In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, recorded live at EDspaces, Darlene Akers sits down with Hila Stern, Principal of HSB Architecture, for an inspiring conversation about how neuroscience and empathetic design can transform learning environments.

Together, they explore how science-informed school design influences emotion, focus, connection, and overall student wellbeing. Hila shares how natural light, movement, biophilic elements, and flexible spaces create classrooms where students feel grounded, teachers feel supported, and communities flourish.

What you’ll learn:

• What neuroscience reveals about how space impacts emotion and learning
• Why natural light, views, and biophilic design elevate student engagement
• How flexible, choice-driven environments support neurodiverse and neurotypical learners
• The power of bringing research and empathy into school architecture
• Real examples of schools uplifted through intentional, research-backed design

If you’re a school leader, educator, architect, or education professional passionate about innovative learning environments and student wellbeing, this episode offers powerful insight into designing spaces that truly serve learners.

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

Recorded at EDspaces

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, Principal of a National Blue Ribbon School in Howard County, Maryland, and President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, for a powerful conversation about boundaries, authenticity, and sustainable leadership in education.

Dr. Edoho-Eket shares how her leadership journey prepared her to lead with transparency, collaboration, and heart-centered purpose. Together, they explore how strong relationships, mentorship, and intentional boundary-setting create thriving school cultures rooted in belonging and shared strengths.

What you’ll learn:

• How setting healthy boundaries strengthens leadership longevity
• Why authenticity and transparency build trust in school communities
• Strategies for mentoring women educators through balance and sustainability
• How to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion in today’s schools

With warmth and powerful insight, Dr. Edoho-Eket reminds us that when leaders show up with purpose and authenticity, they strengthen not only their schools — but the families and futures connected to them.

If you’re a principal, aspiring school leader, or educator committed to sustainable leadership, this episode offers inspiration and practical guidance for leading with balance and impact.

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

Recorded at The Leadhership Network Conferenc

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Kelsey Jordan, Associate Director of PreK–12 at Legat Architects, for a powerful conversation about how empathy, purpose, and design shape the future of education.

Kelsey shares how her journey in architecture prepared her to blend art, science, and heart to create learning environments where all students and educators can thrive. Together, they explore what it means to forge your own path as a woman in architecture, align personal values with professional purpose, and design schools that cultivate dignity, belonging, and opportunity.

What you’ll learn:

• How empathetic design transforms educational spaces
• Why art, science, and human-centered thinking belong in school architecture
• What it takes to lead with courage as a woman in design
• How intentional learning environments foster peace, dignity, and possibility

With honesty and contagious passion, Kelsey reminds us that when we design with empathy, we build more than spaces — we build futures.

If you’re a school leader, educator, architect, or education professional passionate about innovative learning environments and student wellbeing, this episode offers insight and inspiration for creating spaces that truly serve learners.

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

Recorded at EDspaces

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Karyn Richmond, Wellness Coordinator for the Sun Prairie Area School District, for a powerful conversation about transforming wellness from a “nice to have” into a measurable strategy for thriving people and sustainable results.

Karyn shares how she built a culture of care that prioritizes both wellbeing and performance. Together, they explore how data, purpose, and authentic human connection can redefine leadership success — turning passion into measurable impact and vision into action.

What you’ll learn:

• How to build a school culture rooted in wellness and engagement
• Why investing in people drives sustainable performance
• How to use data to measure wellness impact
• Strategies for leading with empathy while delivering results
• Why connection is the true return on investment

If you’re a school leader, HR professional, or educator passionate about staff wellbeing and sustainable leadership, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for creating healthier, high-performing communities.

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

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, recorded live at NeoCon, Darlene Akers sits down with Nora Fenlon, Chief Commercial Officer at Via Seating, for an inspiring conversation about workplace wellness, inclusive design, and leading with aligned purpose.

From her journey from Ireland to America to a life-changing encounter with active seating, Nora shares how science, empathy, and movement-driven design shape healthier, more inclusive environments. Together, they explore how ergonomics, innovation, and curiosity can transform not only workplaces — but the people within them.

What you’ll learn:

• How purposeful, movement-driven design supports wellbeing and performance
• Why ergonomics and alignment matter in modern work environments
• How to bridge science and empathy in product and space design
• The role of inclusivity and connection in shaping stronger communities
• Why leading with curiosity and gratitude fuels meaningful impact

With candor and wisdom, Nora reminds us that when passion meets purpose, comfort becomes a catalyst for change.

If you’re a leader, designer, educator, or workplace innovator passionate about wellness and inclusive environments, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

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

Recorded at NeoCon

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Christine Counts, and Kate Forcucci, Chief Education Strategist at PD by MiEN, for an energizing conversation about courage, curiosity, and reimagining learning environments.

Together, they share how their journeys as educators and leaders prepared them to design spaces that empower every student, build authentic connections that foster belonging, and lead with compassion and conviction. This episode explores what it means to say “yes” to growth, embrace failure as feedback, and turn challenges into opportunities through mentorship and reflection.

What you’ll learn:

• How innovative learning environments empower student agency
• Why authentic relationships drive belonging and impact
• The power of failing forward in leadership and growth
• How courage and curiosity fuel transformational change
• Strategies for turning reflection into action

With heart and humor, Christine and Kate remind us that growth begins the moment you take the leap.

If you’re a teacher, school leader, or education professional passionate about innovative learning spaces and courageous leadership, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight for diving into your next chapter.

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

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, recorded live at NeoCon, Darlene Akers sits down with Heidi Grinde, Director of Category Management at Global Industrial, for a dynamic conversation about bold leadership, strategy, and breaking barriers.

From her transition out of pharma into industrial leadership, Heidi shares how grit, resilience, and fearless decision-making shaped her path. Together, they explore what it takes to turn vision into strategy, build high-performing teams rooted in trust and collaboration, and lead confidently in male-dominated industries.

What you’ll learn:

• How to translate vision into measurable strategy and results
• Why trust and collaboration fuel high-performing teams
• How to lead with confidence in traditionally male-dominated spaces
• The role of innovation in transforming both business and people
• Why bold leadership begins when you stop waiting for permission

With clarity and conviction, Heidi proves that leadership growth starts the moment you decide to step forward.

If you’re a leader, innovator, or professional ready to own your voice and take decisive action, this episode offers practical insight and powerful inspiration.

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

Recorded at NeoCon

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Heather Durkac, Chief Innovation Officer at Gaggle, for an inspiring conversation about innovation, tenacity, and building leadership through bold choices.

Heather shares how stepping into roles others avoided shaped her career and strengthened her ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Together, they explore how training, process, and curiosity fuel innovation — and why self-advocacy, humility, and gratitude are essential for sustainable leadership growth.

What you’ll learn:

• How embracing difficult challenges builds resilience and leadership strength
• Why innovation begins with process, training, and intentional problem-solving
• How to advocate for yourself and create new leadership pathways
• The power of focusing on growth and journey over titles and outcomes
• Why saying “yes” — even when uncertain — opens unexpected doors

With resilience and curiosity, Heather reminds us that bold leadership is built through persistence, reflection, and a commitment to growth.

If you’re an educator, leader, or professional navigating career growth and innovation, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement to pursue impact with confidence.

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, recorded live at the Leadhership Network for Women Conference 2025, Jolene Levin and Dr. Deb Kerr sit down with Dr. Atiya Perkins, Superintendent of Linden Public Schools, for an inspiring conversation about community-rooted leadership and authentic impact.

From substitute teacher to leading the very district where she once studied, Dr. Perkins shares how staying grounded in community shaped her leadership philosophy. Together, they explore how building unified, diverse schools, elevating team voices, and leading with humility create environments where every student and educator can thrive.

What you’ll learn:

• How leading in your own community strengthens trust and impact
• Why belonging and student voice matter in diverse school systems
• Strategies for elevating colleagues through growth and connection
• How authenticity and humility sustain long-term leadership
• Why bold leadership is never a solo journey

With resilience and gratitude, Dr. Perkins reminds us that when leaders invest in people and place, they transform not just schools — but entire communities.

If you’re a superintendent, school leader, or educator committed to community-centered leadership, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight for leading with purpose and connection.

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

Recorded live at Leadhership Network for Women Conference

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Christa Samaras — former Princeton lacrosse star, USA National Team athlete, entrepreneur, and founder of Brave Enterprises — for an energizing conversation about bravery, resilience, and transforming fear into forward momentum.

Christa shares how setbacks shaped her growth and how curiosity became her most powerful tool for building confidence. Together, they explore why honesty with yourself is the foundation of leadership, how resilience is built through action, and how bold choices can unlock extraordinary impact in your career and life.

What you’ll learn:

• How to turn setbacks into resilience and growth
• Why curiosity is a powerful shortcut to bravery
• How self-honesty builds lasting confidence
• Strategies for transforming fear into fuel for action
• How courageous leadership creates meaningful impact

With grit and authenticity, Christa reminds us that bravery isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the decision to move forward anyway.

If you’re a leader, educator, entrepreneur, or professional ready to step outside your comfort zone, this episode offers practical insight and powerful motivation to get brave.

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