Results.aspx?LID=KY Physical activity among women in Kentucky: https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/exercise/population/exercise_Female/state/KY Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAWHI, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukawhi, or Twitter https://twitter.com/ukawhi If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider making a donation to the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/13092-active-women-s-health-initiative-fund.   

Today's guests are two members of BeWell in School, a non-profit organization that teaches mindfulness and movement as a proactive behavior management system. I'm joined by the BeWell Founder and Executive Director, Riki Rattner and Lexington BeWell Program Director and Coach, Sarah Hanrahan. Riki holds a Masters of Education degree, a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification, and a Bachelor's Degree in Human and Organizational Development with a focus in Community Leadership Development. She began her professional career in teaching where she found herself using breath and movement strategies to help students cope with challenges they faced in and out of the classroom. In 2019-20, she served as the Founding BeWell Teacher at BeWell's Flagship School, Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School. Sarah Hanrahan also holds a Masters of Education degree, is a Trauma Informed Children's Yoga Instructor, and received her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Transylvania University. Sarah has spent many years serving students of Fayette County Public Schools as a classroom teacher and intervention instructor. During the COVID pandemic, Sarah was moved to address the overwhelming culture-shift that her students were experiencing and would continue to be affected by. In her search for a comprehensive, school-wide wellness program, she found BeWell in School and worked with administrators at the school and district level, to bring it to life at Mary Todd. Sarah now serves as the Program Director and Coach to BeWell teachers in 5 Fayette County elementary schools with plans to expand further in the 2023-2024 school year. In this episode, we'll talk about how this program got started, why it exists, and BeWell's future goals. Welcome Riki and Sarah!

This episode features Rachel Yarano. Rachel is a 22 year-old from Bowling Green, KY. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Communications. Currently, she works for World Financial Group where she teaches families about financial education! Rachel has been a jump roper for 18 years and plans to continue jumping until she can no longer jump. She has jumped rope all over the world in competitions, on the streets of Europe, in the New York City Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and more!

Letitia Hollingsworth-Gray is currently the Aquatic Director at the University of Kentucky. Letitia began her college career at Boston University where she was a member of the rowing team. After transferring to the University of Kentucky, she became a member of the first varsity swimming and diving team. In 1987, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Community Recreation and Health Promotion.  She started working for UK Athletics in 1993, working her way from Swim Lesson manager and Event Operations Tech to Staff Assistant for Swim Dive office, to Aquatic Center Manager, and finally Aquatic Director in 2004. She was the first female Aquatic Director in the SEC.

Dr. Lauren Whitehurst received her B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Experimental Psychology from James Madison University in 2011 and 2013, respectively and her PhD in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside in 2018. She completed a Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Center for Health and Community and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco in 2020. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. She is also Core Faculty in the Center for Health Equity Transformation and affiliated faculty in the Department of African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Whitehurst's research focuses on answering questions about sleep and health, especially how the lack of access to restorative sleep is associated with disparities in cognitive health for communities historically underserved by science and medicine in the US. Dr. Whitehurst was a multi-sport athlete in high school and continued her basketball career throughout college. Today, I am excited to talk sports, injury, sleep, and health with Dr. Whitehurst.

This is the sixth and final episode in this special series of encore episodes from the Champions of Active Women podcast. This Trailblazing Women in Sport Series is shining a spotlight on some of our favorite episodes with women who led the way in sports and their careers to increase opportunities for the next generation of girls and women.  This episode features Dr. Holly Sheilley, Vice President of Athletics and the first female Director of Athletics at Transylvania University. This episode was originally released on February 10, 2021

This is the fifth episode in this special series of encore episodes from the Champions of Active Women podcast. This Trailblazing Women in Sport Series is shining a spotlight on some of our favorite episodes with women who led the way in sports and their careers to increase opportunities for the next generation of girls and women.  This episode features Bettie Lou Evans, University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame golf coach. This episode was originally released on September 5, 2019.

This is the fourth episode in this special series of encore episodes from the Champions of Active Women podcast. This Trailblazing Women in Sport Series is shining a spotlight on some of our favorite episodes with women who led the way in sports and their careers to increase opportunities for the next generation of girls and women.  This episode features Kathy DeBoer, Executive Director of the American College Volleyball Association. This episode was originally released on September 4, 2019.

Trailblazing Women in Sport Series This is the third episode in this special series of encore episodes from the Champions of Active Women podcast. This Trailblazing Women in Sport Series is shining a spotlight on some of our favorite episodes with women who led the way in sports and their careers to increase opportunities for the next generation of girls and women.  This episode features Brigid DeVries, first female commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and University of Kentucky alumna. This episode was originally released on September 11, 2019.

Trailblazing Women in Sport Series Welcome to our special Trailblazing Women in Sport Series of the Champions of Active Women podcast. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, we are re-releasing some of our favorite episodes with women who paved the way for new opportunities in sport and careers for the next generation of girls and women. This episode features Chris Plonsky, Chief of Staff and Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Texas. This episode was originally released on June 30, 2021. 

Trailblazing Women in Sport Series Welcome to our special Trailblazing Women in Sport Series of the Champions of Active Women podcast. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, we will be re-releasing some of our favorite episodes with women who paved the way for new opportunities in sport and careers for the next generation of girls and women. First up in this series is Dr. Mary Lloyd Ireland, MD co-founder of the University of Kentucky Active Women's Health Initiative. This episode was originally released on August 28, 2019. 

Today's episode features two University of Kentucky students who are members of the Ultimate Frisbee Team – Maggie Blair and Molly Merchant. Maggie Blair is a rising senior, studying mechanical engineering. She has been playing ultimate frisbee for almost 4 years and has been part of leadership for several teams, including the University of Kentucky's women's team, Monarchy. Maggie is also president of Bluegrass Ultimate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible playing opportunities in Lexington. This includes seasonal leagues, learn to play clinics, and small tournaments. Molly Merchant is a rising senior at the University of Kentucky double-majoring in community leadership development and secondary social studies education and minors in psychology and coaching. They started playing ultimate frisbee in high school and have been playing for 7 years.

Today's episode features two mountain biking enthusiasts who are passionate about getting more girls and women on bikes through the Girls Riding Together (GRiT) program with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). My guests are Emily Green, the National GRiT Program Manager and Christine Vaughan, the Kentucky Interscholastic League GRiT Coordinator. Emily has a lifelong passion for cycling and outdoor adventure, and loves nothing more than to help others challenge themselves and get outside on their own adventures. Emily started her professional journey in outdoor environmental education, has decades of experience in nonprofit, including co-founding Fit Moms for Life. She's thrilled to combine her expertise in nonprofit program development and coaching women with her passion for outdoor adventure and mountain biking in her current role. Christine Vaughan is the Aquatics Director for the Greater Louisville Southeast Family YMCA and  Director of Operations and Creative Services for Louisville Family Fun. She has a background in nonprofit management, fundraising, marketing, and logistics. She is a Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana Board member and troop leader. Riding is her passion and introducing new people to the sport keeps her going.