GIRL.gov

A Queens, NY native, Nkem(ehn-KEM) is currently the Chief of Staff & Sr. Director of Business Operations at Care/of, a wellness start-up that sells personalized vitamins & supplements. She is also the founder of Adá(ah-DAH) Supper Club, a platform that helps Black food creators grow their businesses. Nkem previously worked in management consulting. Her professional mission is to create equitable economies in which Black communities thrive. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Nkem OghedoAdá Supper Club: https://www.adasupper.club/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Jen Alico is a 300hr Certified Meditation Coach and Corporate Wellness Expert who, after earning her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Accounting, quickly found herself in the corporate world feeling exhausted and burnt-out. During that time she found meditation, which helped her overcome burnout, establish work/life balance, and gain confidence in many aspects of her life. Now she's using what she's learned to help hardworking professionals and corporate teams overcome stress and burnout through meditation and mindfulness. Jen walks us through her story, the history and benefits of meditation and a short guided meditation as well. You can learn more about Jen and her services by visiting her website below.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Jen AlicoZen Jen Mediation: https://www.zenjenmeditation.com/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel speaks with Milk Stork's Founder and CEO, Kate Torgersen about being an advocate for working parents, how she turned a frustrating and exhausting experience into a solution to help traveling parents, and the importance of normalize pumping and parenthood in the workplace. Milk stork offers the first-ever breast milk shipping services and was inspired by all the breastfeeding super moms who work, travel, and love their babies like crazy. You can learn more about Milk Stork and their services at their website below.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Kate TorgersenMilk Stork: https://www.milkstork.com/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel speaks with Ronald McDonald House Charities President and CEO, Kelly Dolan. The mission of RMHC is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families and is located throughout 62 countries and regions. RMHC envisions a world where all children have access to medical care and their families are supported and actively involved in their children's care. Kelly discusses the impact of RMHC, new initiatives and her own career development and journey. To find out more about RMHC you can visit their website below. Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Kelly DolanRonald McDonald House Charities: https://www.rmhc.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

In our very first episode of season two, Rachel and Kass reunite to discuss where they've been, their new year resolutions and what has been going on behind the scenes of GIRL.gov. Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

The GIRL.gov Founder Rachel talks about where the seeds were planted that inspired the podcast and now, non-profit organization. Music by: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel speaks with Joiel Ray-Alexander, the Senior Vice President for Transformational Giving at Covenant House International. Covenant House provides housing and support services to young people in need – currently reaching 50,000 youth every year. We discuss the topic of homelessness being "sensitive", alarming youth homeless and trafficking statistics, Covenant Houses resources, principals and much more. You can visit their website to learn more or reach out directly to Joiel.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Joiel Ray-AlexanderJoiel's email: jray-alexander@covenanthouse.orgCovenant House: https://www.covenanthouse.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel speaks with Elise Robinson a PhD candidate in Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Georgia, an instructor for the Institute for Women's Studies, a longtime feminist, activist, theatre practitioner, writer and scholar. Her research is grounded in an intersectional, feminist approach to performance (theory and practice) and women's lives, both historically and in the present moment. We speak about women throughout history, "the F word" and women we have to thank for paving the way. *Head over to our IG @girl.govpodcast to learn how you could win one of Elise's favorite books!Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Elise Robinson, UGA PhD CandidateElise's IG/Twitter: @eliserobinsonProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major TweaksThis Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off of your first month of professional therapy at: https://www.betterhelp.com/girlgovpodcast/

In this special Halloween episode, Rachel speaks with Bernice (Jessie) and Paloma (Mena) from Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. We discuss how being spooky women has empowered them, the moment they started to believe in ghosts, what to expect on the tour and their favorite scary stories. We ask that you keep an open mind and enjoy the history behind San Diego's Gaslamp District and their personal stories. If you would like to book a tour with Bernice or Mena, please see the link below and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Bernice (Jessie Rudolph) and Paloma Carrillo (Mena)Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours: https://hauntedsandiegotours.com/Producer: Alana FinemanThis Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off of your first month of professional therapy at: https://www.betterhelp.com/girlgovpodcast/

Rachel speaks with Ruth Glenn, CEO and President of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. We speak about resources, statistics, how to support a loved one who might be in an abusive relationship, the warning signs and much more. As a survivor, Ruth also often shares her experience to bring awareness about the dynamics of domestic violence. If you or anyone you know needs help or support, please find NCADV's website and the domestic violence hotline below. Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Ruth GlennNational Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major TweaksThis Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off of your first month of professional therapy at: https://www.betterhelp.com/girlgovpodcast/

Rachel speaks with Cyo Ray Nystrom the CEO and co-founder of Quim, a self-care line for humans with vaginas and humans without vaginas who love vaginas. Their mission is to create products that deepen the connection you have with your own body, and empower you to care for it in a way that makes sense for you. After 8-years of enduring recurrent vaginal health issues, Cyo partnered with a childhood friend Rachel Washtien, to launch a plant-based vaginal wellness company aimed towards empowering people with vaginas to care for said vaginas in sustainable ways. Quim is based in SF and wants to de-stigmatize conversations about vaginal health and cannabis.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Cyo Ray NystromQuim: https://itsquim.com/ use code: cyosaidso10 for $10 off your orderProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major TweaksThis Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off of your first month of professional therapy at: https://www.betterhelp.com/girlgovpodcast/

Rachel speaks with Mannie Thomas III, the Co-Executive Director and Growth Coordinator for Success Stories where their mission is to provide an alternative to prisons that builds safer communities by delivering feminist programming to people who have caused harm. We discuss the impact of sayings like "be a man", the consequences of patriarchal beliefs and norms and how feminism can help create safer communities and a safe space for men to learn, listen and grow. Mannie is our very first male guest and we're excited to have him here to discuss what feminism looks like to SSP and how men can show up and be allies to women.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Mannie Thomas IIISuccess Stories Program: https://www.successstoriesprogram.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major TweaksThis Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off of your first month of professional therapy at: https://www.betterhelp.com/girlgovpodcast/

Rachel speaks with Leydy Rangel, the National Communications Manager for the United Farm Workers Foundation whose mission is to empower communities to ensure human dignity. They talk about the si se puede attitude, what it was like meeting President Biden to discuss a pathway for citizenship and her personal story as a dreamer and daughter of a migrant farm worker family and much more. To learn more ways to help, text "si se puede" to 877877.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Leydy RangelUnited Farm Workers Foundation: https://www.ufwfoundation.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major TweaksThis Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off of your first month of professional therapy at: https://www.betterhelp.com/girlgovpodcast/

Rachel speaks with Samantha Tradelius, the founder of the Sparkle Foundation which is a non profit 501(c)(3) that focuses on single mothers caring for children. Sparkle's mission is to enhance the lives of women and children through gifts, goods, enrichment, and resources. They focus on women because they never ask, children because they are the victims of circumstance and people because they want them to live a life of purpose. Learn more about Sparkle and how you can get involved at their website below.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Samantha TradeliusThe Sparkle Foundation: https://www.sparklenow.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel speaks with friend Molly about her time with the Peace Corps in Rwanda, women's nutrition, menstrual and overall health, the white savior complex and much more. Molly explains what her experience was like and gives advice on how to know if joining the Peace Corps is right for you. To learn more about the Peace Corps please visit: https://www.peacecorps.gov/Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Molly EdwardsProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Kass speak with The Debt Collective's Philadelphia branch and new member organizer Lauren Horner about cancelling student debt and college for all. We discuss financial liberation, what it was like drafting an executive order and whether or not President Joe Biden can really cancel federal student debt with just the flick of his pen. Learn more about how you can join the union and push for structural transformation and collective liberation at their website below.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstGuest: Lauren HornerThe Debt Collective: https://debtcollective.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Kass speak with the Fátima Guevara, Founder and Jenna Finch, Director of Operations from The Cantu Foundation. TCF is inspired by Fátima's own special needs dog, Cantu. A 501(c)3 organization, The Cantu Foundation is a volunteer and donation-based non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates dogs in need in the poorest areas of Tijuana, Mexico and Southern California. Please head over to their website linked below to learn more about their foundation, volunteering, donating, fostering or adopting.*TW: In this episode, there are small portions where animal abuse and neglect are discussed.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstGuests: Fátima Guevara and Jenna FinchThe Cantu Foundation: https://www.thecantufoundation.org/Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

In celebration of PRIDE month, Rachel and Kass speak with Jen LaBarbera and Stacy Sakamoto from San Diego PRIDE and She Fest to discuss the history of PRIDE, how to be an ally, the Equality Act, how to attend and support PRIDE this year and much more. Stacy currently serves as the She Fest Chair and previously served as Pride's Festival Manager and Assistant Parade Manager and Jen currently serves as the Education & Advocacy Manager at San Diego Pride, where they manage the organization's community partnerships, education & advocacy programs, civic engagement, and international diplomacy work. Please find the links below to learn more about Pride, She Fest and the Equality Act.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstGuests: Jen LaBarbera and Stacy SakamotoSan Diego Pride: https://sdpride.org/San Diego She Fest: https://sdpride.org/shefest/Sign the Pledge in Support of the Equality Act: https://act.4equality.us/a/signProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Kassandra discuss their thoughts on Kamala Harris' news conference with Guatemala President Alejandro Giammatei, the ending of their favorite podcast 'Frenemies' and more. This is a candid conversation with two amigas who are learning more about immigration issues, something they are both passionate about. Rachel & Kass both grew up in a border town in Southern San Diego and stand with those wanting a better life and seeking asylum, something their families did for them years ago.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel speaks with friend Hekmat Zeidan, first generation Palestinian-American and activist. Hekmat breaks down the occupation of Palestine, her personal experience and how we can help and get involved. The two have an honest conversation on the issues behind media, education and the US' involvement. Please find our resources below to learn more on ways to help and continue the conversation. Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Hekmat ZeidanResources: https://www.mecaforpeace.org/https://pcrf1.z2systems.com/np/clients/pcrf1/donation.jsp?campaign=1680https://linktr.ee/palestinianyouthmovementProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Kass speak with Tamara Lewis Johnson, MPH, MBA who is the Chief of the Women's Mental Health Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health. Tamara discusses the resources and research within NIMH along with the high priority areas and demographics such as young women and adolescents, underrepresented, underreported and understudied populations, NIMH's mission and vision and what it means to create an inclusive and diverse space for mental health research and advocacy. This episode is intended to continue the conversation around mental health, ending the stigma, and creating a safe space for women to seek help.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstGuest: Tamara Lewis Johnson, MPH, MBANIMH Women's Mental Health Research Program: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization/od/odwd/womens-mental-health-research-programProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Karina Perez Marconi, the founder of the CBD skincare line Antedotum talk about Antedotum's mission, the science behind CBD, being a woman in business, what Antedotum is doing to create a inclusive, diverse brand and much more. As a former Chanel executive, Karina drew upon the confluence of nature and luxury from her home in Aspen, Colorado, as inspiration for founding Antedotum in 2019. Under Karina's leadership, Antedotum was selected from hundreds of companies to attend the Canopy Boulder accelerator program for CBD and Cannabis companies, and the brand has received international recognition for product efficacy. Check out our Instagram @girl.govpodcast for a giveaway!Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Karina Perez MarconiAntedotum: https://antedotum.com/ (use code CBD20 for 20% off your purchase)Producer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel & Kassandra discuss the importance and impact of kindness, what they're most excited about once the world starts to reopen and the butterfly effect. This episode was inspired by La La Land Kind Cafe and we hope to encourage others to pay it forward with random acts of kindness and to create meaningful connections with others.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Adama Sesay is a Cosmic Alchemist and Astrologist behind LilithAstrology.com who is dedicated to empowering women through her profound knowledge of the universe and Magick manifestation techniques. Adama dives into Rachel and Natalie's birth charts, two Aries sisters who were born a year and nine days apart.Host; Rachel CoxGuest: Natalie CoxGuest: Adama SesayProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Dr. Noreen Singh have a COVID-19 Q&A and discuss what her personal experience has been like as a health care worker during the pandemic in New York City. Dr. Singh is currently an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at Mount Sinai. She is a core faculty member and maternal health lead at the Mount Sinai Family Medicine Residency Program, based at the Institute for Family Health. Rachel & Dr. Singh discuss the vaccine rollout, debunking harmful myths, long-term effects from the virus and much more.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Dr. Noreen SinghProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Kassandra play the game 'We're Not Really Strangers', a card game intended to bring more meaningful connections to everyday life. They ask each other questions about love, life, how they're really doing and much more.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Sexual Health & Wellness Coach Vanessa Smith discuss love languages, being single during Valentines Day/the pandemic, self love and self pleasure. Vanessa is the founder of Pleasure Exploration, where her practice focuses on helping people understand and explore their personal intimate desires and provide a comfortable setting to open up and have a one-on-one discussion about your sexual health.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Vanessa SmithProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Kassandra discuss their thoughts on the Inauguration, their favorite Bernie in mittens memes and Biden's first couple days in office.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Dr. Nissrine Habhab discuss ways to hold yourself accountable while making new year resolutions and goals for 2021, the stigma around mental health, how to be a supportive friend and how to be kind to yourself on your journey of healing.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Dr. Nissrine HabhabProducer: Alana FinemanIntro/Outro beat: Cocktail by Major Tweaks

Rachel, Kassandra and Natalie welcome the New Year by discussing their take on 2020 and hopes for 2021.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstGuest: Natalie CoxProducer: Alana FinemanIntro beat: Produced by Dices

Rachel and Kassandra close out 2020 with current events and weird dating stories. The duo touches on religion, the Pfizer vaccine, TIME Magazine, dating apps and ex boyfriends.Host: Rachel CoxCo-Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro beat: Produced by Dices

Rachel brings on her little sister Natalie to discuss childhood memories, the importance of work culture, family traditions and their favorite TV shows.Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Natalie CoxProducer: Alana FinemanIntro beat: Produced by Dices

Host Rachel and Cohost Kassandra talk about their initial reactions of the election outcome, their favorite restaurant in San Diego, and much more. This is part 2 of 2 for their Election Day episode.Host: Rachel CoxCo Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro beat: Produced by Dices

Rachel and Kassandra discuss their initial thoughts on the election, and everything that has been impacted by it. This is part 1 of 2 for their Election Day episode.Host: Rachel CoxCo Host: Kassandra FurstProducer: Alana FinemanIntro beat: Produced by Dices

The Girl.gov founder Rachel talks about our mission, vision and what to expect from the podcast.Music: Produced by Dices