WomenHeard

"We are not the people this [system] is designed for so there's this whole scarcity energy to fight so hard... but there's room for all of us."  In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Sara Rodriguez. A former ballet dancer who studied political science, she became passionate about how policies and grassroots work can create impactful, societal change. Through Sara's internship with Day One, a nonprofit providing critical education and guidance to NYC's youth on dating abuse and domestic violence, she rediscovered her love for writing. 

Adding her expertise of a political lens to communications, she became the Content Director for Kirsten Gillibrand's 2020 presidential campaign and worked in her HQ. This opened up a new world of professional opportunities for Sara and she got more clarity on what she wanted to say yes to and what her goals were. In her current role at NYLAG, she helps combat social, racial and economic injustice by advocating for people in crisis with free legal services and financial counseling. Listen to this interview for actionable tips on how to scale your career and intentionally orchestrate your next step! 

This conversation was recorded in early July 2024.

Caroline Hofmann, Chief Business Officer, Thirty Madison

“Don't get discouraged by the first interruption.” In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Caroline Hofmann of Thirty Madison, which offers virtual-first healthcare access. Working as a consultant at McKinsey gave her the "itch to build something" and she pivoted to an early-stage fintech startup, Republic, before joining Thirty Madison to build their migraine business, Cove. Caroline oversees Nurx, a telehealth provider for women that covers everything from contraceptive care to mental health to dermatology. Her team's goal is to serve women comprehensively with an accessible app platform. 

Ahead of the 2024 general election, they conducted a report to better understand how much agency respondents felt they had over their healthcare decisions. 71% of women reported they have made at least one health related behavior change due to today's reproductive healthcare policies. Listen to this interview for more details on the intersection of women's healthcare and advocacy. Plus, why hiring (and working with) people with very different skill sets than yours can ultimately lead to the best business outcomes.

"I've always gone into things with a lot of curiosity and learned by doing." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Katherine Barna. As the Head of PR for Waymo (formerly the Google self- driving car project), a pioneering technology company on a mission to be the world's most trusted driver, she's built upon her strong foundation of brand building. Katherine's woven storytelling throughout her communications journey, both at media and tech companies - fully embracing that a non-traditional road to PR is what makes her a strong practitioner. Listen to this interview to hear about how a "Degree in Feelings" and intentionality can increase your leadership capacity. 

"I know that it means a lot to me when I see people who have gone through a lot in their lives and have overcome it." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Checkey Beckford, an Emmy® Award-winning reporter for NBC 4 New York. A Jamaican immigrant who got her start in PR, Checkey transitioned to broadcast reporting - writing, shooting and editing her own stories in Florida, Illinois, and California - ultimately landing in the #1 largest TV market: New York.

Now she appears in front of millions on weekday evenings, breaking news and covering general assignment stories. Listen to this interview for relocation advice to "move on and move up", especially in the midst of major life changes. Plus, Checkey's candid thoughts on working motherhood and what she learned from Oprah. 

"The way I've had to show up in rooms, [I've] done my fair share of swimming upstream... but when you're someone who's faced adversity, there's a confidence that exudes after that." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Matrix 2024 Honoree Rakia Reynolds!

As the Founder and Executive Officer of an award-winning strategic communications agency, Rakia has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, listed as one of the 25 Most Socially Influential Tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list, and was on Forbes' “Next 1000” list. Listen to this interview to hear about her formative years and how it inspired her creativity. Plus, what she does for grounding and restoration.

The Matrix Awards by NYWICI serves as our opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders in the communications industry. This year’s theme is Rule Breakers! The 2024 honorees don't just accept the status quo, they are carving their own paths forward and rewriting the rules to success. Listen to this episode to hear directly from some of our honorees, host, scholarship recipients, and attendees! 

Sarah Ng, senior journalism major at Hofstra University and three-time NYWICI Scholarship recipient, took to the red carpet on May 21 and interviewed Matrix Awards honoree Rakia Reynolds, Founder and Executive Officer of Skai Blue Media; Matrix Awards host, Peloton instructor and TODAY Show contributor Ally Love; President and CEO of GLAAD Sarah Kate Ellis; NYWICI President-elect Brandi Boatner; and a few of our 2024 NYWICI Scholarship recipients.

“Always learn the ‘other thing’ – it doesn’t hurt to have an extra skill set.” In this interview, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Tess Quinlan, a NYWICI Scholarship Winner, Content Planning Lead for the NBA, and MBA graduate. Tess began her career in broadcast communications at Marquette University and an internship at Yahoo Sports. Learning a little bit about every sport was key to growth in her roles - she covered college basketball and football for USA Today, as well as tackled podcasts and editorial partnerships at NBC. 

At the NBA, Tess works on DTC (direct to consumer) – everything from leading content production for the app to working with Peloton as a launch partner to covering the Olympics. Listen to this episode to learn what it's like to work in sports communications, gain actionable advice on how to find a mentor, and advocate for yourself throughout your career path. 

"Get comfortable talking about yourself... it's not bragging if it's based on facts." Cate Luzio spent two decades in financial services, most recently as the Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC, before she made a sharp career pivot. In 2018, she launched and self-funded Luminary, a global, membership-based professional education and networking platform offering resources, programming, and community to propel women to the top of their industries.

Cate speaks with host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich about why accomplishments don't just speak for themselves and the untapped potential of transforming networking into the practice of relationship-building. Listen to this episode for what gave her the motivation to create Luminary, the power of an "exploratory conversation", as well as key pieces of advice for entrepreneurs and women who want to check off their next achievement.  

"You may lose a job you love, you may have someone betray you... this will not define you." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Kristi VandenBosch, President at OLIVER Agency. Formerly the CEO of Publicis, Chief Digital Officer of MXM (now Accenture Song) and Senior Vice President at Revlon, Kristi's leadership in communications has given her a wealth of expertise - not just in industry knowledge but in cultivating her values.

After speaking at a conference, she was offered a beer and a job - and this began her new journey at OLIVER agency. Holding emotional space for clients is one of her superpowers - establishing quality connections no matter how far up the ladder you may be. Listen to this episode for inspiring details on moving business goals forward and embracing "change moments". 

Please note that this episode includes explicit language and themes.

"Pull others up with you as you climb." If you're seeking a new role, striving for better pay, or preparing yourself for layoffs affecting the communications, media and tech industries, this episode will give you clarity on resilience in all types of career transitions. With an effective coaching style that's been highlighted in TIME, Fortune, and Fast Company (to name a few!), ⁠Phoebe Gavin⁠ works with clients to customize growth plans and leverage tactics to navigate the fast-paced and ever-changing labor market.

She speaks with WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich about being more intentional with your choices, differentiating between your brand and brand assets, as well as asking the foundational question, "Does this meet my needs?" Listen to this episode for details on how to grow your knowledge of AI tools (and why that's relevant to your career!). Plus, learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive job market, how to maintain marketability, and give yourself "grace and space" to climb learning curves.