In this episode of Journeys to Leadership, we explore the journey of Jennifer Dorian, President and CEO of WABE, Atlanta’s NPR and PBS affiliate. From her early beginnings at Pizza Hut and Coca-Cola to her dynamic leadership at Turner Broadcasting, where she launched the award-winning streaming platform, Filmstruck, Jennifer reflects on her path to success. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change, advocating for innovation, and cultivating resilience. Through her leadership at WABE, she amplifies Atlanta's diverse cultural and media landscape, striving to inform, inspire, and empower the community.

In this deeply moving episode of Journeys to Leadership, acclaimed poet Tina Chang opens up about the heartbreak of losing her father at a young age and how that profound loss became the foundation of her first poetry collection. With raw honesty, Tina recounts her struggles with language, being separated from her mother, and navigating life as an outsider—experiences that shaped her voice as a writer and a leader. Now the first female Poet Laureate of Brooklyn and Director of Creative Writing at Binghamton University, Tina shares her ongoing battle with self-doubt, the pressures of leadership, and how embracing vulnerability has been her greatest strength. Her journey is a testament to the power of art, resilience, and finding beauty in life’s darkest moments. This episode offers hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to turn pain into purpose.

In this captivating episode of Journeys to Leadership, Mary Pat Matheson, CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, shares her incredible journey from her adventurous childhood to leading one of the nation's top botanical gardens. Discover how serendipity, resilience, and calculated risks led her to transform the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a world-class destination, spearheading a groundbreaking expansion with sustainability at its core. Mary Pat reveals the power of mentorship, the importance of connecting people to nature, and the essential role leadership plays in tackling global challenges like biodiversity and climate change. Tune in for an inspiring story of bold innovation and visionary leadership.

On this episode of Journeys to Leadership, join President Zak as she delves into the remarkable leadership journey of Jennifer Grant Warner, the President and CEO of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Jennifer shares her unique path from a small-town upbringing to leading one of Atlanta's premier science institutions. Learn how she has transformed the museum’s programming, guided it through the pandemic, and spearheaded innovative STEM initiatives, all while staying rooted in empathy, curiosity, and community impact.

If you’re passionate about leadership, nonprofit management, or the intersection of science and education, this episode is for you. Jennifer’s insights on taking informed risks, evolving organizational strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation provide invaluable lessons for leaders at all levels. 

In this episode of Journeys to Leadership, Agnes Scott College president Leocadia Zak interviews Penny Rogers Collins, a trailblazing IT executive and advocate for women in STEAM. Penny reflects on her unlikely path from a single mother struggling to make ends meet to becoming a highly respected leader in technology. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of learning. She shares how she found her footing in tech, one library visit at a time, driven by a commitment to self-improvement and an unyielding belief in her potential.

Throughout the episode, Penny emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community. She discusses her passion for supporting women and girls in STEAM and how she has dedicated her career to lifting others, including creating a program for single mothers to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Her candid reflections offer invaluable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and the power of continuous learning. Tune in for a compelling conversation that shows how perseverance through adversity can create extraordinary success.

In this compelling episode of Journeys to Leadership, President Leocadia Zak sits down with Veronica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. From aspiring recording artist to influential business leader, Veronica shares her transformative journey of self-discovery and resilience. Learn how she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship, championed small businesses, and advocated for minority communities in the corporate world.

Veronica’s story is one of perseverance, She offers powerful insights on embracing your “jolt moments” — those pivotal times that redefine your path. Whether it’s overcoming personal setbacks or challenging societal inequities, Veronica’s message is clear: true success comes from leading with purpose and authenticity. Tune in to explore how Veronica’s strategic vision and commitment to empowering others have made her a driving force in Atlanta’s business community. 

In this inspiring episode of Journeys to Leadership, Agnes Scott College President Leocadia Zak sits down with Carol Tomé, the current CEO of UPS. Carol shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Jackson, Wyoming, to becoming one of the most respected leaders in global logistics. Tune in to hear Carol's thoughts on risk-taking, leading with authenticity, and the importance of developing future leaders. From her early career in finance to her transformative years at Home Depot and UPS, Carol's story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to creating value, having fun, and kicking ass.

In this powerful episode of Journeys to Leadership, President Zak sits down with Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, co-founder and Chief Gratitude Officer of Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit organization providing emergency assistance to food service workers. Jen shares her inspiring story of perseverance, community building, and how she turned personal tragedy into a beacon of hope. Jen’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and leadership with purpose. 

Meet Dr. Maxine Cain, an accomplished People Leader dedicated to transforming the lives of women business leaders and entrepreneurs in STEM fields. As a senior human resources expert and innovative entrepreneur, Dr. Cain is recognized for her pioneering approaches to business, strategy, diversity, equity, inclusion, and STEM.

Dr. Cain is the Founder & President of STEM Atlanta Women, Inc., a non-profit 501c (3) organization committed to Enlightening, Educating, and Empowering women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This organization focuses on providing insights into the global opportunities in STEM and cultivating the essential skills required for success in the 21st Century.

Her academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Cain also holds a Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D) in Humanitarianism, recognizing her notable contributions and achievements of national and global significance in humanitarian and community-building efforts related to STEM Education and Training.

Notably, Dr. Cain has been honored with President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional commitment, contributing over 4,000 hours of community service to STEM Education and Training. Dr. Cain's mission is to challenge unconscious bias in the tech industry and narrow the gender gap in STEM. Listen as Dr. Maxine Cain shares her vision and journey for a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM.

In this episode, we feature Rachel Wilson '05, currently the Managing Partner at The BFM Fund, after her role as Principal and Head of Operations at Collab Capital. With over a decade of international experience spanning industries such as Food & Beverage, Automotive, Tech, Healthcare, Music, Fashion, and Media, Rachel is a seasoned professional. During her tenure at Collab Capital, a prominent VC Firm based in Atlanta, GA, she spearheaded VC operations and fund governance processes. This encompassed responsibilities like investor relations, fund reporting oversight, impact metrics strategy, and comprehensive governance, including legal and HR aspects.

Rachel is not only a business leader but also a passionate advocate for mental wellness. For more than seven years, she has chaired the Board of Omnis Health Life Wellness Center, her family's behavioral health treatment center. Her academic achievements include a B.A. in Economics & Business from Agnes Scott College and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, Rachel is actively involved in advancing opportunities for Black women in venture capital. She serves on the board of Black Women in Venture Capital (BWiVC), a nonprofit committed to supporting careers in venture capital and capital access networks for Black women. Additionally, she is recognized as a 2023 NAIC Women In Alternatives UP Fellow and Margaret Atwood Practical Utopias Fellow.

This recording reflects Rachel's tenure as the Principal and Head of Operations at Collab Capital. She now serves as Managing Partner at the The BFM Fund.