Queens of Tech Podcast | 100 Voices of Impact | Representation Matters!

Building on more than 20 years of proven success in marketing, Nichole Austion, MBA, has served as vice president of public affairs for the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) since 2022. She originally joined NMSI in 2020 as director of marketing communications, quickly rising to senior director before taking on her current role. Nichole oversees a government affairs team responsible for nurturing NMSI's relationships with federal and state entities, as well as individual public-sector stakeholders. Her team ensures compliance with government regulations and supports the strategic goals of the organization.

Before joining NMSI, Nichole honed her marketing expertise in various leadership roles. She was the director of marketing and communications at Lighthouse Academies and served as a senior marketing manager at both Secureworks and Acuity Brands. Nichole's career includes 12 years at Teradata Corporation, where she advanced from senior industry marketing manager to director of industry marketing. Prior to transitioning to marketing, Nichole pursued engineering, including a two-year stint at IBM, where she discovered her talent for breaking down complex technical concepts into easily understandable terms.

Nichole’s professional success is rooted in a strong academic background. She holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science and engineering from Howard University and earned an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business in 1995. She has also bolstered her expertise with certifications in nonprofit organization management and inbound marketing. Nichole credits her education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as a key factor in her career achievements.

An active member of the National Black MBA Association, Nichole continues to share her insights and learn from peers with similar backgrounds. In 2024, she was named Innovator of the Year by the Women’s Empowerment Ministry, a recognition she considers her most significant accomplishment. This award was tied to a program she organized that featured a space capsule exhibit and a panel with six Black astronauts at Martha’s Vineyard. Through this initiative, Nichole helped raise awareness among middle-class African American families about the presence of Black astronauts, a possibility that many had not previously considered.

In addition to her executive roles, Nichole is a strong advocate for STEM education. She published her first children’s book, Miles and the Math Monsters, in 2024, which helps children overcome their fear of math in a fun and engaging way. Her commitment to community service is evident in her board memberships with Georgia Agape Inc., College Ready Now, and the Greater Atlanta Christian School Parent Association. She has also contributed to civic engagement as an elections issuing clerk in Gwinnett County and supported fundraising efforts for Greater Atlanta Christian School.

Outside of her professional life, Nichole is a devoted wife and mother. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, writing, and traveling with her family.

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Stephanie Barber is a passionate advocate for educational reform, dedicated to driving positive change through her extensive career in tutoring, non-profit work, and curriculum and assessment development. Currently, she channels her commitment to education into her role as a Product Manager for Reading.com at Teaching.com, where she leads the development of innovative technology designed to support diverse learners.

With a strong background in play-based learning and a deep empathy for the needs of early learners, Stephanie excels as a 0-to-1 Product Developer. Her previous roles include Curriculum Director at Teaching.com, Assessment Specialist at Age of Learning, Action Civics Program Manager at Mikva Challenge, and Project Manager & Curriculum Developer at GameDesk.

Stephanie holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Product Manager Certification from Product School.

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Lois Melbourne served as the CEO and co-founder of Aquire Solutions for eighteen years, a company specializing in workforce analytics and talent management software. Through her work with global clients, she developed a deep curiosity about career choices and the unique stories behind them.

After selling Aquire Solutions, Lois shifted her focus to empowering the next generation. She founded the nonprofit My Future Story, dedicated to helping children explore career opportunities. Through workshops and presentations for students, teachers, and youth programs, My Future Story guides career paths, educational trajectories, and innovative ways to make informed life choices.

Currently, Lois devotes much of her time to writing novels and advocating for voting rights and civic education. In 2022, she published Moral Code, a novel in which the protagonist develops an ethical AI to protect children from abuse and trafficking. This reflects Lois's passion for using technology for good.

Lois is also an active volunteer for various education-focused organizations and remains deeply involved in her community. She serves as chairwoman and investor at Sensori Robotics and enjoys mentoring students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.

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Peighton Woodard is a FemTech founder, military spouse, and, above all, a mom of two. While she never set out to dive into the tech world, life had other plans, guiding her toward a purpose beyond her imagination. Driven by a deep calling, she now finds herself at the forefront of FemTech, building a company that empowers women to reconnect with their bodies in transformative ways.

Through the creation of her app, Luna Leaf, Peighton has helped countless women rediscover the hidden magic of their menstrual cycles. Luna Leaf offers daily content to help users optimize their lives through the practice of cycle-syncing—aligning lifestyle choices with the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle. From nutrition and fitness to daily routines, Peighton is passionate about helping women embrace the cyclical nature of their bodies and live in harmony with all four phases of their cycles.

Luna Leaf takes the guesswork out of cycle-syncing, making it simple and accessible for today’s busy woman. The app launches globally on September 10, 2024, in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Join the waitlist for updates or follow Peighton's journey.

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Elham Mirzaei is a dynamic project manager at a leading high-tech company, where she spearheads innovative projects shaping the future of mobility in Europe. Originally from Iran, Elham earned her Bachelor’s in Robotic Engineering before moving to Italy to obtain a Master’s in Mechatronic Engineering. This academic journey laid a solid foundation for her career in cutting-edge technology.

Elham’s professional journey is marked by significant milestones, including her relocation to Italy for education and subsequently to Germany for her career. With six years of experience in developing autonomous vehicles, she has been instrumental in R&D projects related to smart factories and logistics solutions. Currently, she leads a strategic project aimed at integrating Level 4 autonomous vehicles into public transportation on Germany's roads, aligning with recent legislation and positioning her at the forefront of Europe’s innovative mobility solutions.

Beyond her career, Elham is passionate about cooking and deeply engaged with Persian literature and poetry. Her enthusiasm for sports and exploration drives her to try new activities and push her boundaries, whether through hiking or embracing new challenges. Her commitment to stepping out of her comfort zone reflects her belief in continuous personal growth and self-discovery.

As a Middle Eastern woman who has fought for her rights from the very beginning, Elham’s advocacy has not only continued but has strengthened since her move to Europe. She is devoted to empowering women, especially women of color, and sees the potential in every individual to create a positive impact. Elham strives to contribute to a brighter, kinder world, highlighting her relentless dedication to both personal development and social betterment.

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With more than 16 years of legal experience in the telecommunications regulatory field, Melissa Slawson is the General Counsel and Vice President of Government Affairs and Education at leading enterprise-level telecommunications company GeoLinks. Since 2017, she has been GeoLinks' general counsel, overseeing all legal and regulatory matters. As part of her role, she tracks policies and legislation that may affect GeoLinks’ business and advocates before various regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and currently serves as a board member for the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition and chairs the Rural Expansion Working Group for the Wireless Internet Service Provider Association (WISPA).

Slawson began her career working for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) where she held positions both at the staff level in the Communications Division working on broadband mapping and video franchise matters and at the executive level serving as telecommunications and legal advisor for Commissioner Catherine Sandoval. She then held an Associate position at Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP specializing in legal policy work for the wireless, broadband, and cable industries before the CPUC and other state and federal regulatory agencies. Prior to joining GeoLinks, she worked as General Counsel to a wireless reseller offering subsidized wireless service to low-income consumers under the Lifeline program. 

Slawson earned a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2007 and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2002 (Magna Cum Laude). She is most proud of helping GeoLinks drive forward its mission of closing the digital divide by connecting unconnected communities across the United States, as well as playing a pivotal role in the company securing winning bids in the Connect America Fund and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. In her leisure time, Melissa performs improv, enjoys cooking, exercise, watching television, and spending time with her husband and dog Logan. 

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Ellie King is the Co-Founder of Equal IT. A mission-driven business supporting organisations globally to recruit inclusive teams. Combing coaching on building diverse and equitable cultures. DE&I is in their DNA. 

As the host of the Equal Inspired Podcast. Ellie works to amplify the voices of women and non-dominant groups doing amazing work in tech. To create relatable role models. Because representation matters.

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Corin Lines-Stary is a dynamic professional who serves as founder and partner at GenerAIve, a leading GenAI consultancy. Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, she excels as an executive coach and is renowned for her award-winning contributions to technology podcasting.

Corin's passion for storytelling and technology inspired her to co-create and host the top-rated podcast "In Her Element." Initially an internal project at BCG, it evolved into a widely acclaimed platform, captivating a global audience. The podcast's success is highlighted by its frequent top rankings in technology podcast charts and its prestigious Silver award for "Best Branded Podcast or Segment for Podcasts" at the w3 Awards. This journey paved the way for her latest podcast, "The Creative and the AI."

At GenerAIve, Corin harnesses her strategic vision and technological acumen to help businesses leverage artificial intelligence, fostering transformative change and unlocking new opportunities. Her role involves guiding companies through the complexities of GenAI solutions, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Driven by a relentless passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Corin continually pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo. Her efforts span shaping business strategies, crafting compelling narratives, and pioneering groundbreaking solutions. Corin is dedicated to driving positive change and shaping a brighter future for industries and communities worldwide.

Discover more about GenerAIve and Corin's work at GenerAIve.

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