First, But Last?

Rebekah Smith talks about the Wyoming Women's Foundation mission, why economic self-sufficiency is important for women, and why there aren't many prominent female hunters. "A lot of people have a personal experience with someone that inspires them to want to help make change in the state for women." - Rebekah Smith Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/first-but-last/rebekah-smith

Jessica Bolerjack discusses why it's such an exciting time to be a woman in rodeo and what it's like being a female in the oil and gas industry. "I've always worked in fields that were predominantly male-dominated and you have to know your stuff and you have to stand up for yourself." - Jessica Bolerjack. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/first-but-last/jessica-bolerjack

Dr. Cecelia Aragon talks about founding her own bilingual theater company, which topics are covered in her theater diversity course, and the challenges faced by many first-generation American students who were born in Mexico. "Wyoming has really missed an opportunity to really engage with the growing Latino population in the state." - Dr. Cecelia Aragon Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at https://thinkwy.org/first-but-last/cecelia-aragon

Lynnette Grey Bull discusses why she moved to a reservation in Wyoming, what inspired her to run for public office, and her work curbing the human trafficking of native women in the United States. "Humility should be the center of leadership." - Lynnette Grey Bull Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/55  

State senator Tara Nethercott discusses the ways that COVID-19 has affected Wyoming, why she decided to pursue law, and the values of her fellow Wyomingites.  "Rural America needs to recognize what rural America is." - Tara Nethercott Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/54  

Carla Mowell discusses the experience of growing up between two cultures, challenges for Spanish-speaking children in the U.S., and why she ultimately became an educator. "Colorful characters are kind of our specialty." - Carla Mowell Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/53  

Mary Burman discusses why she works in preventative health, how to remove gender bias from healthcare, and the value of individual and societal policy intervention. "Our healthcare is way more costly, it is profoundly inequitably distributed, and we have poorer outcomes than any other developed country in the world." - Mary Burman Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/52

Susan Simpson discusses the role of libraries in a healthy democracy, how politics is like sausage making, and why women don't run for office, they have to be asked. "There is so much to learn running for office, and so to do that and to have a job and to have a family is really challenging." - Susan Simpson Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/51

Michelle Sullivan discusses latchkey kids, who inspires her, and how to promote women in Wyoming. “Solutions are always better with a broader set of perspectives at the table.” - Michelle Sullivan Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/50

Anne Mason discusses the value of the arts, the theater scene in Wyoming, and how theater supports the #MeToo movement. "Theater is a driving tool for society and has the ability to build community." - Anne Mason Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/49

Dr. Sandy Caldwell discusses the value of rural-based community college, what it's like to grow up on a reservation, and how education is linked to income. "It's very important that we broaden what we mean by the definition of going to college." - Dr. Sandy Caldwell Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/48

Nicole Hauser discusses the Cathedral Home for Children, why she wanted to be a social worker, and how to talk about sex with your children. "I swear we learn more from the kids than we can ever impart on them." - Nicole Hauser Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/47

Katie Hogarty discusses her passion for policy work, how foster care differs from adoption, and what it's like to grow up dyslexic. "I have this whole beautiful community of people that have helped me end up where I am." - Katie Hogarty Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/46

Cynthia Chace Gray explains how she ended up in Wyoming, the photographers that inspire her, and how to accommodate women in the state legislature. "Wyoming to me is the place where I feel most connected to the Divine that is out there." - Cynthia Chace Gray Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/45

Listen in to hear Marcia Hensley discuss her favorite characters in her book, why there aren't any failure stories of female pioneers, and why it was difficult for her to get her book published. “You admire that kind of adventuresome spirit and I think it takes that kind of adventuresome spirit -- no matter what walk of life you're in -- to have a fulfilling life.” - Marcia Hensley Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/44

Melissa Turley discusses the benefits of mentoring younger women, why fewer women are in local government in Wyoming, and how to make state legislature more representative of residents. "Had I not already been in office, it would've been really difficult for me to take on a campaign with a young son." - Melissa Turley Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/43

Listen in to Joanna Kail discuss why public media is important, what the Wyoming PBS Foundation does, and what keeps women out of politics. “Wyoming has just such an incredible pride and camaraderie and support for one another.” - Joanna Kail Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/42

Sue Sommers explains why she calls herself a contemporary artist, how to define book art, and ways to support women in politics in Wyoming. "When women are doing well, a society does well." - Sue Sommers Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/41

Listen in to learn why Kayne Pyatt's role model is her mother, how things have changed for women over the years, and how to educate young women about suffrage and women's rights. "I get frustrated with the lack of knowledge that most young women have about where we -- me and my foremothers -- came through to get them what they have today." - Kayne Pyatt Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at thinkwy.org/first-but-last/kayne-pyatt/

Britney Wallesch discusses the arguments for and against no-kill shelters, how the state can protect animal rights, and why there are so few women in the Wyoming Legislature. “It is important when you're doing advocacy work to go to the place where policy is made and speak on behalf of the constituents that you represent." - Britney Wallesch Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/39

Heather Fleming explains why she started WY Lit, the consequences of illiteracy, and how to apply evidence-based reading instruction in the classroom. "I didn't want to see other children struggle the way mine had." - Heather Fleming. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/38

Arielle Zibrak explains how homosexuality written about in the 19th and 20th centuries and the biggest limitation of freedom for women in the United States. "Literature has, for a long time, been a place where women can exert an influence on society where they haven't been able to do so through explicitly political channels." - Arielle Zibrak. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/37

Listen to today's episode to learn how Jennie Gordon reaches her audience, how it feels to be a public figure, and why child hunger is so important to her. "Wyoming can do so many things that other big states with a lot of bureaucracy can't do." - Jennie Gordon. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/36.

In this episode, Robin talks about the impact that working in local government has had on her life, her advice for young women who want to go into politics, and why the people in the Workforce Services Office are the best thing about the job. "Ït's incredible where women are going in Wyoming." - Robin Sessions Cooley Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/35.

Mary Guthrie talks about her motivation to go back to school at 36, the people who mentored her, and the delights and challenges of writing a screenplay. "It doesn't hurt for the state to be much smaller because it does give people opportunities that otherwise you might not have." - Mary Guthrie Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/34.

Historian Renee Laegried explains why Wyoming was the first state to give women the right to vote and how gender equality in Wyoming has evolved since then. "Unless people start supporting women, it's going to be hard for them to be more engaged." - Renee Laegried Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/33

Jen Simon tells us about her journey to Wyoming, what led her to fight for women’s rights, and her thoughts on gender discrimination in the Equality State. “The Wyoming Women’s Community Action Network really exists to try and make sure that we continue to move the needle, continue to move forward, and get people in the Equality State to understand the real benefits that women bring.” - Jen Simon Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/32

Dr. Gigi Jasper discusses her experience with discrimination as an African American woman living and teaching in rural Wyoming. "I am the exception because I have had hundreds of students who now know me and not just what they think they know when they see me for the first time." - Gigi Jasper Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/30

Educator Caroline Mills talks about the time she met Fidel Castro and how she imparts her wisdom to the young people on the Wind River Reservation. “I think it’s important to be available, be accessible, and talk to anybody, and encourage them– because young people need to shoot for the stars and follow their dreams.” – Caroline Mills on mentorship. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/30

Hear about Nish Goicolea's triligual childhood home, her thoughts on the #metoo movement, and her vision for education in Wyoming. “Maybe I didn't have exactly the same opportunities as some of the men in my life, but because of education, I had even more.” – Nish Goicolea. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/29

Dr. Maggi Murdock tells us about her journey back to Wyoming, her career as a college professor, and her thoughts on gender discrimination. “When we all are treated equally, that helps the whole society.” – Maggi Murdock. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/28

Producer/Director Bobbie Birleffi discusses the people who influenced her to become a filmmaker and how the #metoo movement has personally impacted her. “People are starting to use words like ‘misogyny’. If you had used that word ten years ago, you would have been labeled as a radical crazy.” – Bobbie Birleffi. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/27

Emy and Jennifer Wilmetti discuss the top women's issues in Wyoming as well as why mentorship is key in encouraging more women to run for public office. “When you compare apples to apples, rather than apples to oranges, it’s not that women are not taking those more dangerous jobs, it’s that even in jobs in the same sector, they’re being paid less [than men].” – Jennifer Wilmetti. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/26

Hear about Tara Baker's experience with sexual harassment as a wildland firefighter and how the #metoo movement encouraged her to speak up. “Having come out and told some stories publicly about the sexual harassment in the forest service, I came to this place where I really had to own my opinion about that and I had to own my voice. I feel like I really had to decide what I believed. And I think once you go through that process, you stop caring so much about how people could judge you.” – Tara Baker. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/25

Diane Shober talks about the fight for gender equality in Wyoming, how to mentor young women, and why the tourism industry is an ideal place for women. "The barriers of life that sometimes constrict and confine us– when you're outside and in these beautiful wide open spaces, you don't have those kinds of restrictions." – Diane Shober. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/24

Writer Audrey Cotherman talks about gender discrimination in government and how she became the first executive director of Wyoming Humanities. “I was not, nor am I inclined to this day, to march. I suppose it really does draw attention to things, but I’m not sure that it changes things. I think to change something takes a lot of relationship building and determination and that it’s a very gradual process.” – Audrey Cotherman. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/23

Teton County Commissioner Natalia Duncan Macker talks about why women and artists are uniquely suited for serving in local government. “More artists getting involved in government across our country is vitally important because artists are good problem solvers and creative thinkers. I hope more artists will decide that they can put the way their brain works to work to solve the problems we are facing in our society.” – Natalia Duncan Macker. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/22

Leadership Wyoming Executive Director Mandy Fabel talks about what intrigues her about Wyoming as well as why Wyoming is opportunity-rich for women. “The women I am surrounded by in my own life are very strong, very capable, very hard-working women and often we choose to live in Wyoming because we want to be here, not because it's the most convenient for our career or our family.” – Mandy Fabel. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/21

Hear about how Clarene Law started her hotel business, her favorite legislation from her time as a legislator, and the challenges that Wyoming women face. “We had opportunity in those times. The town was growing and anybody willing to work hard could grow with the town.” – Clarene Law. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/20

Hear from Mariann Foster about how she made her way out west, how she became a fiber artist, and how she strives to be a role model for her daughter. “Trying to be a good role model is the biggest thing. You can tell kids things but if they see it, it’s going to mean something more to them.” – Mariann Foster. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/19

Wyoming's first female Supreme Court Justice, Marilyn Kite talks about why so few women serve in the Wyoming state government. “Lots of times we had [judicial] openings and no women applicants or no women applicants who had the number of years of experience that they needed to qualify. So, the field isn’t big enough! I’m hoping more women will think of it as a professional goal and put themselves out there because we can’t select them unless they apply!” – Justice Marilyn Kite Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/18.

Sheridan Press publisher Kristen Czaban weighs in on whether or not Wyoming still deserves to be called the "Equality Sate". “Print news, by its nature, takes a little longer to be out in front of people. I think taking that breath before something is in print allows print journalists to avoid the sensationalism that happens in other mediums.” – Kristen Czaban. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/17

Emy and Sarah Jo Sinclair discuss the differences in how men and women are treated in higher education, how Sarah discusses the #metoo movement with her kids and her students, and why people in Wyoming think of "feminist" as a bad word. “I feel the slow and steady need for continued work on women's issues and finding an equal or at least equitable spot in the workforce, within state politics, within leadership in communities.” – Sarah Jo Sinclair. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/16

Tune in to hear why Laura Griffith founded Recover Wyoming, how addiction is different for women and men, and Laura’s own story of addiction and recovery. “We all need to be engaged– we all need to change the conversation about addiction and to create a culture of recovery.” – Laura Griffith. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/15

Hear how Sara Burlingame was adopted into a tribe of Mormon feminists and why she is conflicted about calling Wyoming the equality state. “I feel very conflicted because on the one hand, I want to celebrate that Wyoming passed suffrage, but I also want to complicate that history with the reality that we did not give all women the right to vote.” – Sara Burlingame. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/14

Robin K. Hill, Ph.D. talks about how Wyoming's suffrage celebration relates to the national celebration that will take place in 2020. “[Computer Science] is a male dominated field for no good reason I can understand. I think women are perfectly well suited for it. These things do tend to take on a life of their own, so if there are a lot of men in the field, it becomes a male dominated field because others tend to follow that trend.” – Robin K. Hill. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/13

Financial advisor Kristin Wilkerson explains the gender pay gap and talks about how women need to plan for retirement in light of it. “We've still got a ways to go – progress at this point seems to be slow. Right now with the rate we’re improving, the numbers say that we won’t achieve pay equity for about 40 years.” – Kristin Wilkerson. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/12

Singer-songwriter and Wyomingite Sarah Sample sings a song from her new album, and talks about why being financially independent is essential for women. “The wide open spaces felt like open arms to me. The endless skies and horizons leave room for anyone to belong.” – Sarah Sample. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/11

Hear why Amber Pollock and her family decided to found a distillery in Casper, Wyoming and learn about Amber's perspective on gender equality in Wyoming. “Examining those areas that we’re clearly falling short in is important for our state if we truly want to uphold the mantle of ‘The Equality State’.” – Amber Pollock. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/10

Becca Steinhoff talks about her work with Wyoming Kids First and how to get men more involved in discussions about early childhood development. “Should we just celebrate and salute the fact that we were the first [to give women the right to vote] even though we have a lot of work to do? I think there is some celebration that needs to happen there. Meanwhile, we need to not stop the work!” – Becca Steinhoff. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/09

Hear about Judge Nancy Guthrie's childhood in Newcastle, WY, her decision to become a lawyer and a judge, and her advice for young female lawyers. “If you ever have a dean of a law school tell you that you were taking up space a man could take up, you just smile at him and threaten him that you’ll sue him if he doesn’t let you in.” – Nancy Guthrie’s advice for young female lawyers. Learn more about this episode of First, but Last at www.thinkwy.org/08