Episodes

An early morning idea, four women pursing doctorate degrees, and an evening meeting in a D.C. bookstore … want to know how this sequence of events led to the creation of a program that has helped over 100 women of color earn higher education...

As Chief of Community and Government Relations at the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), Danielle Leach shapes policy every day by working to find a cure for brain tumors and advocating for patients. Having worked in the patient advocacy field for...

Sara Guillermo is a woman on a mission to help young women and girls own their political power.  As the CEO of IGNITE National, Sara recruits, trains and inspires the next generation of women policy makers and shapers in America. Through IGNITE,...

“Trust your gut. Work hard when you can. And do what you love.” These are the words of Emmy-award winning journalist Jessica Schneider, who joined hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles on the latest episode of Madam Policy. As a justice...

Kema Ogden is an innovative business owner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist taking the cannabis and health industry by storm. With the vision to create a holistic approach to health care, Kema became Nevada’s first Black female dispensary owner in...

Two Michiganders and a Senator walk into a hydrogen production facility…want to know how that story ends? Tune into Madam Policy to hear from Yooper Katie Ellet, Air Liquide’s President of Hydrogen Energy and Mobility, to hear about her recent...

Vice President of Public Affairs for Plug Power Erin Lane is creating history by helping the US reach its net-zero emissions goals by 2050. Plug Power is a leader of clean hydrogen and zero-emission fuel cell solutions that are both cost-effective and...

Dr. Nichole Wilson is a woman on a mission to help Hoosiers become healthier by addressing a variety of community issues including mental health, obesity, and smoking. With nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector under her belt, Nichole...

U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) uses her voice to promote democracy, stop injustice, and advocate for change. Join hosts Dee Martin, Caitlin Sickles, and Claire Cahoon for this special episode as they chat with trailblazer and history...

“Laugh loud, be kind, and organize.” These are the words that policy advocate and organizer Danielle Melfi lives by. Having served as the Wisconsin State Director for Biden for President, the Director of Political Engagement for Tammy Baldwin...

Kara van Stralen—named one of the “top people to watch in tech” by The Hill—is definitely worth keeping an eye on! After serving for over ten years on Capitol Hill as a tech and telecommunications policy expert, Kara van Stralen hit the road,...

“Why do you love your job?” was a question asked of Alexa Cole early in her career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Her response? Same as it is today:  because she gets to travel the world, working with amazing...

Whether it’s the public health protocols of the ongoing pandemic, questions about gender equity, or outcry on racial and social justice issues, it is evident that what happens in sports arenas extends well beyond the scoreboard.  And these...

Pennsylvania House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton created history twice: as the first African American woman to be elected as the House Democratic Caucus Chair and as the first woman to be the House Democratic Leader. As Leader, she has the last...

Ready or not, cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies are here, and they are the hot topics among policy leaders. What’s on the policy horizon? Kristin Smith, Executive Director of the Blockchain Association, shares five policy priorities with...

The ever-growing scope of the world wide web has aided society’s ability to connect, while simultaneously creating a world of danger. Be it cyberbullying, sexual exploitation or internet stalking, our smartphones, laptops, and applications are...

What happens when impossibility walks into the room? That’s the question Vice President of Omidyar Network Michelle Jawando asks daily. Tackling intractable, complex social challenges is her job, and she loves it. For as long as she can remember,...

Former Democratic National Committee spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa helped rebuild the Democratic Party; led the communications strategy around the 2020 Democratic presidential nominating process; and was a spokesperson for the party during the General...

Serena Rwejuna is a leader. Whether through her service as Calvary Women’s Services Board President, her recent ascension to partnership at White & Case LLP, or her dedication to her extensive network of young women leaders, Serena leads by...

Returning to work after having children opened Lori Mihalich-Levin’s eyes to the complexity of returning to work and the need for resources to ease that transition—for new parents and employers. Filling that void, Lori authored the bestselling...

Ilhaam “Illy” Jaffer is a woman on a mission: to lead the fight for a world without cancer. Illy, a savvy political veteran, is powerful, fearless, and tenacious. As Director of Federal Government Relations for the American Cancer Society, Illy...

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) delivers affordable, reliable, and clean natural gas service to nearly 22 million customers, making it the nation’s largest natural gas utility. Leading the way, is Maryam Brown, President of SoCalGas....

Ninety years ago, there were more than a hundred Black owned banks, today there are only twenty. Nicole A. Elam, Esq., President and CEO of the National Bankers Association (NBA), is dedicating her career to making the financial services community...

We’re thankful for Civil Rights leaders who risked their lives in the fight for equality and those who continue the fight today. This week’s guest, Paula Young Shelton, is the author of the award-winning Child of the Civil Rights Movement and an...