New project tells emotionally engaging stories of women's career and life experiences
Our CEO and founder Jennifer Cloer was the first guest on Nicole Huesman’s new podcast/vodcast She Lights the Way so we couldn’t wait to learn more about what she has in mind for this inspiring project.
Q: What is She Lights the Way and what was your inspiration for starting this work?
Nicole: Last week, I attended a fascinating talk by Kelly Lytle Hernández, director of the Ralph J. Bunche Center of African American Studies at UCLA and author of Bad Mexicans, the story of migrant rebels who inspired a revolution to oust Mexico’s dictator Porfirio Díaz and give birth to our Mexican-American population. The story of the magonistas, though integral to our modern American life, has gone largely untold. And a story within a story, the vital role of Mexican journalist, professor and activist Juana Belén Gutiérrez de Mendoza is largely unseen.
As I listened to Hernández divulge the inspiring story of this diverse group of journalists, miners, migrant workers and others who came together to defend their principles – and within it, the courageous contributions of Mendoza – I was reminded of my inspiration for the She Lights the Way project. Mendoza is but one of many examples of women’s undeniable talent, resilience and leadership that has gone unheralded.
She Lights the Way is a project dedicated to shining a light on remarkable women who are fearlessly navigating personal and professional obstacles while making impactful contributions to our world, yet their stories often go unheard. This project is my humble attempt to change that narrative. Each week, we dive into a new story, from videos and podcast episodes that transport you into the world of these incredible women to blog posts that delve into their achievements, struggles and unique perspectives.
This project is more than a collection of stories. It's an inclusive community where you can be unabashedly, unapologetically yourself. A space where authenticity reigns, vulnerability is celebrated, and growth is fiercely championed. A place to connect, to uplift, and to inspire. Because together, we're so much stronger than we could ever be alone.
Nicole Huesman
Q: You’ve already interviewed and recorded more than 10 women for the series. What are some of your takeaways from those conversations?
Nicole: It has been such an honor to interview each of the initial guests for the series. Although each of their journeys is unique, a golden thread of courage, resilience and fortitude ties them all together.
For example, Zaji Cox, a writer, dancer, artist and woman of color, is redefining the boundaries of creative expression while embracing her neurodivergence; Sujata Tibrewala rebelled against cultural expectations for women in India to become the first-generation higher education graduate, career woman and engineer in her family while finding solace in art amid personal challenges; cosplayer, maker and MRI technologist Beverly Downen learns at a young age – third grade – to advocate for herself, and later, overcomes career obstacles post-9/11; Michelle Lequin reflects on a memory of her parents encouraging her interests as a child, buying her a drumset when her grandmother disapproved of her drumming, which instilled a sense of possibility and self-reliance. Years later, she keeps herself open to possibilities by asking herself, “What if I could?”
From each story, I think we can take away a key nugget (or two or three!) that can readily be applied to enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about the women we’ll meet in the podcast series?
Nicole: Each of the women we’ll meet through the She Lights the Way project is charting a path through personal and professional obstacles, undaunted by the challenges she faces and determined to contribute her talents and gifts to the world around her. These brave women are architecting positive change and leaving indelible marks on their communities, many tackling today’s most pressing issues. They hail from all corners of the globe, across diverse industries, and as is often the case, typically find themselves as the ‘only woman at the table.’ All of them have inspiring stories and unique insights to share, helping others blaze their own trails.
Here’s a sneak peek:
A high school teacher fostered Karen Freeman’s love of architecture, and decades later, her passion for inclusive pediatric healthcare design has led her to take on an exciting new global leadership role.
Beth Corbett, a leader in sustainable packaging and supply chain solutions, emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth, not selling yourself short, and asking for what you deserve in your career.
As a content strategist, editor and community builder, Jen Wike Huger's insights underscore the vital role of diverse skillsets and intentional collaboration, emphasizing the pursuit of meaningful connections for career fulfillment.
One of Lauren Maffeo’s secrets to overcoming microaggressions as a woman in tech has been building a diverse network.
Dawn Foster’s journey illuminates the beauty in following your passion, even when it leads in unexpected directions, not being afraid to invite yourself to opportunities, and the importance of not letting others’ expectations limit you.
The magic in Ruth Suehle’s story has been staying curious, and saying “yes” to interesting opportunities that come her way.
I’m excited to get these women’s empowering stories out into the world, and I recognize that they serve as mere whispers from a vast ocean of narratives waiting to be heard. There is so much more to come, so stay tuned!
“This project is more than a collection of stories. It’s an inclusive community where you can be unabashedly, unapologetically yourself.”
Q: Why is this project important to you?
Nicole: Imagine one of those heart-to-heart conversations that leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired. That's precisely where the seed for She Lights the Way was planted – in the midst of discussions with friends about focusing on meaningful work that aligns with my passions, fueled by my longtime commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive communities.
My conversation with a friend's daughter, thirsty for guidance and mentorship, further crystallized the vision for this project. Here was a young woman eager to chart her own path, searching for role models who looked like her, sounded like her, and shared her dreams and aspirations. And it got me thinking – how many other women out there are yearning for the same thing?
The mission for this project is simple: to illuminate the paths we walk – the highs, the lows, and all the messy, beautiful bits in between – through the power of storytelling. It's about honoring our journeys and finding strength in our shared experiences. Because let's face it, life is one heck of a rollercoaster, and sometimes, all we need is a little reminder that we're not alone in the ride.
Q: You’ve been a woman in tech for some time. How have things changed since you started? What remains a challenge?
Nicole: It has been promising to see the increased focus on building more diverse, inclusive environments with greater levels of psychological safety where our differences are honored and unique contributions are celebrated. Today, there’s greater awareness of unconscious bias and more importance placed on the roles of mentors, advocates, allies and sponsors.
That said, your mileage may vary and there’s so much more work to do. As an example, I remember moving from one organization to another within a large company, only to be disappointed by the lower emphasis placed on diverse perspectives – and a higher level of unconscious bias – at my destination than my point of origin. Undoubtedly, there’s still so much more work to do.
Q: How do we listen and is there a way to connect with the women we meet in She Lights the Way?
Nicole: The heart of the She Lights the Way community lives online at SheLightstheWay.com. Because we each have our preferred way of taking in and digesting information, the stories manifest through videos, podcasts and blogs. You can learn more about each of the women and their work – and find out how to connect with each of them – in the show notes for each episode.
Q: Will there be other aspects to this project, besides the podcast? If so, what do you have planned?
Nicole: Yes! The stories themselves represent a starting point, and there’s much more to come. We’re exploring a variety of aspects and components, and plans are taking shape. I’m excited about where we can take this project together, as we look towards the future.