VEST Her

Women have long navigated workspaces that weren't built with us in mind, fueling an inner voice of self-doubt that can hold us back. Dr. Amelia Duran-Stanton, author of "The Lotus Within" and Colonel in the US Army with decades of service, shares strategies for quieting that inner critic while building sustainable confidence as a leader.Dr. Duran Stanton explains her book "The Lotus Within" focuses on strategic planning, time management, and prioritizationTrue confidence comes from showing up prepared, networking effectively, and knowing who to ask for helpBuilding confidence is about training like you fight—preparing thoroughly for high-stakes situationsSilencing your inner critic requires trusting your training and refocusing on the mission when self-doubt arisesWomen of color should see their identities as differentiators rather than trying to assimilateHumility and confidence aren't opposites but complementary forces—"like yin and yang"When transitioning careers, focus on outcomes achieved rather than titles heldRecognize toxic environments using the "boiling frog syndrome" metaphor—periodically assess if you're in a harmful situationDaily habits like morning journaling, intentional planning, and celebrating wins help build confidence as a muscleHandle setbacks by allowing yourself to feel the emotion, then asking what you learned and what you'd do differentlyFor our guest full bio and show notes click hereIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode, we sit down with Niren Chaudhary, former Chairman and CEO of Panera Bread, and VEST Member Beverly Carmichael, a seasoned corporate board director for several iconic brands. Together, we explore the rising demand for empathetic leadership in today's volatile and unpredictable world.“Leaders have to be peddlers of hope,”  Niren Chaudhary.For our guests full bio and show notes click here. Drawing on the moving story of his late daughter Aisha—who accomplished extraordinary things in her 18 years despite a terminal illness—Chaudhary shares how profound personal loss reshaped his perspective on life, leadership, and legacy.From this experience emerged a leadership philosophy anchored in three core values:Courage: Focus on what you can control.Gratitude: Celebrate life's gifts, even in hardship.Generosity: Lead by serving others.He introduces a four-step framework for processing loss and leading with resilience:AcceptanceSelf-forgivenessSelf-loveRenewed hope through purposeThese principles are not only healing—they're actionable strategies for leaders navigating uncertainty and change.Chaudhary also reflects on the challenges of leading multigenerational teams, and building cultures that thrive, by providing:Clarity of missionOpportunities for personal masteryShared purpose as a multiplier for goodand challenges the false divide between purpose and profit. He shares how leaders can foster a virtuous cycle where values-driven decisions enhance both customer and employee experiences—not through isolated acts of charity, but through integrated, sustainable impact. Tune in to discover how courage, gratitude, and generosity can transform your leadership—and your organization. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Are you ready to stop waiting for recognition and start owning your strengths? In this episode, we revisit one of our most transformative sessions: Turning Strengths Into Opportunities—an essential conversation for women professionals ready to take charge of their careers.Too often, high-achieving women are so consumed by deadlines, expectations, and the constant comparison trap that they lose sight of their unique value. When was the last time you paused to reflect on what truly sets you apart at work?This episode is your invitation to do just that.We explore why naming—and claiming—your strengths is the foundation of long-term career growth, especially in workplaces where women still face double standards and invisible barriers. You'll hear actionable strategies sourced directly from our community on how to:Transform self-awareness into career opportunitiesControl and communicate your professional narrativeBuild a circle of advocates who champion you behind closed doorsLeverage recognition and compliments as stepping stones to advancementPlus, we share the mindset shift that turns a simple “thank you” into a bold move toward your next opportunity.Whether you're pursuing a promotion, navigating a career transition, or simply craving more alignment between your talents and your work, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Women in the U.S. aren't just balancing careers and caregiving—they are the invisible backbone of a broken system keeping our economy afloat. In this episode of the VEST Her Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Jessica Calarco, sociologist, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and author of Holding It Together: How Women Became America's Safety Net. Moderating this discussion was Monica Barczak, VEST Member and Founder & Principal of Barczak Consulting, where she works with organizations to promote family economic success and well-being. Together, they unpacked the hidden burdens placed on women, the systemic challenges that force them into unpaid caregiving roles, and the urgent need for policy reform.Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is brought to you by VEST, a peer network for women professionals and investment fund investing in women led companies.This conversation was part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. If you'd like to learn more about joining our peer community, go to www.vesther.co to learn more.Women as the Default Safety NetDr. Calarco's book, Holding It Together, sheds light on a troubling reality: when government and workplace policies fall short, women step in to fill the gaps—often at great personal and financial cost. She explained how this phenomenon is not just a result of individual choices but rather a deeply ingrained expectation in American society.“In the U.S., when someone loses a job, falls ill, or can't afford childcare, we don't have a strong safety net to catch them,” she explained. “Instead, we rely on women—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends—to step in. This isn't just about personal sacrifice; it's about systemic failure.”Compared to other countries with more robust social policies, the U.S. offers little in the way of paid parental leave, affordable childcare, or universal healthcare—leaving women disproportionately responsible for caregiving.For the full show notes go to www.VESTHer.co/podcast Guest BiosDr. Jessica Calarco is a sociologist and a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She's an award-winning author, and her most recent book is titled Holding it Together: How Women Became America's Safety Net. She has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Atlantic, and CNN. She writes the Hidden Curriculum newsletter, and she is also a mom of two young kids.Monica Barczak, is a VEST Member and Founder and Principal, Barczak Consulting, where she works with organizations to promote family economic success and well-being. Prior to establishing her consulting practice, Monica was Director of Community Health Equity at Ascension, where she designed and implemented strategies to reduce health disparities for low-income uninsured adults in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During her tenure, Monica grew the impact of this portfolio from $5 million a year to $12 million a year. Before this, Monica held multiple leadership roles in nonprofits and social impact organizations.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode, we dive into why plans, goals, and resolutions often fail—and how to overcome those challenges. We introduce the WOOP Framework (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) to help you create a personalized action plan and share practical resources to keep you on track all year long.We're also sharing key takeaways from a session we hosted for VEST Members, our peer network of women professionals. You'll learn effective strategies for planning your goals, setting up systems of accountability, and staying motivated. Plus, we guide you through a powerful exercise to help you visualize your future self and see what's possible when you start applying these tools. Don't miss this actionable conversation!Show NotesVEST Wheel of Life Assessment How to Build a VEST Vision Board Mapping Out Goals using the WOOP FrameworkVEST Peer NetworkAtomic Habits by James ClearConnect with the VEST Team and Show HostsErika Lucas, Gaby Eichenlaub, Sarah Soetarjo, Jae JohnsonIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we talked about Ageism at Work with Maureen Wiley Clough, host of the acclaimed podcast It Gets Late Early. In it we unpacked the unique challenges women face as we progress in our career and share actionable strategies for overcoming age-related obstacles and redefining our career trajectories at any age.For our guest full bio and show notes go to www.vesther.co/podcast This episode is brought to you by VEST, a peer network for women professionals and investment fund investing in women led companies building solutions for the care economy and future of work. This conversation was part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. If you'd like to learn more about joining our peer community, go to www.vesther.co to learn more. If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Your personal brand is the sum of how others perceive you—your strengths, the expertise they associate with you, and the way you communicate your skills and personality both in person and online. But why is having a personal brand so important? Throughout your career, one thing is certain: you will need to pivot. Pivots are inevitable, often unexpected. Whether it's a layoff, taking breaks to care for loved ones, or another curveball, having a strong professional brand already in place gives you the agility to respond and adapt on your terms. But how do you build one, and how do you communicate it effectively? Join us as we talk to Rena Cook, founder of Vocal Authority about how VEST Members can communicate with confidence, authenticity, and influence. From activists to CEOs, Rena has guided professionals to harness their voices as a powerful tool for leadership and connection. As a speaker, author, and vocal coach, Rena's approach blends practical insights with actionable strategies you can start using immediately to elevate your presentations and everyday conversations. If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Discover the invisible barriers that hold women back from seizing their rightful places in political and civic spaces. In this episode, Andy Moore, founder of Let's Fix This and Executive Director of the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers, speaks with Mia Barros, founder of Voluntarios por Kamala, Blaire Postman, Founder of Cat Ladies for Kamala, and Cortney Tunis, former Executive Director of Pantsuit Nation. In it, they discuss the fear many women experience around political engagement, strategies to overcome that fear, and the importance of stepping into political conversations, especially when others cannot. The conversation also highlights the significance of local elections and civic engagement, regardless of swing state status and more. Join us as Mia, Blaire, and Courtney— share their unique insights into overcoming societal pressures that often urge women to prioritize politeness over impactful dialogue. Special thanks to Andy Moore for moderating the session. If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode VEST Member Claudia Naím-Burt co-founder and COO of Keep Company, a group learning platform helping employers care for the caregivers on their teams, talks to Paul Sullivan, former New York Times financial columnist and founder The Company of Dads, a platform supporting “Lead Dads”—men who are the “go-to” parents whether they work full-time, part-time, or are devoting all their time to their families.Join us as we talk about how we as a society and company leaders should embrace lead dads and how together we can counteract unhelpful gender norms both at work and at home.About our GuestsPaul Sullivan is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating a community for Lead Dads. Its mission is to help Lead Dads feel less isolated and more confident that they have made the correct choice to take on the bulk of the parenting and family duties - or at the very least not embrace stereotypes around who does what at home. As a Lead Dad himself, Paul understands intimately the joys, frustrations, isolation and reticence around talking about being a Lead Dad. It's a role that is growing in numbers but is far from normalized. Before starting The Company of Dads in 2021, Paul wrote the Wealth Matters column in The New York Times for 13 years. He also created the Money Game column in GOLF Magazine. As a journalist for 25 years, his articles also appeared in Fortune, Money, Conde Nast Portfolio, The International Herald Tribune, Barron's, The Boston Globe, and Food & Wine. From 2000 to 2006, he was a reporter, editor and columnist at the Financial Times. He is the author of two books Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don't and The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of The Super Wealthy. Paul lives in Connecticut, with his wife and their three daughters and three dogs. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.Claudia Naím-Burt is the co-founder and COO of Keep Company, a group learning platform that helps employers care for, and keep, the parents and caregivers on their teams. Previously, Claudia was a member of the leadership team at Framebridge, a direct-to-consumer custom framing company, where she led Brand and Communications. As the 10th employee to join the company, she helped scale the business to over 400 employees, retail locations and past $82M in venture funding. After Framebridge, Claudia served as an entrepreneur in residence at NEA, and as a strategic advisor to several high-growth businesses, including Poppy Flowers. Claudia has held marketing and communications roles at American Express and Edelman Public Relations. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a BA with honors from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Claudia lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and two boys. Connect with Claudia on LinkedIn.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Vanessa Scaringi, a licensed psychologist and co-owner of CALM Counseling in Austin, TX. Dr. Scaringi recently authored an insightful article in TIME magazine examining the psychological effects of modern identity trends like the "soft girl" and "tradwife" movements, which are gaining popularity among Gen-Z women.Together, we'll dive into the psychological implications of these trends, including the "childless cat lady" stereotype and the polarization of women's roles. We'll discuss how these labels shape our identities, influence societal expectations, and affect mental well-being—and explore strategies for challenging and redefining these narratives.Ready to rethink how society labels modern women? Join us as we explore the multifaceted identities of women today and the psychological toll of labels like 'soft girl,' 'trad wife,' and 'childless cat lady.' With Dr. Vanessa Scaringi, a licensed psychologist, we uncover how these stereotypes shape societal expectations and contribute to rising mental health issues among Gen Z women. We'll discuss the fear and challenges of embracing multiple identities in a politically polarized world, and why community support is crucial for women redefining their roles.Curious about the societal judgments women face when they don't fit neatly into one box? We tackle the complexities women encounter in balancing diverse roles, like being a businesswoman and a traditional wife or mother. Using a recent article criticizing a successful woman for her traditional lifestyle as a starting point, we delve into how societal pressures can be both hurtful and limiting. About our GuestDr. Vanessa Scaringi is a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX. Vanessa co-owns a group therapy practice called CALM counseling. Vanessa has dedicated much of her career to working in the eating disorder field, currently she offers supervision and consultation to clinicians hoping to specialize in eating disorders. Additionally, she enjoys writing and presenting on topics related to women's health and the therapy field more generally.Vanessa recently authored a compelling article in TIME discussing the psychological impacts of modern identity trends, such as the "soft girl" and "tradwife" movements. These trends, particularly popular among Gen-Z women, reflect a shift from the "Girlboss" era to more rigid definitions of femininity. Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn. Show NotesA Side of Freud Newsletter, social commentary and critiques filtered through the lens of a psychologist. By Dr. Vanessa Scaringi. Cultish, The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda MontellThere Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent by Glenn BoozanIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we talk to Shalynne Jackson, Oklahoma City's Chief Equity Officer, and Mikeale Campbell, Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager at Williams on the topic of Future of Work as it relates to inclusion. We talk about SHRM's decision to remove the word “equity” from DEI due to the anti-DEI movement. If and how companies should evolve DEI efforts. How executives can address the wrongful implication that DEI efforts mean giving preference to unqualified candidates and more.This episode is brought to you by VEST Her Ventures, a peer network and investment fund for women building the infrastructure needed to unlock women's labor participation, career potential, and lifetime earnings. Learn more at www.VESTHer.co.If you enjoy the episode please share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review.Guest BiosShalynne Jackson serves as the City of Oklahoma City's first Chief Equity Officer. Prior to joining the City of OKC, Shalynne supported strategic Inclusion and Diversity initiatives for multiple Fortune 500 companies. She has served on various boards and is currently the Membership Chair for the Oklahoma Human Resources State Council (OKHR); serves on Schnake Turnbo Franks' I&D Advisory Committee; and is on the board of ReMerge - a comprehensive diversion program. Shalynne is recognized as a 2024 Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, and in 2023, Shalynne was recognized by 405 Business Magazine as a Notable DEI Leader and one of the Metro's most influential leaders. A graduate of The University of Oklahoma, Shalynne holds a Master of Human Relations degree. Additionally, she is a qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), a cross-cultural assessment of intercultural competence. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of daughter Hollis, 6, and son Liam, 3.Mikeale Campbell is a proud product of North Tulsa. After graduating from Booker T Washington, he attended the University of Tulsa, majoring in Business and Chinese. Upon graduation, Mikeale moved to Dallas, Texas, to participate in a program called, Teach For America (TFA). Teach For America is a program that takes aspiring leaders and supports them as classroom teachers for a minimum of 2 years. After five years in Texas's classroom and campus support roles, he moved back to the Tulsa area to create and lead TFA Greater Tulsa's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. During his 4 years with the organization Mikeale impacted the knowledge, skills, and mindsets of over 400 educators in the Tulsa area. Mikeale transitioned to the Williams Companies in November of 2020. Since then, he has immediately jumped in to support Williams in becoming a leader in the D&I space within our community. He is heavily involved in the Tulsa community, serving on several boards, including Tulsa Legacy Charter Schools, Pathways Adult Center, and Tulsa Regional Chamber's 2023 Inclusion Chair. Mikeale prides himself on being an active volunteer in the community, supporting many womxn lead organizations, STEM programs and all things Greenwood. Mikeale says he's lived a life rooted in a quote he lives by is, "Change If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode VEST Member Terra-Branson Thomas, Senior Policy Advisor at Clause Law and former Secretary of the Nation for the Muscogee Creek Nation talks about the Status of Women in Politics with Kelly Dittmar, Associate Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University and Director of Research at the Center for American Women and Politics at Eagleton Institute of Politics. Kelly is a published author in the field of Gender and Politics. She is also an influential expert in the field, contributing to publications like Forbes Women and serving as a commentator for various media outlets.If you enjoy the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review.About our Guest(s)Kelly Dittmar is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University–Camden and Director of Research at the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at the Eagleton Institute of Politics. She is a published author in the field, co-authoring "A Seat at the Table: Congresswomen's Perspectives on Why Their Representation Matters" (Oxford University Press, 2018) and authoring "Navigating Gendered Terrain: Stereotypes and Strategy in Political Campaigns" (Temple University Press, 2015). Her work primarily revolves around gender and American political institutions. Dittmar also serves as a co-editor of Politics & Gender, an influential journal in the field. With a background as an American Political Science Association (APSA) Congressional Fellow and experience working for Governor Jennifer Granholm (MI), Dittmar is recognized as an expert in her field, contributing to publications like Forbes Women and serving as a commentator for various media outlets. She holds a B.A. from Aquinas College and earned her Ph.D. from Rutgers University-New Brunswick.Terra Branson-Thomas, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, has over a decade of experience in federal Indian policy, government relations, and self-governance. At Clause Law, she leverages her expertise from her tenure as Secretary of the Nation for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, where she increased federal funding by $18 million, boosted grant funding by 40%, and provided strategic economic advice. Her career includes roles in national tribal non-profit management, federal negotiations, and legislative development, with prior experience at the National Congress of American Indians. Terra holds a BA in Native American Studies from Dartmouth College and an MPP from Georgetown University.This episode is brought to you by VEST Her Ventures, a peer network of women professionals and investment fund for women-led companies building the future of work and care infrastructure needed to unlock women's labor participation, career potential and lifetime earnings. Learn more at www.VESTHer.coIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode VEST Members talk to gender-inclusive culture expert Brad Johnson, Professor of Psychology at the United States Naval Academy and Faculty Associate at John Hopkins University, about the skills and benefits men earn when they engage in advocating for women at work. The misconceptions and challenges that often get in the way of men engaging in gender-equity advocacy and the economics of inclusive workspaces. Special thanks to VEST Member, Jessica Dietrich,  Director of Government Relations and Policy for Hunger Free Oklahoma for moderating this session.  Join us as we delve into the multifaceted roles men can play as allies, mentors, and advocates. We also uncover the economic benefits of inclusive workspaces and how intersectionality further complicates women's professional journeys, especially for women of color. Our discussion reveals how evaluations often differ for men and women. We also dissect the evolving dynamics of remote and hybrid work, generational shifts in expectations for work-life balance and how men's engagement in domestic duties is crucial for supporting women's career growth.  Show NotesStanford Study on Language Bias in Performance ReviewsBrotopia: Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley by Emily ChangFair Play by Eve RodskyGuest BiosJessica Dietrich is a VEST Member and the Director of Government Relations and Policy for Hunger Free Oklahoma. In her free time you can find Jessica spending time with her Little through Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving as a violinist and board president for Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, and enjoying time at her home in OKC with her spouse and small fleet of pets including dogs, cats, and chickens.Brad Johnson, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology in the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the United States Naval Academy, and a Faculty Associate in the Graduate School of Education at Johns Hopkins University. A clinical psychologist, Dr. Johnson is a mentoring expert specializing in developing gender-inclusive mentoring cultures for organizations around the globe. Dr. Johnson is the author of numerous publications including 14 books, including: Good Guys: How Men Can Become Better Allies for Women in the Workplace, Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women (both with David Smith), and The Elements of Mentoring 3rd Ed. (with Charles Ridley).If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we talk to Oklahoma State Senator Julia Kirt and Oklahoma State Representative Melissa Provenzano about why it is becoming harder and harder for people to engage in politics. Join us as we talk about why people are feeling disenfranchised and divided. How can we better navigate the process, skip the noise, and be more effective in our advocacy efforts? Together, we dissect the urgency of empowering women in politics and how recent shifts like the overturning of Roe v. Wade are reshaping perceptions of governance and personal autonomy. Our dialogue traverses the landscape of political engagement, revealing the potency of personal narratives in bridging divides and the transformative impact that comes from stepping into the political arena.About Guest SpeakersSenator Julia Kirt was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 2018 representing District 30 in northwest Oklahoma City. She is an experienced community leader who has led statewide arts and culture nonprofit organizations for 20 years. As a mom of two, Senator Kirt knows first-hand the value of the investments we make in public education and in an economy that provides opportunity for all families. Senator Kirt currently serves as a Co-Chair for the Mental Health Caucus. Her committee work is largely focused on the state's finances and the rules by which our government operates, which allows her to work for an Oklahoma built on fairness, where each person and community has what they need to thrive.Representative Melissa Provenzano is a lifelong Tulsa area native, married mom to two and stepmom to two. Elected in 2018 to represent District 79 in Tulsa, she worked as a public school teacher and principal who grew exasperated with cutting her budget every single year until she decided to run. As a legislator, Melissa continues to bring this same commitment and voice, focusing on  common sense education policy and for the needs of families of Tulsa at the state capitol. She currently services as the Assistant Minority Leader for the Democratic Caucus, State Director for Women In Government (National), and co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus.  She was recently named one of Journal Record's 50 Women Making a Difference and is most proud of her work increasing access to diagnostic mammograms, student loan transparency, getting rid of the state grocery tax and separating occupational licensure renewals from tax status.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we talk to VEST Members about how they've managed to navigate career transitions and setbacks, while rediscovering themselves and building meaningful connections. We discuss the importance of asking for help, leveraging peer networks, advocating for ourselves and other women unapologetically. Join us as we dive into double standards women face at work like self-promotion, work-life balance, and ageism. Guest Speakers:Judy Reyes-Henderson COO at Freedom City OKC and owner of Focal Point Consulting & Interim Staffing (FCIS). Judy founded FCIS after having served as the Executive Director for Development at Ronald McDonald House Charities. Prior she served as the Asst. VP for development at Oklahoma City University, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Langston University, the Development M anager for University of Central Oklahoma and the Division Director for the March of Dimes.   Kendra Loper Fundraising Coach with the Veritus Group. Kendra's professional experience includes serving as the Chief External Relations Officer at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Development Director for the Make A Wish Foundation and the Executive Director of Alumni Relations at Southern Nazarene University. Kendra is also a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, using the CliftonStrengths assessment to help organizations build stronger team dynamics, better conversations and increased collaboration. Monica Ybarra Weedn Attorney at Rosell & Love PLLC. Prior she was the Director of Legal Affairs at TBS, and an Attorney at Phillips Murrah. From bartending to corporate counsel, Monica's ability to extract positive lessons and relationships from each career opportunity provides a strong foundation from which she now draws on to serve her clients in private practice. Monica is on the board of Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners, OKC Latino Young Professionals and StitchCrew. Yvita Crider owner of Fox Crider Consulting Group, where she spearheads the Oklahoma Square One Project, a statewide criminal justice initiative. She is also the artist and owner behind Yvita Handcrafted Jewelry. Prior, she was Director of Statewide Engagement for Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, the Director of Leadership Development for Teach For America, and served in the United Nations and other INGOs.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Remote-work has dwindled over the past few years as employers issue return-to-office mandates. But will that continue in 2024?In this episode VEST Member Jess Kyle, Data Engineer Manager at Underdog Sports, a fully remote company with more than 350 distributed employees, talks to Lynn Greenberg, Founder of Pivt, a platform helping employers reduce turnover and enhance the social well-being of relocated, mobile, and remote workers and their families.Listen to the conversation, we covered:00:00:03 Remote Work Trends and Employee Satisfaction00:19:21 Leveraging Technology for Remote Productivity00:24:39 Addressing Employee Well-Being and Burnout 00:34:50 Improving Work-Life Balance Through Company Culture00:40:20 Shift in Purpose of on-Site Retreats00:49:16 Remote Work and Gender Disparities00:55:44 Work Alignment and Personal BoundariesPivt is a VEST Her Ventures Portfolio Company.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

More and more women are considering switching roles or leaving the labor force in general as a result of burnout. This burnout is in large part due to caregiving responsibilities. In fact, caregiving responsibilities are the number two reason (behind retirement), that people, mostly women, leave the labor force. This negatively impacts our nation's workforce availability as well as women's lifetime earnings. Making this not a women's issue, but an economic one.So what do we do about it? In this episode we talk with Adriene Prentice and Claudia Naim-Burt, founders of Keep Company, a ventured-backed company helping employers reduce burnout and turnover of employees with caregiving responsibilities. Join us as we talk about ways to identify and mitigate burnout, as well as how we can maintain productivity levels without driving ourselves and employees to feel depleted. Keep Company is now part of VEST Her Ventures portfolio. About Adrienne Prentice Adrienne Prentice is the co-founder and CEO of Keep Company, a group learning platform that helps employers care for, and keep, the parents and caregivers on their teams. After a successful career as a technology attorney practicing at top law firms, including Cooley and Pillsbury, Adrienne was recruited to build a global team of attorneys at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). While at HPE, Adrienne experienced firsthand the unique challenges of being a working parent and the power of coaching. She then shifted her career to talent management at Hogan Lovells and later became a leadership coach specifically for working parents and caregivers. After supporting countless clients battling loneliness and self-sacrifice, Adrienne leveraged her experience as a mother, coach and community builder as well as her background in talent management to build a solution that not only supports parents & caregivers, but positively influences the systems they live in. Adrienne holds a BS from Cornell University's School of Industrial & Labor Relations and a JD from American University, Washington College of Law. While not working, she devours non-fiction and keeps company with her husband, two children and silver lab in Bethesda, Maryland.About Claudia Naim-BurtClaudia Naím-Burt is the co-founder and COO of Keep Company, a group learning platform that helps employers care for, and keep, the parents and caregivers on their teams. Previously, Claudia was a member of the leadership team at Framebridge, a direct-to-consumer custom framing company, where she led Brand and Communications. As the 10th employee to join the company, she helped scale the business to over 400 employees, retail locations and past $82M in venture funding. After Framebridge, Claudia served as an entrepreneur in residence at NEA, and as a strategic advisor to several high-growth businesses, including Poppy Flowers. Claudia has held marketing and communications roles at American Express and Edelman Public Relations. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a BA with honors from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Claudia lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and two boys.Show NotesIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode Accountability Coach and Author of "Why Not You," Amanda McKinney shares tips, tools and resources with VEST Members on how to achieve goals through discipline and accountability systems. We also talk about the struggle we all grapple with: self-doubt, fear of failure, and decision fatigue. We share strategies to overcome these barriers and discuss how honesty about our fears and seeking support from trusted individuals can be game-changers.We delve into how tracking progress and finding support networks can supercharge your success. We unpack the science behind accountability and its effectiveness, and discuss various levels of accountability - from using technology as a tool for repeatable actions, to investing in a coach or program. Amanda also shares how to set and track goals effectively, and provides a comprehensive guide to managing your time and boosting productivity.About Amanda McKinneyAmanda is an Accountability Coach, Podcast Host (The Unapologetic Entrepreneur), and Best Selling Author (Why Not You? An Accidental Entrepreneur's Guide To Success) on a mission to help passionate accidental entrepreneurs make progress towards creating a profitable and productive business that they're proud of. Amanda is also a recognized thought leader and coach on Accidental Entrepreneurship & Accountability, author of Amazon Best Seller, Why Not You? An Accidental Entrepreneur's Guide To Success and host of The Unapologetic Entrepreneur Podcast. She has personally helped hundreds of passionate, yet doubtful, entrepreneurs from around the globe step through self-doubt and create the business that integrates into their life instead of taking it over. She is the founder of a self-built, profitable and debt-free business and it's through this experience along with her  Masters degree from the University of Florida and past corporate experience that she is widely regarded by passionate female entrepreneurs. As an accountability coach she helps entrepreneurs navigate self-doubt and life's twists and turns so they can continue to make continued progress towards their business goals.Show NotesTraction, get a grip on your businessAmanda's Weekly Accountability SheetGoals Toolkit Huberman Lab PodcastAbout VESTVEST is an investment fund and peer network for women. We invest in women-led companies providing solutions that enable employers to build more inclusive workspaces and support women's labor force participation. We also connect and provide executive coaching to women professionals across industries, regions and career levels so that together we can build the future of inclusive workspaces. Learn more at www.VESTHer.coIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we talk about overcoming fear of failure with Sarah Amico, Chair of Jack Cooper Holdings, North America's largest car hauling company and Women-Owned Enterprise. We discuss Sarah's journey building a company where she employs thousands of hard working union workers, in the midst of the auto workers strike. Her approach to managing setbacks when she was the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor in Georgia and ran alongside Stacey Abrams, as well as her 2020 senate race, and the bias women face when it comes to risk taking. About SarahSarah Riggs Amico is the Chairperson of Jack Coopers Holding Corp., America's largest North America's largest car hauling company and Women-Owned Enterprise. In this capacity, Sarah oversees the Company's Board, Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Human Capital Development. Prior to joining Jack Cooper, Sarah was the Head of Strategic Planning at APA Talent and Literary Agency in Beverly Hills. Sarah, began her tenure in media at the William Morris Agency in both Beverly Hills and New York across a variety of departments, including The Mailroom Fund, a seed capital fund raised in partnership with AT&T, Venrock and Accel Partners. During her time in the entertainment industry, she worked on initiatives for some of the world's largest and most recognizable brands, including Time Inc., Reader's Digest, Amtrak, Harry & David, and Virgin America Airlines. Sarah received her B.A. in Politics from Washington & Lee University and M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Aside from her Corporate America career, Sarah was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in Georgia, running alongside Stacey Abrams in 2018. Sarah ran again in 2020 for the U.S. Senate. Click here for Sarah's full bio and show notes. If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

What if your career as a working parent came crashing down because of a lack of accessible childcare? Could you imagine being forced to choose between your profession and your child's wellbeing? We're peeling back the layers on a pressing issue - the Childcare Cliff - and how its domino effect threatens the progress women have made in the workforce. The expiration of $24 billion in funding puts more than 70,000 child care centers at risk, and with it, the livelihoods of millions of families.Our discussion doesn't end there. We're throwing light on solutions and actions we can take, as individuals, communities, and policymakers. This issue isn't just a challenge—it's an opportunity for collective action. So, let's stay informed, share these insights with our communities, and actively participate in advocating for a sustainable solution to the "Childcare Cliff."If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Last week we were joined by the wonderful, Danette Leighton, CEO of Women's Sports Foundation, and we discussed everything from the gender pay gap and representation in sports, to the political discourse surrounding Women athletes.  For this session, lets dive deeper into the world of sports and the real time obstacles hindering female athletes as as VEST Talks about the power of Women in Sports.From record-breaking viewership at the US Open to the historic FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, women athletes are making waves. We also explore the legacy of Billie Jean King, a pioneer for equal pay. While progress is being made, there's much work ahead. We discuss some ways we can  push for change and the importance of championing athletes who speak out against inequality.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

We're  doing things a little different. In this episode, get to know the team behind VEST for our latest podcast installment of VEST Talks. Get to know Erika Lucas, VEST Founding Member, Gaby Eichenlaub, Operations, Sarah Soetarjo, Member Relations and Kourtney Leigh, Entrepreneur-in-Residence. We dive deeper into the mission and vision of VEST, our individual perspectives on the barriers women face in the workplace and share practical tips and strategies for navigating  workplace challenges.Each month, we'll still have in-depth interviews with experts and thought leaders discussing various barriers women face in the workplace, but now, in between those interviews, you'll start seeing weekly segments where we will dive deeper into the month's topic, address real-world issues, and share inspiring stories and actionable takeaways.We can't wait to hear from you! Your stories and questions will play a vital role in shaping our discussions.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Imagine a world where women's sports stand shoulder to shoulder with men's, where the prowess and athleticism of female athletes are celebrated instead of their appearance. This utopia is not so far-fetched if we rally behind the mission of the Women's Sports Foundation. We sat down for an eye-opening conversation with Danette, dissecting the highs and lows of women in sports, the pressing need for equal investment, and the gender-specific hurdles that still plague the industry.We didn't merely stop at debating the challenges; we took a profound look at how we can overturn societal norms that suppress women athletes. From challenging expectations and norms to redefining the narrative around women in sports. The conversation also steered towards the invaluable role sports play in fostering a sense of community and providing life lessons for girls and women - two crucial aspects that underline the importance of sports in their overall development.Beyond the playing field, the discussion moved into the challenges parents face in a youth sports system that favors certain socioeconomic backgrounds. We shared some practical advice when encouraging young women to consider careers in the sports industry. We also examined the scarcity of women in C-Suite sports roles and the skills needed for growth opportunities. So, if you're ready to explore the changing landscape of sports distribution, understand the importance of equal pay, and align with the long-term objectives of the Women's Sports Foundation, this conversation is for you. If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Ever wondered how meaningful relationships can a play a pivotal role in shaping our personal and professional life? We joined Susan McPherson, serial connector, founder of McPherson Strategies and author of The Lost Art of Connecting, in an intriguing conversation about the power of authentic connections. Susan shares her journey of becoming a connector and provides valuable insights on how to build these relationships in today's digital era. We further delved into the impact of businesses in addressing societal and environmental concerns. Susan highlighted how the advent of social media has changed the way companies interact with stakeholders and the potential corporations have in leading crucial initiatives. We also discussed the complexities of scaling a business, with Susan revealing her experiences as an "accidental entrepreneur" and imparting wisdom on overcoming these challenges.Finally, we touched upon maintaining a healthy balance in life. With Susan emphasizing the importance of reading and prioritizing health, she imparts a simple yet powerful challenge for us all - reach out to two people tomorrow. As you tune into this episode, you'll gain a fresh perspective on connections and acquire practical tools to foster them effectively. So, are you ready to transform your approach to building relationships?If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In our latest podcast episode, we talk to Nadya Okamoto, co-founder of August and Gen Z marketing expert, about how we can better understand, support, and leverage Gen Z in the workplace. Join us as we unravel the myths and misconceptions that often surround GenZ. Nadya's fresh perspective comes from her own experiences and expertise in understanding Gen Z's mindset and motivations. Together, we challenge the stereotypes and preconceived notions about Gen Z's approach to work and explore the real-life dynamics of this tech-savvy and socially conscious generation. Tune in and gain valuable insights to bridge the generation gap in the modern work environment. In this episode we deconstruct Gen Z's complex relationship with social media and their demand for transparency, accountability, and the value they place on human connection in a digitized world. We also delve into the hot topic of gender inclusivity from a Gen Z perspective, their professional expectations, and strategies to facilitate their career advancement. We also examine Gen Z's brand loyalty, the importance of brand representation, and its impact on their purchasing decisions.Special thanks to VEST Member Perrin Clore Duncan for moderating the session. Bios and show notes for both Nadya and Perrin can be found below. This episode is sponsored by Audible ,the leading provider of audiobooks, podcasts, guided wellness programs, theatrical performances and more. They have over 1000 titles for you to choose from, including our Guest's book - Period Power. Click on this link and get a 30 Day Free Trial plus a free credit to use on Nadya's book!About Nadya OkamotoNadya Okamoto is the co-Founder of August, a lifestyle period brand, author of PERIOD POWER: a Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement, and former Executive Director of the nonprofit PERIOD. Nadya is also a social media creator with over 4m Tiktok followers and host of the podcast, Tigress. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Gen Z marketing expert and Harvard College recent graduate. Connect with Nadya on LinkedInAbout Perrin Clore DuncanPerrin Clore Duncan works at the Arnall Family Foundation, where she focuses on criminal justice reform. Perrin is an advocate for inclusive collaboration as our communities collectively work to improve systemic challenges. Perrin graduated Cum Laude from DePauw University and has a Masters of Fine Arts from the Burren College of Art in Ireland. Her artwork has been shown in galleries nationally and internationally.  Connect with Perrin on LinkedIn Show NotesWelcome to Your Bland New World, Nadya references this article to outline how easy it is to launch a new company in today's world. Period Power, A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement, Nadya's book.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Have you ever felt the weight of trauma in the workplace, struggling to find healing and equity? We are joined by the incredible Minda Harts, bestselling and award-winning author of "The Memo", "Right Within", and "You Are More Than Magic", to share her journey of overcoming these hurdles and finding ways to create safe, inclusive and thriving work environments.In this inspiring conversation, we discuss the importance of courage, advocacy, and healing from workplace trauma. We share personal stories of dealing with toxicity and the lifelong journey of unpacking the baggage it leaves behind. Minda encourages us to find our voice, advocate for ourselves and others, and emphasizes the power of courageous listening, self-advocacy, and creating safe spaces for women, particularly women of color in the workplace.Finally, we touch on leveraging privilege and building collaborative tables to create a more equitable world. We explore Minda's forthcoming book and the essential role trust plays in any successful work environment. Tune in for an empowering and healing conversation that will inspire you to demand better and create change.For our guest full bio, LinkedIn Profile and show notes click hereIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we  about career transitions, navigating workplaces and the challenges of getting to and staying in the C-suite in a male dominated industry. Join us as we talk to talk to Jill Castilla, President & CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. Jill Castilla is a nationally recognized innovator in banking and financial technology. She currently serves on the 12-member Federal Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors representing the 10th Federal Reserve District. Jill is also a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a three-star protocol role. In addition, Jill chairs the SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU, and is on the board of the Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma, and the board of trustees at Hawaii Pacific University . Check out Jill's full bio and show notes, click hereIf you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we discuss common misconceptions and stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, sex therapist, and the founder and CEO of Inclusive Insight Psychotherapy, Laura Grimes. We also cover ways to identify our own cultural blindspots, so that together we can build more inclusive workplaces. For our guest full bio and show notes click here.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we discuss all things women's health with Jacqueline Blocker, the Data & Policy Director at Metriarch an Oklahoma women's public health think tank that aims to normalize and broaden women's health conversations through data storytelling, policy evaluation, and interactive outreach events.We discussed everything from the social determinants impacting women's health to the role providers, employers and individuals play in advocating for women's health and wellbeing. Available on Spotify, Apple, Google Podcast and everywhere you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we discuss the value of Executive Coaching with Dr. Sofia Pertuz, Managing Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Billie Jean King Enterprises, a women-owned and women-led investment, consulting, and marketing firm that puts Billie Jean King's philosophy and brand value to work, capitalizing on her long-standing advocacy for equality. Available on Spotify, Apple, Google Podcast and everywhere you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode we talk to Jamie Fiore Higgins, former Managing Director at Goldman Sachs and Author of Bully Market, about her experience of discrimination and misogyny working for one of the largest banks in the world. We also talk about the importance of having our own identity, not tied to any job, any person, or organization. Special thanks to VEST Member Heather Lawrence for moderating the session. Bios and show notes can be found below. This episode is sponsored by Audible ,the leading provider of audiobooks, podcasts, guided wellness programs, theatrical performances and more. They have over 1000 titles for you to choose from, including our Guest's book - Bully Market: My Story of Money and Misogyny at Goldman Sachs. Click on this link and get a 30 Day Free Trial plus a free credit to use on Jamie's Book!About Jamie Fiore HigginsJamie Fiore Higgins worked as a managing director at Goldman Sachs. One of just 8 percent of Goldman employees to earn the managing director title, she was the highest-ranking woman in her department. An active member of the Women's Network Committee, Fiore Higgins spent her workdays running the trainee and internship programs, recruiting, and managing top equity clients and $96 billion in stock. Living in New Jersey with her husband and four children, she is a trained coach, working with teens to hone their leadership skills, high school, and college graduates as they begin careers, professionals as they navigate the workforce, and those in midlife looking to reinvent themselves. Jamie was named one of the Financial Times “Top 25 Most Influential Women of 2022!” Connect with Jamie on Linkedin Show Notes:The Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins - A “riveting and powerful” insider's account on Wall Street where greed coupled with misogyny and discrimination enforces a culture of exclusion in the upper echelons of Goldman Sachs.  Click on this link and get a 30 Day Free Trial to Audible plus a free credit to use on Jamie's Book!VEST Membership, become a VEST Member and join the conversation.  Apply today!If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend. Stay up to date with all of our news by following us on Linkedin or better yet, apply to become a VEST Member at www.VESTHer.co

The non-profit sector is going through a transition involving generational change, a national labor shortage, and a demand for systemic change by new leaders in the space. In our latest podcast episode VEST Members share learnings and advocate for better ways to advance non-profit missions while supporting leaders in the space.Brought to you by Instrumentl, helping grant professionals scale their fundraising strategy with their single tool for grant prospecting, tracking and management. Get personalized grant recommendations, reminders for upcoming deadlines and conduct all your research in one place. Try it free for 14 days then go to this special link and use VESTHER50 to save $50 off your first month.Special thanks to VEST Members: Carol Herrick, Executive Director at OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, formed in 2015 as a not-for-profit corporation, with a mission to support the Oklahoma community through creative partnerships, charitable contributions and programming initiatives. Vanessa Morrison, CEO at Open Design Collective, a non-profit organization that brings together underrepresented communities and the design and city planning resources necessary to promote social and spatial change. Ahniwake Rose, Policy Director, Public Health Policy and Programs at National Indian Health Board, a non-profit organization, providing a variety of services to tribes, Area Health Boards, Tribal organizations, federal agencies, and private foundations. Shannon Cooper, Director of Philanthropic Services at BWF,  a company providing consulting and services across all philanthropic sectors. Show Notes:The Loom, an organization weaving a community of care and belonging so that we can be generous together.Community Centric Fundraising, a fundraising model that is grounded in equity and social justice.VEST Membership, become a VEST Member and join the conversation.  Apply today!If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend. Stay up to date with all of our news by following us on Linkedin or better yet, apply to become a VEST Member at www.VESTHer.co

"If men are 75% of leadership today, we are 75% of the problem with advancing women (in the workplace), but we are also 75% of the solution"Join us as we talk to Gender Strategist, former Coca-Cola Executive and the President of YWomen, Jeffery Tobias Halter about the importance of engaging men in the advancement of women in the workplace. About JefferyJeffery Tobias Halter is a Consultant, Author, Gender Strategist and the President of YWomen, a strategic consulting company focused on engaging men in women's leadership advancement. YWomen focuses on driving actionable business plans and strategies to help organizations create Integrated Women's Leadership Strategies. Jeffery is the former Director of Diversity Strategy for The Coca-Cola Company.Jeffery is a two-time TEDx speaker and the author multiple books, including his most recent one WHY WOMEN, The Leadership Imperative to Advancing Women and Engaging Men. His clients include IBM, Amazon, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and dozens of other Fortune 500 companies. Jeffery currently is on the Board of Directors Trustees for the Miss America Organization.Connect with Jefferey on LinkedIn Available on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcast.  If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend. Stay up to date with all of our news by following us on Linkedin or better yet, apply to become a VEST Member at www.VESTHer.co

As we head into the 2022 Midterm Election we invited Kelly Dittmar to talk to us about the status of women in politics. Kelly is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University–Camden; and Director of Research and Scholar at the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at the Eagleton Institute of Politics. She is the co-author of A Seat at the Table: Congresswomen's Perspectives on Why Their Representation Matters and author of Navigating Gendered Terrain: Stereotypes and Strategy in Political Campaigns . Dittmar's research focuses on gender and American political institutions. Dittmar was an American Political Science Association (APSA) Congressional Fellow from 2011 to 2012. At CAWP, she manages national research projects, helps to develop and implement CAWP's research agenda, and contributes to CAWP reports, publications, and analyses. She also works with CAWP's programs for women's public leadership and has been an expert source and commentator for media outlets including MSNBC , NPR, PBS, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. Dittmar earned her B.A. from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI and her Ph.D. from Rutgers University-New Brunswick.Join us as we talk to Kelly about the status of women in politics, and how we can harness women's political power together. Special thanks to VEST Member Shagah Zakerion for moderating this session. Shagah Zakerion, is the Executive Director of the Lobeck Taylor Operating Foundation (LTOF). Prior to joining the LTFF team, Shagah served as Executive Director of Tulsa's Young Professionals (TYPROS) and The Forge business incubator. She also served as Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager for Williams, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Tulsa.She serves on the board of advisors for Resonance Center for Women and the board of directors for the Khalid Jabara Foundation, Sally's List, and Gaining Ground Literacy. As a three time cancer survivor, Shagah is passionate about eliminating cancer and serves several organizations on that mission, including sitting on Stephenson Cancer Research Center's board of advocates and community advisory board.If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend. Stay up to date with all of our news by following us on Linkedin or better yet, apply to become a VEST Member at www.VESTHer.co

As proven by the Covid-19 pandemic, our economy relies on a broken care system and unpaid caregiving, which have played a major role in the pay and wealth gap for women, keeping women from fully participating in the labor force, and minimizing our economy's potential. So, why haven't we've done anything about it? Join us as we talk to Yi-Hsian Godfrey, CEO & co-founder of Apiari, a company building the future of work for providers in the $648B care industry.About Yi-Hsian GodfreyYi-Hsian Godfrey is the CEO & co-founder of Apiari, a company building the future of work for providers in the $648B care industry. A former small business marketer at American Express, Yi-Hsian is building a more effective US care ecosystem by giving providers the right tools, resources and support to manage their jobs more efficiently. Born in Taiwan, raised in NYC and now living in England, Yi-Hsian has seen how care is a universal need across different cultures and countries. Having worked in corporate for over 20 years and building a start-up with two young children, she has journeyed through many of the difficult paths working parents, especially working mothers, face in juggling personal aspirations and life's demands. She holds an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Management and dual BA and BS degrees from Boston University.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own a business? The highs, the lows, the untold stories?Fifty years ago, the idea of women managing their own company would have seemed ambitious at best. Today, more women are choosing entrepreneurship. In fact, there are now more women entrepreneurs than ever before. Why are so many women choosing this path?According to a recent study women listed desire to pursue their passion as the number one reason to step into the world of entrepreneurship. Financial independence was second, and flexibility third.In this episode our Chief Operating Officer, Gaby Eichenlaub talks to VEST Members about their leap into entrepreneurship. Listen as Noelle Acosta, Co-Founder and CEO of Noula, a digital health company in the reproductive care space, Arielle Brown, Founder of Bea's Bayo Skincare, a herbal and probiotic personal care brand for eczema-prone scalp and skin, and Dr. Tabatha Carr, Founder of GoodGirl Chocolate a plant based Chocolate that supports all lifestyles share their journey into entrepreneurship.For our guest full bio and show notes click here

What are the systems and societal norms getting in the way of women achieving economic mobility? How do we call out and dismantle those systems? In this episode we talk to Ruchika Tulshyan, author of Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work (MIT Press). She's also the founder of Candour, an inclusion strategy practice. A former international business journalist, Ruchika is now a regular contributor to The New York Times and Harvard Business Review on workplace equity and inclusion. Ruchika co-wrote a paradigm-shifting article, “Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome,” for Harvard Business Review with Jodi-Ann Burey. The article was among the top-read articles in HBR history, as well as the top three articles for the publication in 2021. Best of all, people all over the world have said it helped them stop blaming themselves for supposed imposter syndrome. Ruchika is on the Thinkers50 Radar list, and LinkedIn's 2022 Top Voices on Gender Equality, and was recently awarded the Jeanette Williams Award by Seattle Women's Commission for her significant contribution and leadership in advancing women in the region. She's raising a feminist son, who is 5. Ruchika is a Singaporean foodie who has lived in four countries.For more on Ruchika's bio and show notes go to www.VESTHer.co/podcast

With many women still not returning to work after Covid-19 lockdowns and many of them still reporting high numbers of burnout, it can be difficult to find reasons to be optimistic about the state of women in business. But here's one highlight: A recent report from the Women Business Collaborative (WBC) and 50-50 Women on Boards found that 2021 was a “watershed year” for women on corporate boards, with the largest ever year-over-year increase in board seats held by women among companies in the Russell 3000, an index of the 3,000 largest publicly held companies incorporated in America. According to the report, which was released earlier this month, women held 27 percent of board seats at companies on the Russell 3,000 in 2021, up from 24 percent in 2020. Another sign of progress, according to the report: Black board membership increased 32 percent.In this session we talk to Esther Aguilera, President and CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association and VEST Member Beverly Carmichael, Former C-Suite Executive and Board Director at multiple companies including Blue Apron and Viad Corp, about the gaps we still have to overcome, and how we can position ourselves to serve on Corporate Boards so that together we can further advance Diversity in the Board Room.

Most people confuse personal brand with reputation but they are two different things. Everyone has a reputation. The first impressions we make, the relationships we form with managers and peers, and how we communicate — all of these things impact how others see us. Our personal brand, on the other hand, is much more intentional. It's how we want other people to see us. We can curate our personal brand or let it develop organically.  Intentionally creating our brand is much more powerful than letting the world create one for us. Because having a clear brand helps us position ourselves as an authority in our industry, elevates our credibility, and helps us differentiate ourselves from the competition, so we can advance our careers and have a larger impact. In this session we talk to Jill Hughes, Assistant Vice President of Advancement at the University of Oklahoma and former Disney Executive about how we can be intentional in developing our personal brand and the challenges we might experience along the way. For Jill's full bio and show notes; go to www.vesther.co/podcast 

Companies don't scale unless we take the time to delegate. We also know that teams don't grow unless give them the opportunity to take on challenging projects. But even when we know delegating leads to productivity and developing employees, it's often hard to do because it requires us to trust others. Trust doesn't come naturally to everyone. It's also hard to build trust when you are already overloaded and overwhelmed. To help us understand why delegating is so hard, we invited Valerie Riley, CEO of LifeSquire, an assistant resource company, offering job placements, outsourced personal & virtual assistants as well as assistant training. Join us as we talk to Valerie about how we can get better at trusting others and ourselves as we grow our companies and learn to let go of control.Special thanks to VEST Member Jennifer Loren, Executive Director of the Cherokee Film Office for moderating this session. For Valerie and Jennifer's full bio and show notes go to www.VESTHer/podcast 

At many organizations there is a gap between the existing culture and the “desired” culture — the culture needed to support and advance the company's goals and strategies. In the past, organizational culture was for the most part, an initiative led by the CEO and Human Resources. HR would design a campaign to tout a mission statement and the core values the CEO and senior management developed. This top down approach no longer works for several reasons. For one, Covid-19 has upended how leaders interact with employees and how coworkers connect with each other. The need to adapt quickly and remain flexible during the pandemic has also revealed the ineffectiveness of top-down leadership. The intensified demand for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, and the continuing battle for talent, have led to culture becoming a strategic priority with impact on the bottom line. But how do we build a shared-value culture?To talk about this topic we invited Christina Cassotis CEO of the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and one of the highest paid chief executives in her field. Under her leadership, Pittsburgh International Airport has been transformed into a world-leading origin-and-destination airport where she has not only reshaped the culture and long-term strategy for the region's airports, she is redefining what it means to be an airport.Join us as we talk to her about how organizations can remain competitive by creating a culture based on shared-responsibility where everyone in the organization has a clear, consistent, common understanding of it — and everyone works together in a deliberate and coordinated effort to cultivate it.For the transcript and full notes on the show, visit: https://www.vesther.co/podcast

More than 50 million people now consider themselves creators, fostering a “creator economy” which is now valued at more than $100 billion. — The surge has been especially pronounced over the last year, with a growing cohort of women pursuing opportunities in the creator economy. But What are the opportunities for women? What are the challenges? Particularly as it relates to mental health.Join us as we talk to Suany Garcia, author of "The New Latina: 100 Millennials Shaping Our World.” and editor in chief at mitú. For Suanny's full bio and show notes, go to www.vesther.co/podcastAbout Suanny GarciaSuanny Garcia is the author of "The New Latina: 100 Millennials Shaping Our World.” She is also the editor in chief at mitú. She was born in Cuba, and bred in Miami, where she is currently based. Suanny is known for her ability to connect with women through her writing.  Her work has been featured across media platforms like Popsugar, Byrdie and Refinery29. Suanny was previously a public relations manager. She studied at Hampshire College, in Massachusetts, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

In this episode we talk to Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey, Global Head of Inclusion Programs for Women of Color at Google about different ways we can support, promote, and invest in women of color not just in the workplace but at home and in our communities. For Stephanie's full bio, show notes and resources mentioned on this episode go to www.VESTHer.co/podcast Special thanks to VEST Member Dr. Mautra Jones, President of Oklahoma City Community College for moderating this session. This recording was part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. About VESTVEST is a private network of women working together to expedite the pipeline of more women in positions of power and influence. 

It's that time again. When we welcome the new year, enthusiastic about setting new goals and developing new habits. The problem is, we don't always follow through. So to gain perspective, we invited Ahniwake Rose, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, to talk about her approach to goal settings and to keeping herself accountable. We also talk about the barriers affecting women in the workplace today and how she has maneuvered some of these same challenges in order to get to where she is today.Ahniwake Rose is a VEST Founding Member and the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Policy Institute where she works to advance equitable and fiscally responsible policies in her home state. Prior to this role, Ahniwake served as the Deputy Director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), a national organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities, where she worked with a diverse coalition of civil and human rights organizations to address economic inequality and systemic injustice. Ahniwake is a Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow and currently she serves on multiple education and youth related boards. Ahniwake is a mother of two daughters, Waleah and Tahna, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and is of Muscogee (Creek) descent.

Leslie Osborn was elected as Oklahoma's twentieth Labor Commissioner in 2018 and is currently serving a four year term. Prior to being elected Labor Commissioner Leslie served ten years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives representing District 47. During her tenure she was appointed chair the Judiciary committee, the first female in state history to do so and as chair the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, first Republican female to do so. Leslie currently serves as the chair of the Oklahoma Occupational Licensing Advisory Commission and the Department of Commerce's Automotive Steering Committee. In addition, she serves on the advisory board of Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers, the Oklahoma Academy and the foundation board for the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Join us as we talk to Leslie about imposter syndrome and the systems that help manifest self-doubt in women. Whether or not it is true that having more women in office will help us achieve progress more quickly and what it is like for her to advocate for sound middle of the road policies in one of the most conservative states in the nation. Follow Leslie onLinkedinTwitterVEST is a private network of women building power collectively. 

Seventy percent of Healthcare workers are women, including ninety percent of nurses, and ninety three percent of midwives, yet only twenty five percent of healthcare leadership roles are held by women. Why is that?In this episode we talk to Robyn Sunday-Allen, Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma City Indian Health Clinic about how the lack of women in leadership positions affect women's health and overall policy. We also discuss Native American relations in Oklahoma and why it's important for women to continue to speak up despite the risk of being penalized for doing so. VEST is a private network of women building power collectively. 

Sevetri Wilson is the Founder and CEO of Resilia, a technology company enabling nonprofits to increase capacity. She is also the Author of Resilient: How to overcome anything and build a million dollar business with or without capital. Prior to founding Resilia, at age 22, Sevetri bootstrapped her first company, Solid Ground Innovations, to seven figures without raising any outside funding. Since launching Resilia, Sevetri has raised more than $11M, making her one of only 50 Black women in the U.S. to have raised more than $10M in venture funding. Sevetri has been named a Rising Star on the Forbes Cloud 100 List and her company Resilia was named as one of Venture Beat's top startups to watch out for in 2019. Sevetri is also a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Public Service, the Jefferson Award. Join us as we talk to Sevetri about how we can build resiliency and overcome bias to build a profitable and meaningful companies. This recording was part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. Follow Sevetri onLinkedinTwitterVEST is a private network of women building power collectively. 

When it comes to law school, women outnumber men in both enrollment (54%) and graduation (51%) rates with women of color representing 20% of those numbers. Women also account for almost half, or 47% of all law associates, though that percentage drops to just 22% (three percent women of color) when looking at the number of equity partners at law firms. There is also a big discrepancy in earnings. Median weekly earnings for women lawyers are reported at $1,665USD while men reported earning $2,324 USD. In this episode, VEST Members Liz George, Founding Partner at the Law Office of Liz George and Danae Grace, Shareholder at McAfee & Taft talk about the challenges women still face in the industry and the differences between working for an established firm and running your own practice. Follow Danae GraceDanae Grace is a transactional lawyer known for her representation of her clients' interests in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and general corporate matters.  Her primary focus is representing private and public companies in mergers and stock and asset acquisitions and sales of all sizes. Danae's achievements have earned her inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch and Oklahoma Super Lawyers‘ list of “Oklahoma Rising Stars” for multiple years, which recognizes the state's top up-and-coming attorney. Danae is the Chair of the Oklahoma Business and Corporate Law Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association.Follow Liz GeorgeLiz is the founder and managing attorney at Liz George & Associates law firm located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Liz received her Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law, where she received honors from the National Association of Women Lawyers and the Oklahoma Bar Association.  In addition, Liz holds a bachelor's degree in vocal music from Cameron University School of Music in Lawton, Oklahoma. Active in both her local community and legal industry, Liz serves as a Board Member for Blanchard Public Schools.  Liz also sits on the Board of Directors for the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Oklahoma City.  In addition, she is an active member of the American, Federal, Oklahoma and McClain County Bar Associations. Liz was honored for her service to the community with the Oklahoma County Bar Association Pro Bono Award in June 2016. She was also named a Rising Star by Oklahoma Super Lawyers, 2015 – 2020 and as a Super Lawyer in 2021.  In 2018, Liz was listed in Oklahoma Magazine's 2018 class of 40 Under 40 honorees. Liz also serves as an adjunct professor teaching Skills Courses in Civil Procedure to first year law students at Oklahoma City University School of Law.About VESTVEST is a network of influential women committed to supporting one another through our career journey and building power collectively by working together to expedite the pipeline of women in positions of power. We make it easy to gain proximity to other influential women so you can grow your network, be top of mind for opportunities, and learn from the experiences of other women. Our extended network use us as a talent bank and trusted pipeline to fill career opportunities, board appointments, investment and public speaking opportunities. 

Claudia San Pedro is the first woman and first Latina to serve as President of SONIC Drive-In, one of the largest fast food restaurant chains in the U.S. She was recently recognized as HERoes Women Executive Role Model, and LATINA Executive of the Year by LATINA Style. Prior to SONIC, Claudia was appointed by Gov. Brad Henry, as the first female and first Hispanic to serve as director of state finance for the state of Oklahoma. It was in this role that she developed a love for understanding where the money comes from, how it's being used to make a difference in people's lives. Though Claudia has been the first of many to do things throughout her career, she is making sure she is not the last. As Founding Member of VEST, she now uses her influence to help other women achieve career and economic mobility. Join us as we talk to her about her career journey and lessons she had to learn and unlearn along the way. This recording was part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. Follow Claudia San PedroAbout VESTVEST is a network of influential women committed to supporting one another through our career journey and building power collectively by working together to expedite the pipeline of women in positions of power. We make it easy to gain proximity to other influential women so you can grow your network, be top of mind for opportunities, and learn from the experiences of other women. Our extended network use us as a talent bank and trusted pipeline to fill career opportunities, board appointments, investment and public speaking opportunities. 

Jill Wesley is the Founder of the Science and Soul of Speaking where she works with accomplished professionals who are already doing incredible work and now need to speak about it on bigger stages.Across her career, Jill has trained and coached over 80,000 executives and high-performing employees in some of the world's top companies and institutions like LinkedIn, Twitter, Square, Adobe, NetApp, Cisco, Stanford Law School, NFL Players Association, Johns Hopkins University, Panasonic, to name a few. Jill has used her method as Head of Speaker Coach for TEDxSanFrancisco to coach speakers for multiple TED and TEDx events. As a speaker, she has delivered more than 300 keynotes in all 50 states and in 25 countries. Join us as Jill talks to us about the power of using our voice and stories to ignite movements and seed lasting change in our communities. This coaching session was recorded in 2020 as part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. Contact Jill Follow JillAbout VESTVEST is a network of influential women committed to supporting one another through our career journey and building power collectively by working together to expedite the pipeline of women in positions of power.We make it easy to gain proximity to other influential women so you can grow your network, be top of mind for opportunities, and learn from the experiences of other women. Our extended network use us as a talent bank and trusted pipeline to fill career opportunities, board appointments, investment and public speaking opportunities. 

True or False: Some of our biggest adversaries in the workplace have been other women. Women have often been put in situations where we've felt we have to be territorial. This has led to a cultural divide and competitive landscape amongst women. How do we break up with this notion so we can claim power collectively, in a way that still acknowledges the roots we have and the lessons we need to learn from and with each other?To coach us through this conversation we invited Farai Chideya. Farai is a prolific author and multimedia journalist whose work has been featured in CNN, Newsweek, NPR and more. She is also the host of her own Podcast, Our Body Politic, where she unapologetically reports how women of color impact today's major political events and where she has led fruitful and balanced conversations with culture makers, politicians, artists, and leaders.This session was recorded in August as part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. Special thanks to Mautra Jones, Executive Director of the Langston University Foundation and VEST Member for moderating the session. Contact or follow Farai on:LinkedInTwitterAbout VESTVEST is a network of influential women committed to supporting one another through our career journey and building power collectively by working together to expedite the pipeline of women in positions of power.We make it easy to gain proximity to other influential women so you can grow your network, be top of mind for opportunities, and learn from the experiences of other women. Our extended network use us as a talent bank and trusted pipeline to fill career opportunities, board appointments, investment and public speaking opportunities.