Journeys to Leadership

In this captivating episode of Journeys to Leadership, Mary Pat Matheson, CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, shares her incredible journey from her adventurous childhood to leading one of the nation's top botanical gardens. Discover how serendipity, resilience, and calculated risks led her to transform the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a world-class destination, spearheading a groundbreaking expansion with sustainability at its core. Mary Pat reveals the power of mentorship, the importance of connecting people to nature, and the essential role leadership plays in tackling global challenges like biodiversity and climate change. Tune in for an inspiring story of bold innovation and visionary leadership.

On this episode of Journeys to Leadership, join President Zak as she delves into the remarkable leadership journey of Jennifer Grant Warner, the President and CEO of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Jennifer shares her unique path from a small-town upbringing to leading one of Atlanta's premier science institutions. Learn how she has transformed the museum’s programming, guided it through the pandemic, and spearheaded innovative STEM initiatives, all while staying rooted in empathy, curiosity, and community impact.If you’re passionate about leadership, nonprofit management, or the intersection of science and education, this episode is for you. Jennifer’s insights on taking informed risks, evolving organizational strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation provide invaluable lessons for leaders at all levels.

In this episode of Journeys to Leadership, Agnes Scott College president Leocadia Zak interviews Penny Rogers Collins, a trailblazing IT executive and advocate for women in STEAM. Penny reflects on her unlikely path from a single mother struggling to make ends meet to becoming a highly respected leader in technology. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of learning. She shares how she found her footing in tech, one library visit at a time, driven by a commitment to self-improvement and an unyielding belief in her potential.Throughout the episode, Penny emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community. She discusses her passion for supporting women and girls in STEAM and how she has dedicated her career to lifting others, including creating a program for single mothers to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Her candid reflections offer invaluable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and the power of continuous learning. Tune in for a compelling conversation that shows how perseverance through adversity can create extraordinary success.

In this compelling episode of Journeys to Leadership, President Leocadia Zak sits down with Veronica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. From aspiring recording artist to influential business leader, Veronica shares her transformative journey of self-discovery and resilience. Learn how she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship, championed small businesses, and advocated for minority communities in the corporate world.Veronica’s story is one of perseverance, She offers powerful insights on embracing your “jolt moments” — those pivotal times that redefine your path. Whether it’s overcoming personal setbacks or challenging societal inequities, Veronica’s message is clear: true success comes from leading with purpose and authenticity. Tune in to explore how Veronica’s strategic vision and commitment to empowering others have made her a driving force in Atlanta’s business community.

In this inspiring episode of Journeys to Leadership, Agnes Scott College President Leocadia Zak sits down with Carol Tomé, the current CEO of UPS. Carol shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Jackson, Wyoming, to becoming one of the most respected leaders in global logistics. Tune in to hear Carol's thoughts on risk-taking, leading with authenticity, and the importance of developing future leaders. From her early career in finance to her transformative years at Home Depot and UPS, Carol's story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to creating value, having fun, and kicking ass.

In this powerful episode of Journeys to Leadership, President Zak sits down with Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, co-founder and Chief Gratitude Officer of Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit organization providing emergency assistance to food service workers. Jen shares her inspiring story of perseverance, community building, and how she turned personal tragedy into a beacon of hope. Jen’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and leadership with purpose.

Meet Dr. Maxine Cain, an accomplished People Leader dedicated to transforming the lives of women business leaders and entrepreneurs in STEM fields. As a senior human resources expert and innovative entrepreneur, Dr. Cain is recognized for her pioneering approaches to business, strategy, diversity, equity, inclusion, and STEM.Dr. Cain is the Founder & President of STEM Atlanta Women, Inc., a non-profit 501c (3) organization committed to Enlightening, Educating, and Empowering women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This organization focuses on providing insights into the global opportunities in STEM and cultivating the essential skills required for success in the 21st Century.Her academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Cain also holds a Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D) in Humanitarianism, recognizing her notable contributions and achievements of national and global significance in humanitarian and community-building efforts related to STEM Education and Training.Notably, Dr. Cain has been honored with President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional commitment, contributing over 4,000 hours of community service to STEM Education and Training. Dr. Cain's mission is to challenge unconscious bias in the tech industry and narrow the gender gap in STEM. Listen as Dr. Maxine Cain shares her vision and journey for a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM.

In this episode, we feature Rachel Wilson '05, currently the Managing Partner at The BFM Fund, after her role as Principal and Head of Operations at Collab Capital. With over a decade of international experience spanning industries such as Food & Beverage, Automotive, Tech, Healthcare, Music, Fashion, and Media, Rachel is a seasoned professional. During her tenure at Collab Capital, a prominent VC Firm based in Atlanta, GA, she spearheaded VC operations and fund governance processes. This encompassed responsibilities like investor relations, fund reporting oversight, impact metrics strategy, and comprehensive governance, including legal and HR aspects.Rachel is not only a business leader but also a passionate advocate for mental wellness. For more than seven years, she has chaired the Board of Omnis Health Life Wellness Center, her family's behavioral health treatment center. Her academic achievements include a B.A. in Economics & Business from Agnes Scott College and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, Rachel is actively involved in advancing opportunities for Black women in venture capital. She serves on the board of Black Women in Venture Capital (BWiVC), a nonprofit committed to supporting careers in venture capital and capital access networks for Black women. Additionally, she is recognized as a 2023 NAIC Women In Alternatives UP Fellow and Margaret Atwood Practical Utopias Fellow.This recording reflects Rachel's tenure as the Principal and Head of Operations at Collab Capital. She now serves as Managing Partner at the The BFM Fund.

Rickey Bevington is an Emmy award-winning journalist and the dynamic President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. Graduating magna cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University with a degree in Comparative Literature, Rickey has established herself as a distinguished personality in the media landscape.Recognized as the "Best On-Air Personality" by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, Rickey was the acclaimed host of National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered" in Atlanta. Her extensive career includes interviews with icons ranging from filmmakers to singers and world ambassadors, earning her prestigious awards such as the Edward R. Murrow Awards, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast (EMMYS), and accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists and Public Radio News Directors, Inc.Rickey Bevington was also featured for her impactful leadership in the "40 Under 40" lists by Georgia Trend Magazine and the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2015 and 2016. Beyond her role as a journalist and broadcaster, Rickey is a multifaceted individual— a public speaker, advocate, and so much more.

Dr. Eloisa Klementich CEcD is the President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. She has successfully created programs, initiatives, and policies in support of equitable economic growth and community empowerment objectives. She has significant experience in small business, economic and community development, operational efficiencies, problem-solving, and financial stewardship. Dr. Klementich is a motivated team builder with strategic, innovative, and tactical economic development expertise supported by strong qualifications in business, policy, public relations, marketing, operations, financing, implementation, community engagement, partnerships, real estate, policy, and management. She received her BS in Political Science from Pitzer College, a Masters in Urban Planning and Latin American Affairs from UCLA, and her PhD from the University of La Verne.

Rachel May is the Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, GA. She has directed over 25 productions for Synchronicity Theatre. Her directing work has been seen in and around Atlanta at Actor’s Express, Aurora Theatre, Theatre Gael, Dad’s Garage, and the University of Georgia.  In addition to her executive role at Synchronicity, she actively teaches and leads workshops across Atlanta, and has made a tremendous impact on the theatre industry across the city.

Katherine Saez is a 22-year Truist veteran and serves as Truist's Georgia Regional President. She received her BSBA from the University of Florida and her MBA from Georgia State. She serves as the senior leader in the Georgia Market. She is responsible for directing and integrating client management business development efforts with privately-held companies operating in business banking, commercial, middle market, and commercial real estate, as well as nonprofit and governmental entities.

NAACP Image Award Nominee Lynae Vanee is a multifaceted performer, poet, influencer, writer, and actress hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Spelman College and Boston University with a Master's Degree in African American Studies, Lynae uses her digital platformsto speak on race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity. Lynae's viral videos have garnered over 20 million views across platforms and have garnered the attention of several celebrities, major networks, and the general public. Highlighted in the LA Times and Bustle, Lynae has built her brand on "keeping it black but keeping it brief," offering critical context on today's issues in a succinct and stylized manner. Lynae has collaborated with various brands such as Meta, Target, Revolt, Tommy Hilfiger, and Netflix, to name a few. She has also been a featured guest on the MSNBC program The Cross Connection with Tif any Cross and appeared in the 2021 Amazon Prime television special "Yearly Departed".

Heidi Rew is a Georgia native. She is a national voiceover talent, actress, host, and former radio DJ. She has worked in multiple markets, with nearly a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. She specializes in commercial, Industrial/Narration, and Promotional voiceover. Her work can be heard in commercials for various companies, including AutoNation, GE, Hallmark, Jiffy Lube, Build-a-Bear, Subway, and Belk, to name a few. She is also the co-owner of Atlanta Voiceover Studio, which was founded to develop and raise the level of VO talent in Atlanta and beyond.Our guest is leading with her heart and making a positive and inspiring impact in entertainment while working to have a thriving freelance career in the industry, co-owning a small business, and leading a team. Her journey has had challenges, but she leads with resiliency, consistency, and positivity! Please join me in welcoming Heidi Rew!

Loretta J. Ross is an activist, public intellectual, and scholar. She has written about and advocated for reproductive justice and the history of African American women. Ross started her career in activism in social justice in the 1970s, working at the National Football League Player's Association, the DC Rape Crisis Center, the National Organization for Women, and the National Black Women's Health Project.The Center for Democratic Renewal, the National Center for Human Rights Education and Sister Song, Women of Color, and Reproductive Justice Collective until retiring as an organizer in 2012 to teach about activism. She's an associate professor at Smith College and graduated with a women's studies degree from Agnes Scott College.She has dedicated her life and has traveled worldwide speaking on reproductive justice, appropriate whiteness, human rights, violence against women, and calling in the call-out culture. As Loretta describes in her TED Talk, she shares strategies that help challenge wrongdoing while creating space for growth, forgiveness, and maybe even an unexpected friend.This is Loretta J Ross' journey.

Dr. Saycon Senglboh '00x is a tony award-nominated and award-winning actress with a gift for dramatic storytelling and soaring vocal prowess. An Atlanta native of Liberian descent, she is passionate about the power of education, as evidenced by her service on the board of the Monrovia Football Academy, the first school in Liberia to combine formal education with the development of careers in professional soccer. Saycon currently stars in ABC's reboot of "The Wonder Years" as Lillian Williams, and she has also played the role of FBI agent Angela Webster in ABC's "Scandal" and Erma Franklin in "Respect." Appearing in nearly a dozen Broadway productions, she starred opposite Lupita Nyong'o in the production "Eclipsed" in 2016, earning a major award from the Drama Desk and a Tony nomination for her performance. She also holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to perform the role of Elphaba in the internationally renowned Broadway musical "Wicked."Saycon has a determined spirit and has taken many strides to achieve a successful career in the entertainment industry, and she is just getting started! This is her story.

Layli Miller-Muro has been a powerful influence and an active leader in getting justice and creating change for women worldwide. She founded the Tahirih Justice Center, serving as the Chief Executive Officer for over 20 years. She has led the organization in its service to over 30,000 women and girls while promoting the further development of laws to protect women. She has received numerous honors for her work, including being named one of the “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2012” by Goldman Sachs, one of the “150 Fearless Women in the World” by Newsweek Magazine/Daily Beast, and receiving the 2008 Excellence in Chief Executive Leadership Award of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, recognizing her innovation, integrity, and leadership. She served as an attorney at the law firm of Arnold & Porter and an attorney-advisor at the U.S. Department of Justice Board of Immigration Appeals. She received her B.A. in Political Science and Anthropology from Agnes Scott College and her J.D. and M.A. in international relations from American University.

Chanel Frazier is BlackRock’s Global Head of Business Strategy for the Portfolio Management Group (PMG) & Head of the Atlanta Innovation Hub. Originally from New York, she is taking the city of Atlanta, GA by storm. She is an internationally renowned strategist, as well as anattorney, public speaker, and innovative leader. She earned her A.B. in Government from Dartmouth College, her Juris Doctor from theUniversity of Virginia School of Law and her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from New York University School of Law.Chanel Frazier is a sought-after thought leader on topics such as innovation and sustainable development and she is taking the meaning of leadership to a new level. This is her story.

Dr. Andrea Abrams '93  has a B.A. in sociology and anthropology from Agnes Scott College, a Masters in anthropology, a graduate certificate in women’s studies, and a Ph.D. in anthropology from Emory University. She currently serves as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Centre College and was the commencement speaker this past spring. Through the support of her family, belief in herself, and the courage to try despite not knowing what the outcome may be, Dr. Abrams has gone through quite the journey and she's just getting started.

Venessa Harrison is the President of AT&T Georgia. She is responsible for developing the overall strategic direction of AT&T’s public policy, economic development, and community engagement activities across the state of Georgia. She is committed to helping make a difference in the community and in the lives of others and has a passion for driving positive impact and social equity. Listen to her interview with President Zak as she tells us her journey from starting as a telephone operator to assuming the role of President through the power of "Faith, Education, and Hardwork."