Bold Women Collective Backstory

EDmarket

Bold Women Collective: Stories of Women Changemakers in Education spotlights the powerful journeys of women breaking barriers in education, leadership, and community impact. Each episode features inspiring women leaders, educators, and advocates who share the pivotal moments, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped their paths. From educational leadership and equity to career transitions and resilience, these conversations offer real-world wisdom for women committed to transforming education. Follow the show to hear the backstories behind the women shaping the future of education.

  1. Purpose, Safety & Leading Through Adversity — with Jill Lemond

    6h ago

    Purpose, Safety & Leading Through Adversity — with Jill Lemond

    In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jill Lemond, Vice President of Education at Evolv Technology, for a powerful conversation about education, empathy, resilience, and creating safer school communities. Jill shares her journey from teaching English language learners and leading innovation initiatives in public education to becoming a nationally recognized voice in school safety and security. Following a tragic school shooting in her district, Jill found a renewed sense of purpose—helping schools navigate the complex challenges of safety while ensuring students continue to feel supported, connected, and able to learn. In this conversation, we explore: The importance of empathy in educationWhat it means to create a culture of safetyWhy relationships matter more than technology aloneLessons learned through leadership and adversityBalancing motherhood, purpose, and professional growthJill’s message is clear: safer schools are built through trust, relationships, and a shared commitment to protecting and supporting every student.

    16 min
  2. Design, Sustainability & Curiosity — A Career of Impact with Jennifer Wammack

    Jun 2

    Design, Sustainability & Curiosity — A Career of Impact with Jennifer Wammack

    In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jennifer Wammack, Director of Outreach and Learning at BIFMA, for a conversation about design, sustainability, mentorship, and the power of staying curious. From her beginnings as a textile designer to her leadership role helping shape industry standards, Jennifer shares a career journey built on creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. She reflects on the intersections of design and sustainability, the importance of industry standards, and how curiosity has guided every stage of her professional path. In this conversation, we explore: How a career in textiles led to industry leadershipThe evolution of sustainability in commercial interiorsWhy standards matter in the built environmentThe value of mentorship and lifelong learningHow curiosity can open unexpected doorsJennifer’s message is simple but powerful: stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the impact of showing up every day with purpose.

    15 min
  3. Creating Better Spaces — Education Design & Impact with Lacey Fisher

    May 26

    Creating Better Spaces — Education Design & Impact with Lacey Fisher

    In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Darlene Akers sits down with Lacey Fischer, Vertical Market Activation Manager at Kimball International, to discuss educational spaces, career growth, and creating environments where students can thrive. From starting her career in customer service to becoming a leader in the education market, Lacey shares how relationship-building, curiosity, and a passion for helping schools shaped her journey. She also discusses the importance of thoughtful learning environments and how furniture, lighting, nature, and design all contribute to student success. In this conversation, we explore: Why does customer service build strong leadersThe impact of intentional learning environmentsWhat educators aren’t taught about designing spacesHow the ECLPS program changed her perspectiveWhy collaboration is key to the future of educationLacey’s message is clear: every space has the power to shape learning, connection, and student success.

    6 min
  4. AI, Burnout & the Future of Teaching — with Dr. Kristen Riggs

    May 19

    AI, Burnout & the Future of Teaching — with Dr. Kristen Riggs

    In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Kristen Riggs, CEO of Innovative EdTech Consulting, for a thought-provoking conversation about AI, teacher burnout, and the future of education. With a background in zoology, outdoor education, and curriculum design, Kristen shares her unique path into education leadership and how the pandemic sparked her research into teachers’ relationships with technology and artificial intelligence. What she discovered was surprising: the more teachers understood AI, the less likely they were to use it—driven by fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty around the future of teaching. In this conversation, we explore: Why teachers are struggling with AI adoptionThe impact of burnout and administrative overloadHow personalized professional development can better support educatorsThe ethical challenges surrounding AI in schoolsWhy AI may actually help bring humanity back to teachingKristen’s message is clear: supporting teachers starts with listening to them, understanding their challenges, and creating tools that give them more time to connect with students.

    14 min
  5. Building Safe Spaces — Leading with Love with Jessi Bushman

    May 12

    Building Safe Spaces — Leading with Love with Jessi Bushman

    In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jessie Bushman, former Director of SEL at North Fayette Valley School District, for a heartfelt conversation about leading with love and transforming student support through social-emotional learning. What began as a need to address student behavior challenges evolved into a groundbreaking SEL program focused on meeting children’s basic needs first, building trust, and creating what Jessie calls a “Circle of Love” around every student. Jessie shares how her background in special education inspired her passion for helping children thrive, and how her district shifted from reactive discipline to proactive emotional support—creating calmer classrooms, stronger family connections, and students who genuinely love coming to school. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why behavior is a form of communicationHow meeting basic needs changes student outcomesThe power of proactive social-emotional learningWhat it means to create a “Circle of Love” around studentsHow educators can support both children and familiesWhy leading with love can transform school cultureJessie’s story is a powerful reminder that when students feel safe, supported, and understood, real learning can begin.

    14 min
  6. Connecting Opportunity — Courage, Innovation & Impact with Tracy Sabol

    May 5

    Connecting Opportunity — Courage, Innovation & Impact with Tracy Sabol

    In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Tracy Sabol, Founder and President of Connect the Dots Solutions, for a powerful conversation about courage, innovation, and creating meaningful impact in education. From growing up in Wisconsin with a strong work ethic to building a successful career in insurance, Tracy shares how her non-linear path led her to take a bold leap—leaving behind a thriving business to start something entirely new. She reflects on what it means to trust your instincts, embrace change, and build a business rooted in purpose—helping school districts uncover opportunities, reduce costs, and think differently about what’s possible. She also shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of staying true to your values, and how her work continues to evolve as she learns and grows. What you’ll learn: Why taking a leap of faith can lead to greater impactHow non-traditional thinking can unlock new opportunitiesThe role of trust and relationships in educationWhat it means to build a business aligned with your valuesHow small shifts can create significant change for school systemsWhy paying it forward matters in leadership and lifeTracy’s message is clear: when you lead with purpose, stay curious, and focus on helping others, you create impact far beyond yourself.

    14 min
  7. From Side Hustle to Movement — Community, Creativity & Growth with Alaina Clark

    Apr 28

    From Side Hustle to Movement — Community, Creativity & Growth with Alaina Clark

    In this episode of the Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Alaina Clark, CEO of Teacher Goals, for a high-energy conversation about building something meaningful, embracing the unexpected, and creating community in education. From a background in chemistry to leading one of the largest online teacher communities, Alaina shares how what started as a simple meme page grew into a global platform supporting educators through content, publishing, and events. She reflects on the power of starting small, saying yes to opportunity, and building something that truly connects with people. She also opens up about the reality of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, the challenges of wearing multiple hats, and what it means to grow something while still figuring it out along the way. What you’ll learn: How organic ideas can grow into impactful movementsWhy community is at the heart of everything in educationThe realities of balancing business, family, and lifeHow TeacherGoals is supporting educators through content and eventsWhat educators are struggling with right now—and how to support themWhy creating welcoming spaces matters more than everAlaina’s message is clear: you don’t have to have it all figured out—just start, stay open, and build something that brings people together.

    12 min
  8. Listening First — Student Voice, Creativity & Learning with Zareen Levien

    Apr 21

    Listening First — Student Voice, Creativity & Learning with Zareen Levien

    In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Zareen Levien, Education Marketing Manager at Padlet, for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, creativity, and the power of listening in education. From starting her career in tech to discovering her passion in a classroom, Zareen shares how a single volunteer experience changed her path—and ultimately led her into teaching, coaching, and now edtech. She reflects on what it means to truly center student voice, how creativity can unlock confidence, and why the students who don’t always speak up often just need a different way to be seen. What you’ll learn: How non-linear career paths can lead to purposeWhy student voice is essential to meaningful learningThe role of creativity in building confidence and engagementHow technology can create access for all learnersWhy listening to students and teachers drives real impactZareen’s message is clear: when we listen first, we create space for every learner to thrive.

    15 min
See All (62)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Bold Women Collective: Stories of Women Changemakers in Education spotlights the powerful journeys of women breaking barriers in education, leadership, and community impact. Each episode features inspiring women leaders, educators, and advocates who share the pivotal moments, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped their paths. From educational leadership and equity to career transitions and resilience, these conversations offer real-world wisdom for women committed to transforming education. Follow the show to hear the backstories behind the women shaping the future of education.

Information

You Might Also Like