Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM
Technology
About
We’re Kathy Kale Nelson and Linda LaTourelle — co-hosts of Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM. Our mission is to amplify the voices of ordinary women doing extraordinary work in science, technology, engineering, and math. We’re deeply committed to: Normalizing the presence of women in STEM by making their stories visible Building community for women who may be the only ones like them in their workplace Educating listeners about the wide variety of STEM careers — and what they actually look like Empowering growth and retention by addressing the challenges behind the leaky pipeline From early-career professionals to experienced leaders in a wide variety of STEM fields, our guests share how they got started, how they’ve grown, and what they’ve learned along the way. This podcast is a space where women in STEM can be seen, he
Episodes
- 145. Lisa Fennell - Technical Sales in the Utility Industry
Lisa Fennell shares her non-linear career path—from studying police science at a technical college, to restaurant work and administrative roles, to becoming a business analyst and eventually a sales and marketing leader in utility tech. Al…
- 144. Dr. Elizabeth Mendes (Elizabeth the Scientist); Pediatric Cancer Research; Molecular Biology.
In this episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM , host Kathy Nelson sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Mendes , a newly minted PhD and postdoctoral researcher whose work focuses on rare and aggressive pediatric canc…
- 143. Vinayasri Nidadavolu - Wind Engineer
In this episode, Kathy sits down with Vinayasri Nidadavolu , a specialist engineer in offshore wind energy at Siemens Energy. Vinaya’s story spans continents, megawatts, and life stages — from earning a rare degree in wind engineering to c…
- 142. Linda Rhodes Large Animal Veterinarian, Animal Pharmaceuticals, Author
In this episode, Kathy and Linda LaTourelle sit down with Linda Rhodes, a former large-animal veterinarian, pharmaceutical executive, entrepreneur, and author, to explore an extraordinary career path rooted in agriculture, science, and per…
- 141. The STEM Side of Patent Law: Inside IP With Christine Hollis
In this episode, Kathy sits down with Christine Hollis , the Chief Talent and Diversity Officer at Marshall Gerstein & Borun — one of the top intellectual property law firms in the U.S. Christine brings a fresh, energetic perspective to th…
- 139. Mishael Umlor: Designing a Life You Love - Environmental Engineer & River Guide
In today’s episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM , Kathy and Linda sit down with environmental engineer and river guide Mishael Umlor — a woman who pressed pause on her engineering career to live a year of…
- 140. STEM Super Stars: Introducing the Women in STEM Coloring Book — A Conversation with Kathy & Linda
In this special episode, Kathy and her co-host Linda sit down for a heartfelt conversation about the release of Kathy’s brand-new Women in STEM Coloring Book —a three-year passion project created in collaboration with her daughter, Emily.…
- 138. Science the Hell Out of It: Career Pivots & Unicorn Jobs with Amanda Mavropoulis
In this inspiring and deeply human episode, Kathy and Linda sit down with Amanda Mavropoulis , a global project and portfolio management leader in technology including 15 years in the electric utility space, and one extraordinary career pi…
- 137. Bonus Halloween Episode! Dr. Kristen Lear – Bat Scientist & Conservationist | It’s Bat Week!
In this bonus, Halloween and Bat Week episode, we talk with Dr. Kristen Lear , a bat conservation scientist , National Geographic Explorer, and If/Then® Ambassador whose lifelong passion for misunderstood creatures turned into a career pro…
- 136. Catherine Jackson Jones: STEM Opportunities for Every Student - National Math and Science Initiative
In this episode, Kathy and Linda talk with Catherine Jackson Jones, a coach and mentor with the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding STEM opportunities for students and empowering edu…
- 135: Manyphay Viengkham-Systems Engineer; Resilience, Reinvention, and Creating Your Own Path
In this episode, Kathy and Linda talk with Manyphay Viengkham, an accomplished technology leader whose career spans energy innovation, systems engineering, and entrepreneurship. With degrees in biochemistry and computer science, Manyphay h…
- 134. Lawanda Parnell – A Technology Career Across Generations
In this episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM , Kathy and Linda sit down with Lawanda Parnell , a retired technology and utility leader whose career began at IBM in the early 1980s and spanned decades of in…
- 133. Stacy Cluff; Utility Technology Leader
After almost a year away, Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM is back — and we’re relaunching with something new: a co-host! In this episode, Kathy is joined by her longtime friend and new co-host, Linda LaTourelle ,…
- Relaunch Trailer - Introducing Co-Host Linda LaTourelle
- 132. Fae Gaze, Mathematician, Data Scientist, and Machine Learning Researcher
Fae Gaze is a mathematician, data scientist, and machine learning researcher with degrees in mathematics, molecular biology, computer science, and data science engineering. She shares her journey into the world of math, data science, and m…
- 131. Dr. Sandra Johnson, Entrepreneur, Global Technology Leader, Author
Dr. Sandra Johnson, a groundbreaking electrical engineer and entrepreneur, is the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer engineering. Her journey from a high school introduction to engineering to her current roles as a former IBM CT…
- 130. Sheila Buswell- CEO, Biomedical Engineer & Innovator
Sheila Buswell is the founder and CEO of Buswell Biomedical. Sheila's story is fascinating as she transitions from roles in mechanical engineering and as an army technician to becoming an innovator in the biomedical field, inspired by her…
- 129. Sarah Garcia; Civil Engineer, Construction Industry
Sarah Garcia is a Project Executive and Director of DEI at Novo Construction. She is a civil engineer who has worked in the construction industry for most of her career. She is passionate about getting women and other minorities into the c…
- 128. Kalpana Pot - Actor, Writer, Host, and Space Communicator
Kalpana Pot is an actor, writer, host, and space communicator. Renowned for her vibrant online presence, particularly in space science, Kalpana has cultivated a platform with over 200K followers on Instagram and 4.4 million likes on TikTok…
- 127. Dr. Audra Morse- Dean, Professor, Civil Environmental and Geospatial Engineering
Dr. Audra Morse, Dean of the College of Engineering at Michigan Tech, is a distinguished professional with a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and degrees in Environmental Engineering. Her journey from student to dean highlights the importance of…
- 126. Dr. Scyatta Wallace- Founder; Award Winning Scientist Professor
Dr. Syatta Wallace is an advocate for women in STEM and Founder of Janisaw Company. With over 15 years in developing gender-based programs, Dr. Wallace specializes in addressing the unique challenges women face in STEM careers. She shares…
- 125. Charli Matthews; Visionary leader and Founder of Empowering Brands
This episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary Conversations with Women in STEM' features Charli Matthews, a champion for empowering women in STEM fields and trades. Charli Matthews is a visionary leader with a mission to Connect, Inform, and Ed…
- 124. Dr. Chanfeng Zhao - Chemist; Chemical Engineer; Entrepreneur
Dr. Chanfeng Zhao is the VP of R&D Chemistry at TriLink BioTechnologies. She has over 25 years of experience in nucleotide and modified nucleotide chemistry for sequencing and genomics applications. She co-founded MyChem LLC, a company lat…
- 123 - Abigail Fritschel Returns. Aerospace Engineering Graduate.
Abigail Fritschel is about to graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Abby was first on the podcast as Episode 13 when she had just graduated from high school in the summer of 2020. She's back to provide…
- 122. Asha Devasia: Energy executive with biology & business degrees
Asha Devasia is an executive with experience in strategy, products, innovation and operations in the Energy industry. She leveraged her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Business and her MBA to transition to leadership early in her career.…
- 121. Sylleste Davis; House of Representatives; Information Technology
Sylleste Davis is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 100th District. She is the Chair of the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. Prior to representing the people of South Carolina,…
- 120. Kathy Ford; Chief Operation Officer, biopharmaceuticals; R.N., B.S.N
Kathy Ford is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Kura Oncology. She has over 30 years experience in biopharmaceuticals. She is equally passionate about the work she does bringing treatment to cancer patients and as a mom and grandmother.…
- 119. Dr. Sheryl Recinos, MD; Physician, Author, Homelessness Advocate
Sheryl Recinos is a physician, author, speaker and advocate. She is a locums hospitalist. After spending her teen years homeless and living on the streets in Los Angeles, she got a Bachelor's Degree in Cellular and Microbiology and later w…
- 118. STEMSkills: Building Your Confidence with Karen Laos, Confidence Cultivator
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, is on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them simple strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and ind…
- 117. Liz Lee Heinecke; Scientist and Science Communicator; Author & Media Personality
Liz Lee Heinecke is an author and media figure for science and STEM. She has loved science she was young which drew her to study molecular biology where she worked in research for ten years. As she transitioned to parenting, she began shar…
- 116. Pamela Kellert Strategic Leadership Coach for Women in STEM
Pamela Kellert is a strategic leadership coach focusing on women in STEM. She works with individuals and organizations to elevate their leadership skills, confidence and organizational impact. She is the Founder of Women Leading in STEM. P…
- 115. Dr. Alison Banwell - Glaciologist; Glacier Scientist; PhD in Polar Studies
Dr. Alison Banwell is a Glaciologist and Research Scientist in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), part of the University of Colorado Boulder. She studies glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctica and glac…
- 114. Nancy Joie Wilkie - Author; Retired Biotechnologist/Bio-Chemist
Nancy Joie Wilkie worked for over thirty years in both the biotechnology industry and as part of the Federal Government’s biodefense effort. Nancy is now retired and explores many creative pursuits including writing, composing original mus…
- 113. Kathy Kale Nelson - Show Up, Sign Up, Speak Up, Give a Hand Up
This is a recording from a keynote speech I gave at a women in energy forum in 2017. I talk about the importance of: Showing up - especially as your authentic self Signing up, or just say "yes" if an opportunity comes up Speaking up - use…
- 112. Sherry Shannon - Vanstone; Serial Entrepreneur; Cryptological Mathematician; BS Mathematics
Sherry Shannon - Vanstone is a serial entrepreneur. She started her career as a cryptology mathematician in the US government, then went on to work at a start up in Silicon Valley. She then went on to co-found and found companies specializ…
- 111. Lydia Blume; Meteorologist; BS in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Lydia Blume is the Morning Meteorologist at WDAY in Fargo, North Dakota. Lydia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. She focuses on communications of scientific information to non-scientific people. What…
- 110. Nicole Kelner; Science and Climate Artist
Nicole Kelner is a science and climate artist. She is the founder of Arts and Climate Change. Prior to founding Arts and Climate Change, she was an Artist in Residence at MCJ Collective. Prior to these two positions she worked in operation…
- 109. Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi; PhD & MS Materials Science; MS & BS Physics
Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, podcast host, live radio and live radio show host. She's a former tech executive who left the corporate world to start her own business. She founded Sahita , a Global community f…
- 108. Dr. Rachel Cady, M.D. – Menopause Specialist; The Health/Medical Side of Menopause
Dr. Rachel Cady is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and a Certified Menopause Practitioner. She is an active member of both the North American Menopause Society and the International Menopause Society. Among the concerns and symptoms she treat…
- 107. Dr. Ginger Campbell: Palliative Care Physician; MD, BSE Electrical Engineering; MSE Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Ginger Campbell is a Palliative Medicine Physician. Prior to Palliative Care, Dr. Campbell was an Emergency Physician. She earned a BSE in Electrical Engineering and an MSE in Biomedical Engineering prior to her MD. Dr. Campbell launch…
- 106. Anna Litvinova: Flight Test Engineer; BS Aerospace Engineering
Anna Litvinova is a Flight Test Engineer. She graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering about three years ago and spends her time writing test plans, executing test missions on planes per those test plans, an…
- 105. Pat Muoio - Venture Capital, Cybersecurity, Cryptanalyst
Pat Muoio is a partner at Sinewave Ventures where she assess the technical value and viability of emerging technologies and make investment recommendations in the federal marketplace. Prior to joining Sinewave, she worked in cybersecurity…
- 104. STEMSkills: Menopause & Your Career - Heather Jackson
Heather Jackson, co-founder of GenM, shares how GenM works with brands to provide awareness and branding of products that support women in menopause. GenM also provides research, awareness and resources for women going through menopause. H…
- 103. Jill Anderson - Utility Executive; BS Mechanical Engineering; MBA
Jill Anderson is the Executive Vice President of Operations at Southern California Edison. She has served in several leadership roles in several utilities in her career. At SCE in addition to her current position, she has also been the Sen…
- 102. Hayley Hoaglund, Madeleine Howard - Artificial Intelligence Tampon
Hayley Hoaglund and Madeleine Howard developed a tampon that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect cervical cancer without a pap smear. They share their journey with the intersection of women's global health, business, and tech. Hayl…
- 101. Parmin Sedigh - High School Student; Stem Cell Research; Science Communications
Parmin Sedigh is a high school senior in Canada who enjoys researching and creating content about stem cells and developmental biology. She is also also the VP of Communications at Eye Hope Canada and a Sponsorships Associate at the Canadi…
- 100. Isabel Nelson - Computer Science (soon to be) graduate; Kathy's daughter
Isabel Nelson is a senior majoring in computer science, minoring in business at Montana State University. She is in her last semester of college and is beginning to look for jobs. What do we talk about in this episode? Isabel talks about w…
- 99. E-liza Dolls - Eliza Kosoy; Founder of dolls that teach girls to code
Eliza Kosoy is the Founder of Eliza Dolls, a doll which teaches young girls how to code and build hardware through custom, tech-enabled projects based on things girls love. Eliza is also a PhD Student at University of California, Berkeley…
- 98. STEMSkills - Wellness, Wellbeing - Lennis Perez, Wellness Engineer
Lennis Perez is the founder and chief wellness engineer at Just Lennis, LLC, a wellness consulting company focusing on helping organizations and individuals implement stress management strategies to prevent burnout, improve efficiency, pro…
- 97. Saba Khalid; BS & MS Electrical Engineering; Utility Consulting Engineer
Saba Khalid is a Manager in Technical and Business Consulting focusing on Energy & Utilities. She has Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Electrical Engineering. What do we talk about in this episode? Saba and I talk about some challenges m…