In this STEMulating Conversations episode, hope dealer Mia McNeil, ESq., Tennessee State Director for AARP, joins us to unpack the truth behind the organization’s mission, the power of advocacy, and why aging is everyone’s issue. AARP isn’t just about senior discounts—it's shaping the future of healthcare, equity, and livable communities.

Mia brings energy, insight, and truth as she dispels the common myths about AARP — it’s not just for "old folks," and it's not just about discounts. She shares how the organization champions critical issues like healthcare access, digital inclusion, and livable communities for all ages.

We explore what AARP actually does—and why it matters for people of all ages, the importance of intergenerational collaboration and planning for the silvering generation, what professionals, entrepreneurs, and policymakers should consider in building inclusive futures.

Listen in and get inspired to think bigger, plan smarter, and live with purpose—at any age.

Whether you are an educator, student, or aspiring leader, this STEMulating Conversation with Dr. Shanna Jackson, President of Nashville State Community College will leave you inspired by the power of selfless leadership and the transformative potential of community colleges. We explore how community colleges serve as powerful bridges to opportunity for students of all ages and generations.

Dr. Jackson shares insights on the benefits of having a presence on multiple campuses across a seven county service area. She leads with purpose and is intentional about creating pathways and partnerships that not only expands access to higher education, but also prepares students to succeed in high-demand careers.

Dr. Jackson also offers thoughtful reflections on the importance of finding the right fit in leadership roles, embracing work-life integration, and aligning personal values with professional purpose. She speaks candidly about how that alignment has shaped her path and enabled her to create meaningful impact in higher education.

In this episode, Deanna Meador shares her inspiring journey in launching Couture Technologies, a groundbreaking company redefining how we shop for clothes online. With a mission to solve one of e-commerce’s biggest challenges—fit and sizing—Deanna and her team have developed virtual try-on and 3D body modeling tools that personalize the online shopping experience. The result: happier customers, fewer returns, and a more sustainable retail ecosystem.

Deanna is passionate about sharing her story to help others learn, grow, and take bold steps into the world of entrepreneurship. She reflects on how technology, fashion, and sustainability intersect, and how innovation can drive real-world impact.

Outside of Couture, Deanna is a dedicated DIY enthusiast, especially when it comes to home renovations. Whether she’s designing tech solutions or remodeling a space, her creativity and hands-on approach shine through.

In this episode of the STEMulating Conversations, we welcome Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee. Missy is a a purpose-driven leader with a career rooted in storytelling, strategy, and service across several industries/ She shares how her belief in the power of a healthy smile goes far beyond oral health—it’s a tool for building confidence,

From leading brand initiatives at Delta Dental to garnering Legislative support to address oral health in the State, to serving on nonprofit board , Missy discusses how she blends creativity with compassion, and why true leadership is about creating impact—and doing it with a smile. From early career influences to the leaders who challenged and uplifted her, Missy also acknowledges how mentorship has fueled her growth and deepened her commitment to leading with purpose.

In this episode of STEMulating Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Katherine Y. Brown, affectionately known as The CPR Lady—a title earned not just from her passion for teaching lifesaving skills, but from a life committed to reviving potential in every form.

From going door to door in her community to teach CPR, to leading efforts that breathe life into careers, organizations, and people, Dr. Brown has made “resuscitation” more than a medical term—it’s her mission. Whether she's saving lives, uplifting others, or reigniting purpose, she reminds us that revival is always possible.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance, and the power of showing up—heartbeat by heartbeat. Dr. Brown is a passionate volunteer with the American Heart Association, having trained over 300,000 people internationally in CPR and wants to ensure that everyone is trained in this life saving technique.

Learn more about Dr. Brown's CPR work by listening to her TEDx Talk

In this episode, MiMi Bliss, owner of Bliss Communications emphasizes the importance of public speaking as a core competency—for all professionals at any level and in all fields. As a seasoned public speaking coach and former TV reporter, she teaches that the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and authentically is a critical skill, not a “nice-to-have” soft skill. MiMi shares practical tips on structuring presentations, managing anxiety, and connecting with diverse audiences. She also discusses how effective communication can elevate careers, boost credibility, and foster collaboration across disciplines. Her advice is particularly aimed at helping technical experts translate complex ideas into accessible and engaging messages.

Follow her on LinkedIn to view her microtraining videos on presentation preparation and public speaking.

In this episode of STEMulating Conversations, we chat with the incredible Dr. Sibrina Collins — a chemist by training, a science educator by passion, and a natural-born storyteller. With a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Dr. Collins started out in the lab but soon realized her heart was in inspiring the next generation of scientists through education and outreach.

A renowned STEM storyteller, Dr. Collins has carved out a unique path in academia — stepping away from traditional research roles to embrace administrative leadership. Her mission? To ignite a love for science in students from all backgrounds and to make STEM accessible, engaging, and inclusive. And here’s a fun twist — during the pandemic, Dr. Collins brought her lab skills into the kitchen and discovered a brand new hobby: baking!

Tune in as she shares her journey from the lab bench to becoming a powerful advocate for science education, how storytelling can transform the way we teach science, and why following your passion can lead to the most meaningful impact.

Learn more about Dr. Collins at SibrinaSpeaks.com

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Terry Esper, professor of logistics at The Ohio State University and a regular contributor to NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Sirius XM. With a captivating mix of personal storytelling and professional insight, Dr. Esper walks us through his journey from the heart of Detroit to Philander Smith College (now University) a small HBCU in Arkansas to becoming a globally recognized expert in supply chain management.

He shares how his early experiences shaped his curiosity about how goods move, how systems connect, and how supply chains impact everything from the economy to everyday life. Dr. Esper also breaks down why supply chain management is more relevant than ever and how it intersects with social equity, technology, and global trade.

Whether you're a business professional, a student, or just curious about how the world works behind the scenes, this STEMulating conversation offers inspiration and perspective on the often-invisible systems that shape our lives.