NorthStar GAZE

Women in GIS: Part II with Aisha Jenkins

Let us know what you thought of this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312651/fan_mail/new] THE NORTH STAR GAZE Women in GIS Series – Part II with Aisha Jenkins In Part II of our conversation with Aisha Jenkins, we explore what happens when courage, purpose, and authenticity intersect. Aisha reflects on her transition from the corporate world to teaching GIS at Howard University, building international geospatial programs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Together, Erica Phillips, Eva Reid, and Aisha discuss the unique challenges Black women face in technology, the importance of equity and justice in GIS, and the lessons learned from navigating burnout, leadership, and career reinvention. In this episode, Aisha shares: ✨ What she found on the other side of fear ✨ Her journey from industry to academia ✨ The power of showing up and building authentic relationships ✨ Why women in GIS must own their voice and their story ✨ Lessons on leadership, resilience, and finding joy along the way Aisha closes the conversation with a powerful reminder: don't let titles define you. Know your value, embrace your voice, and never lose sight of the joy that fuels your purpose. Guest: Aisha Jenkins Hosts: Erica Phillips and Eva Reid Support the show [https://gisnorthstar.org/donate/]

Women in GIS: Aisha Jenkins on Justice, GIS, and Building Community

Let us know what you thought of this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312651/fan_mail/new] In Part 1 of this special Women in GIS series conversation, the North Star GAZE turns the microphone toward its own creator, Aisha Jenkins. Joined by co-host Eva Reid and host Erica Phillips, Aisha reflects on the original vision behind the podcast and the creation of a space where Black geospatial professionals could share their stories, experiences, and impact in their own voices. The conversation explores representation in GIS, the realities of navigating corporate environments as a Black woman in tech, and the importance of creating new “tables” instead of waiting for invitations to existing ones. Aisha also opens up about leadership, burnout, introversion, and the intentional process of building the North Star GAZE as a platform that could grow beyond her own involvement. Listeners will also hear Aisha discuss her current work in justice-centered geospatial capacity building — from teaching GIS at Howard University to supporting international GIS development initiatives through the International Telecommunication Union. This episode is a thoughtful and deeply personal look at purpose, impact, and what it means to use geospatial technology to create more equitable futures. Support the show [https://gisnorthstar.org/donate/]

Women in GIS: Building Pathways, Expanding Access featuring Elizabeth Cotton

Let us know what you thought of this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312651/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Northstar GAZE Podcast, our Women in GIS series continues with Elizabeth Cotton, founder of Black Tech Link. Elizabeth shares how her work is expanding access to technology through STEM education, workforce development, and community-driven programs. She reflects on her journey into GIS, the importance of exposing more technologists to geospatial tools, and how her organization is creating new pathways through GIS training and partnerships. Co-hosted by Eva Reid, the conversation also explores the realities of sustaining mission-driven work in today’s funding environment. This episode highlights the power of community, access, and opportunity in shaping the future of women in GIS.  Support the show [https://gisnorthstar.org/donate/]

Women in GIS: The Next Generation - Kaylan Soares on Finding Her Path

Let us know what you thought of this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312651/fan_mail/new] What does the future of GIS look like? In this episode, it sounds a lot like Kaylan Soares. As part of our Women in GIS series, Kaylan joins host Erica Phillips and guest host Eva Reid to share her journey into the geospatial world—from a spark of curiosity in environmental science to building powerful GIS projects focused on environmental justice. Kaylan brings energy, insight, and a deep belief in the role GIS can play in creating more equitable communities. She discusses her work analyzing access to green space and water, her passion for storytelling through data, and how mentorship and community have helped her navigate the transition from student to professional. If you're just starting out—or looking to reconnect with why this field matters—this episode is for you. NOTE: During the episode, you'll hear mention of Kaylan's Lightning Talk. You can find that here - https://youtu.be/XVEdJSgwnyM?si=xi7UwnOtbVjIH_bs [https://youtu.be/XVEdJSgwnyM?si=xi7UwnOtbVjIH_bs] Support the show [https://gisnorthstar.org/donate/]

Women in GIS: From Community to Climate—Mapping Environmental Justice in Baltimore

Let us know what you thought of this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312651/fan_mail/new] As part of our Women in GIS series on the Northstar GAZE Podcast, we sit down with Lynn Pinder and Kimberly Armstrong, co-founders of the Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative, to explore how environmental justice, workforce development, and community leadership intersect with geospatial thinking. While neither guest began their journey in GIS, this conversation highlights how women leading in community-based work are increasingly leveraging geospatial tools to better understand and address systemic challenges—from redlining and public health disparities to climate resilience and access to opportunity. Together, we explore how GIS can serve as a bridge between data and lived experience, and how empowering communities with these tools can help shift power, inform solutions, and create new pathways into green careers. This episode is a powerful example of how women—both inside and adjacent to the GIS field—are shaping the future of geospatial impact. Support the show [https://gisnorthstar.org/donate/]