Aarna's News | Inspiring and Uplifting Stories of Women In STEM

Join me, Aarna Sahu, on a captivating journey with Iris Guo, Product Manager at Arteria AI, as we delve into her impactful roles at Scale AI, Studdy AI, Google X Robotics, and Microsoft Accessibility. Iris, a tech dynamo and social entrepreneur, unveils her experiences leading two non-profits, guiding a team of 60, and raising $42,000 for 3k free meals at OpenMeal. Discover Iris's passion for building products with scalable social impact and be inspired by her commitment to making a positive mark both within and beyond the tech industry. This episode is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of women in tech. 🌐✨🎧

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In our latest episode, we're joined by Kathy Nelson, host of the Ordinarily Extraordinary Podcast Channel, as we explore the transformative power of support systems, learning when to react, and finding your village. Discover how a strong support network can be your safety net, and learn the art of reacting with purpose and building emotional intelligence. Dive into the profound sense of belonging that community provides, and understand how these lessons are the foundation of resilience and personal growth. Tune in and join the conversation with Kathy Nelson on their significance in your journey.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into the dynamic career journey of Amy Slater. With her invaluable wisdom, Amy challenges the notion of a linear career path, sharing how taking a step back or exploring lateral opportunities can lead to remarkable growth.

Discover the power of networking and curiosity as Amy emphasizes the importance of reaching out, asking questions, and seeking mentorship. She also debunks stereotypes about sales, shedding light on the profession's need for education and integrity.

Amy's advice goes beyond careers, reminding us to embrace the present, be patient, and not rush through life. Your journey is unique, and this episode will leave you inspired to make it an exciting adventure.

Tune in for a dose of career insights and personal growth inspiration that can reshape the way you navigate your own professional path. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from Amy Slater! 🚀

Join us for a captivating podcast episode as we dive into Kavitha Veluswamy's incredible career voyage, traversing tech, leadership, and authenticity. Gain insights into connecting work with larger visions, the dynamic influence of mentors, and debunking leadership myths. Explore the art of purposeful learning and its role in personal growth. Kavitha's journey will empower you to fearlessly shape your path, navigate change, and create a meaningful impact. Don't miss this illuminating discussion on career evolution, leadership, and self-discovery.

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🎙️ Join us on Episode 60 of Aarna's News as we feature the inspiring journey of Faye Ellis, Principal AWS Training Architect at A Cloud Guru. From an English major to a Cloud Computing guru, Faye's career debunks IT myths, showing that diverse interests thrive in the industry. Discover the power of goal-setting and continuous learning as she shares key lessons that helped her combat imposter syndrome and gain recognition for her expertise. Don't miss this empowering episode celebrating women in tech and the trailblazing achievements of Faye Ellis in the ever-evolving world of cloud computing! 🚀💡 #WomenInTech #CloudComputing #CareerJourney #Inspiration #AarnasNews

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Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Natalie Young, Co-Founder, CTO, and Head of Digital Marketing at Jetson. From hardware engineer to empowering teens with financial literacy, Natalie's journey exemplifies the power of embracing the unknown. She shares the importance of a growth mindset, debunking the myth of needing all the answers before starting, and encourages stepping outside comfort zones for new opportunities. Tune in for valuable insights, empowering stories, and a dose of motivation on the path to success.

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Join us in this captivating episode as we explore Carrie Armel's extraordinary journey in Cognitive Science. Discover her secrets to success through work-life balance and goal-setting. Let's debunk myths about user research and uncover invaluable insights that have shaped Carrie's impactful career. Tune in now!

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Minal Mehta, the entrepreneurial and data-informed General Manager and CEO of AllTakes. In this episode, Minal takes us on her remarkable career journey, highlighting the power of intuition, hard work, and finding balance. From initially pursuing a pre-med track to following her instincts and transitioning to Computer Science, Minal discovered her passion for building amazing products and working on business strategy. She shares invaluable insights on the importance of curiosity and hard work in a rapidly evolving world, emphasizing the transformative nature of embracing failures and fostering resilience. Minal also challenges the myth that success requires constant work, instead advocating for finding balance, rest, and space for thinking. Tune in to gain wisdom and inspiration from Minal Mehta's incredible story, and learn how to shape your own path to success.

Join industry experts, trailblazers, and advocates, including Ronit Polak, VP of Engineering at Exabeam and President of Women in Cybersecurity Silicon Valley Affiliate, as we explore strategies for overcoming gender bias in the workplace. Gain insights into personal stories, challenges faced by women, and practical solutions to foster equality and create inclusive work environments. Let's shatter the glass ceiling and empower everyone to thrive. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode!

In Episode 55, we are thrilled to feature Magdalini Eirinaki, a renowned professor in the Computer Engineering Department at San Jose State University. With expertise in machine learning, data mining, and deep learning applications, Magdalini shares valuable insights on lifelong learning, the reality of being a professor, the importance of networking and mentorship, and the enduring value of fundamentals in the ever-evolving world of technology. Join us as we delve into Magdalini's remarkable career journey and gain invaluable wisdom to propel our own paths in the world of computer science and academia.

What You'll Learn:

• How to become a lifelong learner.
• The reality of being a professor.
• Why networking and mentorship are so important in academia---and every field in the world.

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In this episode, we delve into an inspiring conversation with Nita Singh Kaushal, Founder of Miss CEO and Lecturer at Stanford University. Nita shares her career journey, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration, especially for women in STEM and leadership. We explore practical tips for success, debunk common myths, and discover the power of embracing diversity. Join us to gain insights and be motivated to make a positive impact in your own journey!

What You'll Learn:

1. The importance of taking action and trying new things.
2. The significance of diverse experiences and backgrounds.
3. The power of mentorship and sponsorship.

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Join host Aarna Sahu in this captivating episode as she explores the powerful intersection of communication and technology with guest Lauren Allison, the Executive Director & Public Diplomacy Advisor and part of the UK Fulbright Alumni Advisory Council Board. Unveiling her career path from politics to tech, Lauren debunks the myth that technology is overly complex, emphasizing how it amplifies human nature. Discover insights on building strong teams, mastering time management, and finding joy along the career journey. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on the transformative role of technology in our lives and careers. #Podcast #Communication #Technology #CareerJourney #Inspiration

What You'll Learn:

• Career paths can evolve.
• The importance of hiring and building a team.
• Technology is accessible and adaptable.

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Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Lochan Alagh, Executive Director at FalconX. Discover the secrets to STEM success: continuous learning, adaptability, and the power of networking. Debunking common myths and exploring interdisciplinary collaboration, Lochan shares valuable resources to stay updated in the ever-evolving STEM field. Tune in for actionable insights and motivation on your own STEM journey.

What You'll Learn:

• The importance of being open to learning and acquiring new skills.
• The significance of networking.
• The importance of pursuing your own interests and taking care of your well-being.

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Welcome to Episode 50!! Thank you so much for being a part of Aarna's News and listening to this thriving platform in bridging the gender gap in STEM!

If you're a person who constantly thinks these 2 questions...

1. How can I navigate my career path in a way that aligns with my passions and aspirations?
2. What strategies can I employ to overcome challenges and setbacks in my professional journey?

Then fear not, for this episode is truly one to be heard!

In this captivating episode of Aarna's News, we dive into the extraordinary career journey of Kirthiga Reddy. From her early days in a Silicon Valley HPC company to becoming the first female Investment Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, Kirthiga's story is filled with remarkable accomplishments and unexpected turns. Tune in as she debunks the myth of a cookie-cutter formula for success, shares valuable insights on embracing career twists and turns, and emphasizes the power of a supportive network. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to carve your own path towards success. Don't miss this empowering episode of Aarna's News!

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How can individuals stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in the ever-evolving field of technology? What are some effective ways to overcome challenges and obstacles in a technology career?

Join us on Episode 49 of Aarna's News as we feature the incredible Mercedes Soria, Executive Vice President and Chief Intelligence Officer at Knightscope. In this captivating episode, Mercedes shares her inspiring journey in the world of technology, breaking barriers and defying stereotypes along the way. Discover the power of curiosity and adaptability in the fast-paced tech landscape, and gain practical tips to overcome challenges and excel in a technology career. Get ready to be motivated and empowered by Mercedes's story of resilience and determination. Tune in now to Aarna's News and let's bridge the gender gap in STEM together!

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What does it take to transition from being a college student to a successful tech entrepreneur? How can you navigate the complex and ever-evolving tech industry?

In this episode, we delve into Nicole's remarkable career journey, starting from her early fascination with neuroscience and her surprising discovery of a passion for coding. As she shares her story, listeners will gain insights into the pivotal moments that changed the trajectory of her life. Nicole's experience defies conventional expectations and serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. Through her guidance, listeners will gain practical strategies to navigate the startup world and thrive in the tech industry.

Join us as we explore the vital factors that propelled Nicole from a college student to a successful co-founder and CTO. From the power of decision-making to the significance of embracing feedback and building a strong network, Nicole reveals the insights that have shaped her professional journey. Through her experiences, listeners will discover the transformative impact of self-awareness, continuous learning, and taking calculated risks.

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In this inspiring episode, we dive into the world of engineering leadership and gender diversity in the tech industry with our special guest, Sukrutha Bhadouria. As the Director of Engineering at Salesforce and the Chief Technology Officer at Girl Geek X, Sukrutha is a passionate advocate for changing the world for girls and promoting gender diversity in technology. Join us as Sukrutha shares her remarkable career journey and the importance of enjoying your studies or work to excel in your chosen field. She debunks the myth that expertise is always a prerequisite for success and encourages taking risks to pursue a path that brings true happiness. Get ready for invaluable insights and advice on navigating the tech industry, seizing opportunities, and leveraging your strengths. Tune in to this episode to gain inspiration and practical tips from Sukrutha Bhadouria's wealth of experience and leadership in engineering. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that aims to eliminate the gender gap in STEM fields and uplift women in tech!
What You'll Learn:

1. It's important to enjoy and have a positive attitude towards your studies or work.
2. It's okay to pivot and take risks in your career.
3. Expertise is not always a prerequisite for success.

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Welcome to Episode 45 of Aarna's News, where we bring you inspiring stories of remarkable women in STEM. In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Dhana Bala, the Chief Technology Officer at PacerPro. Dhana is an engineering leader with a wealth of experience in architecting and delivering distributed software systems for prominent corporations like Deep Sentinel, Illumio, Aruba Networks, and Motorola. Emphasizing that it's never too late to change your passions and that it's okay for your interests to evolve over time, she encourages individuals to prioritize their passions over job security and to make adjustments in life to pursue what truly drives them. Join us as Dhana shares her wisdom and experiences, offering a unique perspective on career development, the pursuit of passions, and breaking gender barriers in the world of technology. This episode will inspire and motivate you to embrace change, follow your passions, and strive for success in the STEM fields.

What You'll Learn:

1. Pursue new opportunities by being open to new experiences and embracing change in order to adapt to new challenges.
2. Why you should still prioritize your passions in the midst of job security.
3. The importance of staying updated with technological advancements.

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In this episode of Aarna's News, host Aarna Sahu welcomes Karthika Purushothaman, Vice President of Engineering at Gander, to share her incredible journey in the technology industry. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing goals, continuously learning and developing one's skillset, and investing in meaningful relationships within the workplace. As a passionate advocate for women in technology, Karthika's contributions extend beyond her professional achievements. She serves as a Tech Advisor to Cambodia through the Tech2Empower program, empowering women-based NGOs with technology tools and techniques. Karthika has also inspired students at the Harpswell Foundation and actively participates in tech training sessions conducted by WAKE. Tune in to Aarna's News and get ready to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Karthika Purushothaman, Vice President of Engineering at Gander.

What You'll Learn:

1. The importance of continuous learning and skill development.
2. The value of building relationships and finding supportive colleagues.
3. The importance of prioritizing your goals and being honest with yourself about your career choices.

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Join us as we explore the inspiring career journey of Sonar Thekdi, Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Google Core. In this episode, Sonar shares valuable insights on trusting instincts, building a strong network, and embracing continuous growth.

Discover how Sonar's instinct-driven approach led her to solve complex problems by bringing people together. Learn the importance of mentors, sponsors, and a diverse network for career success. Challenge gender stereotypes as Sonar emphasizes the support women can provide each other, while also valuing male mentors.

Uncover the power of curiosity and continuous learning in navigating the ever-changing professional landscape. Embrace the idea of unlearning and relearning to adapt and thrive. Get inspired to dream big and strive for the impossible as Sonar shares her experiences and lessons learned.

Join us on Aarna's News as we dive into Sonar Thekdi's remarkable career journey, offering actionable insights for those navigating uncharted paths, building networks, and embracing personal and professional growth.

What You'll Learn:

1. Trust your instincts & pursue uncharted paths.
2. Build a diverse network & seek mentorship early on.
3. Be curious and embrace continuous learning.

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In this empowering episode, host Aarna Sahu interviews Harita Yenisetty, an accomplished Engineering Leader passionate about driving innovation in the tech industry. Harita shares valuable insights on embracing failure, the importance of coaching and mentorship, achieving work-life balance, and debunking common myths about gender representation in tech. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will equip you with actionable advice and motivate you to succeed in STEM. Listen now to unlock your full potential in STEM today.

What You'll Learn:

1. The importance of embracing failure. It's a skill to expand one's horizons in different areas and is an opportunity to learn and grow rather than being something to be afraid of.
2. The need for coaching and mentorship to support individuals in their career journey.
3. Balancing personal and work commitments via prioritizing what is important, setting boundaries, and learning to say no when necessary.

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In this episode, we hear from Sudha Mahajan, a product executive with over 19 years of experience in digital media, e-commerce, marketplaces, generative and cognitive AI, and cloud technology. Sudha shares her career journey and offers advice to those who want to pursue a similar career path. She stresses the importance of being flexible and adapting to change, having a positive attitude, and finding inspiration in role models. Sudha also debunks a common myth about product management and shares her favorite books and resources. She emphasizes the importance of having principles and finding one's voice in the workplace, and the value of lifelong learning. Throughout the episode, Sudha shares her personal experiences and offers insightful quotes, including one from Mahatma Gandhi: "be the change you want to see in the world."

What You'll Learn:

1. Be flexible in your career path as the role you start with may take multiple shapes and forms.
2. Attitude of optimism and being positive is crucial to succeeding in any career.
3. Finding your voice and defining your principles is important in the beginning of your career.

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On this episode of Aarna's News, we sit down with Payal Gupta, the Senior Project Manager for Project Kuiper at Amazon, where she leads the team responsible for building and deploying a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit to bring affordable broadband to communities around the world. With over 20 years of experience in IT and technology functions, Payal has faced her share of challenges in breaking gender barriers in engineering, and she shares her inspiring story of overcoming societal expectations and pursuing her passion. Payal also provides insights on how to succeed in the tech industry, the importance of inclusivity and mentorship, and how to navigate a non-linear career path. Join us for an engaging conversation with an accomplished leader!

What You'll Learn:

1. It's important to be passionate about your chosen career and build it around your interests.
2. Engineering is not a solitary profession, and engineers work with many people to address real-world user needs.
3. Embrace the fact that a career path will never be linear and learn as much as you can from the people along the way.

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Welcome to the latest episode of Aarna's News, where we feature inspiring female professionals in the STEM fields. In this episode, we are honored to have Nithya Ruff, Head of Open Source Program Office across AWS and Amazon, and Chair for the Linux Foundation Board of Directors. With over 20 years of experience in the technology field, Nithya shares her career journey, offering tips for success and debunking myths about coding. She also discusses the importance of mentors and sponsors, and the books and resources that have helped shape her career. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and gain valuable insights into the tech industry.

What You'll Learn:

1. How to manage your own career & take risks to explore different opportunities.
2. The importance of people skills in STEM & how to build upon it.
3. The 2 key factors of success in one's career.

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