Who’s Missing From the Room? A Conversation with Michele Heyward

Send us a MessageIn episode 146 of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim and Louise are joined by Michele Heyward—engineer, tech CEO, and fierce advocate reshaping the landscape for Black, Latina, and Indigenous women in STEM. Michele shares her journey from her early days mentoring engineering students to leading a company that champions underrepresented voices in tech. She invites us to look beyond who fills our rooms to who waits at the threshold—a shift that transforms how we solve problems and build our future. This conversation is a loving reminder that empowerment isn't about permission—it's about recognizing the authority that already lives within us. Because real change blossoms when someone—perhaps you—chooses to speak up, step into the room, and reshape it with their presence."It's not about who you are talking about, but who you aren't talking about." - Michele HeywardKey Takeaways🔹 Take action—don’t wait for permission. Change happens when we step up and push forward, even when the system isn’t ready.🔹 Ask better questions. Instead of “Who’s in the room?” ask, “Who isn’t—and why?” Real inclusion starts with addressing exclusion.🔹 Inclusion is essential. Retaining and supporting underrepresented groups strengthens our communities and workplaces.🔹 Advocates and sponsors matter. Mentorship and sponsorship can be game-changers—seek them out and pay it forward.🔹 Meet communities where they are. If people aren’t engaging, rethink outreach—it’s about access, not interest.🔹 Small changes drive impact. Simple solutions, like curb cuts or better workplace benefits, create lasting transformation.🔹 You have power—use it. Knowing your worth and challenging norms can spark real change.Key Moments[00:00] – Introductions and celebrations[06:34] – The power of mentorship[09:33] – The difference between mentoring individuals and creating systemic change[13:04] – How organizations can identify who they are excluding.[18:23] – Finding advocates and sponsors within organizations to create real career opportunities.[26:18] – The labor shortage crisis in AEC: Why keeping women in the industry is critical.[34:06] – The consequences of exclusion[39:47] – Rethinking community engagement[49:44] – How professionals can use their influence for good[55:22] – Final thoughtsConnect With Michele:Website: https://PositiveHire.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelecheyward/Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program.Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program.If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com