In this episode of the BWC Backstory podcast, Jolen Levin talks with Doreen Bonde, wellness specialist at a high school in Cupertino, CA, who shares how she’s transforming education with wellness spaces that give students — and staff — the tools to manage stress, reset, and thrive.

She talks about why caring for adults is the first step to caring for kids, how simple design choices can unlock deeper learning, and the powerful data showing just how much impact a 15-minute reset can make.

In this episode of the BWC Backstory podcast, Jolene Levin talks with Sophie Leah Smith, CEO, and Leah Guesman, COO, founders of College Contact — revolutionizing college & career advising. These fearless young entrepreneurs turned a viral TikTok into a powerful platform that’s helping thousands of students conquer college planning with relatable, near-peer mentors.

They share inspiring stories about why taking the leap at 19 was the best risk they ever made, how authentic mentorship changes lives, and why connecting students with mentors who truly understand them is a game-changer.

If you’re ready to be inspired, challenged, and reminded that bold moves pay off, this episode is your must-listen.

Recorded at ERDI Spring R&D Institute

In this BWC Backstory episode, Jolene Levin sits down with Amy Dujon—Vice President at DA Leadership Institute, author, and former award-winning educator—whose path from musical theatre major to district leader is a bold testament to authenticity, grit, and the courage to ask the question.

They dive into the realities of leading instructional change, the power of showing up as your authentic self, and how to balance big goals with self-care. Amy shares how risk-taking, curiosity, and staying true to who you are have shaped her leadership and her life.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, faced a career pivot, or needed the push to step beyond your comfort zone, this episode is for you—because the right question can change everything.

🎟 Join Amy live at The Leadhership Conference | Sept 24-26, 2025 | Washington, DC

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In this episode of the BWC Backstory podcast, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Melissa Sadorf, former Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association, and now leading the National Rural Education Association (NREA). Her journey from classroom teacher to superintendent is a bold testament to purpose and possibility.

Together, they explore the realities of rural education, the power of mentorship, and what it truly means to lead with courage and conviction. Melissa shares how confidence, connection, and a deep belief in what’s possible have guided her every step.

If you’ve ever questioned your next move or needed a reminder that your voice matters, this conversation is for you—because everything is possible if you’re bold enough to go get it.

Recorded at AASA NCE Conference

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levine sits down with Lisa Schmucki — founder and CEO of EdWeb.org — whose career journey spans accounting firms, ad agencies, and ultimately, the creation of one of the most dynamic professional learning communities for educators in the world.

From a pivotal moment on the porch with her daughter to building a global network of over a million educators, Lisa shares how intuition, persistence, and deep listening shaped the future of EdWeb. We talk about flexible PD, unlocking educator choice, and why librarians made the best beta testers. Her story is a must-listen for anyone building with heart, mission, and scale.

Recorded at ERDI Spring R&D Institute

In this episode of the Backstory, Darlene Akers, President of Akers Business Solutions, chats with Laura Carlson, Director of the Architectural Division at My Resource Library (MRL), about how her career has come full circle.

From managing a physical catalog library early in her career to now leading the charge at MRL—a digital hub for the industry—Laura shares the experiences, challenges, and full-circle moments that shaped her journey.

It’s a story about growth, grit, and finding your place in a constantly evolving industry.

Recorded at NeoCon

In this episode of the Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Christine Feenstra, Executive Director of CUE, to talk about what it really means to bridge the gap—between people, ideas, and opportunities.

From building stronger connections across communities to creating space for more voices at the table, Christine shares her perspective on leadership that listens, learns, and lifts. I

t’s a conversation about growth, impact, and the work it takes to bring people together for real change.

Recorded at SPRING CUE

What happens when three powerhouse designers walk into our world? A whole lot of wisdom, laughter, and real talk.

In this episode of the Backstory, Jolene Levin is joined by Colette Ferch, Suzanne Sasaki-Hartstein, and Monique Swihart of HMC Architects to talk about mentorship, collaboration, and what it means to lift others as you grow.

From career advice they wish they’d had to the joy of seeing the next generation thrive, this episode is all about paying it forward—and the ripple effect it creates!

Recorded at NeoCon

In this episode of The BWC Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown, Superintendent of Waunakee Community School District, for a real conversation about leadership, confidence, and staying true to what you bring to the table.

Coming from a family of educators, Dr. Kelsey-Brown shares how her roots—and the mentors who guided her—shaped her journey. From early lessons to big leadership moments, she reflects on the power of support, self-awareness, and knowing your worth.

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself or needed a reminder of what you bring to the room, this episode’s for you.

Recorded at AASA NCE Conference

What happens when two bold women sit down to talk about equity, education, and the power of IT? A whole lot of insight—and maybe a few truth bombs.

Jolene Levin is joined by Julia Fallon, Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), for a candid conversation about how technology can help (or hinder) equitable learning. From policy shifts to practical tools, they dig into what it really takes to build inclusive experiences for all learners.

Tune in if you're ready to rethink what’s possible in education—and how bold leadership can drive real change.

Recorded at SPRING CUE