Journeys to Leadership

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. 

Rickey Bevington is an Emmy award-winning journalist and the dynamic President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. Graduating magna cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University with a degree in Comparative Literature, Rickey has established herself as a distinguished personality in the media landscape.

Recognized as the "Best On-Air Personality" by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, Rickey was the acclaimed host of National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered" in Atlanta. Her extensive career includes interviews with icons ranging from filmmakers to singers and world ambassadors, earning her prestigious awards such as the Edward R. Murrow Awards, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast (EMMYS), and accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists and Public Radio News Directors, Inc.

Rickey Bevington was also featured for her impactful leadership in the "40 Under 40" lists by Georgia Trend Magazine and the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2015 and 2016. Beyond her role as a journalist and broadcaster, Rickey is a multifaceted individual— a public speaker, advocate, and so much more.

Dr. Eloisa Klementich CEcD is the President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. She has successfully created programs, initiatives, and policies in support of equitable economic growth and community empowerment objectives. She has significant experience in small business, economic and community development, operational efficiencies, problem-solving, and financial stewardship. Dr. Klementich is a motivated team builder with strategic, innovative, and tactical economic development expertise supported by strong qualifications in business, policy, public relations, marketing, operations, financing, implementation, community engagement, partnerships, real estate, policy, and management. She received her BS in Political Science from Pitzer College, a Masters in Urban Planning and Latin American Affairs from UCLA, and her PhD from the University of La Verne. 

Rachel May is the Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, GA. She has directed over 25 productions for Synchronicity Theatre. Her directing work has been seen in and around Atlanta at Actor’s Express, Aurora Theatre, Theatre Gael, Dad’s Garage, and the University of Georgia.  In addition to her executive role at Synchronicity, she actively teaches and leads workshops across Atlanta, and has made a tremendous impact on the theatre industry across the city. 

Katherine Saez is a 22-year Truist veteran and serves as Truist's Georgia Regional President. She received her BSBA from the University of Florida and her MBA from Georgia State. She serves as the senior leader in the Georgia Market. She is responsible for directing and integrating client management business development efforts with privately-held companies operating in business banking, commercial, middle market, and commercial real estate, as well as nonprofit and governmental entities. 

NAACP Image Award Nominee Lynae Vanee is a multifaceted performer, poet, influencer, writer, and actress hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Spelman College and Boston University with a Master's Degree in African American Studies, Lynae uses her digital platforms
to speak on race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity. Lynae's viral videos have garnered over 20 million views across platforms and have garnered the attention of several celebrities, major networks, and the general public. Highlighted in the LA Times and Bustle, Lynae has built her brand on "keeping it black but keeping it brief," offering critical context on today's issues in a succinct and stylized manner. Lynae has collaborated with various brands such as Meta, Target, Revolt, Tommy Hilfiger, and Netflix, to name a few. She has also been a featured guest on the MSNBC program The Cross Connection with Tif any Cross and appeared in the 2021 Amazon Prime television special "Yearly Departed".