The Spatial Connection

Esri's Young Professionals Network with Raquel Perez

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Raquel Perez, and we explore how an internship led to her role at Esri as a Sr. Marketing Manager, and the founder and manager of Esri's Young Professionals Network.  Raquel tells of how the YPN program came about and her hopes for its future.   Young Professionals Network: YPN Home page - https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/ypn/overview [https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/ypn/overview] To connect with Raquel, you can find her on LinkedIn or send her an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-perez-9bb952a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-perez-9bb952a/] Email: Raquel_Perez@esri.com To connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/] Email: kelly.mcgee@spatialconnections.com

Stacey Brown

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Dr. Stacey Brown, Chair of the Geography Department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and we explore how she transitioned from wanting to attend a large university to becoming the chair of a geography department within one. We will also learn about what it takes to actually design and manage a program.   SIUE Geography: Department home page - https://www.siue.edu/arts-and-sciences/geography/index.shtml [https://www.siue.edu/arts-and-sciences/geography/index.shtml] Faculty and Staff - https://www.siue.edu/arts-and-sciences/geography/faculty-staff/ [https://www.siue.edu/arts-and-sciences/geography/faculty-staff/] To connect with Dr. Brown, you can find her on LinkedIn or send her an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-brown-amilian-759610b3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-brown-amilian-759610b3/] Email: stabrow@siue.edu To connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/] Email: kelly.mcgee@spatialconnections.com

Cave Mapping

Today’s Spatial Connection episode is a bit different. Join us in today’s episode as we dive into the process of mapping caves with Aaron Addison. Learn what it takes, how to get involved, and where to find more resources. Resources: National Speleological Society [https://caves.org/] Find A Grotto - National Speleological Society Caving Clubs [https://caves.org/find-a-grotto/]

Steve Kasten

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Steve Kasten, Vice President of Surveying and Photogrammetry at Bowman Consulting. Steve takes us on a journey through his career in cartography, photogrammetry, and surveying — from his first spark of interest in high school geography class, to working with the Defense Mapping Agency, to becoming a licensed land surveyor and Vice President at Surdex. Along the way, he shares stories of early mapping technology, government training programs, mentorship, and the evolution from analog tools to digital geospatial systems. It’s a fascinating look at the people, challenges, and innovations that helped shape modern geospatial science. Photogrammetry Resources: What is Photogrammetry - https://www.photogrammetry.com/ [https://www.photogrammetry.com/] The American Society for Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing - http://www.asprs.org/ [http://www.asprs.org/] To connect with Steve, you can find him on LinkedIn or send her an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kasten-pls-psm-cp-11009814/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kasten-pls-psm-cp-11009814/] Email: steve.kasten@bowman.com To connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/] Email: kelly.mcgee@spatialconnections.com

Tara Mott

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Tara Mott, an Account Manager at Esri, about her unexpected path into the geospatial industry. Starting out as a geological engineer in the energy sector, Tara’s career took several turns—including roles outside the geospatial world—before ultimately leading her to Esri. She shares insights on career pivots, the value of transferable skills, and how her diverse background helps her connect with clients and the GIS community. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or simply curious about different paths into GIS, Tara’s story offers practical advice and inspiration. To connect with Tara, you can find her on LinkedIn or send her an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taramott/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taramott/] Email: tmott@esri.com To connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/] Email: kelly.mcgee@spatialconnections.com