WIE Rise Together: Charting Pathways to STEM Careers

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  

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

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  

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!

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.  

Ever wondered how dual-career couples keep it all together when life feels like a high-wire act? Hosted by Geetika Tandon, this episode features Jenifer Castillo Rodriguez, IEEE Region 9 Director and aviation industry leader, and Francisco Carrero, Chair of IEEE MOVE Puerto Rico, chemical engineer, and humanitarian volunteer.    Together, they share candid insights into managing morning chaos, coping with unpredictability, and balancing the invisible mental load while sustaining professional growth and family harmony. Through personal stories and practical tips, this episode offers inspiration and actionable advice for thriving amid the beautiful chaos of work-life integration.   Guests:  Jenifer Castillo Rodriguez, Director,  Aircraft Parts Repair & Overhaul Services,  Lufthansa Technik. Francisco Carrero, Product Sales Manager, Biopharmaceutical Filtration.   Host: Geetika Tandon  Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting Cloud, AI and Digital      

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacing jobs? How can you grow from a Data Analyst to a Director in the tech industry? In this episode of Tech Unplugged: Spotlighting Women in AI, host Kelly Onu, Cybersecurity Consultant, sits down with Nimisha Morkonda Gnanasekaran, Director of Data Science at Western Digital and Advisory Board Member for ML/AI. Nimisha shares her journey from analyst to leadership, insights on Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, and strategies for thriving in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. We discuss: AI and job security – myth or reality? Career growth tips for women in technology The role of mentorship and community in breaking barriers How to bridge business and technology effectively If you’re passionate about AI, Data Science, and Women in Tech, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

Remember when you could answer work emails, wrangle a toddler, and fold laundry—sometimes all at once? So do Pankaj Sinha and Geetika Tandon.  Join this dynamic couple-turned-survival-guides as they look back (and laugh) at the chaos of raising kids while juggling two careers. With battle stories, hindsight wisdom, and the occasional “Why did we think that would work?” moment, this podcast proves that making it through the nester years deserves its own medal—and maybe a podcast, too. Now that the house is quiet, come relive the madness and find out what they wish they’d known back then. Hosted by Dr. Abinaya Inbamani, the conversation dives into the hilarious, humbling, and heroic moments of balancing two demanding careers with family life. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a whole lot of real talk.

Own Your Worth: A Guide to Confident Career Moves In the competitive world of STEM, success isn't just about your skills; it's about how you present yourself. This episode features Reanette A Etzler, The Strategic HR Coach/Founder, who offers a transformative approach to job searching, helping you break through the barriers and own your career. Get ready to turn a simple job hunt into a powerful strategy for building the future you deserve.

In this inspiring episode of the IEEE WIE Rise Together podcast, executive coach and former engineer Jahnavi Brenner shares how the PIE framework can transform the careers of technical professionals. In this framework, our guest explains how we can use our presence, combined with our image and exposure, to build an authentic personal brand. Jahnavi offers practical strategies for engineers at every stage. Tune in to learn how to become visible, valued, and impactful in your work.  

What Does It Take to Build Boundaries, Prevent Burnout, and Find Balance in STEM? In this empowering episode of the IEEE WIE Podcast Program, the host, Dr. Abinaya Inbamani, sits down with biotech changemaker Anbumathi to explore one of the most pressing topics in STEM today: work–life balance. From navigating demanding careers to managing societal expectations — especially for women in STEM — the conversation dives deep into real-world challenges, practical strategies, and personal insights. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your STEM journey, this episode offers valuable wisdom on setting boundaries, managing guilt, handling burnout, and building a rhythm that honors both professional ambition and personal well-being.

What Does It Take for Women to Thrive in STEM Around the World? Guest Sanyogita Shamsunder, C-Suite Tech & Business Executive and host Geetika Tandon, Managing Director at Deloitte Consulting Cloud, AI & Digital, explore the progress, challenges, and inspiring journeys of women around the world who are shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From breaking barriers to building strategies for success, this episode highlights the voices driving change across continents.

What does it really take to juggle a STEM career and motherhood? Host Kelly Onu chats with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya and Cassie Leonard about the highs, the challenges, and the wins of innovating while parenting. Full of real stories, fresh insights, and inspiration for women in tech and Engineering.