In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin is joined by Colette Ferch, Suzanne Sasaki-Hartstein, and Monique Swihart of HMC Architects for an energizing conversation about mentorship, collaboration, and lifting others as you rise.

Together, these powerhouse designers share the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers — from the advice they wish they’d received early on to the joy of investing in the next generation of leaders. They explore how mentorship strengthens teams, why collaboration fuels innovation, and how paying it forward creates a lasting ripple effect across the design industry.

What you’ll learn:

• Why mentorship is essential for sustainable leadership growth
• How collaboration strengthens creative teams
• Career advice every emerging leader should hear
• The power of lifting others as you advance
• How investing in the next generation shapes long-term impact

With honesty, humor, and heart, this episode reminds us that leadership isn’t just about achievement — it’s about legacy.

If you’re a designer, architect, educator, or leader passionate about mentorship and meaningful impact, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight for building a culture of support and growth.

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

Recorded at NeoCon

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown, Superintendent of Waunakee Community School District, for an honest conversation about leadership, confidence, and knowing your value.

Coming from a family of educators, Dr. Kelsey-Brown shares how her roots and the mentors who guided her shaped her journey from classroom to district leadership. Together, they explore the power of self-awareness, support systems, and staying grounded in what you uniquely bring to the table — especially in moments of doubt or transition.

What you’ll learn:

• Why confidence grows from mentorship and community
• How self-awareness strengthens leadership presence
• The importance of knowing your value in high-stakes roles
• Strategies for navigating doubt while leading with clarity
• How support systems shape long-term leadership success

With authenticity and strength, Dr. Kelsey-Brown reminds us that leadership isn’t about proving yourself — it’s about trusting what you already bring to the room.

If you’re a superintendent, school leader, or educator stepping into greater responsibility, this episode offers meaningful insight and encouragement to lead with confidence and purpose.

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

Recorded at AASA NCE Conference

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Julia Fallon, Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), for a candid conversation about equity, educational technology, and the leadership required to create inclusive learning experiences.

Together, they explore how technology can either expand opportunity or widen gaps — depending on how it’s implemented. From policy shifts at the state and national level to practical tools in classrooms, Julia shares insight into what it truly takes to build equitable, student-centered systems.

What you’ll learn:

• How educational technology impacts equity and access
• The role of policy in shaping inclusive learning environments
• What leaders must consider when implementing edtech tools
• How bold leadership can bridge digital divides
• Practical strategies for creating equitable experiences for all learners

With clarity and conviction, Julia reminds us that technology alone isn’t the answer — thoughtful leadership is.

If you’re a school leader, district administrator, or educator passionate about equity and innovation, this episode offers powerful insight into rethinking what’s possible in education.

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

Recorded at SPRING CUE

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Katrina Lewis of Meteor Education for an inspiring conversation about how education fuels leadership, innovation, and opportunity — especially in the evolving world of educational technology.

Dr. Lewis shares how her journey from the classroom to edtech leadership shaped her commitment to advocacy, access, and student-centered innovation. Together, they explore how strong educational foundations create pathways for impact — and why learning remains the driving force behind meaningful change.

What you’ll learn:

• How classroom experience strengthens edtech leadership
• Why education is the foundation for innovation and advocacy
• The evolving role of technology in shaping student opportunity
• How to translate educational purpose into system-level impact
• Why continuous learning propels long-term leadership growth

Dr. Lewis’s story is a powerful reminder that education doesn’t just prepare us for careers — it propels us toward purpose.

If you’re an educator, district leader, or edtech professional passionate about innovation and access, this episode offers insight and inspiration for leading at the intersection of education and technology.

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

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Jennifer Womble, Program Chair of FETC, for a forward-thinking conversation about artificial intelligence, bold leadership, and the future of learning.

As AI rapidly reshapes education, Jennifer shares how school and district leaders can move beyond fear and uncertainty to embrace innovation with intention. Together, they explore how AI can equip the next generation not only with technical skills, but with the critical thinking, creativity, and confidence needed to use emerging technologies wisely.

What you’ll learn:

• How artificial intelligence is transforming education systems
• Why leadership mindset matters in times of rapid technological change
• Strategies for preparing students for an AI-powered future
• How to reframe uncertainty as opportunity
• What it means to lead with clarity and courage in emerging tech spaces

This episode challenges educators to rethink what’s possible — and to step boldly into the future with purpose.

If you’re a teacher, school leader, or edtech professional navigating AI integration, this conversation offers insight and inspiration for leading in a rapidly evolving world.

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

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Neda Anasseri from OTAN (Outreach and Technical Assistance Network) for a powerful conversation about adult education, equity, and leading with purpose.

Neda shares how her parents’ journey as immigrants shaped her deep commitment to expanding access and opportunity through education. Witnessing their struggles fueled her passion for supporting adult learners and building systems that empower communities often overlooked.

Together, they explore how personal history can shape professional purpose — and how equity-driven leadership creates meaningful, lasting impact.

What you’ll learn:

• How immigrant experiences can shape leadership purpose
• The critical role of adult education in expanding opportunity
• Why equity and access must be central to educational systems
• How personal stories fuel professional impact
• What it means to serve communities with authenticity and commitment

Neda’s story is a reminder that when leadership is fueled by purpose, it creates change far beyond the classroom.

If you’re an educator, adult learning advocate, or leader passionate about equity and opportunity, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight into building systems that uplift.

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

Recorded at SPRING CUE

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Tammy Andreyko, Superintendent of Quaker Valley School District, for an honest conversation about emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and the strength of sensitivity.

Together, they explore how being sensitive doesn’t make a leader weak — it makes them real. Dr. Andreyko reflects on the mentors who shaped her journey and shares why leading with heart, integrity, and self-awareness creates stronger school communities and lasting impact.

What you’ll learn:

• Why emotional intelligence is a leadership strength
• How authenticity builds trust and influence
• The role of mentorship in shaping leadership identity
• How to lead with heart without losing clarity or conviction
• Why staying true to yourself fuels sustainable leadership

If you’ve ever felt pressure to toughen up or hide your emotions in leadership, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: your authenticity is your greatest strength.

If you’re a superintendent, district leader, or educator committed to leading with purpose and integrity, this conversation offers meaningful insight and encouragement.

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

Recorded at AASA NCE Conference

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Erika Robichaux, educator with Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District, for a heartfelt conversation about teaching as a calling and leading with purpose in the classroom.

Erika shares how answering the call to teach has shaped her journey of growth, resilience, and community impact. Together, they explore why education is more than a career — it’s a commitment to making a difference every single day. From pouring into students to strengthening the broader school community, Erika reflects on the fulfillment that comes from serving with intention and heart.

What you’ll learn:

• Why teaching is a calling rooted in purpose
• How continuous growth strengthens classroom leadership
• The impact of educators who invest deeply in their communities
• How fulfillment and resilience go hand in hand in education
• Why making a difference begins with showing up fully

If you’re a teacher, aspiring educator, or school leader who believes in the power of purpose-driven education, this episode offers encouragement and inspiration to keep answering the call.

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

Recorded at SPRING CUE

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Linda Gail Walker, Executive Director of Innovation & Impact at Meteor Education and author of Surviving the Storm: Leading Through Post-Traumatic Growth, for a powerful conversation about intentional leadership, resilience, and purposeful change.

Together, they explore how making deliberate decisions — especially in difficult seasons — shapes long-term impact. Linda Gail shares how post-traumatic growth can strengthen leaders, how clarity anchors teams during uncertainty, and why purpose-driven leadership is essential for sustainable transformation.

What you’ll learn:

• Why intentional decision-making fuels leadership growth
• How to lead with clarity during challenging times
• The principles of post-traumatic growth in education leadership
• How purpose-driven leadership creates lasting impact
• Practical strategies for building resilience in yourself and your team

If you’re a school leader, educator, or innovator navigating change, this episode offers insight and encouragement to lead with intention — especially when it matters most.

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

Recorded at AASA NCE Conference

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, hosts Jolene Levin, Dr. Deb Kerr, and Darlene Akers sit down with Susan Jackson-Lee, Founder of Field2Future Consulting, for a thoughtful conversation about mentorship, resilience, and staying the course in leadership.

Together, they explore how mentorship shapes strong leaders, why perseverance matters in uncertain seasons, and the powerful truth that no one has all the answers. Susan shares insight from her leadership journey, reflecting on growth, guidance, and the courage it takes to lead with purpose over time.

What you’ll learn:

• How mentorship strengthens leadership capacity
• Why staying the course builds long-term impact
• The importance of humility and continuous learning
• How to navigate uncertainty with clarity and resilience
• Why leadership is built through guidance and growth

This inspiring conversation reminds us that leadership isn’t about having every answer — it’s about showing up, learning, and leading forward.

If you’re a superintendent, school leader, or emerging leader seeking encouragement and direction, this episode offers practical insight and meaningful inspiration.

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