In this episode, Vina Pilolomari hosts a discussion with Sharan Jamiani, head of product at Yoodly, about the transformative role of AI in career navigation. They explore how AI tools can streamline job searches, enhance interview preparation, and improve productivity while emphasizing the importance of personal connections and networking. Sharan highlights the need for users to understand specific problems to effectively leverage AI in their career development. The conversation encourages continuous exploration of AI's capabilities and its potential to empower individuals in their professional journeys.

In this episode of Career Conversations, host Nidhi Kumar and guest Nayoung Miller Vaughn discuss the importance of effective negotiation and self-advocacy in the professional world. They explore the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups during salary negotiations and emphasize the need for practice and building supportive relationships. Key strategies include understanding market rates, preparing for negotiations, and recognizing shared struggles among professionals. The conversation highlights the significance of transparency in promotion processes and the role of mentors in empowering individuals. Overall, the episode encourages ongoing learning and connection within the professional community.

In a world where financial stress is common, the podcast emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and control. Hosted by Anders and featuring financial coach Karen Zukaitis, the discussion offers practical strategies to alleviate financial anxiety and improve well-being. Listeners are encouraged to understand their finances, budget effectively, and seek support from trusted individuals. The podcast highlights that everyone's financial journey is unique and that open conversations about money can reduce feelings of isolation. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their financial futures.

with Megan Kennedy and Gina Topp

UW Resilience Lab director Megan Kennedy talks us through skills and practices for promoting resilience and well-being from the individual to the organizational level.

Megan Kennedy is the director of the UW Resilience Lab. As a leader and facilitator, Kennedy aims to build healthy and compassionate learning communities. From engaging stakeholders in vision-setting to partnering with students, staff and instructors, her approach to leadership centers on collaborative relationships. She believes that building high-quality wellness and educational programs requires teamwork at every level. Currently, Kennedy is developing and evaluating systems-based approaches to well-being that combines applied research, education and collaborative programming across three University of Washington campuses. This includes partnering with academic departments, student wellness groups and community-based organizations seeking to deepen their capacity for mindfulness and resilience. Kennedy earned her master’s degree in applied behavioral science from Bastyr University and is a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in public and private practice.

Gina Topp (she/her) is a proud alumna of the University of Washington, graduating in 2017, 2021 and 2023. She earned a B.S. in biology, a J.D. and an LLM Masters in tax law. During her time at the University of Washington, Gina particularly enjoyed participating in an externship with the Washington State Legislature, where she fell in love with public policy. Gina served the people of King County as the legal counsel and policy advisor to the King County Executive. She recently started her own law firm. Aside from work, Gina enjoys all sports, particularly tennis and cherishes her role as a new mom.

As a member of the UW alumni community, Gina is passionate about the idea that together, across campuses and across the globe, the University of Washington community can make this world a better place.

with Salomé Valencia-Bohné and Karla Ciccia

Traditional corporate culture can foster spaces where BIPOC professionals don’t feel as if they can authentically be themselves. Social justice advocate and business owner Salomé Valencia-Bohné, MA, MSW, LSWAIC (she/her/ella) partners with you to explore how social entrepreneurship is a career move that can support you in honoring your cultural heritage and values while also increasing your wallet size.

Salomé Valencia-Bohné, MA, MSW, LSWAIC (she/her/ella) was born and raised in Yakima, WA. In 2019. She graduated from the University of Washington’s MSW program with a concentration in health and mental health. Dedicated to investing in the clinical social work field, Salomé is a member of many clinical social work and Latino societies, provides psychotherapy through an anti-oppression lens and is a strong activist within her community. She is the owner of The Rivers Wellness & Advocacy Foundation, host of the Clinically Growing Together podcast and owner of the Financial Peace & Prosperity program.

Originally from Peru, Karla Ciccia moved to the states as a kid but since then has lived in two other continents before returning to WA and setting down roots. Karla is a passionate traveler and community advocate. She was previously working at a local philanthropy where she led local and international teams to rapidly deliver functional prototypes across a wide spectrum of tech and conservation products. Currently, Karla is working as a product manager delivering quality donor tissue to those in need. Karla is a graduate from the UW and in her spare time loves to explore the PNW with her family, friends, and soon, first child.

Sometimes, the field we are passionate about can seem too risky to pursue, especially when we have people in our lives cautioning us to be pragmatic and cautious. But what about happiness and personal fulfillment? Aren’t these also measures of success? Artist, designer and small-business owner Stacy Nguyen discusses what it was like for her to make a bunch of ‘bad’ career decisions.

Stacy Nguyen is a Seattle area-based Vietnamese American illustrator, visual designer and writer whose work explores the ways race, Vietnameseness and gender intersect within the lens of popular culture. Her work strongly features themes revolving around women and femininity. Stacy owns and runs Stacy Nguyen Creative, a branding and communications consulting business with a client roster that is primarily BIPOC-led community-based organizations and nonprofits whose work centers around equity, racial justice and economic justice.

Nidhi Kumar (she/her) is a proud alum of the University of Washington, graduating in 2021 from the UW School of Law with her master’s in jurisprudence. She earned her B.A. in political science (prelaw and criminal justice) at Michigan State University and is a current J.D. Candidate in Seattle University School of Law’s evening program, while serving full-time on the seconded Amazon legal team at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, LLP, continuously building and exploring her passion for the law.

Nidhi serves as a member of the UWAA GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Council, a mentor through the Huskies@Work program and a District Dawg in the 43rd Legislative District, empowered by the mission of giving back to the UW community – providing opportunity, comradery and a voice to current students.

Managing Your Work/Life Environment
with Rosemary Simmons

Feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied with your work may be a symptom of an imbalance between your work and your self. Psychologist Rosemary E. Simmons shares helpful tips of taking care of your priorities, being true to your values, and juggling competing demands.

Rosemary E. Simmons, Ph.D. (she/her) is a first-generation, Pell recipient college student who had the privilege of being employed as a licensed psychologist in higher education for over 30 years. She specializes in providing mentoring, training and psychotherapy for young adults and early career professionals. She is honored that she was hired as the inaugural counseling center director for UW Bothell. During her tenure at UW Bothell, she worked closely with the students to assist in the development and opening of the Student Diversity Center, Violence Prevention & Advocacy Program, Health and Wellness Resource Center, and United Way Benefits Hub focused on one-stop services for low-income college students. She worked at UW Bothell for more than seven years before transitioning to semi-retirement at the end of 2021. Rosemary is currently a resident of Kitsap County and provides psychotherapy at Front Street Clinic in Silverdale and consultation and training to university staff, faculty and administrators across the country. She spends her time hiking Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, kayaking, reading, cooking, baking and laughing with friends and family, a laugh that startles babies. After all, toddlers should not be the only ones who have belly laughs!

Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Managing Your Work/Life Environment
with Rosemary Simmons

Feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied with your work may be a symptom of an imbalance between your work and your self. Psychologist Rosemary E. Simmons shares helpful tips of taking care of your priorities, being true to your values, and juggling competing demands.

Rosemary E. Simmons, Ph.D. (she/her) is a first-generation, Pell recipient college student who had the privilege of being employed as a licensed psychologist in higher education for over 30 years. She specializes in providing mentoring, training and psychotherapy for young adults and early career professionals. She is honored that she was hired as the inaugural counseling center director for UW Bothell. During her tenure at UW Bothell, she worked closely with the students to assist in the development and opening of the Student Diversity Center, Violence Prevention & Advocacy Program, Health and Wellness Resource Center, and United Way Benefits Hub focused on one-stop services for low-income college students. She worked at UW Bothell for more than seven years before transitioning to semi-retirement at the end of 2021. Rosemary is currently a resident of Kitsap County and provides psychotherapy at Front Street Clinic in Silverdale and consultation and training to university staff, faculty and administrators across the country. She spends her time hiking Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, kayaking, reading, cooking, baking and laughing with friends and family, a laugh that startles babies. After all, toddlers should not be the only ones who have belly laughs!

Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Navigating Career Transitions
with Helen Chung

Our work informs our sense of self. Changing careers — or even jobs within a career — can affect how we see ourselves. When we go through a career transition, we are likely asking ourselves questions about who we are, who we are becoming, and who we want to become. Seattle Pacific University professor Helen Chung walks us through the intense, sometimes unexpected emotions that can come with a career change.

Dr. Helen Chung is Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology in the School of Psychology, Family, and Community at Seattle Pacific University, where she teaches graduate courses in organizational behavior, diversity, leadership, and values in the workplace. Her research interests include leadership, diversity and inclusion, employee resource groups, subjective time, and the role of narrative in organizations. She is also co-owner and principal of Pathways Coaching and Consulting and works with individuals and teams in the areas of leadership capacity, career transitions, and organizational effectiveness. She has coached numerous leaders in a variety of organizations and industries, including serving as a leadership coach with the Center for Strategic Leadership and Thinking at the University of Washington. Helen’s work as an educator and coach is driven by her passion to build learning organizations and communities where individuals’ gifts and differences are integrated into the broader culture.

Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Navigating Career Transitions
with Helen Chung

Our work informs our sense of self. Changing careers — or even jobs within a career — can affect how we see ourselves. When we go through a career transition, we are likely asking ourselves questions about who we are, who we are becoming, and who we want to become. Seattle Pacific University professor Helen Chung walks us through the intense, sometimes unexpected emotions that can come with a career change.

Dr. Helen Chung is Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology in the School of Psychology, Family, and Community at Seattle Pacific University, where she teaches graduate courses in organizational behavior, diversity, leadership, and values in the workplace. Her research interests include leadership, diversity and inclusion, employee resource groups, subjective time, and the role of narrative in organizations. She is also co-owner and principal of Pathways Coaching and Consulting and works with individuals and teams in the areas of leadership capacity, career transitions, and organizational effectiveness. She has coached numerous leaders in a variety of organizations and industries, including serving as a leadership coach with the Center for Strategic Leadership and Thinking at the University of Washington. Helen’s work as an educator and coach is driven by her passion to build learning organizations and communities where individuals’ gifts and differences are integrated into the broader culture.

Music by Lesfm from Pixabay