Madam Policy

Tresa Roth, Champion and Advocate for 9/11 Families: Transforming Grief into Purpose

Bracewell — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:36:00 GMT

As the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) prepares for its annual G-Man Honors fundraising gala, Madam Policy welcomes Tresa Roth, a dedicated champion and advocate for 9/11 families. In this special episode, host Dee Martin is joined by guest host Jean O'Connor, Executive Director of the FBI Agents Association and retired FBI Special Agent, to talk with Tresa about navigating grief, preserving the legacy of 9/11 responders, and honoring her late husband, Supervisory Special Agent Bob Roth, one of the first agents to respond to the Pentagon on 9/11 along with co-host Jean O'Connor. Curious about Tresa's experience in the national security arena? Interested in learning how the FBIAA Memorial College Fund has supported her family? Then be sure to tune in!

Trailblazer U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT)

Bracewell — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:11:00 GMT

Madam Policy welcomes champion and advocate for mental health services and LGBTQ+ rights as well as a fighter for all things Vermont, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT). Rep. Balint joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to discuss her key policy priorities for Vermont including housing, healthcare, and climate issues. Tune in as former middle school teacher, Rep. Balint, gives her take on whether teaching members of congress or teaching middle schoolers is more challenging. Tune in to hear more about the Congresswoman's journey and the importance of being the first openly gay person to represent Vermont in Congress. Want to know how Rep. Balint cultivates bipartisan support for some of the most critical issues facing our nation? Then listen now!

The Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations, and Environment)/Chief Sustainability Officer: "Climate Readiness is Mission Readiness"

Bracewell — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:53:00 GMT

Madam Policy welcomes the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer! Secretary Berger joins hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector to discuss climate readiness and the importance of women in STEM. Learn more about her "Three C" strategy that focuses on communities, critical infrastructure, and climate. Want to know what the Navy is doing for Earth Day and Energy Installations and Environment Week? Want to hear about ASN Berger's letter to President H.W. Bush when she was seven? Then tune in!

Halie Craig, Technology Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee: Bridging Tech, Trade, and Survivor Advocacy

Bracewell — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:40:00 GMT

In this episode of Madam Policy, hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao welcome Halie Craig, Technology Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and recent nominee to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Halie shares the journey from intern to influential policy leader that led to her current nomination, discussing the intersection of trade, technology, and the power of language skills in policymaking. She also opens up about her personal story as a survivor of sexual assault, her advocacy for survivors' rights through the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and her belief in the importance of creating supportive environments for victims. Want to hear what advice technology and trade policy expert and advocate Halie Craig would give to her 50-year-old self? Then tune in!

U.S. Ambassador to Iceland Carrin F. Patman: Trailblazer, Leader & Mentor

Bracewell — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:13:00 GMT

Do you know what "if you see it, you can be it" means? It's a phrase designed for trailblazers like Ambassador Carrin Patman. Ambassador Patman has inspired thousands of young women to excel through her years of extraordinary service in the public and private sectors. Raised in a family dedicated to public service, Ambassador Patman has always known that she would find or create ways to strengthen her communities and pay it forward. The Ambassador, a former trial partner at Bracewell LLP, was the first woman to serve on the Firm's Management Committee; she chaired the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County; and helped establish the Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law. In August of 2022, the U.S. Senate confirmed her to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Iceland. A powerhouse litigator, trailblazer for women in law, and mentor to many, Ambassador Patman has helped shape the future for women and broken down barriers in gender bias.

Host Dee Martin sits down with friend and mentor, Ambassador Patman, to talk about her legendary career and extraordinary journey. They discuss the relationship between the U.S. and Iceland as longstanding allies and the continued progress both countries can achieve together. Want to learn about Iceland's utilization of different types of renewable energy? Overcoming gender bias in the workplace? How Thor's hammer is used in the United Nations? Tune in now!

Honoring 50 Years of Women FBI Special Agents: Trailblazers Susan Malone & Joanne Misko

Bracewell — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 20:46:00 GMT

"All who follow stand on the shoulders of giants," said FBIAA Executive Director and former FBI Special Agent Jean O'Connor. In this Madam Policy episode, hear from those giants: the FBI's first female FBI Agents Susan Malone and Joanne Misko.

Joanne and Susan share their stories about going to and through Quantico, working cases, and inspiring the next generation of women Agents. "We wanted to be agents first, and we just happened to be women." Listen to the incredible stories and journeys from the trailblazing Nun and Marine.

Don't miss this episode!

DAI's Trailblazer Sarah Maguire: "Show People What They Can Do": Lessons in Leadership from a Champion of Women and Girls…and a Trained Clown

Bracewell — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:37:56 GMT

Sarah Maguire is a trailblazer who is committed to empowering others. As the global director of safeguarding for international development company DAI and the first person to hold such a role at any private development organization, Sarah is not only strengthening DAI's policies and practices around the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, but she is also paving the way for other organizations to improve their standards. Her work serves to protect women and girls in conflict zones as well as ensure that victims can report issues and perpetrators can be identified and held accountable.

In this episode, Sarah joins co-hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to share incredible anecdotes of humanity, bravery, and resilience from her 20 years of experience in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Stay until the end to hear how Sarah, also a trained clown, makes a key lesson in clowning - "It's always your turn" – a core part of her leadership style, empowering others by taking the first step and showing them their own strength.

Brooke Ringel: Blending Law and Policy to Navigate the World of International Trade

Bracewell — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:50:48 GMT

Brooke Ringel has mastered the art of using law, policy and data analysis to become a powerhouse in international trade law. Brooke, a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, joined hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson on Madam Policy for a deep-dive into her work as an international trade attorney. In this episode you will hear: how Covid has impacted international trade and how Brooke is adjusting to better serve her clients; details about her journey to becoming an international trade attorney, and about her involvement with the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT) and the WITT Trust. Brooke also shares "contrarian" advice to achieving work-life balance. This is an episode that you won't want to miss!

Ilhaam "Illy" Jaffer: Elevating Patient Voices, Creating Lifesaving Policies & Conquering Cancer

Bracewell — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 20:15:04 GMT

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 amplifies the voices of cancer patients, shapes health policy, and helps ensure equity in the distribution of funds, inclusion in studies, and more. In a conversation led by hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson, Illy discusses how her work in federal and state politics helped make her a strong advocate for the important work of the ACS. She also dives into women's health, discussing reproductive rights and the importance of not dismissing early signs of illness, sharing her scary journey of being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Illy leaves listeners with advice to trust your instinct, believe in your abilities, and validate yourself.

Gender Expert & Author Kate Mangino, Ph.D.: Writing "Equal Partners," Creating Household Equity & Empowering Conversations

Bracewell — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 18:08:33 GMT

Kate Mangino, Ph.D., is a gender expert and newly-minted author of Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home. Kate has been a leader in the gender equity space for over 20 years and has worked in in women's empowerment, HIV prevention, and forced childhood marriage prevention. This week, Kate sits down with hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to discuss the importance of couples sharing both good and bad stories, how language and set terms can help enable conversations on gender equity in the home, and her new book which serves as a guide to facilitating hard conversations with friends, family, and yourself.

Kate also gives advice for new and aspiring writers to become a part of the community and the importance of trusting yourself. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Kristin Smith: Demystifying Blockchain & Envisioning a Thriving Digital Future

Bracewell — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 18:55:41 GMT

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 hosts Dee Martin and Anne Termine. As the leading voice for the blockchain industry, Kristin is constantly working on cultivating the right mix of policies so blockchain networks can truly thrive. Having just spoken at the CES conference, Kristin shares her extensive knowledge on digital assets, NFTs, decentralized finance, and the impact of the infrastructure bill on crypto tax treatment. Also hear about Kristin's pathway from Capitol Hill staffer to Executive Director for life lessons you won't want to miss! Never a dull moment with this Fortune 40 Under 40 honoree who is widely-recognized for her lobbying prowess and tech expertise, Kristin Smith.

The Home Depot's Heather Kennedy: "Go to the opportunity and ask for a seat at the table"—Advice from a Highly-Successful Lobbyist & Staunch DEI Advocate

Bracewell — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:21:47 GMT

Heather Kennedy never thought her career would look like 20+ years with the same company. Why did she stay? Because of The Home Depot's unwavering commitment to its customers, its associates, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Join us this week as hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson sit down with The Home Depot's Vice President of Government Relations, Heather Kennedy, while she breaks down her 20 years of consistent growth and leadership with The Home Depot. Heather gives advice on how to be a successful lobbyist, including her important work on navigating Congress, critical supply chains, and the pandemic. If you're curious about her proudest career moment, tune in!

Heather also dives into her professional and personal commitment to diversity and education, including The Home Depot's partnership with Women Who Code and Ladies Who Launch, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating and empowering women and non-binary business owners.

Rania Mankarious: A Leader in Crime Prevention & Creator of Practical, Smart Tools for Raising Kids in the Digital Age

Bracewell — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 21:52:27 GMT

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 creating a public safety crisis, especially for children. To combat this unsafe environment, Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers Houston, is committed to public safety, and teaching parents and children how to navigate the online world. Through her chart-topping new book, The Online World, What You Think You Know and What You Don't, Rania has created strategies and exercises for parents and kids. Her leadership of Crime Stoppers has allowed her to teach internet safety tactics to students implementing smart and safe online rules for younger generations. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they dive into the world of cybersecurity with Rania. Follow along as they talk about safe posting strategies, preventing cyber-crime, and how to find reassurance while combatting fear.

Founder and Chair of Susan Davis International: Susan Davis: Intersectional Resiliency in a Changing World

Bracewell — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 19:13:00 GMT

"Do well while doing good" is the philosophy that global public affairs and policy powerhouse Susan Davis has followed throughout her four-decade long career. As owner of Susan DavisInternational and global activist, Susan has received numerous awards such as the Global Empowerment Humanitarian Award, the Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Business, and National Woman Business Owner of the Year. As the Board Chair for Razia's Ray of Hope Foundation and Chair Emeritus of Vital Voices Global Partnership, Susan works closely with Afghan women and children. Renowned for her proficiency in strategic positioning, reputation management, government relations, and crisis communications, Susan Davis does it all!

Tune in as hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell sit down with Susan to discuss the role of resiliency in shaping policy, staying on track even when things go awry, and the normalcy of failure. Want to hear about Susan's work on military caregiving, a discussion about ongoing issues in Sudan, and losing John Wayne's toupee on national television? Listen now!

CNN's Jessica Schneider: Winning an Emmy, Meeting the Media Moment and Getting It Right

Bracewell — Mon, 16 May 2022 22:03:15 GMT

"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 correspondent for CNN, Jessica has mastered the art of incorporating the legal knowledge she gained while practicing law with her love for storytelling. Tune in as Jessica talks about how high school news program started her journey in journalism; why she is a self-proclaimed "adventurist"; and her work reporting on everything from the opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court to the work of the FBI.

Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Global Economy

Bracewell — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:41:00 GMT

The Honorable Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs (ILAB) at the U.S. Department of Labor, joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to talk about her important work influencing policy through economics and promoting workers' rights globally. As a leader at the forefront of both domestic and foreign policy, Deputy Undersecretary Lee explains how economics and economic research inform her work in policy, from the seafood industry to child labor prevention, and the importance of putting workers' rights front and center when creating workplace evaluation protocols. Want to hear the story of how Thea debated a Nobel Laureate during the NAFTA negotiations? Strategies to end forced labor and social auditing under authoritarian regimes? Then tune in!

Alice Lin, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury: Insights from an IRA and Tax Policy Maven

Bracewell — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:11:00 GMT

Tax policy expert and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs (Tax & Budget) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Alice Lin joins Madam Policy host Dee Martin to discuss her journey from being a senior tax policy advisor in Congress to lead tax expert at Treasury. From helping develop the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) during her time on the House Ways and Means Committee to working on implementation as a senior tax policy advisor for the Senate Finance Committee to helping publish over 95 pieces of guidance on the IRA at Treasury, Alice shares her view on the future of the IRA and reconciliation. Want to hear how Alice's experience shadowing a congressional district office in high school put her on the path of public service? Listen now!

Trailblazing Tattoo Artist Friday Jones: Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors Through Art

Bracewell — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:55:00 GMT

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Madam Policy welcomes Friday Jones, a renowned tattoo artist who specializes in helping empower breast cancer survivors by transforming their mastectomy scars into illustrative tattoos. Friday joins hosts Dee Martin and Joshua Zive to discuss the emotional and psychological impact of her work on clients and the importance of creating a supportive environment for women and non-binary individuals in the tattoo culture. Want to hear more about Friday Jones' perspective on the intersection of tattoo artistry and the medical reconstructive process? Want to hear about Friday's experience in legalizing tattooing in Montenegro and tattooing Angelina Jolie? Then listen now!

"Do the next interesting thing": Brand Maven Madeline Fetterly on Founding & Leading Be the Brand

Bracewell — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 22:04:00 GMT

Brand maven Madeline Fetterly's advice to her 24-year-old self? Don't worry about the path—just do the next interesting thing. Good advice from a woman who not only does the next interesting thing, but also she invents it. Before Madeline started Be the Brand, she worked at powerhouse international women's empowerment organization, Vital Voices. Hear about Madeline's decision to leave beloved Vital Voices and focus on Be the Brand, a decision she made because she knew that she "could no longer run full speed in both directions."

This Madam Policy episode is full of pragmatic, implementable and important advice on building your own personal brand: what to do and what not to do. Madeline sits down with hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to discuss personal and professional branding in the digital space, how to make decisions on career shifts, and how to balance working and growing in your career with being a mother and a member of a family. Make sure to tune in!

Maryam Brown, the Triple Threat: Policy Trailblazer, Clean Energy Visionary, and Focused Leader

Bracewell — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:09:41 GMT

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. Maryam joined hosts Dee Martin and Christine Wyman to discuss SoCalGas' role in the energy transition, including the Company's recently-released study, The Role of Clean Fuels and Gas Infrastructure in Achieving California's Net-Zero Climate Goal. Maryam also discusses the importance of leading with intention; creating pathways to employment in the gas industry through internships; and why she believes that hard work always prevails. Also, Maryam shares some lessons from the kitchen including how cooking has helped to strengthen her relationships with some important women in her life. This is an episode that you don't want to miss!

Xochitl Hinojosa: From the Lone Star State to the State of the Union, Communicating Complex Policies & Rebuilding a Party

Bracewell — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:13:17 GMT

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 Election. A pro at delivering complex information effectively and deftly shaping policy, DNC Chair and Labor Secretary Tom Perez recognized Xochitl as a "strategic, tenacious leader who was indispensable to the DNC's success." Xochitl tells listeners about her passion for policy, that started at a young age as a member of a family who is heavily involved in Texas state politics. Hosts Dee Martin, Yasmin Nelson and Carolyn Spector dive into Xochitl's background and how she is continuing to shape policy as a managing director at Bully Pulpit Interactive. Xochitl also shares some advice that younger communications professionals won't want to miss!

PA House Democratic Leader Rep. Joanna McClinton: Voting Rights Champion, Powerhouse Leader!

Bracewell — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:42:22 GMT

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 word for each piece of legislation in the Pennsylvania House and has the responsibility of amplifying the voices of her caucus. What's at the top of her agenda? Securing voting rights for all Pennsylvanians. Tune in to hear more about Leader McClinton's important journey from the courtroom to public service. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they chat with Leader McClinton about her path to leadership and how she's using her platform to ensure that more women feel empowered to get into public offices. Also, special guest Juan Dawson, a former intern at Policy Resolution Group who learned firsthand from Leader McClinton as one of her former students, stops in for the episode.

DeeDee Jonrowe, World-Renowned Musher & Author, Iditarod Dreams: "Whatever you can dream of, you can do it"

Bracewell — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:14:00 GMT

Madam Policy welcomes world-renowned musher and literal trailblazer, DeeDee Jonrowe, to discuss her journey within the dogsledding world, leading to 32 Iditarod starts, 29 finishes, three second-place finishes, and a record setting run in 1998 of fastest time by a female. DeeDee joins hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos to discuss her incredible journey, including completing one of her Iditarod runs three weeks after finishing chemotherapy, her work with search-and-rescue dogs, and her role as a leader on animal humanitarianism. Want to learn more about animal search-and-rescue training? The importance of perseverance in the face of hardship? Then this episode is for you!

Serena Rwejuna: Empowering Women Experiencing Homelessness and Leading with Intention

Bracewell — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:07:56 GMT

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 example and paves the way for others. Join hosts Dee Martin, Yasmin Nelson and Caitlin Sickles as they chat about the importance of representation in the legal space; how to recruit and retain diverse talent; and the importance of perseverance in accomplishing goals. Also, you won't want to miss the story of how Dee recruited Serena to the Calvary Board…and Caitlin…and likely Yasmin! All share Calvary's mission of providing housing, health education, and employment programs to help empower women experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. What's next for Serena at the helm of Calvary? Tune in and find out about some exciting upcoming events and opportunities! This episode is the perfect way to kick off 2022! Don't miss out!

Jeanette Pablo, Founder & CEO of Climate Equity Foundation: Ensuring Justice in the Clean Energy Transition

Bracewell — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:58:00 GMT

Globally recognized environmental justice champion Jeanette Pablo, founder and CEO of the Climate Equity Foundation and previous director of the Climate Equity Initiative at the Clean Air Task Force (CATF), joins Madam Policy to discuss the intersection of environmental justice and climate change. Hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao sit down with Jeanette to talk about her work negotiating high-stakes international energy frameworks, the importance of AANHPI voices in environmental justice, and global approaches to shaping inclusive policies. Curious about the role of optics vs. substance in treaty negotiations or the staggering language barrier in social services and climate justice? Tune in to learn about these issues and more!

Katie Ellet: Yooper and Clean Energy Transition Leader

Bracewell — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 14:44:46 GMT

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 tour of the company's new hydrogen production facility in Nevada with U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm (former Michigan Governor) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). You can also hear about Katie's path to President, combining over 25-years of experience in the chemical and oil and gas sectors with her background as a chemical engineer and keen business strategist. Katie joins hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown to discuss her current work; her support of Air Liquide's STEM mentorship program, aka ALEX; and the importance of making complex issues, like hydrogen energy, relatable. Plus, hear what advice she would give to her 24-year-old self! This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Dell's Francesca McCrary on "Bold Fearlessness": Step Out of Your Comfort Zone & Interrupt the Conversation

Bracewell — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:22:00 GMT

"Do things that make you uncomfortable" is the advice that equity champion and tech industry leader Francesca McCrary would give to her 24-year-old self. On this week's episode, Director of Government Affairs for Dell Technologies, Francesca McCrary, joins hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson to discuss her successful career transitions, the importance of uplifting others, and what's next on the Dell policy agenda. Francesca also discusses her time on Capitol Hill and the lessons she learned about self-advocacy and the importance of being prepared.

Make sure to tune in to hear about Francesca's time at The Citadel Military College and how she is one of less than 200 Black women who have graduated from there. Also hear about how a group of women coming together to lift each other up led to Francesca being named a 2021 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Toni-Marie Higgins, Chief of Staff, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR): Trailblazer, Thought Leader & Policy Pro

Bracewell — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:51:00 GMT

Chief of Staff to Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Toni-Marie Higgins, returns to Madam Policy to discuss leadership and policy priorities in the new political climate of the Republican Trifecta. Hot topics include the reauthorization of the important Farm Bill as Chairman Boozman takes gavel of the Senate Agriculture Committee; the role of bipartisanship in the new Congress; and tackling policies related to crypto and digital currencies. Hosts and proud Arkansans Dee Martin and Shelby Kelley sit down with Toni-Marie to talk about her career journey to Chief of Staff and her advice to younger staffers looking to move up in their careers. Want to hear about Toni-Marie's work co-leading and mentoring other female chiefs of staff in the Senate? Then tune in!

Be Present, Committed, and Consistent: MWAA's Judith Batty on "Propelling" Your Voice in the Workplace

Bracewell — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:03:00 GMT

Global leader and history maker Judith Batty is no stranger to being in the room where history is made. Judith spent over 25 years at Exxon Mobil, she was the first Black CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and she was one of the first youth delegates to attend the National Council Session for Girl Scouts in 1975 when Gloria Randle Scott was elected the first Black president of Girl Scouts of the USA. Now, Judith serves on the Board of Directors at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority where she co-chairs the Finance Committee and the Executive and Governance Committee and serves on the Strategic Development and the Environmental, Social, and Governance Committees.

Tune in as Judith sits down with hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to discuss her team's efforts to make DC-area airports more sustainable, how she guided the Girls Scouts through the challenges of COVID, and advice on how young professionals can have a bigger voice in the workplace. Want to hear Judith's thoughts on getting on boards? Her view on how the oil and gas industry is changing? Her greatest leadership lessons learned so far? Then turn on airplane mode and listen in to this exciting episode of Madam Policy!

Susannah Wellford, Founder & CEO of Running Start: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Politics

Bracewell — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:32:00 GMT

Running Start Founder and CEO, Susannah Wellford, joins Madam Policy with hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell. Tune in as they talk with Susannah about empowering women to run for political office. A nonpartisan nonprofit organization, Running Start trains young women to run for political office and provides them with the tools they need to build a long-term community of support.

Tune in to hear about some of the amazing and successful Running Start alumnae, as well as tips for success from Susannah based on her own impressive journey.

U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16): Reflecting on the SOTU & Forecasting House Dem Policy Priorities

Bracewell — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 19:12:00 GMT

In a special post-State of the Union episode, hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson are once again joined by powerful force for constituents and voice for House Dems, Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16). As the newly elected Co-Chair for the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, Congresswoman Escobar is guiding the messaging for policy priorities of the Democratic Caucus in the 118^th Congress. And on that note, how will Dems message the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act? Tune in to find out!

Rep. Escobar also talks about her top takeaways from President Biden's SOTU address, immigration reform, paid sick leave and FMLA, and more. Want to know what advice this powerhouse Congresswoman would give to her future self? Listen in!

Filecoin Foundation's Marta Belcher: Busting the Web Monopoly, Fighting Big Bank Surveillance, and Building a Decentralized Web

Bracewell — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:32:18 GMT

The Airbnb of file storage. That's how Marta Belcher—who is the President and Chair of the Filecoin Foundation, the General Counsel at Protocol Labs, and Special Counsel at Electronic Frontier Foundation— describes Filecoin. As a leading voice in civil liberties and blockchain law, Marta is consistently working to find new and innovative ways to bring the blockchain and the next generation of the internet to the forefront of the policy agenda. What's next in the policy arena for Filecoin? Marta shares Filecoin's top policy priorities and how she is working to achieve them. Tune in as Marta joins hosts Dee Martin and Anne Termine to explain the overlap of law and regulation with the evolution of the blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the decentralized web, along with her vision for preserving humanity's most important information in a decentralized world. Don't miss out on this new episode of the Madam Policy Podcast with Marta Belcher, a trailblazer in the blockchain legal space.

Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer, Baker Hughes: Sustainability Champion & Energy Transition Leader

Bracewell — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:58:00 GMT

Policy veteran and Baker Hughes' super-smart Chief Sustainability Office, Allyson Anderson Book, joins Madam Policy for an all-new episode. Allyson chats with hosts Dee Martin and Brittany Pemberton about her strategy for ESG reporting and harmonization, as well as her leadership role in diversifying the perspectives at the decision-making table. Want to hear more about how the skills of the current energy workforce can be parlayed into the net-zero emissions economy? Want to join Allyson and Dee as they take a quick stroll down memory lane, remembering the work they did together to help ensure certainty in the nation's helium supply (it's not just for balloons!)? What advice would sustainability champion and geoscientist Allyson Anderson Book would give to her 24-year-old self? Tune in and find out!

Mandy Gunasekara, Author, "Y'all Fired": Insights from the Former EPA Chief of Staff on Policy & Federalism

Bracewell — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:32:00 GMT

With election day one day away, Madam Policy welcomes Mandy Gunasekara, former EPA Chief of Staff during the Trump administration and author of Y'all Fired: A Southern Belle's Guide to Restoring Federalism and Draining the Swamp. Listen in as hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos talk with Mandy about her new book detailing her experience as a political appointee during the Trump administration, her role in Project 2025, and her biggest professional achievements, including developing former President Trump's strategy for exiting the Paris Climate Accords. Curious to hear more about Mandy's new book and what she thinks a second Trump administration could look like? Then tune in!

This episode is a part of the 2024 PRG Pulse campaign, an up-to-the-minute source on the issues that matter most for elections. For more information, visit https://www.policyresolutiongroup.com/prg-pulse/

Illinois Champion U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL): Bipartisan Leadership & State Fair Diplomacy

Bracewell — Thu, 04 May 2023 19:37:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) has just finished her first 100 days in office. Tune in to hear about her important work on behalf of Southern and Central Illinois, on the Farm Bill, and on rural and veteran healthcare. No stranger to Washington, DC, the Congresswoman brings to bear extensive policy and political experience gained at the highest levels of state and federal government, as well as over a decade of experience in the labor movement. The throughline of this important work? Advocating for working families. Her superpower? The ability to get things done.

Congresswoman Budzinski joins Dee Martin and the Congresswoman's Legislative Director John Lee to discuss the importance of negotiation and intentional bipartisanship in policymaking. Another key ingredient? State fair diplomacy! You don't want to miss the advice this smart and passionate policymaker would give to her 24-year-old self. Listen now!

Emory Debate Trailblazers Eugenia (Eu) Giampetruzzi & Grace Kessler: Quick Minds, Quick Words & Unstoppable Talent

Bracewell — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:11:00 GMT

In an activity awash with top minds and top talent, Eugenia (Eu) Giampetruzzi and Grace Kessler stand out as two of the best, brightest, and fastest collegiate debaters in the country. This pair of scholars from Emory University recently finished the 2023 debate season earning the award for second best partnership in the country for the regular season, culminating in a Final Four appearance at the prestigious National Debate Tournament championship. On top of that, Eu is the first woman to be crowned with the #1 individual speaker award at the national championship in back-to-back years.

Hosts Dee Martin and successful, former college debater David Bernstein sit down with Eu and Grace to talk about the high stakes-high reward ecosystem of collegiate debate. Grace and Eu also discuss how their finely honed debate skills translate into success in shaping policy across a spectrum of issue areas, including mental healthcare. Tune in to hear what advice Eu and Grace would give to their 50-year-old selves and take a listen to what the fast-paced and highly successful duo sound like using their debate voices!

Lauren Baer: Be Authentic, Organize IRL, and Run for Office!

Bracewell — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:59:17 GMT

Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson for the latest episode of Madam Policy featuring Lauren Baer! As Managing Partner of Arena, Lauren leads and trains the next generation of female, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ campaign staff and political candidates. In this week's episode, you will hear more about her work at Arena; what she learned from her prior experience as a senior advisor to two secretaries of State and as a candidate for U.S. Congress; why it's important to own your identity; and how she is using her platform to promote representation and diversity in the political arena!

Michele Jawando: Reimaging Global Philanthropy and Changing Impossible to Possible

Bracewell — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:26:10 GMT

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, Michele has intentionally mentored, taught, and created pathways for the women following in her footsteps. As Senior Advisor to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michelle became famous for her mentoring walks around Capitol Hill—a skill she learned from the amazing women in her family, like her aunt, Dame Lois Browne-Evans. Hear from Michele how Dame Browne-Evans, Bermuda's first Black woman lawyer who also served as Attorney General, reinforced Michele's commitment to community and equality. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they chat with Michele about creating diverse spaces, mentoring the next generation, modernizing global philanthropy, and changing impossible to possible.

Anne Marie Malecha, CEO of Dezenhall Resources: Strategically Navigating Hot Button Issues

Bracewell — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:08:00 GMT

Expert in crisis communications and brand building, Anne Marie Malecha, CEO of Dezenhall Resources, sits down with Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown to discuss how operations should drive high-stakes communications, the role of communications in politics and policy, and when and how a company should weigh in on hot button issues. Armed with a policy background and extensive experience advising clients on how to build strong brands, Anne Marie lays out critical questions companies should ask themselves before speaking about issues that affect their key audiences. Curious about the legal consequences of crisis communications? Wondering how a communications professional would objectively analyze Trump and Biden's performances in the recent presidential debate? Give this episode a listen!

Alexa Cole, Director, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, & Commerce: Leading Global Management of Marine Resources

Bracewell — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:49:00 GMT

Madam Policy is excited to welcome back the amazing Alexa Cole, Director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce. Hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos sit down with Alexa to talk about the work she is doing as she leads the U.S. government's efforts on global management of marine resources. Want to hear about Alexa's work combatting IUU fishing and forced labor or how Alexa navigates and negotiates international treaties? Then tune in!

PRG Summer 2024 Internship Class: "Always take advantage of every opportunity available"

Bracewell — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:28:00 GMT

Madam Policy host, Dee Martin, welcomes the latest batch of Policy Resolution Group (PRG) interns for the Summer 2024 semester, Jenna Bolonik, Margaret Hecht, Cooper Henson, Jenny Hu, Margaret Hutt, Joelle Rosenthal, and Kyleigh Voity. Dee and the interns discuss the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity available during the internship, constantly seeking out opportunities to learn, and more! The interns also talk about their favorite moments from the in-person D.C. internship including a U.S. Supreme Court Tour and a U.S. Capitol Tour, newsroom tours including NPR and Fox News, and more! Want to hear about the interns' favorite pieces of advice they received over the semester? Want to know what advice this next generation of policy makers would give to their 50-year-old selves? Then tune in!

Kema Ogden: Dispensing Cannabis, Dispensing Wisdom, Creating Community!

Bracewell — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:16:32 GMT

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 2014 when she co-founded Global Harmony LLC, the parent company of Top Notch The Health Center. What drives Kema? The opportunity to serve and create a culture of positivity for the community. Kema sat down with hosts Dee Martin, Yasmin Nelson, and Amber Dodds to discuss some of the most pressing issues currently facing the cannabis industry— including addressing gaps in legislation, advocating for expungement of arrests for certain types of cannabis offenses, and changing the narrative on cannabis. You won't want to miss this episode with the woman creating history and shaping policy in the cannabis and health industry!

U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16): The Importance of Using Our Voices in Our Democracy

Bracewell — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:22:56 GMT

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 creator Representative Escobar, the first woman elected to represent Texas 16 and the first of two Latinas from Texas to serve in the U.S. Congress. Since taking office in 2019, Representative Escobar has hit the ground running, working to resolve some of the most complicated issues currently facing Americans. But her fight on these issues, and for her community, did not start in Congress. A third-generation El Pasoan, the Congresswoman has a record of working tirelessly to find solutions for tackling issues in her community surrounding healthcare, immigration, and gun safety. Learn more about how she is using her platform to inspire the next generation of leaders, shape policy, and create history.

Carla Frisch: Tackling Climate Change, A Passion for Justice and Clean Energy

Bracewell — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 20:12:38 GMT

Carla Frisch is passionate about climate policy. A ten-year veteran of the Department of Energy, Carla brought this passion home when she rejoined the Department earlier this year as Acting Executive Director of the Office of Policy. Carla joined hosts Dee Martin and Christine Wyman on Madam Policy to discuss all things climate, both professionally and personally. In this episode you will hear: how national climate targets are driving DOE's comprehensive and all-in approach to climate; how clean energy technology and investments can drive the U.S. economy; the importance of climate provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and reconciliation process; and Carla's take on the value of staying true to your career goals and path. A must listen in advance of COP-26!

Camille Moore: Powerhouse Sr. VP for the American Association of Blacks in Energy

Bracewell — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 18:06:00 GMT

On this episode, Madam Policy welcomes a rockstar in the energy space, Camille Moore, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). From being a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Energy Fellow to an environmental Policy Advisor for the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to joining AABE during the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Camille is and has been at the center of the energy sector. Camille joins hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell to discuss the work AABE is doing around the country to ensure community voices are being heard within the energy industry; the work Camille is doing as a member of the SWEEP Standard board; and more. Want to hear Camille's advice to women of color wanting to advance in the energy field? Tune in!

COP28 in 8: Renewables Champion Lindsay Fitzgerald, Vice President of Government Affairs, GEVO

Bracewell — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:33:00 GMT

Top advocate for renewables and GEVO Vice President of Government Affairs Lindsay Fitzgerlad joined Madam Policy upon her return from COP28, sharing her insight and wisdom! As a leading renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company, GEVO's commitment to sustainability was front and center at COP28. Join host Dee Martin as she talks to Lindsay about her "aha" moment when the polices she's been championing were embraced by US and foreign leaders at the COP. Want to learn more about the role of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in decarbonizing air travel? The role of sustainable agriculture in lower emissions? What advice this trailblazing renewable champion would give to her 24 year old self? Tune in now!

** The COP28 in 8 series is a series where we have 8-minute conversations with the women involved with COP28 in Dubai.

**This was recorded on December 13th, 2023, and events may have changed since this recording.

IGNITE CEO Sara Guillermo: Sparking a Passion for Political Leadership in Young Women

Bracewell — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:45:19 GMT

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, young women find the tools and resources they need to step up and make change in their communities. In a conversation led by hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson, Sara discusses her meteoric rise to CEO of IGNITE and the role that Gen Z women can play in politics and important policy issues like student loan debt relief. Tune in to learn more about what Sara and IGNITE are doing to help motivate young women to become more civically and politically engaged. Also, Sara shares the story of her first time running for office. Hint: the story from her childhood election foreshadows what she does today. Don't miss this special episode of Madam Policy!

SisterMentors' Dr. Shireen Lewis: Celebrating 25 Years of Fighting for Education Equity and Shaping the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Bracewell — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 20:30:37 GMT

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 degrees? Tune in for the latest episode of the Madam Policy Podcast to hear from Dr. Shireen Lewis, Executive Director of EduSeed and Founder of EduSeed's SisterMentors Program. Shireen joined hosts Dee Martin and Rachael Marsh to discuss the origin story of SisterMentors, the successes of the program, and how the organization will celebrate its 25^th anniversary in September. The episode also features discussion of how Shireen's Trinidadian upbringing has influenced her views, what sparked her passion for education, and details of her writing career, including her upcoming book. Don't miss out on this episode with champion of education equity, Dr. Shireen Lewis.

Maebel Gebremedhin, Co-Founder & President, Tigray Action Committee: The Forgotten War

Bracewell — Wed, 08 May 2024 14:14:00 GMT

Women and children's rights activist, Maebel Gebremedhin, co-founder and president of Tigray Action Committee, shares the Tigrayan story of the conflict between the Government of Ethiopia, acting in alliance with Eritrea, and the Tigray People's Liberation Front on Madam Policy this week. Born in a refugee camp in Sudan, Maebel sits down with host Dee Martin to discuss the "forgotten war," conflict-based gender violence, and how her family background shaped her path in life. This episode spotlights the importance of women being involved in decision making processes, living by the mantra "if not me, then who?", and how drawing attention to an issue can create change. Tune in to learn more!

Donni Turner, Legislative Counsel, Sen. Michael Bennet: Political Powerhouse & Mentor

Bracewell — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:59:00 GMT

Political powerhouse and Legislative Counsel for Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Donni Turner, joins the Madam Policy Podcast to talk about her extensive experience in legislative advocacy, the importance of representation and mentorship in politics, and the impact of education policies in the United States. Hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao sit down with Donni to discuss her work shaping the College for All Act, the Cancel Student Loan Debt proposal, the Universal School Meals Deal, and the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Donni also shares valuable advice on negotiation and networking, emphasizing the need for women to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Curious about student loan policies, negotiating in the workplace, or advocating for diverse representation in Congress? Then tune in to learn more!

Hon. Mignon Clyburn, Chair (Fmr.), Federal Communications Commission: Trailblazer for Equality in Telecommunications & Artificial Intelligence

Bracewell — Fri, 17 May 2024 15:31:00 GMT

Madam Policy welcomes global leader and trailblazer in telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mignon Clyburn, former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Making history, Mignon was the first woman to serve as Chair of the powerful FCC.

Mignon joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell to discuss her journey to the top in an historically male-dominated field, the challenges and opportunities surrounding the widespread emergence of AI, her lifelong commitment to public service, and the work she is doing and has done to maintain an open and accessible internet for all.

Tune in to hear about how Mignon, daughter of Congressman James E. Clyburn, shaped her journey to the head of an executive agency through her experience at the South Carolina Public Service Commission and how mentorship has molded her path every step of the way.

Dr. Tarika Barrett: Creating the Code and Closing the Gap for Girls in Tech

Bracewell — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:37:02 GMT

Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson for a new episode of Madam Policy featuring Dr. Tarika Barrett! As CEO of Girls Who Code, Dr. Barrett leads the mission of inspiring more girls to become computer scientists and engineers. To date, 450,000 girls have gone through Girls Who Code programs. In this episode, you will hear more about Dr. Barrett's meeting with President Biden discussing improving the nation's cybersecurity; the work of Girls Who Code to close the gender gap in tech; and how she is using her platform to create the diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech field. If you can see it, you can be it!

Dr. Bhavya Lal, Associate Administrator for Tech, Policy, and Strategy (Fmr.), NASA: Exploring Space, Addressing Orbital Debris & Enjoying Golgappa!

Bracewell — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:34:00 GMT

"Learn to be a storyteller" is just one of the pieces of advice that the brilliant Dr. Bhavya Lal would give to her 24-year-old self. Dr. Lal and her analyses have been at the forefront of space policy for the past decade; she created and curated the role Associate Administrator for Tech, Policy, and Strategy at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and she was the first woman in 60 years to hold the position of acting chief technologist for NASA. She spent years in the private sector leading strategy technology assessment for The Institute for Defense Analyses. She has four degrees--three of which are from MIT--and she was nominated and selected to become a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Join hosts Dee Martin and chair of Bracewell's technology section Constance Rhebergen as they speak with Dr. Lal about her amazing work with space initiatives, policy, and technology. They discuss the potential between international collaboration on Space IP, the Artemis program, and the efforts to explore space beyond our moon. Ever wonder about the increasing commercialization of space? Thinking about orbital debris? Curious about whether the plot of Gravity is more feasible that we thought? Then this episode is for you! Or, if you just really love golgappa, like our guest and hosts do, then this episode is really for you! Tune in now!

Barbara Lee Family Foundation's Executive Director Amanda Hunter: Leading the Effort to Achieve Gender Parity in Politics

Bracewell — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:23:17 GMT

If we took every woman who has ever served as governor in American history and put them on a DC metro car, they would not only all fit, but also would get their own seat. This is compared to the more than 2,300 men who have served as governor. Amanda Hunter is on the frontlines of the efforts to change this picture. She serves as the Executive Director of the Barbara Lee Family Foundation, where she leads the Foundation's nonpartisan efforts to advance women's political equality and increase women's representation in state, local, and federal government positions. This week, Amanda joins hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they discuss the impact of the recent Dobbs decision on the midterms, advancing women of color candidates, internalizing failure, and more. Amanda's commentary is especially relevant, given the upcoming midterm elections. The Foundation's polling finds that 3 out of 5 women believe that November's election will be more important than most. Don't miss out on this new episode of the Madam Policy Podcast with Amanda Hunter, a leader in achieving gender parity in politics.

Societe Generale's Elena Robciuc: Leading & Financing the Clean Energy Transition

Bracewell — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 21:43:00 GMT

A 20-year veteran and leader in the energy finance space, Elena Robciuc spearheads Societe Generale's early-mover goals in financing decarbonization strategies, including carbon capture and sequestration, hydrogen, biofuels, and energy storage. As Managing Director and Houston Team Lead of Energy+ Group for one of the world's largest banks, Elena and her institution are working towards making a positive impact on sustainability and our clean energy future.

In this week's episode, join Bracewell partners Dee Martin and Stephanie Koo Song as they host Elena on Madam Policy. Is the Inflation Reduction Act a game changer? Is clean hydrogen a new asset class? How are banks doing their part to help achieve net-zero emissions? What are Elena's top tips for success for young professionals? And, what advice would Elena give her 24-year-old self? You'll learn something new in this episode—don't miss it!

G-Man Honors 10th Anniversary: FBIAA President Natalie Bara & Vice President Jen Morrow, Special Agents & Trailblazing Leaders

Bracewell — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 19:30:00 GMT

Earlier this year, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) made history by electing FBIAA President Special Agent Natalie Bara and FBIAA Vice President Special Agent Jen Morrow, the first female-duo, to lead the Association. The FBI Agents Association is a member organization representing current and former agents and focuses on three key areas: legal support, advocacy, and charitable foundations. This week, FBIAA hosts the 10^th annual G-Man Honors gala, a fundraising event for the Association's two key foundations. The Memorial College Fund pays the college tuition of children of Agents who die while employed by the Bureau, and the Membership Assistance Fund provides financial support in times of need for agents in the face of unexpected and often catastrophic situations.

Tune in as hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell sit down with Special Agents Bara and Morrow to discuss FBIAA policy priorities, the importance of supporting the FBI family, and offer important advice to young women thinking about becoming FBI Agents. Want to know what these Special Agents would be if they weren't in the FBI? How the FBIAA is advocating in the executive and legislative branches for current and former Agents? What advice these groundbreaking women would give to their 24-year-old selves? Listen now!

U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA): "Invite yourself to the party," Words of Wisdom from Trailblazer & Fierce Advocate for Washington's 3rd District

Bracewell — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:46:14 GMT

From a young age, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) dreamed of making a difference in people's lives. Now, as the first Hispanic Member of Congress from Washington state, she is living her dream. This fiercely independent advocate for her district, constituents, and the nation, sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee and co-founded the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus, the first of its kind in Congress. This week, Congresswoman Beutler joins hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos from the U.S. Capitol to tell her story about her journey to DC and her bipartisan leadership on maternal health, mental health, promoting American jobs, and more. Plus, she advises young people on how to get involved in causes important to them and explains why you need to "invite yourself to the party."

Dr. Morgan Dwyer, Chief Strategy Officer, CHIPS Program Office, U.S. Dept. of Commerce: Leading the $39 Billion Investment in the US Semiconductor Industry

Bracewell — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:58:00 GMT

Chief Strategy Officer for the CHIPS Program Office at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Dr. Morgan Dwyer, joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to talk about the critical work the CHIPS program does to ensure U.S. economic prosperity and national security. Dr. Dwyer highlights the work she's doing to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry and the importance of investing in local communities and workforce development programs. Want to hear about the journey that landed Dr. Dwyer to become the woman leading a $39 billion investment portfolio focused on semiconductor manufacturing and the advice she would give to her 24-year-old self? Then tune in!

Adamantine's Founder & CEO Tisha Schuller: Embracing the Energy Future & Optimism

Bracewell — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 21:27:00 GMT

What is "future proofing"? Hear from Tisha Schuller, an energy policy thought leader who is proactively helping companies navigate the rapidly shifting energy landscape. This week, Founder and CEO of Adamantine Energy and host of the Energy Thinks podcast, Tisha Schuller, breaks down her multifaceted approach to energy development, which faces an unprecedented set of challenges evolving at breakneck speed. Whether she's working with oil and gas companies to develop a path to a decarbonized energy future or advising environmental NGOs and Think Tanks, Tisha effectively collaborates to bring everyone into the energy future together.

Tune into Madam Policy this week with hosts Dee Martin, Christine Wyman, and Adriney Chepeian as they discuss Tisha's alternate approach to policy discussions, environmental justice, natural gas prices from a policy perspective, and the importance of having women represented at the highest levels. Also tune in to hear about Tisha's exciting, upcoming book, Real Decarbonization: How Oil and Gas Companies Are Seizing the Low Carbon Future. Stay for Tisha's top tips to her 24- year-old former hippie self!

National Grid Ventures President Cordi O'Hara: Innovative Clean-Energy Champion, Officer of the Order of the British Empire & Amazing Leader

Bracewell — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 13:23:18 GMT

As the world continues to prioritize a cleaner and more energy efficient future, large-scale clean energy projects have taken center stage. But who is behind the policy and implementation of these types of projects?

Meet Cordi O'Hara, President of National Grid Ventures—the unregulated, innovation arm of National Grid—and the woman leading the charge for developing and operating large-scale clean energy projects like offshore wind, solar, onshore wind, and transmission in the US and electricity connectors in the UK.

Cordi sat down with hosts Dee Martin and George Felcyn to discuss her pathway to becoming the President of National Grid Ventures and how her continuous work contributes to groundbreaking National Grid projects—like linking England and Norway through the world's largest subsea interconnectors (450 miles!) and supporting National Grid's plan to go fossil free by 2050. Don't miss this special episode of Madam Policy with Cordi, a 2019 Officer of the Order of the British Empire recipient, to learn more about how she shapes policy and creates history in the energy industry.

Lucy Caldwell, Political Strategist & Founder, Mockingbird Lab: Data-Driven Grassroots Activism

Bracewell — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:52:00 GMT

Political strategist and technology entrepreneur, Lucy Caldwell, Founder of Mockingbird Lab, joins Madam Policy to talk about her work mobilizing independent voters, advocating for structural reforms to make politics more competitive, and disrupting old school grassroots organizing with innovative technologies. Lucy sits down with Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to discuss the current state of political campaign technology and her focus on using data-driven strategies to drive voter engagement. Tune in for a healthy dose of political prognostication, too! Want to hear the toughest advice Lucy was told early on in her career? Tune in now!

Wendy Rabin, Founder of Wrabyn Boutique: From Wardrobe to Boardroom - Fashion's Role in Empowering Women & Driving Change

Bracewell — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:06:00 GMT

In this episode of Madam Policy, entrepreneur and fashion industry veteran Wendy Rabin, Founder of Wrabyn Boutique (wrabyn.com), joins hosts Dee Martin and Joelle Rosenthal to explore fashion's role in emboldening women and driving change. Wendy shares her insights on the evolution of the fashion industry, exploring topics such as the impact of clothing on confidence and personal branding through the lens of enclothed cognition. The conversation tackles several pressing issues in the industry including sustainability, the impact of sexism in design, and how women can claim a seat at every table through confident self-presentation. Need help building a timeless wardrobe or still confused about business casual? Want to know about the importance of buying better and wearing forever? Then tune in!

Self!sh: A "Playbook for Life" by Actor & Author Stephanie Szostak

Bracewell — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:33:00 GMT

Are you ready to take some time for yourself every day? Restore your confidence? Rejuvenate your mind? Then pick up your copy of Self!sh by actress and author Stephanie Szostak today! Self!sh is your personal playbook for your mindset. Stephanie calls it "your toolkit to cope and grow." Stephanie created Self!sh in collaboration with Give an Hour—a national mental health nonprofit focusing on providing direct counseling, peer support groups, and education. One thing that is absolutely NOT selfish about Stephanie is that a portion of the proceeds from her book go to Give an Hour.

Stephanie joins host Dee Martin to discuss her new book Self!sh, her struggles with anxiety, and her career. She shares about what led her to write Self!sh, highlighting her experience with loss and imposter syndrome as her career ramped up. She shares how those feelings led her on a journey to address how her self-worth is not tied to outside validation. Stephanie simultaneously inspires us and provides a pragmatic approach to developing tools to succeed in life.

Stephanie is an award-winning actor who played opposite Meryl Streep as French Vogue Editor Jacqueline Follet in the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada; she won Best Lead Actor – Female for her film Satellite; she played the villain Brandt opposite Robert Downey, Jr. in Iron Man 3 and so much more. She also starred in the ABC series A Million Little Things and now she is a new author! Don't miss this episode.

Kara van Stralen: Keeping a Close Eye on this Amazing Woman "to Watch in Tech"!

Bracewell — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 21:04:49 GMT

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, taking her experience and knowledge to the Centennial State in October 2021. Working as the Director of Policy and Research to Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Kara has skillfully maneuvered the transition from federal to state level politics. Kara has played a vital role in some of the most important technological issues of our time, including the implementation of FirstNet and working to bring high-speed broadband internet access to Coloradans. Along the way, she's mentored other women, sharing her institutional knowledge about successfully navigating complex political issues, building coalitions, and engaging stakeholders. Join us for a new episode of Madam Policy as hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson chat with Kara about how she has taken the tech policy world by storm and what she's doing to create pathways for other women.

Trailblazer & Author Robin Schepper on Finding My Way: A Memoir of Family, Identity and Political Ambition

Bracewell — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:10:00 GMT

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Trailblazer and author Robin Schepper is committed to transparency and democracy—two throughlines in her new memoir Finding My Way: A Memoir of Family, Identity and Political Ambition (release date April 18^th). Join hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles as they talk with Robin about why she shared her extraordinary life story and the importance of authenticity in doing so. They discuss the implications of overturning Roe v. Wade; the negative mental and physical effects of keeping secrets; and the importance of participating in the democratic process. Robin, who served at the highest levels of American politics and government for over three decades, offers practical and insightful advice, including sharing her Nana's sage words, "Life is short. Eat dessert first." This is one you don't want to miss!

Erin Lane: Plug Power's Voice for a Clean Hydrogen Economy

Bracewell — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 20:23:46 GMT

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 reliable, and Erin leads the company's work with the federal government to build a robust hydrogen ecosystem and economy. Thanks to this work, the US government is adopting policies to ensure that hydrogen energy is a reality today. Erin sat down with Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown to chat about the impact that geopolitical events—like the war in Ukraine—and domestic policies—like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—have on the US energy supply. The trio also discussed the importance of coalition building and clear messaging about the sometimes complicated topic of hydrogen energy. Erin is a leader, mentor, and friend who is an expert political strategist, coalition builder, and genuinely nice person. Listen in to learn about the progress and future of hydrogen, how Erin's work continues to positively impact our environment, and Erin's mentorship of future leaders of the industry.

New York Times Reporter & Author Emma Goldberg: Exploring the Future of the Workforce

Bracewell — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:03:00 GMT

Published author and award-winning journalist Emma Goldberg is on a mission: to understand why people do the things they do. Curiosity at an early age drove her to ask questions about human behavior, and the role of reporter provided the perfect vehicle for doing just that: asking people "why?". Now a highly-recognized business journalist at the New York Times, Emma covers the future of work. Why are 37-year-olds afraid of the 23-year-olds who work for them? What is "techlash"? How do you prepare if you are worried you might lose your job? Emma covers all of these hot topics and more on her beat and offers invaluable insight into today's workforce. And, her book, Life on the Line: Young Doctors Come of Age in a Pandemic, follows young doctors who entered the healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and received universal acclaim, including the Washington Post calling the book "essential reading."

Tune in to this week's episode as Emma sits down with hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to discuss the modern work force and the role young people have in it. They also discuss the trends in online/remote work, young doctors experiencing burnout from their pandemic practices, and the debate that rages over the use of Comic Sans—use it or not?

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Policy Powerhouses Nykarlis Santos Núñez & Jessica Vallejo

Bracewell — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:50:00 GMT

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Madam Policy welcomes Running Start alumnae Nykarlis Santos Núñez and Jessica Vallejo, political powerhouses and experts in legislative affairs and policy. Hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell sit down with Nykarlis and Jessica to highlight the vital contributions of Latina leaders in shaping policy, what it was like to go through Madam Policy alum Susannah Wellford's Running Start program which trains young women to join the political space, and the amazing work that Nykarlis and Jessica have done since the program. Spoiler alert, Nykarlis Santos Núñez is currently serving as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Agency of International Development and Jessica Vallejo is in her second year at the University of Pennsylvania's world-renowned Wharton Business School! Want to hear about Jessica's emotional experience being in Congress during the passing of the Dreams and Promise Act? Want to know about Nykarlis' journey from immigrant to Foreign Service Officer? Then tune in!

National Brain Tumor Society's Danielle Leach: Fighting Fiercely for Brain Tumor Patients, to Fund Better Treatment Options and to Find a Cancer Cure

Bracewell — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:06:26 GMT

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 over 20 years, Danielle has a track record of success in patient outreach and education, fundraising, advancing legislative and regulatory policies, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy for cancer research. In addition to her work for NBTS, Danielle is co-chair emeritus and current policy co-chair for the Alliance of Childhood Cancer, where she represents more than 25 national patient advocacy groups and professional medical organizations. To honor the memory of her son Mason, Danielle also co-founded the Mason Leach Superstar Fund to support childhood cancer patients and families. Danielle joined hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to chat about coalition building for advocacy, how she keeps the fire for this important work burning, and how she manages to intertwine her personal and professional experiences in her fight for patients and their families. This is an episode that you won't want to miss!

Jean O'Connor & Jerri Williams: Honoring FBI Agents & Recognizing Distinguished Service

Bracewell — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:41:10 GMT

FBI Special Agents put their lives on the line every day protecting our nation, and the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) represents those Agents and honors their service. In a special episode of Madam Policy, host Dee Martin spoke to Jean O'Connor and Jerri Williams, both of whom served our nation as FBI Agents and continue to serve the nation, the FBI, and the families of FBI Agents in their post-retirement careers. This week at the G-Man Honors: A Salute to FBI Heroes, FBIAA will honor Jerri with its Distinguished Service Award. Jerri highlights the FBI's mission through her podcast, FBI Retired Case File Review, her books and her blogposts, providing authentic portrayals of the FBI and the important work of Agents. This annual fundraising event benefits the two FBIAA charities the Memorial College Fund and the Membership Assistance Fund. In this episode, Jean, who now serves as the Executive Director for the FBIAA, gives listeners a personal account of how her work ties into the significance of remembrance and honoring our country's service members, especially on the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Don't miss this important and compelling episode!

Alexa Cole: Marine Stewardship Trailblazer…by Land, Water, or Zoom!

Bracewell — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 20:17:19 GMT

"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 colleagues in other countries and developing best practices for marine stewardship and resource protection. Balancing the interests of the U.S. government, industry, NGOs, and fisheries and as the Director of the Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce, Alexa negotiates treaties, harmonizes laws, and sets U.S. marine policy. Not only is she doing the work that she loves, but also she's often fortunate enough to do it just steps away from some of the best beaches in the world! So how does she do it? Alexa relies on her innate leadership skills and persuasive advocacy chops, and importantly, she values her team members and respects the individual knowledge that each person brings to the table. Learn how this globetrotter and sustainability champion manages to virtually engage other countries, even during the pandemic. Join hosts Dee Martin and Christine Wyman as Alexa walks them through all the facets of her important job, and how she is shapes policy everyday—policies that reach around the world.

Generation Hope CEO & Author Nicole Lynn Lewis: Creating a Better Future for Young Families

Bracewell — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 18:04:00 GMT

Renowned author and inspiring change-maker Nicole Lynn Lewis put herself through the College of William & Mary as a teen mother, starting as a freshman when her daughter was just three months old. Author of her memoir and NPR Best Book 2021 honoree, Pregnant Girl: A Story of Teen Motherhood, College, and Creating a Better Future for Young Families, Nicole has been named a CNN Hero and won the Roslyn S. Jaffe Award. She has appeared on CNN, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, and many others, and her journey has been covered in the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, TeenVogue, and the Chronicle for Higher Education. Now the Founder and CEO of Generation Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young parents and families succeed through all levels of education, Nicole is shaping policy and creating history every day. On the latest episode of Madam Policy, hosts Dee Martin, Yasmin Nelson, and Adriney Chepeian sit down with Nicole to discuss her journey overcoming obstacles as a young mother in college and how it inspired her to help others.

Tune in to hear Nicole talk about the intersection of race, cultural bias, poverty, and parenthood. Nicole also gives great advice on finding your cheering squad and knowing your own worth. Count Madam Policy as part of your cheering squad, Nicole!

Paula Young Shelton: Marching Towards Equality, Educating Our Youth and Writing for Change

Bracewell — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:05:50 GMT

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 educator and Author-in-Residence at Georgetown Day School. The daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, Paula grew up learning directly from Civil Rights giants like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Representative John Lewis. Now, Paula continues to carry the torch for creating change by writing, teaching and speaking about equality and justice. In this episode you will hear how social media affects activism; what's next for Paula in the fight for equality; and the evolution of the role of women in advocacy. Paula also shares details about her new book, which is coming soon! Finally, listeners get to hear the true impact of Paula's teachings as former student, Anjali Martin-Shanker, joins the conversation as a special guest host. Anjali's conversation with Paula creates a full circle moment as the two share details about how Paula's lessons are relevant to events that are happening today. This special episode is hosted by Dee Martin, Yasmin Nelson and Anjali Martin-Shanker.

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA): Leader for Iowa, Veterans' Healthcare & Energy Security

Bracewell — Mon, 15 May 2023 20:51:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) is a military veteran, a doctor, and a strong champion of ethanol, biofuels, and energy security. What listeners may not know is that the Congresswoman wanted to be a teacher and a series of events led her to a career as a doctor and now, a Member of Congress. Compassionate, passionate, and smart, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has parlayed her previous work into the work she does today, serving on the Veterans Affairs committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. A woman who has shattered the glass ceiling on a number of occasions, Representative Miller-Meeks is a trailblazer and role model for many.

Co-hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson sit down with Congresswoman Miller-Meeks to talk about veterans' mental health and the importance of creating a safe space for people who served. Of course, no conversation about Iowa is complete without a discussion of corn and the use of biofuels to reduce CO2 emissions, so tune in to hear more about her bipartisan legislation the Next Generation Fuels Act. Want to know what it takes to be an effective leader? Listen now!

Mission 89's Founder & Executive Director Lerina Bright: Leading the Effort to End Trafficking in Sport

Bracewell — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 19:41:00 GMT

Episode Description: TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a discussion on grooming and youth trafficking and exploitation. Listener discretion advised.

Lerina Bright spent years in sports management with international sports federations in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean. From there, she began her journey into ending human trafficking in sport. She soon founded and became Executive Director of Mission 89 and dedicated her life to ending exploitation of young athletes. An outspoken advocate, Lerina recently organized an event in New York during the 77^th United Nations General Assembly on the topic featuring her own remarks and those of Samuel Eto'o, world-famous soccer player, who spoke about the abandonment of young footballers.

With the backdrop of the FIFA World Cup currently taking place in Qatar, hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles sit down with Lerina to discuss the status of trafficking in sport and the risk to young athletes. Lerina discusses her recent work urging the adoption of a UN resolution and Mission 89's work emphasizing continued improvement through relationships and collaborations.

Don't miss out- take a listen!

Beth Brooke, Co-Chair of VERITY NOW: Making the Change to Prioritize Gender Equity

Bracewell — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:28:00 GMT

"You've been given gifts, use them" is the advice that Co-Chair of VERITY NOW and policy powerhouse Beth Brooke would give to her 24-year-old self. Beth has dedicated her career to creating an inclusive space for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to her work at VERITY NOW, an organization aimed at educating and advocating for gender equity in vehicle safety standards, Beth served as the Global Vice Chair of Ernst & Young, held multiple senior roles at the Department of the Treasury, and has chaired the Board of Vital Voices. This two-time delegate for the U.S. to the UN Commission on the Status of Women has been named one of Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women 11 times and has been vocal about the importance of differences in the workplace, whether it be professional or personal, and how it leads to a better product and working environment.

Tune in as hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles sit down with Beth Brooke to discuss how to become a "changemaker" in a world that deprioritizes gender and equity. From car safety standards to LGBTQ+ rights, Beth breaks down all the ways in which she has advocated for greater inclusion in professional spaces. Ever wonder about the accuracy of test dummies? Thinking about becoming more involved in advocacy? Or are you just really interested about Beth's rise to stardom as an Indiana basketball legend? Tune in to learn about all this, and more!

Nicole A. Elam, Esq., Banking on Change: Championing Inclusivity and Representation in the Financial Services Industry

Bracewell — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:55:32 GMT

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 more inclusive through increasing business opportunities, granting access to capital, and eliminating barriers for minority depository institutions. After starting her career in civil rights advocacy, she found a passion for helping underrepresented communities, which ultimately put her on a path towards public policy. Now, as a voice for change and an advocate for policy, Nicole's realm of experiences creates a full-circle moment making her uniquely positioned for her role. As a leader with so much responsibility, she offers advice on keeping a balance by staying present and keeping your priorities aligned with your passions.

Visionary Alaskan Leader Rachel Kallander: Founder & Ex. Dir., Arctic Encounter // CEO, Kallander & Associates

Bracewell — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:11:00 GMT

Born and raised in Cordova, Alaska, Rachel Kallander grew up with the motto "know who you are, know who you represent." Rachel carries that motto with her today, and it drives her work on behalf of Alaska and the Arctic. As the founder and executive director of Artic Encounter, Rachel convenes the largest annual Arctic policy and business conference in the U.S. today. With over 1,000 attendees this year—including Ambassadors, US Senators, dignitaries, indigenous and youth leaders—Arctic Encounter convened panels on important topics ranging from climate change, energy development, healthcare, and more. Also the founder and CEO of Kallander & Associates, Rachel works to effectively engage the issues and opportunities affecting Alaska and the Arctic through bipartisan policy development and creative collaboration. From working with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to owning and publishing the 114-year-old Cordova Times, Rachel's goal is to make sure that when it comes to Alaska and the Arctic, the health of the environment and the people are a key part of the conversation.

Rachel joins hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson to discuss her passion for the Arctic region and how growing up in a fishing family in Alaska anchors her mission. Tune in to hear about Rachel's journey form working with Senator Murkowski (R-AK) to becoming the publisher of Prince William Sound's oldest newspaper, the Cordova Times, established in 1914. And don't miss the story of being named an Honorary Consul to Alaska by the government of Iceland! Tune in now!

Jean Terranova, Senior Director of Policy and Research at Community Servings: Driving the Future of Nutrition & Food Security Policy

Bracewell — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:38:00 GMT

Leader in the "Food is Medicine" movement and nutrition advocacy space, Jean Terranova, Senior Director of Policy and Research at Community Servings, joins Madam Policy to talk about the future of nutrition and food security policy in the United States. Host Dee Martin and Jenna Bolonik sit down with Jean to discuss her work on the bipartisan Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) Home-Delivered Meals Demonstration Act, the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, and an amendment of Medicare and Medicaid to include coverage for MTMs. Want to understand more about how Community Servings caters their services to people experiencing a wide range of health challenges and food preferences? Curious about the progress, challenges, and benefits of expanding access to MTMs? Wondering how to get involved in volunteering and advocacy for food security? Tune in to learn about these issues and more!

Candace Buckner: Reporting Beyond the Scoreboard: Where Sports and Culture Intersect

Bracewell — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:35:01 GMT

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 stories need to be told. Cue Candace Bucker, a journalist who has reported on sports for twenty years and recently took on a new role as a sports columnist for The Washington Post. Candace's writing challenges the boundaries of athletics by diving into areas where sports and culture collide. Join hosts Dee Martin, Caitlin Sickles and Tarena Lofton for a conversation with Candace about how sports shape society, her transition from reporter to columnist, and what she is doing to ensure that more female Black journalists are successful in sports journalism. Don't miss this important conversation!

Dr. Nichole Wilson: Tackling Health Inequity and Being a Voice for Your Community

Bracewell — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 18:52:15 GMT

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 recently transitioned into her new role as the Vice President of Community Health Operations at Indiana University Health. Turning her passion for her community into purpose, Nichole has become known as an active mentor, leader, and healthcare advocate. In fact, Tarena Lofton, the editor and producer of the Madam Policy Podcast, benefited from her mentorship as a high school student participating in the Debutante Cotillion hosted by the Indianapolis chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and later as a member of the sorority. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they dive into how she is using her platform to uplift her community and build the next generation of leaders. Also, Tarena joins us as a host to share how Nichole's dedication to mentorship has played a role in her life.

Dr. Evelyn Wang, Director, ARPA-E & World-Renowned Mechanical Engineer: Driving High-Risk, High-Reward Energy Innovation

Bracewell — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:19:00 GMT

"Persistence and resiliency" are words to live by, according to trailblazer and innovator Dr. Evelyn Wang. During her successful tenure as Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), President Biden nominated Dr. Wang to lead the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the "crown jewel" and research arm of the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Wang and her team of brilliant inventers identify, develop, and fund disruptive energy innovations in their developmental stages. Tasked with thinking boldly and outside the box, ARPA-E is a catalyst for early-stage R&D. Having participated in ARPA-E's Energy Innovation Summit to now leading it, Dr. Wang is strengthening the community of industry leaders and innovators who share her passion for solving energy problems and powering the clean energy future.

Dr. Wang joins hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector to discuss her work as Director of ARPA-E and her experiences as a department head, beloved professor, and mentor at MIT. From geomechanical pumps to thermal batteries, Dr. Wang breaks down ARPA-E's process to transform early ideas into proof-of-concept demonstrations. Dr. Wang discusses the importance of supporting young innovators, especially women, and how women in STEM should reject "imposter syndrome" and instead "savor the spotlight." Tune in now!

AtomicMind's Founder & CEO Leelila Strogov: An Education Entrepreneur's Success Through Storytelling

Bracewell — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:39:00 GMT

True equality lies in access to excellent education. That belief led entrepreneur and trailblazer Leelila Strogov to create her own education platform that helps students get into top colleges. On this week's episode of Madam Policy, hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown sit down with Founder & CEO of AtomicMind, Leelila Strogov, to discuss the importance of celebrating children at every level, how collaboration is essential to successful education, and the importance of storytelling. An Emmy-nominated journalist and award-winning film creator, Leelila is keenly aware of the power of storytelling, and she shares her skills and craft with students to help them find and share their own stories during the admissions process.

What's her inspiration? Leelila talks about how the women and educators who helped her as a child inspired her to want to provide quality education to others. Tune in to hear how Leelila is revolutionizing the education technology world and why it is important not to judge children at a young age.

Also, stay tuned to hear about Leelila's first short film and what she has planned next!

U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09): Kicking Off CBC's Annual Legislative Conference!

Bracewell — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:01:00 GMT

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, inspired by her mother former New York City Council Member Dr. Una S. T. Clarke and a predecessor of her current congressional seat U.S. Representative Shirley Chisolm, has dedicated her life to public service. Congresswoman Clarke is the U.S. Representative for New York's 9^th district—a district that prides itself on being an immigrant port and mosaic of different cultural, ethnic, and belief backgrounds. Not only is Clarke the Representative for NY-09, but she was also born and raised in the district she now represents after her parents immigrated from Jamaica to attend school in Brooklyn. Clarke co-chairs the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security and has been a member of the Congressional Black Caucus since coming to Congress in 2007 and chairs its Immigration Task Force.

Congresswoman Clarke sits down with hosts Dee Martin and "forever team Clarke" former staffer Kendall Mitchell to discuss her work, her leadership, and her constituents. They discuss Representative Clarke's leadership within CBC and her policy priorities and roles during ALC. Want to know how to create systemic change? Tune in now!

U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA) on Being Brave, Finding Solutions, and Representing the Great 8th!

Bracewell — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 16:43:29 GMT

A text from a good friend sparked this week's guest to do what she describes as the bravest thing she's ever done: run for Congress. Now, U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA) uses her medical degree to shape healthcare policy as a Member of Congress. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they talk about creating history with the nation's first pediatrician elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Learn more about Rep. Schrier's unique journey to Congress and how she's using her platform to help prevent suicide, combat wildfires, recover economically from COVID, and much more! Her advice: Be brave and use your unique skills to address complex problems!

Award-Winning Author Mary Chung Hayashi, Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation

Bracewell — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:14:00 GMT

** TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a discussion of death by suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Award-winning author and former California State Assemblymember, Mary Chung Hayashi, is a trailblazer and a leading advocate for women's health. Throughout her career, Mary has shaped policy and created history. In 2006, Mary became the first Korean American woman elected to the California State Assembly. Mary is a fierce healthcare advocate, became the first director of the Asian Pacific Islanders for Choice and later founded the trailblazing National Asian Women's Health Organization.

Mary joins host Dee Martin to discuss her new book, Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation. Want to know how Mary and Dee might have crossed paths in the 90's? What is the "imagination barrier"? Can I still get this book for the women in my life before the holidays? Find out the answer to all of these questions and learn so much more!

Abbie Hodgson, PhD: Igniting Ambition and Accelerating Gender Parity in U.S. Politics

Bracewell — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:41:22 GMT

The Ascend Fund's Abbie Hodgson set an aggressive goal: achieve gender parity in U.S. politics by 2050. That's two decades earlier than if we maintained the current rate of electing women. Tune in to hear the plan! In a conversation led by hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson, Abbie also shares details about her journey running for office and how her experiences in a male-dominated field inspired her to build a pathway for women in politics. Believing diversity makes democracy stronger, Abbie is committed to recruiting more women run for office regardless of party affiliation. She uses the advice she would tell her younger self to inspire others—know your values, know your worth, and let your values guide your work!

To learn more about the show and send suggestions for future topics and guests, follow us on Twitter: @MadamPolicy

Midterms 2022 with Kristen Soltis Anderson! Keen Insight from Renowned Pollster, Author & Echelon Insights Founding Partner

Bracewell — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 21:46:00 GMT

"Data does not mean we know the future; it just means we can quantify our uncertainty." Kristen Soltis Anderson, renowned pollster and author, wrote that in her ground-breaking book The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America. Widely recognized for having her finger on the pulse of the electorate, some of Kristin's accolades include being one of Elle's "Most Compelling Women in Washington;" Time's "30 Under 30 Changing the World;" and Washingtonian's "100 Tech Titans."

A founding partner of Echelon Insights, Kristin sat down with the Madam Policy team to share her midterm 2022 insight with hosts Dee Martin, Yasmin Nelson, and Liam Donovan on this special episode discuss all things midterms 2022. Want to know which issue is more compelling for voters—reproductive choice or the economy? Tune in! What will happen in key Senate races in Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania? Tune in! What is the role of social media on the elections? Tune in! As the 2022 midterms are less than a week away, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

The Fuller Project's CEO & Co-Founder Dr. Xanthe Scharff: Elevating Voices and Raising the Bar for Women in Global Journalism

Bracewell — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 19:32:00 GMT

Dr. Xanthe Scharff, or Madam X according to her childhood nickname, has made it her goal to "bring people together and make space" for those not always at the front of the conversation. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Fuller Project, a global newsroom dedicated to reporting on women and publishing with leading outlets. Xanthe has also been recognized by the Leadership Center for Excellence as a Top 40 under 40 visionary leader, been honored with a Genius Grant from the Helen Gurley Brown Trust, and is the founder of Advancing Girls Education (AGE) Africa.

This week, Xanthe sits with hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector to discuss the importance of uplifting women's voices in journalism and partnering with local women reporters around the world to cover global stories. They also discuss social media's role in journalism and how the power of journalism can make an impact around the world.

Tune in to hear about the gender and racial disparities in healthcare and the workforce that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and more stories covered by Xanthe and The Fuller Project.

Lori Mihalich-Levin: Empowering New Parents & Changing the Workplace Culture

Bracewell — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 21:54:51 GMT

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 book Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave; co-hosts the Parents at Work Podcast, and founded Mindful Return—a movement that helps new parents navigate parenthood and the return to work after parental leave. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they dive into what drives Lori's passion to empower new working parents. This episode includes a discussion on parental leave in the United States; how to tackle the guilt that parents often face while trying to balance parthood and working; why taking steps to make your passions a reality is important; and how she is equipping parents with the tools they need to shape parental polices at their workplace. Also, Lori—who recently became a teacher on the Insight Timer app—gives some tips on how to incorporate meditation into our daily lives. This episode comes just in time for you to share some of Lori's products to a new parent for the holiday season!

Asha Rangappa: Combatting Disinformation, Tackling Terrorism, and Empowering Women

Bracewell — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:38:33 GMT

As a former FBI Special Agent who is now a CNN Legal and National Security Analyst, Senior Lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, attorney, and prolific writer, Asha Rangappa is a trusted and highly sought-after voice in the national security arena. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they chat with Asha about her exciting FBI career, how she manages the responsibility of her large social media presence, and how she uses her powerful voice to help amplify and inform others. Asha also shares the story of how she made history by becoming one of the first Indian American women to graduate from Quantico and how that almost didn't happen. You don't want to miss this episode!

Onward for Afghan Women Leader Lina Tori Jan: Honoring the Experiences and Supporting the Work of Afghan Women

Bracewell — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 18:27:00 GMT

Lina Tori Jan currently leads the implementation of Georgetown University's new Afghanistan Initiative, Onward for Afghan Women, elevating and supporting Afghan women leaders with opportunities to continue their advocacy on behalf of Afghan women and girls. Shaped by her experiences as an Afghan woman raised in Afghanistan, Lina has worked around the globe with companies, NGOs, and governments, assisting in their efforts to create a more just society. Lina holds a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Oxford, and a B.A. in Leadership Studies and Political Science from the University of Richmond. Lina is widely regarded as a champion for civic and social justice, as well as a fierce advocate for refugees.

Lina sits down with hosts Dee Martin and former PRG intern Anum Merchant to talk about her work at Onward for Afghan Women and its objective to highlight the expertise of these Afghan women and make sure their voices are heard in the global policy debate. They discuss the role of the United Nations and the current discussion about recognizing "gender apartheid" in Afghanistan based on the Taliban's rule and severe mistreatment of women and girls. Want to hear more from Lina on how "attentive leaders create a culture of grassroots empowerment"? Tune in now!

COP28 in 8: Cipher Founding Executive Editor Amy Harder, Top National Climate & Energy Reporter

Bracewell — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:00:00 GMT

Kicking off Madam Policy's COP28 in 8 series is Founding Executive Editor of Cipher and top national energy and climate reporter Amy Harder. Amy joins hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector from Dubai for the 28^th United Nations Climate Change Conference, better known as COP28. Get the inside scoop from Amy about hot topics from methane reduction measures, the "investment gap," the role of the oil and gas industry and more in this special episode of Madam Policy! Per usual, Amy is covering it all. Tune into this fast-paced episode and come back for the other quick convos that are part of our COP28 in 8 series.

** The COP28 in 8 series is a mini episode series where we have 8 minute conversations with the women involved with COP28 in Dubai.

**This was recorded on December 5th, 2023 and events may have changed since this recording.

COP28 in 8: Lisa Jacobson, Business Council for Sustainable Energy President and Energy Policy Powerhouse

Bracewell — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:41:00 GMT

President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and policy powerhouse Lisa Jacobson continues Madam Policy's COP28 in 8 series, joining us on "Gender Day"! Lisa talks with hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell while in Dubai for the 28^th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28. We check in with Lisa about BCSE's role as a 65-member trade association representing the energy efficiency, natural gas, and renewable energy industries on the world stage. We also hear more about BCSE's Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, the invaluable resource for government officials, stakeholders, and thought leaders. Want to hear more from this amazing woman who shapes policy every day to advance the clean energy transition? Tune in today!

** The COP28 in 8 series is a series where we have 8-minute conversations with the women involved with COP28 in Dubai.

**This was recorded on December 4th 2023 and events may have changed since this recording.

Living Everyday Ubuntu: Rev. Naomi Tutu & Author Mungi Ngomane

Bracewell — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:00:00 GMT

Kicking off 2024 and Black History Month, Madam Policy welcomes two amazing and recognized leaders for race, social justice, and gender equality, Reverend Naomi Tutu and Author Mungi Ngomane! Daughter and granddaughter of the honorable Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Naomi Tutu and Mungi Ngomane, author of Everyday Ubuntu, join hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell this week. Hear from Rev. Tutu about the importance of living through the struggle, as she did when she ultimately accepted her call to the ministry. Hear from Mungi about the Southern African philosophy ubuntu, "I am only because you are," and the smart, implementable lessons Mungi shares in her book, Everyday Ubuntu. Want to put a big smile on your face? Tune in to hear the mother-daughter dynamic duo talk about their pride in each other and a potential book in the works 👀.

Kim Corbin: Making Rules, Breaking Rules & Ruling Rules

Bracewell — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:05:01 GMT

Who rules Rules? Kim Corbin, that's who. After landing a congressional internship during college, Kim fell in love with Capitol Hill and has dedicated her professional career to creating life-changing policy. Today, from her office in the U.S. Capitol, Kim is the Senior Advisor for the powerful House Rules Committee. In this episode you will hear why Kim believes that mentorship is important and how she uses her knowledge to serve as a sponsor for many young professionals; predictions for the budget reconciliation package; advice that she would give to young women about navigating a career in politics; and more! Pro tip: grab a pen and paper for notes because Kim shares amazing advice during this episode!

* This episode was recorded on October 6, 2021.

Danielle Melfi: Elevating Voices of Change and Paving the Path for Creating History for SCOTUS

Bracewell — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:24:33 GMT

"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 for Senate, and as the Wisconsin Organizing Chief of Staff for Hillary for America, Danielle has a proven track record of fighting for and creating change. Now, as the Executive Director of Building Back Together (BBT), she's helping to make life-changing policies a reality by working to advance the Biden-Harris Administration's agenda and making sure the American people know what's happing in Washington. Danielle joined hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson to discuss her role at BBT and to give listeners an insider's view into the work behind one of the timeliest issues today: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to be nominated for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. With the chance to make history on the line—as the U.S. prepares for the confirmation hearings for Judge Jackson—Danielle's work with BBT is essential. This is an episode of Madam Policy that you don't want to miss!

Celebrating 100 Episodes! U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Science and Innovation Dr. Geri Richmond: A Trailblazer Who is "Relentlessly Pleasant in the Face of Adversity"

Bracewell — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:30:00 GMT

Madam Policy is 100! We're celebrating Madam Policy's 100^th episode and no better way than hosting trailblazer Dr. Geri Richmond, DOE's Under Secretary for Science and Innovation! The brilliant physical chemist Dr. Richmond leads the Office of Science, the nation's largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences; DOE's applied R&D areas of nuclear, fossil, and renewable energy, and energy system integrity; and the DOE national laboratories and their facilities. Dr. Richmond has been honored by numerous awards including the National Medal of Science, the Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society, and the Linus Pauling Medal Award. Deeply commitment to the advancement of women in science, Dr. Richmond is the founding director of a grassroots organization called COACh that has helped over 25,000 women scientists and engineers in career advancement in the U.S. and in dozens of developing countries globally.

Hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown are joined by the Under Secretary to discuss the Department of Energy's role in supporting the US's advancement in energy, science, and technology. Want to learn about the nation's top priorities for advancing the Clean Energy Transition? Want to hear our thoughts on the themes of the bestselling book Lessons in Chemistry and how it ties into Dr. Richmond's real life work empowering women in STEM? Want to know what advice the Under Secretary would give to her 24-year-old self? Tune in to our monumental 100^th episode now!

"Buckle Up!": Kristi Rogers, P2P Co-Founder & Managing Partner, on Life as a Leader & National Security Expert

Bracewell — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:03:00 GMT

When Kristi Rogers sees a problem, she feels compelled to find a solution. Kristi does it all: not only is she the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Principal to Principal, but also she is a leading risk management expert functioning at the intersection of geopolitical stability, corporate leadership, and crisis communications. This serial and successful start-up CEO has over 25-years of experience accumulated through her service in senior roles in the federal government and leadership on the boards of publicly-traded companies.

This week, Kristi chats with hosts Dee Martin and Executive Director of the FBI Agents Association, friend of Madam Policy, and previous guest Jean O'Connor, about the importance of learning from life's work. Hear about Kristi's time in Iraq serving as federal official, the founding of her successful companies, and leading conversations with women leaders in Ukraine and Iran. Want to know more about the solutions for global supply chain disruptions? Semiconductors? The threat China poses? Cybersecurity risks? Tune into this episode because Kristi has thoughts on—and policy solutions for—all of them!

Also, you don't want to miss the advice she would give her 24-year old self and what fascinating books are on her nightstand!

Toni-Marie Higgins, Chief of Staff, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR): Words of Wisdom from a Capitol Hill Pro!

Bracewell — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:55:00 GMT

"Be open to new and different opportunities along the way"—sage advice from Toni-Marie Higgins, Chief of Staff to Sen. John Boozman (R-AR). With an impressive tenure of over two decades on Capitol Hill, Toni-Marie has worked her way up from Staff Assistant to Chief of Staff, only 1 of 32 women to hold this prestigious position in the Senate. Toni-Marie's work is widely recognized. She was named a John C. Stennis Congressional Staff Fellow, and she co-leads the bipartisan group of female Chiefs of Staff and Staff Directors. Last year, she was part of an important team dedicated to supporting democracy through election observation in Kenya.

Tune in as hosts and Arkansans Dee Martin and Shelby Kelley sit down with Toni-Marie Higgins to discuss how "bipartisanship is still very much alive in the halls of Congress if you look hard enough." Hear how Toni-Marie balances between the policy and politics, elevates female leaders across Congress, and aims for bipartisanship. Perhaps most importantly, hear about the Boozman Team's important work for the great state of Arkansas! Want to hear about the Farm bill, what makes a good Hill staffer, and how to make great pasta? Listen now!