In this inspiring episode, host Jolene Levin sits down with Tabitha Branum, Superintendent of Richardson ISD, to explore her journey from an Air Force childhood abroad to becoming a leader grounded in purpose, heart, and unwavering care for her community. Tabitha shares how mentors shaped her path, how she stays centered while carrying the responsibility of 37,000 students, and why giving ourselves grace—both as leaders and as humans—is essential to staying connected to our "why." A warm, uplifting conversation that reminds us of the power of showing up with intention, compassion, and courage.
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This week's BWC Backstory is all heart. Jolene Levin sits down with Deb O'Riley to talk educator voice, learning spaces, and the environments where kids truly thrive. A powerful, purpose-filled listen.
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Darlene Akers chats with Hila Stern of @HSBARC in this BWC Backstory — a quick, inspiring look at how she found her way into educational design and how neuroscience is shaking up today's learning spaces.
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Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket — Blue Ribbon principal, boundary-setter, and powerhouse school leader — digs into what bold, heart-first leadership really looks like in today's schools. Quick hits: a fresh take on honest, human leadership; building true belonging for every learner; mentoring women through balance and boundaries; leading with courage, clarity, and unstoppable heart.
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Architect. Advocate. Trailblazer. On the latest BWC Backstory Podcast, Kelsey Jordan of Legat Architects shares how honesty, empathy, and purpose guide her work designing spaces where every learner can thrive. Because when we design with heart, we build more than schools — we build futures filled with peace and possibility.
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When Karyn Richmond followed her passion for occupational therapy, she never imagined it would lead to transforming how an entire district approaches wellness. On the Bold Woman Collective Backstory podcast, Jolene Levin talks with Karyn about turning compassion into measurable impact — proving that when people thrive, so does the organization.
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On the BWC Backstory podcast, Darlene Akers of Akers Business Solutions chats with Nora Fenlon, the Chief Commercial Officer at Via Seating, about how one life-changing "seat" sparked a passion for wellness, innovation, and inclusion. From Ireland to America, from finance to furniture, Nora Fenlon turned curiosity into courage and movement into mission.
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On the BWC Backstory podcast, Jolene Levin chats with Dr. Christina Counts of MiEN Company and Kate Forcucci of PD by MiEN about turning curiosity into courage and passion into purpose. Together, they share how they reimagine learning, build connections, and lead with heart and resilience.
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On the BWC Backstory podcast, Darlene Akers talks with Heidi Grinde, Director of Category Management at Global Industrial, about her fearless path from pharma to industry leadership. Recorded live at NeoCon, Heidi shares how she turns vision into results, builds trusted teams, breaks barriers, and leads boldly — proving that true leadership starts when you stop asking and start doing.
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On the BWC Backstory podcast, Jolene Levine sits down with Heather Durkac, Chief Innovation Officer at Gaggle, to uncover her inspiring professional journey. She shares how her path prepared her to: Embrace tenacity by stepping into roles and challenges others avoided Transform problems into opportunities through training, process, and innovation Advocate for herself by creating her own pathways to leadership Lead with humility, gratitude, and a focus on the journey, not just the destination With resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to saying "yes" even when uncertain, Heather shows how bold choices and persistence can shape a career of lasting impact.
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Join Jolene Levin and Dr. Deb Kerr on the BWC Backstory Podcast as they sit down with Dr. Atiya Perkins, Superintendent of Linden Public Schools, to share her inspiring journey from substitute teacher to leading the very district where she once studied. She reflects on how her path prepared her to: Stay grounded in the community by leading in the place that shaped her life Build diverse, unified schools where every student's voice matters Elevate her team by bringing colleagues into spaces of growth and connection Lead with authenticity, humility, and a belief that leadership is never a solo journey with resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to empowering others, Dr. Perkins shows how bold leadership can transform not only schools, but entire communities. Recorded live at Leadhership Network for Women Conference 2025
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On the BWC Backstory podcast, Jolene Levin sits down with Christa Samaras — former Princeton lacrosse star, USA National Team player, entrepreneur, and founder of Brave Enterprises. Christa shares how her journey prepared her to: Transform setbacks into resilience and growthUse curiosity as a powerful hack to braveryTeach honesty with self as the foundation of confidenceBuild programs that turn fear into fuel for action with grit, energy, and authenticity, Christa demonstrates how curiosity in your career can unlock confidence and create an extraordinary impact.
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On the BWC Backstory podcast Darlene Akers, along with cohosts Dr. Deb Kerr and Jolene Levin, sits down with Cheryl Durst, EVP & CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), to uncover her remarkable leadership journey. She shares how her path prepared her to: Bring the power of storytelling and words into design Elevate education and access as central to her work Lead with authenticity, transparency, and resilience Inspire joy, curiosity, and listening as essential skills With vision, courage, and a lifelong love of learning, Cheryl shows how saying "yes" to opportunities can shape a legacy of impact. Recorded following EDmarket's BWC live virtual event.
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