WIE Rise Together: Charting Pathways to STEM Careers

Build a Transferable STEM Career: Manage Your Career Like a Business

In this special Mother's Day episode, Wendy Anderson-Cocke speaks about how technical professionals can take ownership of their careers with intention. Wendy shares lessons from moving from corporate engineering to entrepreneurship, why professionals should treat their careers like a business, and how flexible work can support both performance and personal priorities. This episode offers practical strategies for flexible work, personal branding, burnout prevention, and creating a personal “board of directors” to guide career growth. Listeners will learn how small changes, clearer boundaries, and engineering-style problem-solving can help them show up more fully at work and in life. Host: LaRhonda Julien

Finding your pause: Communicating with Clarity Under Pressure

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Kane—CEO and Founder of the Kane Intentional Communication™ Institute, mindfulness instructor, and author of The Pause Principle—to explore how intentional communication can elevate leadership, confidence, and career growth in STEM. Cynthia shares her personal journey and how mindfulness and communication work together to help leaders show up with clarity, calm, and purpose. We dive into the everyday challenges women in STEM face—from finding their voice in high-pressure environments to navigating interruptions, bias, and self-doubt. Cynthia offers practical strategies to stay grounded in difficult conversations, reframe negative self-talk, and communicate with confidence when it matters most. Listeners will gain insight into the power of “the pause” as a leadership tool, the role of mindfulness in shaping workplace culture, and the habits that set effective leaders apart. This empowering conversation provides actionable guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their voice, expand their impact, and lead with intention. Host: Rawan Alghamdi

From Curiosity to Calling: Building a Purpose‑Driven STEM Career

In this episode, we dive deep with Distinguished Lecturer John McDonald, a globally recognized leader whose career is defined by technical excellence, extensive publications, and a lifelong commitment to volunteering and mentorship. John shares how an early spark of curiosity grew into a purpose-driven path—one shaped by service, professional communities, and intentional leadership.   Together, we unpack the real challenges facing today’s students and young professionals: balancing demanding academic pressures, building confidence, developing communication and emotional intelligence, and cultivating networks that truly matter. John offers practical, actionable strategies to thrive in school while preparing for the complex dynamics of the modern workplace. Listeners will gain rare insight into the discipline behind authoring more than 150 technical publications, the impact of mentorship on career trajectory, and the mindset required to make meaningful, long-term contributions to the engineering profession. This candid and inspiring conversation is essential listening for anyone seeking not just a job in STEM—but a purpose-filled, resilient, and influential career. Guest: John  McDonald, Founder & CEO, Electric Power System Engineer JDM Associates, LLCAbstract Host: La Rhonda Julien Inspection Performance Specialist, Georgia Transmission Corporation

Tech Unplugged: Spotlighting Women in Cybersecurity

What happens when a software engineer follows her curiosity … and ends up redefining what cybersecurity research can look like? She started in software, pivoted to research, and landed on the IEEE Top 30 list. This month on WIE RISE TOGETHER, we are "Tech Unplugged" with Anastasija  Collen, a Senior Cybersecurity Researcher and Associate Professor pushing the boundaries of digital defense. From spotting the next big security trends to mastering the art of the career pivot, Anastasija shares the roadmap to success in cybersecurity. Plus, we get real about the power of mentorship and why rest is a non-negotiable part of the job. Tune in now to hear how she’s charting pathways to STEM  and securing our connected world!

REST FIRST, RISE NEXT: The Confidence & Clarity Playbook

Bobbie Carlton on Creating Success with Clarity, Confidence & Compassion Executive coach Bobbie Carlton joins host Abinaya Inbamani in this empowering episode of WIE RISE TOGETHER. Together, they explore how women can rest intentionally, rise purposefully, and show up fully in their careers and lives. Bobbie shares practical insights on visibility, wellness, money mindset, and navigating the emotional load of leadership and family. This conversation is packed with encouragement, truth, and actionable strategies to help you stay grounded, claim your voice, and set aligned goals. A thoughtful playbook for anyone seeking balance, purpose, and empowered growth.