In this episode of the Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Alaina Clark, CEO of Teacher Goals, for a high-energy conversation about building something meaningful, embracing the unexpected, and creating community in education.

From a background in chemistry to leading one of the largest online teacher communities, Alaina shares how what started as a simple meme page grew into a global platform supporting educators through content, publishing, and events.

She reflects on the power of starting small, saying yes to opportunity, and building something that truly connects with people.

She also opens up about the reality of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, the challenges of wearing multiple hats, and what it means to grow something while still figuring it out along the way.

What you’ll learn:

• How organic ideas can grow into impactful movements
• Why community is at the heart of everything in education
• The realities of balancing business, family, and life
• How TeacherGoals is supporting educators through content and events
• What educators are struggling with right now—and how to support them
• Why creating welcoming spaces matters more than ever

Alaina’s message is clear: you don’t have to have it all figured out—just start, stay open, and build something that brings people together.

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Zareen Levien, Education Marketing Manager at Padlet, for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, creativity, and the power of listening in education.

From starting her career in tech to discovering her passion in a classroom, Zareen shares how a single volunteer experience changed her path—and ultimately led her into teaching, coaching, and now edtech.

She reflects on what it means to truly center student voice, how creativity can unlock confidence, and why the students who don’t always speak up often just need a different way to be seen.

What you’ll learn:

• How non-linear career paths can lead to purpose
• Why student voice is essential to meaningful learning
• The role of creativity in building confidence and engagement
• How technology can create access for all learners
• Why listening to students and teachers drives real impact

Zareen’s message is clear: when we listen first, we create space for every learner to thrive.

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Danielle Alcaraz, MBA, Senior Vice President of Sales at Cignition, for an energizing conversation about confidence, growth, and creating real impact in education.

From growing up just outside Los Angeles to rising through the ranks in edtech, Danielle shares how curiosity, resilience, and the people who guided her along the way shaped her journey. She reflects on the power of relationships, staying open to learning, and what it takes to truly support students.

She also opens up about balancing leadership and motherhood, navigating self-doubt, and why confidence is something you build over time—not something you’re born with.

What you’ll learn:

• How curiosity and continuous learning fuel career growth
• The role mentorship plays in building confidence and perspective
• How high-impact tutoring is transforming student outcomes
• Why supporting the whole child—not just academics—matters
• What it really looks like to balance leadership and life
• How impact is created through connection and consistency

Danielle’s message is clear: growth comes from showing up, staying open, and learning from the people around you.

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Natalie Mactier, CEO of Vivi, for a powerful conversation about leadership, action, and building meaningful impact in education.

From growing up in Melbourne to leading a global edtech company, Natalie shares how a career rooted in problem-solving—and the people who “tapped her on the shoulder”—shaped her journey, and how taking action can change the trajectory of a career.

She reflects on the importance of customer empathy, the role of technology in strengthening (not replacing) human connection, and the reality of navigating leadership, growth, and life through constant change.

What you’ll learn:

• The value of starting in sales and building a customer-first mindset
• Why action over perfection is the key to moving forward
• How technology can deepen student engagement and teacher impact
• The importance of resilience through changing career cycles
• Why mentorship and giving back matter at every stage
• How legacy is built by improving the world around you

Natalie’s message is clear: success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about the impact you make and the people you lift along the way.

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Shawanna James-Coles, Director of Equity & Compliance at Lower Merion School District, for a powerful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.

From growing up in Philadelphia to becoming a district leader, Shawanna shares how the people who “tapped her on the shoulder” shaped her journey — and how those moments of belief can change the trajectory of a life.

She reflects on the importance of representation, the responsibility of lifting others, and the reality of balancing leadership, family, and personal well-being.

What you’ll learn:

• The power of mentorship and “the tap” that changes everything
• Why creating spaces of belonging transforms students and educators
• How equity work impacts entire communities
• The importance of balance in leadership and life
• Why legacy is built through the people you lift along the way

Shawanna’s message is clear: success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about who you bring with you.

Recorded at AASA NEC

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Jessica Kesler, Director of Professional Learning at TGR Foundation — the education nonprofit founded by Tiger Woods, for a powerful and inspiring conversation about resilience, representation, and creating space in education.

From growing up in Philadelphia to earning multiple advanced degrees in science and education, Dr. Kesler shares her journey of breaking barriers in STEM — and what it takes to thrive in spaces where you don’t always feel seen.

She reflects on her early days stepping into a classroom with no resources, the reality of educators as “miracle makers,” and how creating safe, inclusive environments can transform both learning and lives.

What you’ll learn:

• Why educators are “miracle makers” in today’s classrooms
• How creating space helps students feel seen, heard, and valued
• The importance of representation for girls and women in STEM
• How mental health conversations can change classroom culture
• Why being “hungry” for learning is the key to growth and leadership

Dr. Kesler’s message is bold and clear: no one hands you a seat at the table — you have to go get it.

If you’re an educator, leader, or changemaker ready to break barriers and create opportunity, this episode will inspire you to lead with courage, purpose, and relentless determination.

Follow Bold Women Collective for weekly conversations amplifying women shaping the future of education and leadership.

Recorded at Spring CUE —powered by Calie.

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Ann Kozma, Education Evangelist at Adobe, for an energizing conversation about edtech, creativity, and empowering every student voice.

With over 25 years in education — from first-grade teacher to innovation leader — Ann shares how her journey has been rooted in one mission: helping educators and students step into confidence through creativity and connection. 

Together, they explore what happens when educators let go of perfection and embrace experimentation — and why Ann’s mantra, “push all the buttons,” is the key to unlocking innovation in today’s classrooms.

What you’ll learn:

• Why student voice is essential to meaningful learning
• How creativity builds confidence beyond the classroom
• The mindset shift educators need to embrace technology
• Why “push all the buttons” leads to growth and innovation
• How empowering teachers transforms entire learning communities

Ann’s message is clear: when educators feel safe to explore, students feel empowered to create — and that’s where real learning begins.

If you’re an educator, leader, or innovator ready to rethink what’s possible, this episode will inspire you to lead with curiosity, courage, and connection.

Follow Bold Women Collective on Spotify for weekly conversations amplifying women shaping the future of education and leadership.

Recorded @ FETC

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Kim Collins, Director of Curriculum at IMSE, for an inspiring and deeply important conversation about literacy, education leadership, and the science of reading.

Kim shares her journey from classroom teacher to literacy specialist and curriculum leader, explaining how early experiences with struggling readers shaped her mission to transform how we teach reading in schools.

Together, they explore why literacy is the foundation for every subject, the challenges students face when learning to read, and how equipping teachers with the right tools can dramatically change outcomes for children.

What you’ll learn:

• Why literacy is the gateway to every academic subject
• The power of structured literacy and the science of reading
• The biggest challenges students face when learning to read today
• Why teacher training is essential to improving literacy outcomes
• How strong literacy instruction can change the trajectory of a child’s life

Kim’s mission is simple but powerful: when we teach children to read effectively, we unlock their future.

If you're an educator, district leader, or advocate for student success, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a powerful reminder of the impact literacy has on our communities.

Follow Bold Women Collective on Spotify for weekly conversations amplifying women shaping the future of education and leadership.

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin reconnects with Shaream Moneak — leadership developer, gift and style coach, and author of The Professional M.O.D.E.L.Travel Manual: Style & Success for Women Leaders on the Move — for an energizing conversation about confidence, leadership presence, and building a legacy from the inside out.

Shaream shares the mindset framework she uses to help women leaders own their presence — whether they’re stepping onto a stage, into a boardroom, or navigating the demands of leadership and travel.

Together, they explore why inner character fuels outer confidence, how boundaries protect your energy, and what it truly means to lead with authenticity and intention.

What you’ll learn:

• How mindset shapes executive presence
• Why confidence begins internally — not externally
• The importance of protecting your energy as a leader
• Practical strategies for showing up prepared and poised
• How to lead in a way that builds lasting legacy

If you’re a woman leader ready to show up boldly and lead with clarity, this episode will inspire you to own the room — without losing yourself in the process.

Follow Bold Women Collective on Spotify for weekly conversations amplifying women shaping the future of leadership, education, and impact.

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In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Janice Wintermyer, Learning Consultant at Canva Education, to explore what it truly means to empower educators and unlock creativity in every student.

From a small-town upbringing outside Seattle to more than 15 years in the middle and high school classroom, Janice shares how her experiences as a teacher, instructional technology coach, and global facilitator shaped her approach to supporting educators through change. Recorded live at FETC, this conversation highlights trust, relationships, intentional use of emerging tools, and why creativity fuels confidence in learning.

What you’ll learn:

• How trust and relationships fuel educator innovation
• Supporting educators through rapid change and uncertainty
• Intentional approaches to creativity and learning in the age of AI
• Why empowering students with confidence prepares them for the future

If you’re a teacher, school leader, or education professional, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for cultivating confidence, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences.

Follow Bold Women Collective on Spotify for weekly episodes that amplify women shaping the future of education.

Recorded live at FETC.