Wake Women Podcast
Wake Women is a podcast for, by and about the women of Wake Forest University. In each episode, fifth-generation alumna Mary Tribble (’82, MA ’19) sits down with a female Wake Forester who inspires her. This show brings you intelligent, thought-provoking reflections from successful women whose experiences will inspire you to be your best self.
Episodes drop biweekly on Fridays.
We would like to thank these committed Wake Forest Alumnae who helped shape the Wake Women podcast in its formative time: Carol Adams (’75), Kellie Dupree (’04), Megan Hoyt (’12), Polly Fields (’97), Cheryl Fischer (’93), Jana Fritz (’15), Magdelon Harris (’08), Samantha Kruse (’09), Kate Maloney (’97), Catharine McNally (’06), Allison McWilliams (’95), Lisa Quisenberry (’81, MBA ’84), Cazandra Rebollar (’17), Jennifer Richwine (’93), Tiffany Tate (’07, MALS ’11) and Sarah Taylor (’79).
Whose story would you like to hear on our podcast?
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The WakeWomen Podcast is proud to be a supporter of the 2025 REACH Women’s Conference in Winston-Salem. Learn more!
New Episode!
Season 2, Episode 12 | The Peter Oliver Story with
Jessie Tefft ’90 and Sandra Brown
In the late 18th century, a young enslaved man named Peter Oliver was sold into the Moravian community of Bethania, North Carolina. He eventually served as a potter under the direction of master potter Rudolph Christ in the thriving town of Salem. By all accounts a talented and tenacious man, Oliver was able to save enough money to buy his own freedom, and later had a farm adjacent to Salem until his death in 1810. There are plans to share Oliver’s inspiring story at an outdoor destination called the Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery in downtown Winston-Salem, on the land that he farmed over 200 years ago. Today, Jessie Tefft, a Wake woman helping make this a reality, is joined with Sandra Brown, a descendent of Peter Oliver, to talk about his story and the monument planned to honor him.
Jessie Tefft
Jessie Tefft is an artist and professional photographer based in Winston-Salem, N.C. Tefft believes art gives her the language in which she can explore themes of trauma and healing. She also views it as a lens through which to interpret current events. She was a photojournalist in Washington, DC, and elsewhere and has exhibited and won numerous awards for her work. Photojournalism took her to Cuba, the Alaskan wilderness, and the presidential campaign trail. She assembled and edited a Pulitzer Prize entry for coverage of the D.C. sniper, a finalist in the competition. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art from Wake Forest University. Tefft is the Founder & Executive Director of The Art SHAC, a creative reuse nonprofit in Winston-Salem.
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Previous Episodes
Season 2, Episode 11: Living Without Limits: Tackling Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome & Burnout with Katie Neal (’03)
Do you get hamstrung by trying to make everything perfect? Are you afraid that people will find out you don’t really know what you are doing? Are you sliding from low grade ennui into all-out burnout in your job? Then this conversation is for you! Career communications veteran Katie Neal, Wake Forest class of 2003, pulls the veil away from all the things that might be holding you back in your career and life. Wake Women host Mary Tribble talks with Katie about the 12 stages of burnout, the 10 signs of perfectionism, and how imposter syndrome might be keeping your from your highest self. You’ll learn how to approach life with a growth mindset that allows you to reflect, grow, develop, and thrive!
Season 2, Episode 10: How Women Can Achieve Equity in the Workplace with Jen McCollum (’91)
Why aren’t there more women in the C-suite? How can organizations design their culture and systems to allow all of their employees to thrive? What is the “Double-Bind” that women experience in the workplace and how do we navigate around that? If those questions interest you, you’ll enjoy this conversation with Jen McCollum, the CEO of Catalyst, a powerful organization that helps institutions address systemic workplace challenges in gender equity. In this episode, Jen discusses her career path and the work of Catalyst, emphasizing the correlation between gender diversity in leadership and positive business outcomes. She also gives tips on how to work with allies, mentors, coaches, and sponsors to support you in your career advancement.
Season 2, Episode 9: Brewing Up Culture with Michelle Loyd (’08)
Can the perfect cup of coffee make you happy? When is a coffee shop NOT a coffee shop? How does coffee reflect and expand the culture that it comes from? And how does Hip Hop fit into the coffee vibe? Michelle Loyd and her husband Michael Loyd, both Wake Forest Alumni, have spent much of their careers both pondering and answering these questions. They co-founded DOPE COFFEE, a trendsetting coffee brand that consumers love because of the quality of their product, their morals, and their dedication to their culture. Michelle and Michael are on a mission to bridge the worlds of Coffee, Hip-Hop, and Culture by elevating and & uplifting Black culture while serving great coffee to great people. So sit back, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and listen to a conversation that will capture your imagination and make you think differently about your morning brew.
Season 2, Episode 8: Transformational Travel | A Journey of Self-Discovery with Alison Smith (’83)
In this episode, Mary Tribble and Alison Smith (’83) explore the profound impact of transformational travel on personal growth and self-discovery. They discuss the significance of study abroad experiences, the role of empathy in travel, and the concept of pilgrimage, particularly through the lens of the Camino de Santiago. The dialogue highlights how stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to deep self-reflection and lasting change.
Season 2, Episode 7: Dreams and Inspirations | Leading from the Heart with Bonita Brown (’94, JD ’97)
Bonita Brown (’94, JD ’97), the new chancellor of Winston-Salem State University discusses her upbringing, educational journey, and career path that led her to higher education. Bonita shares insights on the importance of historically Black colleges and universities, community engagement, and her initiatives to enhance academic success for minority students.
S2, Episode 6: A New Start for a New Year: Setting a Course for Career Success with Allison McWilliams
In this episode, Allison McWilliams, Ph.D. (’95), talks with Mary about setting a course for career success. Through mentoring and connecting with others, you can create a plan to make the coming year one of curiosity, learning, and advancement. Allison helps women figure out what they want in their careers, whether it’s their first act or one later in life.
S2, Episode 5: Building a Non-Profit with Vulnerability and Passion with Kate Kennedy
In this engaging conversation, Mary Tribble interviews Kate Kennedy (’90) about her journey of writing her first book, ‘Once Upon a School’, which chronicles her experience starting a school for homeless children in Atlanta. The discussion delves into themes of personal growth, vulnerability, and the importance of community engagement. Kate shares her motivations, the challenges she faced, and the profound impact of her education at Wake Forest. The conversation highlights the significance of treating individuals with dignity and the transformative power of storytelling. In this conversation, Kate Kennedy shares her journey of founding a nonprofit school, navigating personal loss, and the challenges of leadership. She discusses the importance of understanding privilege, the concept of ‘sonder’, and the difference between being a do-gooder and a changemaker. Kate reflects on her experiences with grief, self-discovery, and the impact of racial tensions in her community. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need for authentic conversations and the importance of being all in when striving for meaningful change.
S2, Episode 4: Standing Up for Science with Kasha Patel
In this episode, Kasha Patel (’12) discusses her journey in combining humor and science. She outlines her unusual career path from working at NASA, the Washington Post, and science-themed comedy. She shares her experiences performing comedy for penguins in Antarctica and explores her identity as an Indian woman from West Virginia. Kasha also talks about the importance of humor in science communication and her research on the effectiveness of science jokes. She envisions a future where science humor is more ubiquitous and contributes to improving science literacy. Kasha can be followed on her YouTube channel, Instagram, and Facebook page, where she shares funny science content and updates on her shows and projects.
S2, Episode 3: Food as and Act of Love with Ashton Keefe
Chef and food stylist Ashton Keefe (’09) discusses her philosophy on food: that it is as an act of love and an opportunity for beauty. Food is not just about the taste, but also about the way it makes you feel and the memories it creates. Ashton shares her career path, from working in a gourmet food shop to becoming a chef and then a food stylist. She talks about the differences between styling food for video or photo shoots and serving food in a restaurant. Ashton also discusses her approach to developing recipes, focusing on fresh ingredients, simplicity, and making recipes that can be personalized and become a part of someone’s cooking repertoire. Ashton shares her approach to curating recipes for her cookbooks, focusing on creating a cohesive menu and using staple ingredients. Ashton shares her aspirations for the future, including writing more books, opening a physical space for her food, and being on TV in a more full-time capacity.
S2, Episode 2: Embrace the Hustle | Making an Impact in Business and Community with Brittney Bogues
Brittney Bogues (’09), a serial entrepreneur and PR expert, shares her career journey and the impact of her experiences at Wake Forest University. She discusses her love for special events and sustainability, as well as her passion for community and learning. Brittney emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and being a mentor, and she shares her personal experience with domestic violence advocacy. She also talks about her goals for the future, including growing her business and traveling to Bali, Ibiza, and Thailand. Brittney’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to do their research, test out their ideas as a side hustle, and go for it when they see potential.
S2, Episode 1: Force of Nature | Lifting Up the Voices of Women and Girls with Kate Parker
In this conversation, Kate T. Parker (’98) discusses her book “Force of Nature” and the importance of empowering young girls to find their voice and believe in themselves. She shares stories of girls who have used their voices to make a difference, such as a group of high school seniors who fought to change Title IX regulations. Parker also discusses the role of organizations like Girl Scouts and Girls on the Run in the development of young girls. She addresses the impact of social media on girls’ self-esteem and emphasizes the importance of consuming it with a critical eye. Parker expresses her hope for the future, where she can slow down and enjoy time with her family and friends. She encourages readers to celebrate their kids for who they are and instill a sense of confidence in them.
Season 1 Episodes
Episode 11: Living a Life of Self-Expression with Serena Dugan
Through approaching life with authenticity and creativity, Serena Dugan (’94) has a passion for bringing beauty to the world around her. She co-founded Serena and Lily, a design-driven luxury furniture and home accessories company. Now, she leads Serena Dugan Design, an art and textile design studio that reflects her unique talent and philosophy. In this episode, we talk about Serena’s successful business, her purpose, and how she has built a life of beauty and meaning.
Episode 10: Objects of the Rich and Famous with Meaghan Steele
A turn of the century pocket watch that sold for $24 million. An original copy of the constitution that was auctioned for over $43 million. Who buys and sells these extraordinary items? Meet Meaghan Steele (’11), Auctioneer and Director of Luxury Business Operations at Sotheby’s. As an Art History major at Wake Forest, Meaghan was trained to research and interpret artifacts in the context of our history and culture. She uses that knowledge every day as she navigates the high-finance world of luxury objects in the Americas.
Episode 9: Finding Common Ground in a Divided World with Tycely Williams
In a time when we feel more splintered than ever, it’s essential to build bridges across differences. Tycely Williams (’97) has spent her career in the nonprofit space, navigating the tension between problem and possibility. As Chief Development Officer at the Bipartisan Policy Center, Tycely helps bring together politicians from across the aisle to make a positive impact. She will talk about her work and give us vital information on how to find common ground in a divided world. Note: since recording this episode, Tycely has accepted the position of CEO of Liberty Fellowship, an organization dedicated to developing leaders to work individually and collectively to confront some of the most difficult challenges in society to create a better South Carolina for all.
Episode 8: American Politics Today with former Congresswoman Donna Edwards
We talk to former Congresswoman Donna Edwards (’80) about all things politics–the state of the 2024 race, Project 2025, and Supreme Court ethics. Listen to Donna’s inspiring life story that led her to a life of service. Recorded August 7, 2024.
Episode 7: Who Do You Think You Are? Researching Family History with Tanya Zanish-Belcher
Is there a story from your family’s past that you’ve always wanted to explore? Is there a missing branch in your family tree you’re curious about? Do you want to research an ancestor’s life but don’t know where to start? Well, you’re in luck! Because archivist and genealogist Tanya Zanish-Belcher has the knowledge to get you started.
Episode 6: Making Others Blossom: How to Ignite the World Around You with Camille Love
Camille Love (’73) brings beauty, joy, and meaning to the citizens and visitors of Atlanta through the arts. As the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, she’s committed to cultural justice, believing that the arts should be available and accessible to everyone. Camille will inspire you with her life philosophy and the impact she’s made on the community around her.
Episode 5: Brain Dance: How Can Movement Improve Your Brain Function
Through their groundbreaking research on the integration of dance and neuroscience with Parkinson’s patients, Drs. Soriano and Hugenschmidt uncovered cutting edge data about how movement can change the way your brain works. This episode will break down the science behind movement and give you tips to improve your daily life.
Episode 4: Cause and Commerce: the Power to Do Good with Alice Brown
How can “doing good” and “doing well” intersect to create a business and make a difference in the world? In 2014, Wake Forest University graduate Alice Brown (’03) decided to find out. She left her law career to found GoodSteps, a for-profit flip flop business whose core mission is to direct substantial, sustainable funding to organizations currently engaged in the fight to eradicate hunger.
Episode 3: Celebrities, Women, and Politics with Lauren Wright
Talk show hosts for President? Sports heroes for the Senate? Why do celebrities have an advantage in political runs, but may come up short when it comes time for governing? Join political scientist Lauren Wright (’10) as she gives us insight into her research into celebrities and politics. In this episode, we also discuss the growing importance of first spouses in forwarding the President’s message and policy.
Episode 2: Career Branding and Your Career Strategy with Tiffany Tate
As President of career coaching business Career Maven, Tiffany Tate (’07, MALS ’11) helps people become the CEO of their professional lives. She demystifies the job search process for new, emerging and seasonal professionals in transition. Tiffany will share her insight to help you own your own career story so you can shine brighter in a crowded marketplace and attract your dream job with confidence.
Episode 1: Take a Leading Role in Your Career and Life with Kate Lambert
Life is not something that happens to you; it’s something you make happen! Join actor, writer and producer Kate Lambert (’03) as Mary Tribble (’82, MA ’19) learns about how she took the leading role in her own career. In the competitive world of entertainment, Lambert learned early on that she needed to set the stage for her own success. Hear Lambert’s funny and poignant stories about her successes, setbacks and dreams for the future.
Wake Women Podcast:
Introduction
Wake Women is a podcast for, by and about the women of Wake Forest University. In each episode, fifth-generation alumna Mary Tribble (’82, MA ’19) sits down with a female Wake Forester who inspires her. This show brings you intelligent, thought-provoking reflections from successful women whose experiences will inspire you to be your best self. Episodes drop biweekly on Fridays.