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?
Share the name of a Wake Woman who inspires you.
Follow
Wake Women
Season 2, Episode 3 | Ashton Keefe (’09)
Ashton Keefe
Ashton’s bubbly and convivial nature mirrors her overarching and founding belief that food is an act of love and an opportunity for beauty. Ashton Keefe is a chef and culinary stylist with an extensive background in media and culinary startups. She specializes in innovative branding, forward-thinking content creation and thoughtful media placement in an evolving landscape. She’s received recognition in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Food & Wine Magazine and is sought as an integral partner and colleague for brands and public figures such as Pyrex, Food Network, Instagram, Tom Colicchio, and Giada DeLaurentiis. She is the author of two cookbooks: Lemon & Salt: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Culinary Revelry and Convivial. She regularly appears on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, and CNN. She’s the Resident Chef at Cuvaison Winery.
Follow Ashton
Previous Episodes
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’s passion is to bring 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.