Wake Women

This is it — the final episode of Wake Women.After two years, five seasons, and more than seventy conversations with extraordinary women connected to Wake Forest University, host Mary Tribble hands over the microphone for the last time. Her guest, Ann Phelps — director of programming for Wake Forest's Program for Leadership and Character — flips the script this time and she asks the questions. Ann and Mary have an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about the things that matter most at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. What do we owe the past? How do we find meaning when we stop measuring our worth by what we produce? What does it look like to tend to the women who come after us? What does it really mean to go off script — not just professionally, but in the deepest sense of who we are becoming?Mary reflects on two years of unexpected lessons: the healing power of writing, the courage it takes to let a landscape change you, the genius of giving, the importance of ritual and ceremony, and the difference between empathy and compassion that turns out to matter more than she knew. She also reads from a personal essay on endings — one that takes on new weight in light of a loss she didn't see coming.

This is the fourth and final special guest tribute episode closing out the Wake Women podcast, which will air its series finale on August 28th, 2026. Each tribute explores a single question: What makes a Wake Woman? This episode's answer is Wonder — the discipline of staying curious, of refusing to assume you already have all the answers, of looking at the world with fresh eyes even when you have every excuse to stop. As Plato's dialogues suggest, bewilderment is not a sign of failure. It is the making of a philosopher.The episode opens with a reflection on wisdom and wonder drawn from Socrates — and the idea that a Wake Forest education doesn't fill you up so much as it opens you up. If you think you already know everything, your mind goes still. Wonder is what keeps it moving.Six Wake Forest women bring that answer to life. Serena Dugan '94, founder of Serena & Lily and Serena Dugan Design, asks a question worth sitting with: what would life be without beauty? She makes the case that beauty is not superfluous — it is vital to engaging our senses and to being fully alive. Meaghan Steele '11, Head Auctioneer and Client Liaison at Concierge Auctions , has spent her career shepherding extraordinary objects from one chapter of their story into the next — a hundred-carat diamond, Michael Jordan's sneakers, an original copy of the Constitution — and will tell you that the wonder of it never gets old. Allison Orr '93, choreographer and founder of Forklift Danceworks in Austin, Texas, finds wonder in the places most of us walk right past — in the expert movement and daily grace of trash collectors, grounds crews, and the workers whose labor keeps our communities running. Kasha Patel '12, science journalist and comedian, has made it her mission to bring wonder to science communication through humor, performing her brand of science comedy everywhere from Washington D.C. to Antarctica. Alison Smith '83 has sought out transformational experiences across the globe, including the Camino de Santiago, and reflects on what it means to step so far outside your comfort zone that you come back a different person. And poet Jacinta White closes the episode with an idea that gives the whole series its final note: that writing is a portal to something larger than ourselves, a way of accessing wisdom and spirit that exists beyond the three-dimensional world we can see and touch.

Leadership and character are two words that get batted around a lot nowadays — and increasingly, questioned. What does it actually mean to lead well, or to have character, in a world that feels more uncertain than ever? You've heard from academics, thought leaders, and seasoned professionals about leadership on this podcast. Today, we get to hear from two young women who are poised for the future — women who want to grab this world and make it theirs. This is our chance to hear from the leaders of tomorrow, on their own terms.Agatha and Carter are rising sophomores in the Program for Leadership and Character, and they bring a candor and self-awareness to this conversation that belies their age. We talk about what it means to lead with character instead of just ambition, what women in particular bring to the table as leaders, and how to hold onto hope in a moment defined by polarization and misinformation.Joining us is Ann Phelps with the Leadership and Character program, and has spent the past year watching Agatha and Carter grapple with exactly these questions in real time. It's a conversation that left me more hopeful about the next generation of leaders than I've felt in a long time — I think it will do the same for you.

This is the third of four special guest tribute episodes closing out the Wake Women podcast, which will air its series finale on August 28th. Each tribute explores a single question: What makes a Wake Woman? This episode's answer is Courage — not the absence of fear, but the decision to go anyway. To show up against impossible odds, to walk into rooms where no one looks like you, to stop hiding and be fully seen, to look unflinchingly at a painful history and claim it as your own.Six Wake Forest women bring that answer to life. Erin Regan ('02), a Wake Forest soccer goalkeeper who became a wildfire firefighter, describes what it feels like to stand in front of a hundred-foot wall of flame and just try to make a dent. Sandi James ('06), a professional tackle football player and coach, is building the bridge in women's athletics while she's still walking it — and making sure it's steady enough for the women who come after her. Kate Lambert, an entertainment industry professional, makes the case for a different kind of courage: knowing your own worth before anyone else has confirmed it. Emily Goodson ('07), who has lived with a physical disability since childhood, spent years pushing her emotions down to survive — and then chose, during the pandemic, to stop and tell the truth about her life publicly, because the world needed to hear it. Carol Willis, a Wake Forest alumna who traced her family's roots to the enslaved people who lived and worked at President James Madison's Montpelier estate, describes the courage it takes to look unflinchingly at a hard history — and the extraordinary resilience she found on the other side. And Beth Hopkins ('73), one of the first women to integrate the residence halls at Wake Forest, left the university vowing never to return — and then came back, gave decades of herself to the institution she once wanted to leave, and now has a dormitory bearing her name. Her message to the students who will live there: tough times don't last, but tough people do.

Ann Phelps didn’t set out to run a character formation program at a major university — she set out to prove she could survive a cubicle job. A Nebraska native with a background in theology, the arts, and a decade as a professional musician, Ann arrived at Wake Forest in 2019 alongside her husband Kenneth Townsend and their mutual best friend Michael Lamb, the program’s founder, to help build something that didn’t yet exist: the Program for Leadership and Character. What started as a trio working out of borrowed space has grown into a team of more than forty, with Ann overseeing the Leadership and Character Scholars — a cohort of students she accompanies, ten per year, across all four years of their undergraduate lives.In this first of several conversations, Ann and I explore what character formation actually means — and why it matters now more than ever. We talk about the seven strategies the program uses to move the needle on character, from friendships of accountability to engagement with virtuous exemplars, and why those strategies are less revolutionary than they are intentional. We dig into the gendered history of the word “virtue” and why it lands so differently on women than on men. And we examine what Ann calls the integrated life — the idea that for people with a true calling, there is no clocking in and clocking out, only the ongoing, sometimes messy, always meaningful work of composing a life.

This is the second of four special guest tribute episodes closing out the Wake Women podcast, which will air its series finale on August 28th. Each tribute explores a single question: What makes a Wake Woman? This episode's answer is Heart — the quality that shows up not in titles or ambitions, but in what a woman is willing to give, and who she gives it to. Pro Humanitate, Wake Forest's motto, is often translated simply as "for humanity." These five women are living proof of what that looks like in practice.Christina Chauvenet '08, Child Nutrition Officer of Newman's Own Foundation, has built her career around the conviction that access to healthy food is not a privilege but a human right. Barbee Oakes '80, Wake Forest's first Chief Diversity Officer, who changed an institution by simply showing up and doing the work, was dubbed a "true daughter of Wake Forest" by Dr. Maya Angelou. Holly Welch Stubbing '93, President of the National Philanthropic Trust, has spent her career helping people discover that prosperity is most meaningful when it is rerouted back to others — what she calls a representation of the soul. Michelle Loyd, founder of Dope Coffee alongside her husband Michael, has built a business at the intersection of coffee culture and hip hop that is, at its heart, an act of community uplift. And Laurie Furr-Vancini '87, a retired minister and trained death doula, brings Heart to the most sacred threshold of all — reminding us that we come into this world with the Spirit, and we go out the same way.Enjoy this bonus episode, and look for two others--on Courage and Wonder--coming soon.

Jacinta White defies easy introduction — poet, founder of The Word Project, and a woman who says her answer to "who am I today?" changes with what the day calls for. In this conversation, she traces her path from a childhood split between Charlotte and Detroit, through the sudden loss of her father to a heart attack when she was in her twenties, to finding in poetry a language for grief she couldn't otherwise speak. That loss led her to found The Word Project, using writing as a tool for healing across ages and communities.Her father's death also set in motion the journey behind Resurrecting the Bones. When her uncle suggested they visit the small churches her father had once pastored, what began as a way to feel closer to him grew into visits to Black churches and cemeteries across the South — and a book of poetry born from that pilgrimage. That same instinct, to sit in sacred, often overlooked ground and let the words come, later brought Jacinta to a forgotten cemetery tied to Wake Forest's own history with slavery, where she and Mary stood together among generations of the dead.What runs through the conversation is Jacinta's belief that writing is a portal — a way to sit with grief and history instead of resolving them, to hear what the archives left silent, and to loosen the scripts we've inherited without ever choosing them. It's a conversation about presence over perfection, about possibility not as some distant horizon but as something available right now, in whatever we're brave enough to stay with.

This is the first of four special guest tribute episodes closing out the Wake Women podcast, which will air its series finale on August 28th. Each tribute explores a single question: What makes a Wake Woman? This episode’s answer is Connection — the idea that some people are shaped so deeply by a place, a mentor, or a moment that they carry it with them for the rest of their lives. At the center of this episode is one of Wake Forest’s most beloved figures: Dr. Edwin Graves Wilson, English professor, university provost, and poet, whose influence on generations of students was nothing short of transformative. We hear his own voice in an archival recording, reading John Keats’ “To Autumn” aloud — the way so many of his students remember him doing in class.Three Wake Forest women bring that connection to life. Laura Malone Elliott ’79— bestselling historical novelist writing as L.M. Elliott — describes the moment she knew Wake Forest was her place, and the discipleship that began in Dr. Wilson’s classroom and never really ended. Emily Giffin ’94 — #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed and ten other novels — recalls being told by a family friend before she ever set foot on campus: you have to take Ed Wilson. And Kate Kennedy ’90— founder of Atlanta’s Boyce Ansley School for children experiencing homelessness and author of Once Upon a School — shares what it meant to sit across from Provost Wilson as a senior, working on a speech about wonder and courage. Three writers. Dozens of books. One man, in one office, on one campus, who left his fingerprint on all of them. Enjoy this special episode and look for more in the coming weeks as we celebrate the amazing women of Wake Forest University.

Pop in your earbuds for a special America' s 250th episode featuring historical fiction writer Laura Elliott ‘79!Do you ever wonder what historical events looked like through a woman’s eyes? It might be a completely different story than what you learned in school. Laura Elliott, who writes under the pen name LM Elliott, is an award-winning, bestselling author of historical fiction for a young adult audience. She’s written 14 novels set throughout various times in history–many of them with female protagonists. I’ve always been fascinated by how women’s stories are often tucked away, especially in moments of great change. Women in history weren’t just passive bystanders—they were actively shaping events, often without recognition. Whether it’s Peggy Schuyler’s quick wit and brilliance during the American Revolution, or a young congressional page caught up in the intrigue of Watergate, women have always influenced history in a powerful way. If you’re interested in history, writing, and truth telling, you’ll enjoy this conversation. L. M. Elliott was a senior writer for the Washingtonian magazine for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of historical and biographicalnovels. Three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award and winner of multiple Dateline Awards, Elliott focused primarily on covering women's issues, health, and the performing arts. Her extensive reporting experience in the Nation's Capital and love of in-depth research inform and enrich her topics, themes, and characters, particularly her latest Cold War docu-novel, TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN, set in 1973 D.C., the year of Watergate and the battle for states' ratification of the ERA. Her fourteen novels cover a wide variety of eras (the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, the American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance) and are written for a variety of ages from young adult to adult. They have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named ALA Rise Feminist Book Project Picks, NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank St. College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Library Guild Gold Selections, and finalists for ten state readers awards.

Catherine Mitchell Jackson '98 and Hope Skouras '12, are two Wake Women who saw a problem and created a product to solve it: not for not only their families, but for countless others across the country. Catherine and Hope both started at Wake Forest ready to begin careers in journalism, but along the way discovered their contributions to the greater good would be delivered in a different way. In this episode, they share their inspiring journeys from campus to successful product launches–for Catherine Mitchell Jaxon, it’s Mission Mighty Me, a product designed to introduce peanuts early in a child’s life and for Hope Skouras, it’s “The Whole Hope,” a company that develops Lemon Swirl, a product that Hope discovered along her own health journey. In this episode, Catherine and Hope will discuss overcoming challenges, scaling their businesses, and the social impact behind their innovative products for children with allergies and health-conscious consumers.Mission Might MeThe Whole Hope

Weddings can be one of the most joyous yet stressful events in a couple's life. With so many details to consider—from choosing the right venue to managing guest lists—it's no wonder many find themselves overwhelmed. Add to that the pressure of creating viral social media moments, and it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters: celebrating love. In this episode, you’ll hear from three Wake Women wedding professionals who will share how to simplify the process and focus on what truly counts. Let’s break down a few barriers and make planning a wedding a joyful experience rather than a stressful one! The Rebel Wedding Planning Guide - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234Cheersy Platform - https://cheersy.comRebecca Rose Events - https://rebeccaroseevents.comHidden River Events - https://www.hiddenriverevents.com/

In a world where conversations about death are often avoided, understanding how to navigate this challenging transition can be daunting. This discomfort often stems from societal norms that discourage open discussions about mortality. On this episode, we dive into the insights of people who understand the importance of addressing death openly and honestly–Laurie Furr-Vancini '89 is a retired minister and is now trained as a death doula (we’ll talk about what that even is) and Becca Omlor MD '13 is a hospice coctor who has dedicated her career to helping families through the dying process. And Anne Smith '89 joins the conversation as a family member whose mother recently passed. In this conversation, we’ discuss the role of hospice in end of life care, the value a death doula can bring to the process, and how to navigate the tensions that can arise between family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals. This episode will give you actionable strategies to engage in meaningful conversations about mortality, ensuring you feel empowered and informed as you face transitional times for your loved ones. Resources: Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully by Julie McFadden, RNhttps://www.hospicenursejulie.com/bookBeing with Dying Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death by Joan Halifaxhttps://www.joanhalifax.org/publicationsBeing Mortal by Atul Gawandehttps://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/

Navigating pregnancy while maintaining a career can be challenging. Expectant parents face unique obstacles, from managing workloads to ensuring a supportive work environment. As a human resource professional, Stephanie Kramer saw team members struggle to figure out how to balance their desire to excel in their careers while also growing a family. She drew on hundreds of conversations with working mothers, as well as her own experiences to write a book called “Carry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy and Work.” Kristen, an accomplished marketing and branding professional, has recently had her second child, so it seemed like a good idea to bring these two Wake Women together for a  deep discussion on pregnancy at work, to explore the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for working mothers. If you know someone who is juggling career and pregnancy, this episode is for you. ResourcesCarry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy and Work - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234 LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniekramerLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kristenbryantsmith

Patricia Turner knew she wanted to be a surgeon from a very early age. With the support of her mother and key mentors, she built the resilience needed to navigate a demanding medical journey, and never looked back.Since earning her medical degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1996, Dr. Turner has built a remarkable career in surgery and healthcare leadership. Now serving as CEO of the American College of Surgeons, she joins us to share her path from aspiring surgeon to one of the most influential voices in American healthcare.In this episode, you'll hear:How mentorship shaped her career in surgical medicineWhy quality improvement in surgical care is more critical than everHow surgeons and healthcare leaders are navigating political changes while staying committed to evidence-based practicesThe real promise — and real challenges — of artificial intelligence in medicineWhy advocacy for both surgeons and patients is at the heart of her missionWhether you're a medical professional, a healthcare policy enthusiast, or simply curious about what it takes to lead at the highest levels, this conversation delivers insight you won't find anywhere else.

Do you ever get the feeling that your iphone is listening to you? Has your social media account ever been hacked? Have you ever worried about your digital privacy and security? In this podcast, we get to the bottom of all that. Jordan Kelly is a cybersecurity expert with a rich background in government and law. We’ll discuss her journey from Wake Forest University to her current role at FTI Consulting, touching on her experiences at the FBI, her work at the White House, and the importance of cybersecurity in today's world. We delve into the impact of deepfakes, and the need for individuals and organizations to be prepared for cyber incidents. Jordan talks about  the importance of communication, resilience, and the role of women in technology, while also sharing her own personal insights and advice for navigating a career in a high pressure world.

Making a transition from a life-long, full-time career can be a challenge for anyone. Imagine making that change when you’ve been leading a prestigious liberal arts university. That’s what we are here to talk about today, as Susan R. Wente prepares to retire as Wake Forest’s 14th president. I sat down with Dr. Wente to talk about her leadership journey and the legacy of her impact on the Wake. We talk about strategic initiatives, leadership and character, community engagement, and the importance of trust in science. And we also learn about her vision for the future amid societal challenges.

Christina Chauvenet '08, Child Nutrition Officer at Newman's Own Foundation has a commitment to making a difference in the lives of children through healthy, accessible nutrition. Christina’s first understanding of social issues at a deeper level came from her first year seminar at Wake Forest where her professor Dan Coates challenged her to think about capitalism in new ways. Now, she is working at Newman's Own Foundation, which is a food company that practices a 100 % for purpose model, using capitalism in pursuit of the common good.In this episode, Chauvenet shares her inspiring journey from Wake Forest to leading innovative food justice initiatives. We talk about how Newman’s Own 100% for Purpose model which blends capitalism with social good mirrors the Wake Forest ideal of Pro Humanitate, and we learn practical insights on data-driven programs that foster inclusive community approaches. Links: 100% purpose https://100forpurpose.org/

For this episode, I sat down with Dr Megan Manassah and Rylee Molhollen ‘27 to talk about classes and we ended up talking about compassion: where it’s learned, how it’s practiced, and what happens when education moves beyond the classroom and into the community. How does empathy become action and how can learning shape the way we show up for others? When Rylee Mulhollen ‘27 was deciding which first year seminar to take at Wake Forest, Dr. Megan Manassah’s class Poverty and Prosperity: Inequality in Winston-Salem jumped out at her. Growing up, Rylee’s mom had taught her to pay attention to community needs, so the idea of working on issues around poverty in the town of W-S intrigued her. She didn’t know it would set her on a path of solving problems and serving others. The seminar, which focuses on how the root causes of poverty play out in a North Carolina city, sparked Rylee’s interest in creating solutions for social change, which influenced the direction of her educational career. In this conversation we explore the impact of first-year seminars on the students–not just academically but personally. We discuss the importance of connecting academic learning with local community issues, particularly in the context of economic inequality and poverty. Through literature, such as The Great Gatsby, the class analyzed themes of inequality and social dynamics–information that challenged the students’ world views and encouraged them to think critically about potential solutions. You’ll come away from this conversation like I did: inspired and proud of the quality of experiences that Wake Forest students enjoy. The conversation also highlights the significance of experiential learning and community engagement in shaping their future aspirations and the role of education in driving social change.Books from Megan’s syllabus you may want to read: The Broken Ladder, Payne, K The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald, F. S. Poor Economics, Banjeree, A & Duflo, EPoverty, by America, Desmond, M.

Did you know that 40% of small business owners are women, but only 4 % of revenue is generated by women businesses? Jamie Trull, Wake Forest class of 2006, is out to change that. After starting her career in one of the big four accounting firms, Jamie pivoted her career to focus on empowering women in business. Her business helps women entrepreneurs understand the importance of financial strategies to help them achieve their highest aspirations. Jamie emphasizes the need for women to pay themselves first and to understand their money personalities to overcome financial challenges. The discussion also highlights the intersection of profit and purpose in business, encouraging entrepreneurs to take action and embrace their ambitions. If you own a business or have ever thought about starting one, this episode’s for you.

Do you roll your eyes when you think of attending a networking event? Do you have to drag yourself to civic or corporate receptions where you fear you’ll be faced with someone staring over your shoulder to find someone more interesting to talk to? Katherine Naylor Pullman gets it –she felt the same way–so she figured out a way to make networking fun. Katherine started an organization called Our Third Place to help women create meaningful connections in their professional lives. In our conversation, Katherine Naylor Pullman talks about the challenges of traditional networking, particularly for those who are not extroverted or professional networkers. She shares her innovative approach to networking through social gatherings for women, emphasizing the importance of building relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. So listen up. I know you’ll enjoy it.

Today's guest is Annabel Love, Wake Forest Class of 2018, Along with her classmate and best friend, Courtney Toll, Annabel co-founded Nori—a company that has reimagined something as simple, and as everyday, as a clothes iron. What began as a dorm-room solution—an easy, effective way to remove wrinkles from clothes without all the clutter—has grown into a nationally recognized brand, driven by Annabel and Courtney’s creativity, grit, and vision. In this conversation, Annabel shares her journey from Wake Forest to successful entrepreneur, offering insight into how Nori came to life and the challenges the founders faced in the early days of the startup.She also reflects on the importance of mentorship and collaboration, along with some true pinch-me moments, including being featured live in the studio on the Today Show. Looking ahead, Annabel discusses the founders’ vision for Nori’s future as a household name in clothing care—and underscores the value of pursuing your passions with the support of a strong community.

Melissa Rogers is the Distinguished Scholar in Residence in Faith, Law, and Public Policy at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She joins me to talk about how our voices can create positive change in government and society. A nationally recognized leader in religion, law, and public life, Melissa brings decades of public service, policy expertise, and scholarly depth to her role at Wake Forest. She has shaped national conversations on religious freedom, church-state relations, and the role of faith in civic life. We sat down to talk about religious liberty, the Constitution, and what it really means to protect freedom of belief in a pluralistic society.Melissa brings deep historical perspective, legal expertise, and years of public service experience, including her time advising presidents. We talked about Baptist roots in religious freedom, the balance between faith and government, and why protecting religious liberty for everyone is essential to a healthy democracy.It’s a conversation about principle, humility, and how we live alongside people who believe differently than we do.

Over the past year, I’ve asked Wake Women alumnae one simple question: “What’s your favorite spot on campus?”The answers reveal just how powerful place can be—each one tied to memories of growth, connection, and joy. Today’s episode is a quick highlight reel of those favorite spots, and we hope it inspires you to think about yours.

Today’s guest is Erin Regan, Wake Forest class of 2002, who shares with us what drives her in her life and career. Erin was recruited to Wake Forest to be a goal keeper on the women's soccer team. It was there that she learned about the value of competition as a means of self-improvement, a quality that she has applied to every aspect of her life. In our conversation, Erin shares her inspiring journey from a competitive soccer player at Wake Forest to a trailblazing firefighter. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her athletic career, the transition to firefighting, and her commitment to empowering women in the field. Its a story that will surprise and inspire you.

In this episode, Holly Welch Stubbing shares a powerful perspective on money and the meaning we attach to it. She talks about how, once our basic needs are met, prosperity can become less about accumulation and more about giving back. In the book The Soul of Money, author Lynne Twist writes that money is a distinctly human invention. It’s a total fabrication of our genius and its power comes from the power we give it. What if we thought about prosperity in a different way–can Prosperity be about giving back to others rather than accumulation for self? In the true spirit of Pro Humanitate, Holly has dedicated her entire career to the power of philanthropy. In this conversion, we discuss the complexities of philanthropy, focusing on the motivations behind giving, the evolution of donor-advised funds, and the impact of technology on charitable giving. Holly shares her personal journey and the mission of the National Philanthropic Trust, an organization which she now leads. We explore generational shifts in giving, the importance of trusting leadership, and the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing societal expectations. We talk about the power of money as a tool for positive change. It might just change the way you think about how money impacts your life and the community in which you live.

Are you stuck in your career? Do you feel like you’ve done all the things that have been asked of you but you’re not advancing the way you had hoped? Do you get frustrated when you learn how the politics of the workplace actually works? Career Maven Tiffany Tate has some great advice for you. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities faced by mid-career professionals. We talk about  leadership as a mindset, the invisible ceiling that many encounter, and the role of kindness in the workplace. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on careers and the necessity of building relationships within and outside of work. In this episode I have a guest co-host–Wake Forest alumna Cheryl Fischer Class of 1993 who hosts the Mind your Midlife podcast, which I hope you’ll check out as well. https://www.mindyourmidlifepodcast.comSo sit back and enjoy this engaging conversation today on the Wake Women podcast.

By popular demand, Katie Neal ‘03 is back to the Wake Women Podcast, this time giving us tips on how to be bold (and not bitchy) while communicating in the workplace. When you walk into a meeting at work, do you command attention? Or do you think that being assertive may make you look “bossy” to your colleague? Katie is here to tell us that ambition and achievement should not be shamed in women. Power is a tool to be used for the greater good, and to be successful leaders should communicate hope, trust, empathy and compassion. But how do you move outside your comfort zone to portray confidence? Well, lean in, because we are about to learn how.

When Beth Hopkins left the Wake Forest campus in the early 70s, she put her hands on her hips and swore she’d never come back. Instead, she and her late husband Larry ended up spending their entire careers serving Wake Forest in law and medicine. Now, a dorm is being named in their honor to recognize their trailblazing contributions to the university. In this episode, Beth shares her journey from what she calls being a rabble rousing student to what has been a distinguished career in law and civil rights. It’s a story you’ll want to hear.In our conversation, Beth reflects on her experiences as one of the first Black students at Wake Forest, the challenges she faced, and the impact of her heritage on her passion for civil rights. The discussion also touches on her late husband Larry's contributions to the community and their shared commitment to making a difference. The conversation highlights the evolution of Wake Forest University, the importance of community engagement, and the significance of celebrating milestones in the history of the institution. In this conversation, Beth Hopkins reflects on her impactful career in law and community service, emphasizing the importance of pro bono work and social justice. She discusses the role of law in ensuring equitable representation and the need for optimism in challenging times. The conversation also touches on the significance of memorialization in recognizing contributions to society, particularly in the context of her own legacy at Wake Forest University. Beth envisions a future for the university that embraces diversity and prepares students for a multicultural world.

Sandi James ‘06 has always been an active athlete. In high school she played on multiple basketball teams, in addition to playing tennis and competing in track and field. When she decided to continue her focus on sports playing basketball for Wake Forest University, she couldn’t have imagined a career as a professional tackle football player and a collegiate flag football coach. But through years of training and hard work, that’s what has happened. Today, Sandi brings her spirit and inspiration to the Wake Women Podcast.

In 2019, Allison Orr ‘93 was invited to Wake Forest to create an amazing event that someone described as being “as close to a sacred moment on this campus that I’ve seen.” More than two-and-a-half years in the making, “From the Ground Up” was a collaboration between Wake Forest’s iPlace and Allison’s dance company Forklift Danceworks, whose mission is to use creative dance to build community. Housekeeping staff, arborists, turf crew members, locksmiths and carpenters were among the nearly 70 participants that performed on Hearn Plaza in an original “civic spectacle". In this conversation, Allison shares her experiences and insights on the intersection of art, community, and social justice. From her travels to Venice and her connections to Wake Forest, to her activism and the creation of performance projects like 'From the Ground Up', Allison emphasizes the importance of collaboration, relationship-building, and the role of dance in fostering social change. She reflects on her journey as an artist and educator, highlighting the power of creativity to inspire dialogue and community engagement.

In this engaging conversation, Dianne Dailey reflects on her remarkable 30-year career as a women's golf coach at Wake Forest University. She discusses the evolution of women's athletics, the impact of Title IX, and her journey to becoming a coach. Dianne shares insights on the importance of mentorship, building confidence in athletes, and the challenges of fundraising and recruiting. She emphasizes the unique culture at Wake Forest, the significance of relationships in athletics, and her passion for teaching and mentoring young people. Dianne's legacy is one of empowerment, leadership, and a commitment to helping students find their passions.Dianne Dailey spent 30 years as Wake Forest's women's golf coach before retiring following the 2018 season.  During her tenure, she led the Demon Deacons to 30 team titles and 38 individual titles.  She won four ACC Championships and led the Deacons to 15 NCAA Championships while being recognized with four ACC Coach of the Year honors.  During her tenure, Dailey coached 27 All-Americans, 39 All-ACC selections, five ACC Players of the Year and four ACC Freshmen of the Year including 2018 NCAA Champion Jennifer Kupcho.  Dailey led the Deacons to ACC titles in 1994, 1995, 2009 and 2010 while taking the club to an NCAA regional berth every year from 1993 to 2018.   A member of the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Dailey was the LPGA Coach of the Year in 2001 and is a past president of the NGCA.  A 1971 graduate of Salem College, Dailey played professionally on the LPGA Tour following her graduation before becoming Wake Forest's head coach in 1988.  Her 30-year tenure as a head coach is the second-longest in school history behind only Jesse Haddock's 32 seasons.

Can acting skills be valuable in the boardroom? How can we use the tools of theater and improvisation to enhance our leadership skills, foster authenticity, and navigate power dynamics? Well, we are about to find out. Melissa Jones Briggs is a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and also serves as an Associate Fellow at the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford. She specializes in performance as a tool for social and organizational change. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of theater and leadership, talking about the importance of empathy, presence, and the role of personal power. The discussion also touches on the challenges of covering and uncovering identity in professional settings, the responsibility of the arts in social change, and the significance of relationships in defining success.Melissa Jones Briggs is a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Melissa specializes in performance as a tool for social and organizational change. She also teaches in the flagship Stanford Executive Program among others on campus in California. In the UK, Melissa serves as an Associate Fellow at the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford. Outside Academia, Melissa works with senior leaders and teams at some of the world's top corporations, VCs, hyper-growth startups, NGOs and national institutions. She has experience serving on the Board of Directors for both non-profit and educational (K-12) organizations. An honors graduate of Wake Forest University, Melissa also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, the Coaches Training institute, and the Actor’s Center Conservatory in New York. She divides her time between California and London with her husband Lee Briggs (‘02), their three daughters, and german shepherd dog.

This conversation explores the creative journeys of two Wake Forest students, Parker Beverly and Sofia Trujillo, as they discuss their experiences in the arts, the importance of supportive faculty and family, and their unique projects focusing on women's stories. The dialogue highlights the transformative power of a liberal arts education and the courage it takes to pursue a career in the arts. We explore the interconnectedness of generational experiences, the significance of community in personal journeys, and the power of storytelling, particularly in uplifting women's voices. The discussion highlights the responsibility that comes with creative expression, and the aspirations of these two very creative women as they envision their futures. Through their artistic endeavors, they aim to create meaningful impact and foster understanding across diverse backgrounds.Parker Beverly ‘23, MFA ‘25Parker Beverly graduated in 2025 with an MFA in the Documentary Film Program at Wake Forest University. Prior to graduate school, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary American Studies with a minor in Film & Media Studies from Wake Forest. The stories I love most are those which get to the heart of a person, investigating what makes an everyday individual tick. From the sidelines of football games to the backstage of Atlantic City’s biggest stage, Parker’s work has taken her on many unique adventures. She sees film as a way to touch people’s lives. Interviewees turn into lifelong friends, adopted grandmothers, and pen pals. She hopes her work encourages introspection and a desire to see the good in others. Link to her portfolio: https://bevepg19.myportfolio.com/filmsSofia Trujillo ‘25Sofia Trujillo graduated from Wake Forest in 2025 as a Studio Art major, double minoring in Creative Writing and Entrepreneurship. As an artist and writer, her work often explores intra and interpersonal relationships, the complexities within these dynamics, and the outcomes of such interactions. More recently, her art focuses on female identity and bodily autonomy. As an innovator, Sofia is constantly creating; she enjoys the challenges associated with bringing new ideas to life. Her greatest motivation as an artist is to spark conversations and break existing barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in critical discussions with one another. While studying art and writing for seven months in Florence, Italy, her approach to creating changed significantly as she recognized the lineage of artistic practice. Sofia believes that her time spent in the heart of the Renaissance movement transformed her relationship with the artistic world. Sofia’s interdisciplinary work has been featured in the 3to4 Ounces Literary Magazine and the Old Gold and Black, as well as multiple stArt Gallery and Hanes Art Gallery exhibitions. Sofia is honored to be a part of the WFU Arts community and looks forward to continuing her involvement as an alumna. Link to her artist statement: https://hanesgallery.wfu.edu/sofia-trujillo-honors-exhibition/

That’s Wake Forest alumna Carol Willis, talking about the resilience of her ancestors, particularly those who hailed from Orange County, Virginia. She’s my guest today on Wake Women, a podcast by and about the women of Wake University. I’m your host, Mary Tribble, class of ‘82. We’re here to bring you intelligent, thought-provoking reflections from successful women whose experiences will inspire you to be your best self. Montpelier, President James Madison’s family estate, is considered by many to be the birthplace of the U.S. Constitution. Its stately home, rolling hills, and majestic views tell a myriad of compelling and complex stories, including those of the enslaved individuals who built and supported the plantation and its powerful owners. In this episode, archeology scholar Wendy Rea and Wake Forest alumna Carol Willis talk about the powerful story of the place they share and their insatiable curiosity about the people who have shaped their lives.The ground below us holds stories of our past. My conversation with Wendy and Carol explores the profound connections between archaeology, personal history, and family genealogy. They share their powerful experiences together at Montpelier, including the emotional impact of discovering the enduring legacy of ancestors. We also talk about the need for truth and reconciliation in addressing historical injustices, the responsibility of historians to tell inclusive narratives, and the ongoing revolution in redefining who is considered a founder of the nation. This is a powerful discussion that explores our shared history and questions how truth is told.

At the age of 8, Emily Goodson suffered a brain injury that caused paralysis on the left side of her body. While she was able to recover her speech and mobility through therapy, she was left with a prominent limp and other physical disabilities. Through tools like writing, meditation, and lots of inner work, Emily has emerged from a challenging time in her life to help companies and individuals navigate issues around relationships–including intimate ones–for people with disabilities. She’s even written a book about it! In this episode, Emily shares the importance of advocacy, resilience, and the need for broader understanding of diversity in the workplace. Emily talks about the courage it took to write about her experiences, particularly in the context of dating and intimacy. In this conversation, Emily shares her journey of navigating relationships, vulnerability, and self-discovery. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Ah, sleep. Every night, your brain and body heal, process, clean house, and rejuvenate through sleep. Yet how many mornings do you wake up rested and refreshed? How many times have you had to fight dozing off during a mid-afternoon meeting? How often do you find yourself staring at the ceiling at 3:00 am? In this episode, Dr. Ruth Benca and Dr. Lauren Fowler talk about the importance of sleep to our long term health and everyday lives.How’d you sleep last night? Did you get 7 or 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep and wake up ready to take on the world? Or do you, like millions of Americans, struggle with either getting to sleep, staying asleep, or waking up rested? Researchers like Dr. Benca and Dr. Fowler are learning more and more about just how important sleep is to our mental health, our physical health, our decision-making ability, and even our careers. In this conversation, we’ll talk about the stages of sleep and what benefits they bring to our bodies and brains, the health risks of not getting enough sleep, tips for good sleep hygiene, and we discuss the pros and cons of finally getting rid of daylight savings time. (Spoiler alert: there are more pros than cons!) This is an episode you won’t want to sleep through!

Bone health is a critical part of wellbeing for women, so for Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, Mary sat down with Dr. Diane Schneider ‘75, who has dedicated her career to finding solutions for bone health–the most common issue affecting older women. Osteoporosis is a silent disease that often goes unnoticed until damage has occurred. Bone density and strength is something we need to pay attention to our entire lives. In this conversation, Dr. Schneider gives us proactive measures to improve the quality of our bones, no matter our age. She highlights common misconceptions about calcium sources, the necessity of weight-bearing exercises, and practical tips for improving balance and overall bone health. We’ll talk about the ABCDs of bone health and how we can take action to strengthen our bodies– and those of our loved ones–today.

What makes us choose to love the people we love? When things fall apart, who will be at our sides to help us pick up the pieces? These are questions Emily Giffin explores in The Summer Pact, her latest best selling novel. In this episode, you’ll hear about Emily’s journey from managing the Wake Forest men’s basketball team to pursuing a law career before becoming a successful writer.  We’ll talk about the writing process, the integration of social issues into her narratives, and how the authenticity of her characters matters. And of course, she’ll share plenty about her love for Mother So Dear, including when she and the WF basketball team ruined Coach K’s birthday with a Duke defeat one year.

After President Harry Truman broke the ground for the new Wake Forest campus in 1951, Barbee Oakes’ paternal grandfather, a man named David Myers, was one of the team members that helped clear the land to build the university there. Then, a couple of decades later, Barbee came to Wake Forest to help students from all walks of life navigate life at a major university–in essence, clearing the land for their success. Barbee’s Wake Forest legacy will be honored soon with the Distinguished Alumni Award and I sat down with her to talk about her life and career creating a level playing field for everyone with a passion to learn.Barbee Oakes is a trailblazer in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work at Wake Forest University–and in this conversation she clarifies the misconceptions about the term. Barbee shares her journey from being one of the few black women in her undergraduate class to becoming a significant figure in the university's administration. The discussion covers her experiences as a minority student, the challenges she faced, and her advocacy for creating an inclusive environment for all students. Barbee reflects on her family's legacy of advocacy and the importance of building an infrastructure that supports diversity and inclusion within academic institutions. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of creating inclusive environments in education, the current challenges facing DEI initiatives, and the impact of programs like the PhD Project. We reflect on personal experiences, the significance of diversity in higher education, and the legacy of empowering students for success.

How do you quiet the inner critic inside your head? What are the external biases that women face and how might they prevent us from achieving our aspirations? What are the three things that women need to feel good about their work? How can you keep your inner critic from sabotaging your career? If those questions interest you, you’ll enjoy my conversation with Jen McCollum ‘91, the CEO of Catalyst, a powerful organization that helps institutions address systemic workplace challenges in gender equity. This is part 2 of my conversation with Jen, so if you haven’t heard her earlier episode, make sure to listen to that one as well. In partnership with the Wake Women podcast, Jen will be a keynote speaker at the REACH womens’ conference in Winston-Salem on April 23 2025. Check out reachwomensnetwork.org for more information about that. In the meantime, enjoy our conversation about how you can reach for the stars in your career.

In the late 18th century, a young enslaved man named Peter Oliver was sold into the Moravian community of Bethania, North Carolina. He eventually served as a potter under the direction of master potter Rudolph Christ in the thriving town of Salem. By all accounts a talented and tenacious man, Oliver was able to save enough money to buy his own freedom, and later had a farm adjacent to Salem until his death in 1810. There are plans to share Oliver’s inspiring story at an outdoor destination called the Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery in downtown Winston-Salem, on the land that he farmed over 200 years ago. Today, Jessie Tefft, a Wake woman helping make this a reality, is joined with Sandra Brown, a descendent of Peter Oliver, to talk about his story and the monument planned to honor him.

Do you get hamstrung by trying to make everything perfect? Are you afraid that people will find out you don’t really know what you are doing? Are you sliding from low grade ennui into all-out burnout in your job? Then this conversation is for you! Career communications veteran Katie Neal, Wake Forest class of 2003, pulls the veil away from all the things that might be holding you back in your career and life. Wake Women host Mary Tribble talks with Katie about the 12 stages of burnout, the 10 signs of perfectionism, and how imposter syndrome might be keeping your from your highest self. You’ll learn how to approach life with a growth mindset that allows you to reflect, grow, develop, and thrive!

Why aren’t there more women in the C-suite? How can organizations design their culture and systems to allow all of their employees to thrive? What is the “double-bind” that women experience in the workplace and how do we navigate around that? If those questions interest you, you’ll enjoy my conversation with Jen McCollum, the CEO of Catalyst, a powerful organization that helps institutions address systemic workplace challenges in gender equity. In this episode, Jen discusses her career path and the work of Catalyst, emphasizing the correlation between gender diversity in leadership and positive business outcomes. She also gives tips on how to work with allies, mentors, coaches, and sponsors to support you in your career advancement.

Can the perfect cup of coffee make you happy? When is a coffee shop NOT a coffee shop? How does coffee reflect and expand the culture that it comes from? And how does Hip Hop fit into the coffee vibe? Michelle Loyd and her husband Michael Loyd, both Wake Forest Alumni, have spent much of their careers both pondering and answering these questions. They co-founded DOPE COFFEE, a trendsetting coffee brand that consumers love because of the quality of their product, their morals, and their dedication to their culture. Michelle and Michael are on a mission to bridge the worlds of Coffee, Hip-Hop, and Culture by elevating and & uplifting Black culture while serving great coffee to great people. So sit back, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and listen to a conversation that will capture your imagination and make you think differently about your morning brew.

Mary Tribble and Alison Smith explore the profound impact of transformational travel on personal growth and self-discovery. They discuss the significance of study abroad experiences, the role of empathy in travel, and the concept of pilgrimage, particularly through the lens of the Camino de Santiago. The dialogue highlights how stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to deep self-reflection and lasting change.

Bonita Brown, the new chancellor of Winston-Salem State University discusses her upbringing, educational journey, and career path that led her to higher education. Bonita shares insights on the importance of historically Black colleges and universities, community engagement, and her initiatives to enhance academic success for minority students.

Allison McWilliams, Ph.D., talks with Mary about setting a course for career success. Through mentoring and connecting with others, you can create a plan to make the coming year one of curiosity, learning, and advancement. Allison helps women figure out what they want in their careers, whether it’s their first act or one later in life.

In this engaging conversation, Mary Tribble interviews Kate Kennedy about her journey of writing “'Once Upon a School', a memoir which chronicles her experience starting a school for homeless children in Atlanta. The discussion delves into themes of personal growth, vulnerability, and the importance of community engagement. Kate shares her motivations, the challenges she faced, and the profound impact of her education at Wake Forest.

In this episode, Kasha Patel ‘12 discusses her journey in combining humor and science. She outlines her unusual career path from working at NASA, the Washington Post, and science-themed comedy. She shares her experiences performing comedy for penguins in Antarctica and explores her identity as an Indian woman from West Virginia. Kasha also talks about the importance of humor in science communication and her research on the effectiveness of science jokes. She envisions a future where science humor is more ubiquitous and contributes to improving science literacy. Kasha can be followed on her YouTube channel, Instagram, and Facebook page, where she shares funny science content and updates on her shows and projects.

Chef and food stylist Ashton Keefe discusses her philosophy on food: that it is as an act of love and an opportunity for beauty. Food is not just about the taste, but also about the way it makes you feel and the memories it creates. Ashton shares her career path, from working in a gourmet food shop to becoming a chef and then a food stylist. She talks about the differences between styling food for video or photo shoots and serving food in a restaurant. Ashton also discusses her approach to developing recipes, focusing on fresh ingredients, simplicity, and making recipes that can be personalized and become a part of someone's cooking repertoire.