In this episode of Her Path to Success, we speak with Jayashree Karnam, a technology leader in quality engineering at NCR Voyix, about building reliable systems, leading high-impact teams, and navigating a career in engineering.

Jayashree shares how she first discovered her passion for technology, what drew her to quality engineering, and the pivotal experiences that shaped her professional journey. She offers an inside look at what quality engineering means in a fast-paced tech environment and why it is essential to innovation, trust, and scalability. Through reflections on leadership, mentorship, and resilience, Jayashree provides powerful insights for aspiring engineers—especially young women—who want to grow into leadership roles while maintaining excellence and integrity in their work.

In this powerful episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Dr. Monica Gandhi—infectious disease physician, public health leader, and Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research—to explore a career defined by science, advocacy, and impact. Dr. Gandhi shares pivotal moments from her medical training, what led her to focus on HIV prevention for women, and how her mission has evolved to center equity and community voices.

From pioneering research in HIV prevention to public communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, this conversation highlights the responsibility of scientists to engage beyond the lab. Dr. Gandhi also reflects on mentorship, leadership, and resilience, offering invaluable advice for students passionate about public health, global health, and creating meaningful change.

In this inspiring episode of Her Path to Success, Sia sits down with Ishitha Arekapudi—young pilot, aviation advocate, author, and founder of the IHS Sky Riders program—to explore what it means to chase bold dreams at a young age. Ishitha shares how she discovered aviation early on, the challenges of becoming a pilot in a traditionally male-dominated field, and the unforgettable moment of her first solo flight.

From flying gliders to powered airplanes, earning certifications and scholarships, and launching programs that empower underrepresented students in aerospace, Ishitha reflects on how aviation shaped her confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose. She also opens up about her future aspirations in astrobiology and space exploration, her book Cleared for Takeoff, and why she believes young people—especially women—will define the next era of flight.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Dr. Baki, a leader in cosmetic science and academic leadership, to explore how science, consumer health, and innovation intersect. Dr. Baki shares her journey into cosmetic science, the mentors and pivotal moments that shaped her path, and how she has balanced research, teaching, and leadership throughout her career. She also discusses the growing role of cosmetic science in personal care and wellness, her experiences as a woman in STEM, and the importance of mentorship in guiding the next generation of scientists. This conversation offers valuable insight for students interested in chemistry, cosmetic science, leadership, and impact-driven careers.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Tara Nagle, a Senior Research Engineer at Cleveland Clinic, to explore how engineering and medicine intersect to drive meaningful innovation. Ms. Nagle shares her journey into biomedical research, the challenges she navigated as a woman in a highly technical field, and the role collaboration plays in advancing patient care. From mentorship to the future of healthcare technology, this conversation offers valuable insight for students interested in engineering, research, and impact-driven careers.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia sits down with Dr. Ximena Bernal, a leading behavioral ecologist whose groundbreaking work uncovers the complex communication, survival strategies, and ecological interactions of animals in their natural environments. Known internationally for her research on predator–prey dynamics and acoustic communication, Dr. Bernal’s work bridges biology, evolution, and environmental science to reveal how behavior shapes life on Earth.

Together, we explore her career path, the curiosity that drives her research, and the lessons she has learned as a scientist navigating a male-dominated field. This conversation is perfect for students, young researchers, and anyone curious about animal behavior, science, or finding their path in STEM.

Today, I’m joined by someone whose journey proves that resilience can take many forms.
Jayden Ogbodo is a former Marine, researcher, emergency department technician, and now a student anesthesiologist assistant — a path defined by service, discipline, and heart. In this conversation, we dive into how the Marine Corps shaped her mindset, how her diverse healthcare roles sharpened her purpose, and how science, grit, and identity guide the future she’s building.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia sits down with Katherine Vasquez, a first-generation Latina scientist whose journey from Lone Star College to a Bioengineering PhD at Rice University challenges every stereotype about who belongs in STEM.

Katherine shares how the Women in Neuroscience (WiN) Internship reshaped her future, how mentors like Dr. Nico Osier helped her see her own potential, and what it means to stay resilient while navigating academia as a first-gen student.

Together, they explore identity, imposter syndrome, late starts, mentorship, and the importance of representation in research. Katherine’s story is a powerful reminder that there is no “right timeline” to becoming a scientist—only your own.

Dr. Nancy Hopkins, renowned molecular biologist and gender equity advocate, joins Her Path to Success to share her inspiring journey — from groundbreaking discoveries in zebrafish genetics to leading transformative change for women in science. In this episode, she reflects on her research, resilience through setbacks, and the power of mentorship and advocacy in shaping a more inclusive future for STEM.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia sits down with Dr. Erika Hamden, an astrophysicist and NASA mission leader whose work is expanding our view of the universe. From growing up curious about the night sky to building cutting-edge balloon and space telescopes like FIREBall-2 and Eos, Dr. Hamden shares how she’s turned imagination into discovery.

They talk about the challenges of leading large research teams, what happens when missions fail, and how programs like NASA’s PI Launchpad are shaping the next generation of space explorers. Dr. Hamden also opens up about her journey from chef to scientist, the making of her new book Weird Universe, and the importance of making science accessible to everyone.