Ep. 0 - Every Story Deserves to Be Told

Episode 2: Show Up Anyway with Patti Tutalo '00

What happens when the odds say you shouldn't even be there, and you stay anyway? In this episode of 50 Years of HerStory, Nicolle Bogden '12 sits down with Patti Tutalo, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of 2000, whose path to the Academy nearly ended before it began. Two months before reporting to the Naval Academy Prep School, Patti survived a serious bicycle accident that left her without a spleen, down 40% of her blood, and told by doctors to rest for a month she didn't have. Patti reflects on showing up anyway, on the friendships, tutoring trades, and sheer mind-over-matter that carried her through four years she "wasn't supposed to" make it through. She shares the moment when she found a way to tell the entire Corps, in coded language, that there was a safe place for those struggling with disordered eating. And she talks candidly about the instinct that's defined her since: an inability to sit with someone else's pain and do nothing about it. From her Coast Guard career and her continued work mentoring cadets and serving on a National Academies committee, Patti's story is a reminder that purpose doesn't always announce itself. Sometimes it just keeps tugging at your heart until you do something about it. Closing out the episode, CAPT Amy Baribeau Cocanour ’92, USCG (Ret.), shares her own "Moment of Gratitude," honoring the sponsor family who opened their home to her and countless other cadets throughout her time at the Academy. Moment of Gratitude is a recurring segment featured at the end of every episode this season. Have someone you'd like to thank? We'd love to feature your shout-out too. Submit yours here [https://www.cgaalumni.org/s/1043/25/home.aspx?sid=1043&gid=1&pgid=8574&cid=23278&ecid=23278&crid=0&calpgid=8332&calcid=23491].  As we celebrate 50 years of women at the Coast Guard Academy, we invite you to stay connected, honor this legacy, and support future generations. Support this Podcast * Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887 [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887] * Support the USCGA Alumni Association's 50th Anniversary initiatives: www.cgaalumni.org/herstory-gift [http://www.cgaalumni.org/herstory-gift] Keywords Women in Leadership, Coast Guard Academy, USCGA Alumni, 50 Years of Women at USCGA, Resilience, Advocacy, Mentorship, Women Veterans, WAVES, Gender Policy, Sexual Assault Prevention, Female Pioneers, Service Before Self, Leadership Through Service

Episode 1: The First to Arrive with CAPT Joanne McCaffrey '80

What does it look like to be part of history while it's still unfolding? In this inaugural episode of 50 Years of HerStory, Nicolle Bogden '12 sits down with CAPT Joanne McCaffrey '80, a member of the first class of women to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Joanne reflects on what it meant to step into an institution not yet built for her, and how that experience shaped a distinguished career as a Coast Guard civil engineer. Joanne shares the moments that tested her, the relationships that sustained her, and the quiet, persistent ways meaningful change often begins, not through sweeping reform, but by asking a question, challenging a long-standing assumption, or simply believing things can be better for those who come next. Throughout the conversation, Joanne offers reflections on resilience, belonging, and what it means to carry the weight of being "first." Her story is a powerful reminder that the legacy of progress is built one decision, one relationship, and one act of quiet courage at a time. Closing out the episode, CAPT Elizabeth Young '89, USCG (ret.), shares a special "Moment of Gratitude," a heartfelt shout-out to someone who made a lasting impact on her journey. It's a moving reminder that behind every success story are the people who believed in us first. Moment of Gratitude is a recurring segment featured at the end of every episode this season. Have someone you'd like to thank? We'd love to feature your shout-out too. Submit yours here [https://www.cgaalumni.org/s/1043/25/home.aspx?sid=1043&gid=1&pgid=8574&cid=23278&ecid=23278&crid=0&calpgid=8332&calcid=23491]. As we celebrate 50 years of women at the Coast Guard Academy, we invite you to stay connected, honor this legacy, and support future generations. Support this Podcast * Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887 [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887] * Support the USCGA Alumni Association's 50th Anniversary initiatives: www.cgaalumni.org/herstory-gift [http://www.cgaalumni.org/herstory-gift] * Purchase the commemorative 50 Years scarf, with proceeds supporting the celebration: www.50yearscarf.com [http://www.50yearscarf.com]   Keywords Women in Leadership, Coast Guard Academy, USCGA Alumni, 50 Years of Women at USCGA, Trailblazers, Civil Engineering, Military Leadership, Resilience, Belonging, Legacy, Mentorship, Breaking Barriers, Female Pioneers, Service Before Self, Leadership Through Service

Ep. 0 - Every Story Deserves to Be Told

This episode explores the significance of the 50th anniversary of women at the USCGA, highlighting storytelling, in-person events, and the collaborative effort behind the commemorative project. Guests Andrea Marcille, President of the USCGA Alumni Association, and Tara King Clark, VP of Comms & Marketing, share insights on history, community engagement, and future initiatives. Keywords USCGA, women in the Coast Guard, alumni stories, 50th anniversary, storytelling, multimedia project, in-person events, community engagement Key Topics * Significance of the 50th anniversary for USCGA * Role of storytelling in preserving history * In-person engagement and regional events * Collaborative efforts and sponsorships for the project Guests Andrea Marcille, President, USCGA Alumni Association Tara King Clark, VP of Comms & Marketing, USCGA Alumni Association Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Logistics 02:54 Celebrating 50 Years of Women at the Academy 05:53 The Importance of Storytelling 09:06 Creating Safe Spaces for Alumni 11:58 In-Person Engagement and Events 14:58 Inclusivity in Commemoration 18:08 Sponsorships and Community Involvement 21:13 The Role of the Podcast 23:58 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Resources USCGA Women 50th Anniversary Website - https://cgawomen50.org [https://cgawomen50.org] Colette Travel (French Riviera Trip) - https://colette-travel.com [https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1337347]

Coming Soon - 50 Years of Courage & Counting

Fifty years ago, women first walked through the gates of the United States Coast Guard Academy. They came with determination, with uncertainty, with courage. They stayed. Through thoughtful conversations, we're honoring the women who paved the way, reflecting on the journey of the last five decades, and celebrating the impact still unfolding today. Follow 50 years of HerStory and join us as we share these stories throughout the year. 50 years of courage and counting.