She Lights the Way

Rewriting Education’s Playbook, with Christi Harter

From a town of 300 in South Dakota to transforming education across borders, Christi Harter's journey defies convention. Through Peace Corps service in Ghana, she discovered true education transcends rigid structures. Now at Eastern Washington University, she's revolutionizing credentials and career pathways, building bridges between employers and education, and creating opportunities for underserved communities. Her mission? To help people access education on their own terms and timeline.

 

Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.

 

TRANSCRIPT:

https://www.shelightstheway.com/christi-harter-transcript 

 

FOLLOW:

Website: shelightstheway.com/

Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/ 

X: x.com/she_lights_way

 

LISTEN TO THE POD:

Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/

RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS 

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0 

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N 

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m 

 

READ THE BLOG:

https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog

 

CONNECT:

Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact

Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story 

 

EPISODE LINKS:

Christi’s LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-harter-28986247/ 

Christi Harter Brings Connectivity to New Role: 

https://www.ewu.edu/stories/102127/ 

 

EPISODE TOPICS:

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Meet Christi Harter

03:30 Small town life in South Dakota

05:30 Transformative Peace Corps years in Ghana

08:30 Pursuing a path in education

11:00 Struggling with perfectionism as a teacher

11:30 Connecting with students

15:00 The true gifts of technology in the classroom

22:30 Building bridges between education and employment

24:30 Supporting refugees and immigrants

28:00 The shift towards skills-based hiring

34:00 Importance of communication, managing emotions & addressing inequities

37:00 Defining success

40:00 What "She Lights the Way" means to Christi

41:00 The future of education

43:00 Closing thoughts

PlayStation, Parkinson’s and AI, with Penporn Koanantakool

Penporn Koanantakool, a senior software engineer, shares her courageous journey from growing up in Thailand to being awarded a Fulbright scholarship, confronting challenges in moving to the U.S., earning a PhD from U.C. Berkeley, and eventually helping shape the future of AI at one of the world’s leading tech companies.

Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.

TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/penporn-koanantakool-transcript

FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/ 
X: x.com/she_lights_way

LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS 
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0 
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N 
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m 

READ THE BLOG:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog

CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story 

EPISODE LINKS:
Penporn’s LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/penporn
Penporn’s Google Research page: 
https://research.google/people/penpornkoanantakool/
Penporn’s X: 
https://x.com/KaewGB 

EPISODE TOPICS:
00:00 Introduction and Early Inspirations
01:13 Welcome & Introductions
01:40 Meet Penporn Koanantakool
03:43 Penporn’s Journey from Thailand to the U.S.
04:52 Overcoming Language Barriers
06:37 Discovering a Passion for Coding
08:34 High Performance Computing and U.C. Berkeley
09:55 Mentors and Inspirations
17:13 Challenges and Opportunities in AI
24:10 Defining Success and Reflecting on Achievements
30:08 Advice and Final Thoughts
31:33 Conclusion and Farewell

Believing in Yourself, with Nithya Ruff

In this warm heart-to-heart with my colleague and good friend Nithya Ruff, we dive deep into her incredible journey from India to Silicon Valley, where she's now leading the open source program office at Amazon and serving on the board of the Linux Foundation. Nithya opens up about the pivotal moments in her life—moments that weren’t just about career choices but about the people who believed in her and the values that have guided her.

Together, we explore:

- Nithya’s journey into open source and how a leap of faith to move to the U.S. shaped her life and career
- The role of male allies, from her father’s belief in her future to the colleagues who opened doors at crucial moments
- Balancing family and ambition—Nithya shares how she and her husband made decisions together to support their family, while she kept pursuing her career dreams
- Mentorship and giving back—Nithya’s passion for paying it forward and how she’s become a fierce advocate for others in the tech world
- Life lessons on resilience—Whether you’re navigating bias, feeling like the underdog, or just trying to figure out your next step, Nithya’s advice on believing in yourself and pushing forward will resonate

We also reflect on the value of friendship, mentorship, and how women can light the way for each other. Nithya's warmth, wisdom, and honesty in this interview are what make her such a remarkable friend and leader.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where Nithya's wisdom and experiences come together to inspire you to dream big, push through challenges, and help others along the way.

Show Notes:
00:00 Believing in Yourself: A Crucial Muscle to Develop
01:01 Introduction to She Lights the Way
01:34 Meet Nithya Ruff: A Personal and Professional Journey
04:14 Nithya's Role at Amazon and the Linux Foundation
05:52 Pivotal Moments & Personal Milestones
09:02 The Importance of Male Advocates
12:01 Family Influences and Decisions
15:39 Raising Daughters and Building Relationships
18:36 Inspirations and Mentorship
26:13 Advice for Women: Believe, Advocate, and Persist
34:31 The Power of Mentorship and Community
37:28 Looking Ahead and Defining Success
41:00 Conclusion: Lighting the Way for Others

Guest Bio: 
Nithya Ruff is a strategic open source, digital, and media technology executive with over 20 years of experience leading tech and innovation at prominent companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Comcast, Intel, Wind River, and Western Digital (SanDisk). She is recognized as a visionary in the open source community and currently serves as the chair of the Linux Foundation board of directors. Her career has spanned various roles, including product management, product marketing, and strategy, with a focus on championing diversity and inclusion in technology. She is an advocate for women in tech, and actively works to create more inclusive organizational cultures and mentor others in the field.

Learn more about Nithya’s work and connect with her:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter/X

Designing a Better World, with Vani Jain

Vani Jain, an emerging Indian-born interior designer fresh out of Pratt Institute, shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, from navigating a cross-cultural move during COVID to embracing resilience in her professional journey. Her passion for empowering women, promoting environmental justice, and creating spaces that enhance well-being shines through as she discusses her influences, time management strategies, and the pivotal transitions in her life. 

Vani offers insights on:

• The importance of mentorship and support systems
• How she's using design to empower women and promote sustainability 
• Her approach to balancing multiple roles and practicing self-care 
• The future of design in a post-pandemic, tech-driven world

Her story exemplifies the power of facing difficulties head-on with optimism and courage. Listen in to be inspired by Vani's fresh perspective and dedication to making a positive impact through design.

Show Notes: 

00:00 Introductions

01:08 Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience

01:31 Meet Vani Jain: A Journey of Resilience and Innovation

02:59 Vani's Background and Professional Journey

03:54 Influences and Early Experiences

05:23 Navigating Cross-Cultural Transitions

06:29 Balancing Academics, Internships, and Self-Care

08:37 Empowering Women and Promoting Environmental Justice

10:35 Unique Talents and Perspectives in Design

11:42 Overcoming Challenges and Future Goals

13:14 The Importance of Mentorship and Support Systems

15:01 Inspiration and Vision for the Future of Design

20:18 Impact of the Pandemic and Technology on Design

22:36 Defining Success and Embracing Positivity

24:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Guest Bio: 

Vani Jain is a junior interior designer with a BFA in Interior Design and a minor in Sustainability Studies from Pratt Institute. With a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental justice, Vani integrates these principles into her design philosophy, aiming to create spaces that both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.

Her professional experience includes working with Lori Margolis Interiors, where she has developed her skills in creating functional and innovative design solutions. Vani's portfolio reflects her dedication to sustainable practices, showcasing projects that prioritize eco-friendly materials and designs that promote well-being. As she continues her professional journey, Vani is passionate about advocating for sustainable design within the interior design industry.

In addition to her design work, Vani is passionate about supporting and empowering other women in the industry, a commitment that is reflected in her projects and collaborations as she seeks to foster an inclusive environment within the design community.

 

Learn more about Vani’s work and connect with her:

LinkedIn 

 

Grateful for Change, with Brittany Istenes

Brittany Istenes gives us a kickass blueprint for thriving as she shares her remarkable journey of personal growth, career pivots, and finding success through adaptability and compassion. She reveals how moving through 15 different schools by the time she finished high school instilled in her a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments. Her unexpected career pivots—from following the Grateful Dead on tour to becoming a special education teacher and then transitioning into the tech industry—showcase her fearless approach to life and career.

Brittany's story is one of resilience and continuous learning filled with valuable life lessons, including the importance of embracing change, trusting your gut, and never fearing failure. She emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and the impact of supportive environments in personal and professional growth. Her heartfelt reflections on success, self-love, and perseverance provide a powerful reminder that our paths may be winding, but they are filled with opportunities for learning and connection.

During our conversation, Brittany talks about:

- Overcoming instability in her youth to develop adaptability skills
- Making a significant impact as a special education teacher
- Transitioning into educational technology and IT project management
- Finding her place in open source software and embracing public speaking
- Dealing with anxiety and the importance of self-love
- The value of mentorship and allies in career growth

Join us for a conversation that will leave you inspired to embrace the unknown, relish personal growth, and seek out meaningful connections. Don't miss out on this powerful story of a woman lighting the way in her own unique and authentic style!

Guest Bio: 
Brittany Istenes is a dynamo whose journey is marked by resilience, adaptability and a passion for community, from following the Grateful Dead on tour to becoming a special education teacher and then transitioning into the tech industry. She currently works in an open source program office for a large financial firm. 

Having attended 15 different schools throughout her K-12 education, she developed a resilience that has shaped her approach to life and work. After following the Grateful Dead for two and a half years, Brittany pursued her education at community college before transferring to Temple University, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree.

Brittany's teaching career began in an underserved school in Southwest Philadelphia, where she made a significant impact, helping her students close achievement gaps in reading, math and science. Her dedication to education and her students' success was recognized at the highest levels, including acknowledgment from President Barack Obama.

Now, Brittany combines her teaching experience with her role in the tech industry, advocating for remote work and the importance of community in all its forms. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that we can all make a difference in the lives of others.

Show Notes: 
Introduction
Early Life and Adaptability
Life on the Road with the Grateful Dead
Career in Special Education
Pivot to Educational Technology
Challenges and Overcoming Anxiety
Open Source Advocacy
Lessons and Advice
What 'She Lights the Way' Means
Closing

Learn more about Brittany’s work and connect with her:
LinkedIn
GitHub
Twitter/X

Opening a Door to Grief, with Anne Gudger & Maria Gibson

Mother-daughter duo Anne Gudger and Maria Gibson open up about their powerful journey through grief and how it became their shared mission. After losing her husband while pregnant with Maria's older brother, Anne transformed her pain into purpose. Together, they've created a safe space for others to explore and express their grief through podcasts, a reading group, and writing workshops.

In this moving interview, Anne and Maria reveal:
• How grief became Anne's unexpected "superpower"
• The surprising ways their work has impacted people's lives
• Their unique approach to holding space for others' grief stories
• Their hopes of bringing grief education to schools
• The beautiful dynamic of working together as mother and daughter

Discover how these inspiring women are normalizing the conversation around grief and loss. Their story will touch your heart and may even transform how you view your own experiences with grief. Don't miss this intimate look at turning pain into purpose and connection.

Show Notes: 
Introduction
Anne's Grief Journey
Maria's Perspective on Grief
Grief as a Superpower
Maria's Work and Empathy
Working Together as Mother and Daughter
Reflection and Community Impact
Future Goals and Vision
Closing Reflections

Guest Bio: 
Anne Gudger is a Portland-based author known for her poignant exploration of themes such as love, loss, and grief. She has contributed to various publications, including Real Simple Magazine, The Rumpus, and Columbia Journal, and has won multiple essay contests, earning nominations for Best of the Net twice. Her debut memoir, The Fifth Chamber, was published in September 2023 by Jaded Ibis Press and delves into her personal experience of becoming a young widow after the tragic death of her husband in a car accident while she was pregnant with their son. 

In addition to her writing, Anne and her daughter, Maria Gibson, founded Coffee and Grief, a community initiative that includes a podcast and monthly reading series focused on grief. They also lead writing workshops on the topic. Together, this mother-daughter duo seeks to normalize discussions around grief and provide support for those navigating their own experiences of loss.

Learn more about Anne & Maria's work and connect with them:

Website

Instagram

The Fifth Chamber

Coffee, Grief & Gratitude Podcast

Coffee Talk Reading Group

Coffee & Grief Community

Navigating the Science of Delicious, with Dr. Mary Wagner

Ever wonder who's behind your favorite foods and drinks? Meet Dr. Mary Wagner, the powerhouse who's shaped everything from Hamburger Helper to Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew. With a career spanning over 45 years and encompassing roles at industry giants like General Mills, Taco Bell, Gallo Winery, Mars and Starbucks, food scientist Dr. Mary Wagner takes us on a whirlwind tour at the forefront of food innovation, crisis management, and leadership.

- Discover how a chance college course led to a career transforming global food giants
- Learn how she navigated major industry crises and came out stronger
- Get insider insights on the future of food, from AI to cell-cultured meat
- Hear her candid advice for women aiming to shatter glass ceilings in any industry

Whether you're a foodie, an aspiring leader, or just curious about the science behind your daily cup of joe, Mary's story will leave you hungry for more. Dive into a world where science meets business, and one woman's vision changed how we all eat and drink.

Show Notes: 

• Introductions
• Mary Wagner's Career Journey
• Building R&D Teams and Fostering Innovation
• Navigating High-Profile Crises
• Consumer Expectations and Food Safety
• The Future of the Food Industry
• Advice for Women Leaders in Food Science
• Work-Life Balance and Personal Reflections
• Excitement for the Future

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Mary Wagner is a recognized executive leader and board director with a reputation for creating innovative products, managing risks, handling crises, and leading food quality and safety initiatives. She has a track record in a range of branded global retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, including Starbucks, Mars, Gallo, YUM and General Mills. Mary is known for her ability to engage people around a common goal, with a history of transforming organizations, building departments from the ground up, and creating an R&D culture of innovation. She holds significant leadership roles on industry and non-profit boards of directors.

 

Learn more about Mary’s work and connect with her:

LinkedIn

Possibility Thinking, with Michelle Lequin

In this inspiring and deeply personal interview, Michelle Lequin opens her heart to share the courageous journey that led her to fully embrace her creative passions after retirement from her 35-year career as a technical writer. From drumming as a young girl against the tides of societal expectations, to finding her voice through singing on stage, Michelle's story is a powerful testament to the transformative magic of self-expression. 

We delve into the lineage of strong women who shaped Michelle's unshakeable spirit - her grandmother, who couldn't fathom a female drummer in her era, and her warm yet resilient mother, who blazed the trail for Michelle to forge her own adventurous path. With refreshing candor, Michelle reflects on the pivotal moments, mindset shifts, and helping hands that empowered her adventures, offering incredible insights for those yearning to reignite their inner spark.

We explore:

• Pursuing unconventional interests from a young age
• The profound impact our parents have on our lives
• The value of self-reliance and belief in one's potential 
• Michelle's journey from drummer to singer, and joy in self-expression
• Nurturing others by sharing knowledge and experiences

Whether you're feeling the tug of an unrealized dream or simply seeking doses of inspiration, Michelle’s story will fill your heart with warmth and courage to light the way for your own journey.

Show Notes: 
00:00 Introduction
00:00 Early Musical Journey
04:14 Career Path and Challenges
09:23 Inspiration and Mentoring
11:17 Drumming and Grandmother's Influence
18:01 Discovering Singing
20:34 Overcoming Limitations
24:32 Advice and Mentorship
29:35 Closing Reflections
33:31 Final Thoughts

Guest Bio: 
Michelle Lequin is an accomplished technical writer and editor in Portland, Oregon, with a mind for mechanics and beliefs in self-reliance and lifelong learning. Her work has also been published in The Oregonian’s “Friday Edge” column, and recognized within a greeting card contest. 

Since her retirement, Michelle has found her voice through creative expression. Accustomed to occupying the back of the stage as a drummer in local performances, she has courageously moved to the front of the stage as a singer.

Learn more about Michelle’s work and connect with her:
LinkedIn 

Refer to the "Featured" section in Michelle's LinkedIn profile for:

- Hallmark greeting card winning entry

- Humor essay written for The Oregonian's "The Edge" column

- Freelance article written for EBSCO Publishing

Shattering Stereotypes, with Lauren Maffeo

Lauren Maffeo's journey shatters the myth that you need a STEM degree to thrive in tech. This former journalist pivoted from covering tech startups in London to working as an industry analyst focused on AI and business intelligence to designing data governance systems - an unlikely path that proves the sky's the limit for those willing to embrace lifelong learning.

With raw honesty, Lauren exposes the microaggressions and biases that plague women in technical fields. From being blatantly ignored in meetings to having her expertise dismissed as "not technical enough," her experiences lay bare the uphill battle faced by those who defy rigid stereotypes. Yet Lauren occupies this in-between space with grace, using it to bridge divides.

Her mantra? Never put all your eggs in one basket. Surround yourself with a diverse network that challenges you to grow. Success means constantly readjusting expectations as you achieve the unexpected while falling short on self-imposed metrics.

Above all, Lauren's story is one of relentless reinvention. From writing a practical guide on designing data governance systems to teaching a LinkedIn Learning course on the same topic, her achievements redefine what's possible when you follow your passion fearlessly into uncharted territory. She is living proof that non-traditional paths not only have merit, but are vital for the evolution of emerging fields like AI. Her story prompts us to challenge our preconceptions of who belongs in tech, and implores the incoming generation to avidly blend disciplines with the courage to continually reinvent themselves.

Dive into our conversation and get inspired to light your own trailblazing path.

Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Designing Data Governance
01:29 Meet Lauren Maffeo: A Multifaceted Career
02:44 Insights on Data Governance
04:40 Unconscious Bias in AI Data Sets
07:21 The Publishing Journey
11:02 From Journalism to Data Science
15:09 Challenges as a Woman in Tech
22:12 Advice for the Next Generation
24:56 Reflections and Future Plans
33:13 Conclusion: Lighting the Way Forward

Guest Bio:
Lauren is an award-winning author, analyst, and designer of data systems for the U.S. Federal government. She currently supports the U.S. Coast Guard's first Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO), where she leads design activities to align data mesh, governance, AI, and analytics with the Coast Guard's key priorities. Her first book, "Designing Data Governance from the Ground Up", was published by The Pragmatic Programmers and adapted into a LinkedIn Learning course.

Lauren is a founding editor of Springer’s AI and Ethics journal and a former area editor for Data and Policy, an open access journal with Cambridge University Press. She has presented at venues/with partners including Princeton and Columbia Universities, the U.S. State Department, and Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters.

Prior to joining Steampunk, Lauren was an associate principal analyst at Gartner, where she covered the impact of emerging tech like AI and blockchain on small business owners. Lauren has written for Harvard Data Science Review, Financial Times, and The Guardian, among other publications. She has also peer reviewed technology research and books published by the GovLab at NYU, O’Reilly Media, and The Atlantic Council.

Lauren is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a former member of the Association for Computing Machinery’s Distinguished Speakers Program, and a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, where she helps judge the Webby Awards. She is on 2 nonprofit boards and volunteers with The Linux Foundation.

Learn more about Lauren’s work and connect with her:
LinkedIn
Book: Designing Data Governance From the Ground Up
Course: Designing Data Governance

Additional Resources:
Transcript

Painting Outside the Lines, with Sujata Tibrewala

Sujata Tibrewala's life is a shining example of the transformative power of pursuing one's authentic path. In our discussion, she shares her courageous journey, from defying societal norms to becoming the first-generation engineer in her family and finding her authentic voice through art and community. Through it all, Sujata is guided by an unbreakable will to find her own corners in our world.
 
Born into a conservative Rajasthani family, Sujata was expected to conform to the role of a dutiful wife and mother. However, her thirst for knowledge and the support of her teachers gave her the confidence she needed to rebel against societal norms and become the first engineer in her family.
 
Sujata's path was not an easy one. She had to carve out physical and mental spaces, finding a quiet corner in her grandmother's puja room to study. Later, amidst the turmoil of a turbulent marriage and health challenges, she discovered solace in artistic expression. Through her paintings and the Pratibimba art platform she founded, she gave voice to her emotions, connecting with others on a profound level.
 
Sujata's exploration of quantum mechanics and Eastern philosophies birthed the "Quantum Connection" series, a body of work that celebrates the interconnectedness of all things. Her art transcends boundaries, reminding us that at our core, we are all waves of energy, inextricably linked.
 
In the world of technology, Sujata found her calling as a community builder, seamlessly blending her technical prowess with her gift for human connection. Her role in the open source community became an extension of her artistic journey, fostering collaboration and empowering others to find their voice.
 
Throughout our conversation, Sujata's resilience, authenticity, and courage shine through. Her story is a powerful reminder that our paths are not predetermined – they are forged by the courage to listen to our inner voices and the audacity to chart our own course.

Show notes:
01:19 Introduction and Personal Philosophy
01:49 Meet Sujata Tibrewala
04:53 Early Life and Education
09:59 Challenges and Triumphs in Marriage
11:06 Health Struggles and Artistic Expression
14:52 Founding Pratibimba
18:57 Quantum Connection Paintings
26:05 Advice
28:52 Final Thoughts

Guest bio:
As a community development manager and technology evangelist, Sujata Tibrewala has led product go-to-market campaigns and developer messaging, and has grown developer communities from 0 to thousands worldwide. She has also established flagship community-based developer events, working with the ecosystem to drive adoption in open source projects related to networking, edge and accelerated computing.

Today, Sujata spearheads the cross-functional, cross-organizational contributions of Byte Dance, ensuring its consistent, positive presence across 50+ open source projects. Prior to Byte Dance, she has led all phases of diverse software technology projects in the areas of networking, cloud and virtualization technologies across companies including Agere, Avaya, Brocade, CISCO, Ericsson and Intel.

Sujata is a frequent presenter at various IEEE and industry conferences in areas related to networking, and has held positions of Director at Silicon Valley Engineering Council and TSC chair for Documentation Sub-committee for the Akraino project. She has a Masters from IISc Bangalore and Bachelors from IIT Kharagpur and has completed an Executive Women Leadership Program from Stanford.

An award-winning self-taught artist, Sujata has been exhibiting her art at various prestigious venues around the world since 2008. She uses her quest of knowledge to research the subjects close to her heart and expresses them through her piercing paintings. She has had successful solos at venues including University of Illinois, Chicago, Lalit Kalal Academy, New Delhi, and Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur. Sujata has also served as docent and adult art education advisor at Brooks’s Museum, and her paintings have been published in cover pages of "Broad: A social and feminine justice magazine".

Learn more about Sujata’s work and connect with her:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram