Leading Owls Podcast

On this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Aislinn, a standout student leader and one of this year’s O-Week Coordinators for Wiess College. From her first year on New Student Council to joining 11 IM sports teams (yes—eleven!), Aislinn has made the most of her Rice experience by diving headfirst into nearly every corner of campus life.

We talk about what it’s really like to get involved at Rice, how to find your place in the college system, and how she balances everything from research and health advising to camp counseling and O-Week. Whether you’re a new student looking for your first club or a current Owl ready to take on more, Aislinn’s story is full of practical advice, energy, and inspiration.

Plus—her favorite Rice traditions, the best Wiess memories, and a rapid-fire round you won’t want to miss.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

In this episode of Leading Owls, we go behind the scenes with Rachel, one of the 2025 O-Week Coordinators for Jones College, whose leadership is shaped by creativity and a deep love for all things Rice. From her time as a Floor Rep and Associate Justice to leading as the Arts & Wellness Coordinator and Jones Pit Crew member, her journey is all about showing up for her college—and finding joy in the process.

She shares what inspired her to take on the challenge of O-Week coordination, how the planning process really works, and what she's most excited for as Jones welcomes its newest Owls. We also talk about her involvement with the Rice Association for Women in Mathematics and R2: The Rice Review, and how she balances creative and academic passions.

Whether you're a first-year student wondering how to get involved or a seasoned Owl looking for new inspiration, this conversation offers honest reflections, helpful advice, and a whole lot of Rice pride.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

In this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Princess, the 2025 O-Week Coordinator for Brown College at Rice University. From her journey as a freshman rep to leading one of the most exciting and pivotal weeks of the year, Princess shares how her leadership has evolved and how her diverse involvements at Rice—from cheerleading to mentoring and volunteering—inform her work today.

Princess takes us behind the scenes of O-Week preparation, revealing surprising moments and lessons learned along the way. She shares her passion for supporting women, Black students, and pre-health students through organizations like RBWA, and the Women’s Resource Center, and talks about how these experiences shape her leadership style and vision for O-Week.

Whether you're a first-year student or someone interested in leadership, mentorship, and community-building, Princess' journey offers valuable insights into making the most of your time at Rice, staying grounded with a busy schedule, and being a force for positive change on campus.

Tune in for a conversation full of inspiration, advice, and a sneak peek into what makes O-Week at Brown College so special!

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

In this episode of Leading Owls, we’re joined by Audrey, one of Sid Richardson College’s 2025 O-Week Coordinators and a student leader whose fingerprints are all over campus life at Rice. From serving as Sid Rich Secretary, Vice President, and Pit Crew Captain, to leading the Associates Committee and getting involved in everything from Pancakes for Parkinson’s to Women in Mathematics, Audrey has built a legacy of leadership that’s grounded in care, connection, and community.

She shares what drew her to Rice, why she stepped up to coordinate O-Week, and what people don’t always realize about what it takes to plan one of the biggest events of the year. We talk about how her various leadership roles have prepared her to welcome the next class of Owls, how she decides what to commit to, and the one lesson she thinks every student leader should learn.

Stick around for rapid-fire questions—including her go-to Servery meal, and favorite Chaus drink. If you're looking for inspiration to lead, serve, and thrive at Rice, Audrey’s story is the one to hear.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

In this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Arturo, one of the 2025 O-Week Coordinators, whose leadership is fueled by curiosity, cultural insight, and a passion for building community. As an international student deeply involved in scientific research at both the Bonner Nuclear Lab and the Rice Space Institute, Arturo shares how his experiences in the lab have shaped his approach to teamwork, communication, and leading with empathy.

We talk about his vision for a meaningful and inclusive O-Week, what it’s like to blend Rice traditions with his own personality and leadership style, and how student organizations like the Rice International Student Association and the Society of Physics and Astronomy Students have supported his journey.

Plus, Arturo gives advice for new students, tips on getting involved in research early, and answers some rapid-fire questions— including the song that gets him hyped for O-Week. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in student leadership, science, or finding your place at Rice.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

On this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Yazmine, a powerhouse student leader at McMurtry College and one of this year’s O-Week Coordinators. From her first steps as a First-Year Representative to serving as External Vice President and helping select Resident Fellows, Yazmine shares how her leadership journey has evolved—and what continues to drive her.

We talk about what it takes to create an unforgettable O-Week experience, her goals for student government, and how she balances it all with her work as a Rice360 Global Health Technologies Communications Intern. Plus, don’t miss her rapid-fire takes on favorite Rice traditions, top North Servery meals, and her go-to Chaus drink.

Whether you’re a new Owl or a seasoned leader, Yazmine’s story is full of wisdom, warmth, and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

  🎙️ Welcome back to the Leading Owls Podcast! Today, we’re sitting down with an incredible student leader, Nimah, the 2025 Hanszen O-Week Coordinator and incoming Executive Vice President of Rice Program Council. Nimah is involved in so many areas of campus life, from student leadership to leading the MOB to theater production as an independent student lighting designer and operator.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to plan an unforgettable Hanszen O-Week, explore the inspiration behind this year’s theme, Once Upon An O-Week, and hear about the excitement and challenges that come with the role. We’ll also chat about her work with Rice Program Council, dream campus events, behind-the-scenes theater stories, and what it’s like to be an international student from Dubai adjusting to life at Rice.

Nimah’s leadership journey is packed with insights, creativity, and passion—so let’s jump right in! 🚀

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

In this episode of Leading Owls, we’re joined by Kaitlyn, a standout student leader from Duncan College who wears many hats on campus—including 2025 O-Week Coordinator, Doerr Institute Student Ambassador, Culture & Inclusion Committee Co-Head, RPC College Rep, and SER Research Scholar.

Kaitlyn shares her journey from first-year student to leading one of the most exciting weeks at Rice, how she’s bringing her vision to O-Week while honoring Duncan’s traditions, and the impact the Doerr Institute has had on her leadership style. 

Plus, don’t miss our rapid-fire round, where Kaitlyn dishes on her favorite Duncan traditions, study spots, Chaus drinks, and more. If you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, and a peek into what it really takes to lead at Rice—this is the episode for you.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

Today, we’re diving into the world of student leadership with Carlos, a standout leader at McMurtry College. Carlos has taken on major leadership roles, serving as the 2025 McMurtry O-Week Coordinator, McMurtry Prime Minister, Socials and Cultural Committee Head, and he’s also involved in Rice Men’s Club Volleyball, the Rice Filipino Student Association, and the Rice Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR).

In this episode, Carlos takes us behind the scenes of planning O-Week 2025, shares his vision for McMurtry College, and reflects on the lessons he’s learned from his many leadership roles. 

Whether you're a student looking to get involved or just curious about what it takes to lead at Rice, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Taylor, Associate Director of Leader Development at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders. Stephanie plays a key role in shaping the leader development experience at Rice University—overseeing the hiring and training of professional coaches and facilitating programs designed to help students grow into confident and capable leaders.

In this episode, Stephanie gives us an inside look at what makes Doerr programs so unique, how they equip students with real-world leadership skills, and why every Rice student—no matter their background or experience—can benefit from these opportunities. 

We’ll also discuss what’s coming up this spring, including Catalyst workshops, year-long learning cohorts, and other impactful programs designed to fit into busy student schedules.

If you’ve ever wondered how to take your leadership to the next level, this conversation is for you! Let’s dive in. 🎧✨

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.