In this episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we’re joined by Captain Riley Tejcek, a United States Marine Corps officer, Team USA bobsled pilot, author, and all-around force of nature. Riley shares her incredible journey from growing up in Carmel, Indiana, to playing Division I college softball at George Washington University, serving in the Marine Corps, and now competing on the world stage as an Olympic hopeful in the sport of bobsled. Riley is proving that women belong in every arena- whether it’s the military, elite athletics, or beyond.

We dive into the realities of balancing active-duty military service with training and competing as a high-performance athlete, the challenges of being part of an unfunded Olympic sport, and the purpose that drives her every day. Riley opens up about her passion for representation, her faith, and her desire to inspire others by living boldly and pursuing what may seem impossible. She’s also a published children’s book author, former Ms. Military titleholder, and keynote speaker- using every platform she’s earned to advocate for women in service and sport.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when resilience, discipline, and passion collide. Tune in to hear Riley’s story, and learn how you can support her journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy by joining #TeamTejcek.

Follow Riley on Instagram @riley.tejcek and learn more about how to support her bobsled career through sponsorship or donation.

Rebecca Tubman is a seasoned cybersecurity executive and veteran with over 25 years of combined experience across national defense, intelligence, and emerging technology sectors. As a Federal Account Executive at Varonis, she leads the company’s intelligence community initiatives, building the practice from the ground up and delivering automated, data-centric security solutions to U.S. Government and international clients. Her work ensures agencies are equipped to safeguard their most sensitive data from both internal and external threats.

Before transitioning to the private sector, Rebecca served for over two decades in the United States Air Force, where she held diverse leadership roles across missile warning, space operations, intelligence, special operations, partner nation engagements, and cyberspace operations. Her distinguished career included multiple overseas deployments and combat tours, with assignments spanning strategic, tactical, and operational levels.

A mission-driven leader with deep operational insight, Rebecca continues to bridge the gap between advanced technology and national security priorities.

 In this inspiring episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we sit down with Janet B. Nalls, Director and Chief of Staff at NetCentrics Corporation. A U.S. Air Force veteran and national security expert with over 25 years of experience, Janet shares her remarkable journey from serving as an intelligence analyst to advising top intelligence and DoD organizations.

Janet opens up about her passion for mentorship, leadership, and empowering the next generation of national security professionals. She offers valuable insights into the critical areas of insider threat, counterintelligence, and strategic operations, all while reflecting on the importance of integrity, collaboration, and resilience in a demanding field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Janet talks about balancing her role as a devoted mom and lifelong learner. 

Tune in for an authentic and motivating conversation that highlights what it truly means to lead with vision, heart, and strength.

Today’s guest is Bridget Walton, a Marine Corps veteran and Women's Hormone Coach who helps women balance their hormone health. This episode is particularly special to me because Bridget and I went to the University of South Carolina together and were in ROTC at the same time—connecting with people from old chapters of your life is always so much fun. There is nothing more exciting than seeing veteran friends thrive in a new venture after the military, and this is certainly a special one. Lately, it feels like both myself and so many other women I know are craving more information about our hormonal health and how to truly understand our bodies, but we’re often met with confusing information or dead ends. Bridget is here to help, and I can’t wait to share her expertise with you.

In this episode of The Women in the Arena, Kafi Joseph shares her inspiring journey from Army officer to global strategist and purpose-driven innovator. A West Point graduate with advanced degrees in systems engineering and business, Kafi led teams across Korea, Iraq, and the U.S. before transitioning into high-impact roles in the National Guard and private sector. Her career spans global consulting, logistics, and leadership at firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, Fairbanks Morse Engine, and Accenture. Now, Kafi is focused on redefining productivity through her new venture, InRG—a personal energy app that helps individuals and teams align their work with their natural energy cycles using Human Design principles. She talks about challenging the stereotypes of productivity and empowering people to embrace how they’re uniquely wired to thrive. As a neurodivergent leader, Kafi brings authenticity, insight, and a refreshing perspective on how we can all work smarter, live better, and lead with intention.

On this episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we chat with Alea Nadeem. Alea is a dedicated leader in national security, congressional affairs, and veteran advocacy, with a distinguished career spanning military service, policymaking, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as the Director of DoorKeepers for the United States Senate Sergeant at Arms, ensuring the seamless operation of Senate proceedings and security functions.

An Air Force officer with a diverse background, Alea has served in Security Forces, congressional policymaking, and advocacy, including her work with the Air Force Women’s Initiative Team, where she led efforts to advance policies supporting women in service. Her commitment to mentorship and leadership has helped shape the future for countless service members and veterans.

But Alea’s journey to service is unlike any other. Shaped by overcoming extraordinary challenges in her childhood, she forged a path of resilience, bravery, and unwavering patriotism. Her life is a testament to grit and the power of perseverance, and she continues to dedicate herself to serving the nation—both through leadership and the power of storytelling.

Today, Alea uses her platform to inspire and mentor others, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is equipped, empowered, and ready to shape a better tomorrow.

In this episode ofThe Women in the Arena, we sit down with Meg Tucker, an Army veteran and the Founder of The Valkyrie Project, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and supporting American servicewomen.

With 15 years in uniform, Meg began her military journey as a Kiowa Warrior pilot before transitioning into special operations as a Psychological Operations officer. Now, in her post-military career, she is committed to ensuring women in service receive the training, support, and advocacy they need to thrive.

We explore everything from hormonal health to sleep optimization, the unique challenges women face in military and tactical professions, and how they can optimize their training and nutrition for peak performance. Meg also shares howThe Valkyrie Project is pioneering a future where servicewomen are equipped to excel both physically and professionally.

Meg’s passion, leadership, and dedication to mentorship are truly inspiring—don’t miss this powerful conversation!

In this special bonus episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we welcome Vineta Kleine, Head of Communications for NATO's Representation in Ukraine. With over two decades of experience in public information and communication for the EU and NATO, Vineta has developed and implemented strategic communication policies, advised senior leaders, and led public diplomacy efforts in regions including Kosovo, Moldova, and Ukraine. Since 2020, she has focused on Ukraine, first as Head of NATO’s Information and Documentation Centre and now leading communications for NATO’s Representation to Ukraine.

Vineta brings a unique perspective on the ongoing war, passionately advocating for sharing the stories of Ukrainians, particularly the courageous women on the front lines. Her expertise and dedication highlight the critical role of women in shaping Ukraine’s future. Please note, this episode reflects a dynamic and evolving situation, capturing voices shaping history as it unfolds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special final episode of Season One of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we are honored to feature Mahnaz Akbari, a trailblazing leader and former commander of the Afghan National Army’s Female Tactical Platoon. Born in a refugee camp in Iran to Afghan parents fleeing Soviet occupation, Mahnaz returned to Afghanistan, where she joined the Army and led 30 women on hundreds of missions alongside U.S. Special Operations forces. Beyond the battlefield, she forged strategic alliances with foreign militaries and NGOs, all while earning a degree in Political Science. Since evacuating Afghanistan in 2021, Mahnaz now resides near Washington, D.C., where she continues her advocacy for Afghan women’s rights and holds a leadership role at Sisters of Service, a nonprofit supporting Afghan women veterans during resettlement. This episode is a tribute to our sisters in arms from foreign militaries, celebrating the cross-cultural bonds that unite us in service and meaningful lives.

For more information on the contributions of women like Mahnaz, visit the Sisters of Service website: https://sistersofservice.org/

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On this episode of The Women in the Arena, we have the pleasure of interviewing the Honorable Dr. Kimberly A. McClain. Dr. McClain is an accomplished leader with an extensive career spanning over 30 years across academia, defense, financial services, government, and international relations. Her expertise encompasses critical areas such as aviation, cybersecurity, defense acquisition, legislative affairs, public policy, risk management, strategic communication, security cooperation, and strategic planning. Her time in the U.S. Air Force, where she served both in active duty and reserves, culminating in her retirement as a Reserve aviator with 29 years of service. In January 2021, she joined the Biden Administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Later, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and sworn in on January 3, 2023, as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In this episode, we explore the significance of public service and the impactful initiatives Dr. McClain is leading at HUD. We discuss the challenges of housing affordability and the legislative efforts aimed at making housing more affordable, safe, and accessible for all Americans. You won’t want to miss this episode, filled with valuable insights from an incredibly impactful woman.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.