Checkout our first podcast on Professor Drew Faust, the first female president of Harvard University. Professor Faust shares her interesting life experiences and bits of wisdom/advice that we feel will be beneficial to our listeners.
interview, Scientist
Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft is a Research Professor at the University of Maryland and the Director of NASA Acres, NASA's US-focused agriculture program. She helped found NASA Harvest in 2017 and has dedicated her career to applying satellite data, machine learning, and geospatial tools to benefit agriculture worldwide. Her work sits at the cutting edge of space technology, earth science, and sustainable food systems—proving that NASA is about much more than just space exploration.
In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Whitcraft shares her unconventional path from pre-med student to leading NASA's agriculture programs. She opens up about struggling with anxiety and depression in college, the pivotal geography course that changed her life, and dealing with imposter syndrome even at the height of success. She discusses the realities of being a woman in male-dominated STEM fields, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of following your curiosity, believing in yourself, and remembering that it's never too late to try something new. Whether you're interested in technology, agriculture, or simply learning how to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement for dreamers of all ages.
interview, Healthcare, Scientist
at Penn Medicine and a true pioneer in gene therapy research. Dr. Bennett led the team that developed the first FDA-approved gene therapy to treat inherited blindness, transforming the lives of patients with retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases. Her groundbreaking work spans over three decades and has opened doors for gene therapy applications far beyond ophthalmology.
Dr. Bennett shares her remarkable journey from a curious child in New Haven, Connecticut—who chose seeds over candy at age four—to becoming a world-renowned scientist. She opens up about the challenges she faced as a woman in science, including being advised to leave her field entirely when seeking tenure at Penn. With candor and humor, she discusses how mentorship from previous Girl Power Gurus guest, Dr. Virginia Lee, helped her persevere, the emotional eureka moment when blind dogs first regained their sight, and what it felt like to witness blind children see for the first time. Dr. Bennett also offers invaluable advice for young women pursuing STEM careers, emphasizing the importance of finding work you love, building collaborative teams, and never giving up on your dreams despite the obstacles. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in science, medicine, or the power of determination.
interview, Healthcare, Education
This episode features Dr. Marianne Baernholdt, Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Virginia, who brings a unique international perspective to healthcare leadership. Born in Denmark and educated across multiple countries, Dr. Baernholdt's journey spans continents, cultures, and nearly every role within the nursing profession.
We discuss her pioneering research in rural healthcare, which challenges common assumptions about healthcare quality in underserved areas. Her studies reveal that rural hospitals often excel in team dynamics and holistic patient care, providing crucial touchpoints for communities that would otherwise lack access to preventive healthcare. Dr. Baernholdt also shares insights from her global health work, including eye-opening experiences in South Africa where rural clinics demonstrated sophisticated quality tracking methods ahead of their time.
As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, Dr. Baernholdt offers honest reflections on dealing with imposter syndrome, finding belonging in new environments, and learning to laugh at yourself along the way. Her advice to young women is refreshingly practical: be curious, don't limit yourself, and do it even when you're uncomfortable—because nobody else can see those butterflies in your stomach. From co-founding Denmark's first women's crisis center to leading a top nursing school while mentoring the next generation, Dr. Baernholdt exemplifies how embracing vulnerability and supporting others can create lasting change.
interview
This episode features a remarkable conversation with Tara VanDerveer, the recently retired Stanford women's basketball coach and one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history. With 1,216 career wins, three NCAA championships, and an Olympic gold medal, Coach VanDerveer has dedicated 45 years to excellence in coaching and developing young women athletes.
We explore Coach VanDerveer's unique journey—growing up before Title IX without opportunities to play organized sports herself, yet going on to build one of the most successful programs in women's basketball. She shares her perspectives on what makes a great coach, why competence matters more than confidence, and how to maintain a positive outlook when facing the systemic challenges women in sports still encounter today. We also discuss the current explosion of interest in women's basketball, the impact of players like Caitlin Clark, and the ongoing fight for equality in collegiate athletics. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or simply someone pursuing their passion, Coach VanDerveer's wisdom about teamwork, preparation, and resilience will inspire you.
interview
The latest episode is with Jenny Rickard, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Common App, a not-for-profit membership organization committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than one million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, apply to college through Common App’s online application.
