iNNOVATION Insights Podcast

What does innovation look like in food science, dairy research, and mentorship? In this episode of iNNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders interviews Dr. Stephanie Clark, a nationally recognized food scientist and dairy researcher with over 30 years of experience in dairy chemistry, microbiology, processing, and sensory evaluation. Dr. Clark shares her journey from growing up in 4-H on a small farm to becoming a leader in dairy science and higher education. She reflects on discovering food science “by accident,” building hands-on learning environments, and leading the revival of the Iowa State University Creamery—a project that blended innovation, storytelling, student leadership, and industry collaboration. ⚫This episode explores: ◾How mentorship shapes the next generation of scientists ◾What it takes to build experiential learning environments like a university creamery ◾The role of sensory evaluation in product development and food quality ◾Research insights from dairy science, goat milk, and milk quality studies ◾How innovation happens at the intersection of science, creativity, and problem-solving ◾Why asking “why” is one of the most powerful leadership tools in STEM Dr. Clark also discusses emerging trends in food science, including protein-forward products, clean labels, sustainability in frozen foods, and how dairy innovation can support health, wellness, and environmental goals.Whether you are a student, educator, researcher, or innovator, this conversation offers practical insights into how innovation unfolds in real-world science, education, and industry. ⚫Connect with Stephanie ◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-clark-143a93328/ ◾First Impressions Website: https://firstimpressions.fit/ ◾Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.clark.7121 ⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/contact

How does a fashion program bring together students, faculty, and community to create a show that celebrates innovation, artistry, and collaboration? In this episode of INNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders spotlights the team behind Kirkwood Community College’s 2025 “Flourish” Fashion Show: ◾Dr. Elisha Stanley – Program Director and Professor of Apparel Merchandising and Design ◾Stacy Menard – Fashion Show Director ◾Samantha Zaruba – Fashion Show Director ◾Emma Newhouse – Model Coordinator Together, they share the story of how “Flourish” came to life—highlighting the themes of sustainability, innovation, and empowerment that shaped the runway. The conversation delves into the behind-the-scenes work of producing a large-scale student show, the skills students acquire in design, merchandising, and event management, and the lasting impact on both participants and audiences. This episode offers inspiration and insights for students, educators, designers, and anyone passionate about the future of fashion education. ⚫Key topics include: ◾The vision and theme behind Flourish 2025 ◾Building a collaborative fashion program experience ◾Showcasing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity on the runway ◾Student growth through leadership and hands-on learning ◾How fashion shows prepare graduates for real-world careers The Kirkwood team proves that when creativity and education come together, the results are nothing short of transformative. ⚫Connect with Kirkwood Community College Fashion Program and Our Guests: ◾Website: https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/degrees/arts-design/apparel-merchandising ◾Dr. Elisha Stanley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-elisha-stanley-ph-d-680ba063/ ◾Stacy Menard LinkedIn: N/A ◾Samantha Zaruba LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-zaruba-768bb828b/ ◾Emma Newhouse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-newhouse-130b58263/ ⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/contact ⚫iNNOVATION Insights - https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/

How can financial education heal generational trauma and build wealth for future generations? In this powerful episode of iNNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders speaks with Ray’Chel Wilson — nationally recognized solutionist, financial therapist, educator, and founder of For Our Last Names. Ray’Chel shares her inspiring journey from public health and Teach for America to launching an innovative platform that turns financial trauma into financial traction. From developing the Black Wealth Freedom Workbook Series to building a financial wellness app with an 80%+ positive impact rating, Ray’Chel offers actionable strategies for students, professionals, and organizations to create meaningful change. She also dives into the history and legacy of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, the science of financial resilience, and her frameworks, like The Pace of Productivity and Money Mindset/Money Moves workshops. ⚫This episode delivers valuable insights on: ◾How to align money values with consistent financial actions ◾Addressing financial trauma and shifting to abundance thinking ◾The role of education, mentorship, and community in economic justice ◾Building resilience through behavioral finance and wellness practices ◾Creating scalable systems for individual and institutional impact Whether you are a first-generation wealth builder, an educator, a corporate leader, or an innovator, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to redefine financial success — for your last name and the generations to come. ⚫Connect with Ray'Chel ◾Personal Website: https://raychelwilson.com/ ◾For Our Last Names Website: https://www.forourlastnames.io/ ◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raychelwilson/ ⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/contact ⚫iNNOVATION Insights - https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/

How can our wardrobes tell stories about who we are—and shape the future of fashion?In this episode of iNNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders sits down with Colin Behr, founder of The Wardrobe Theory Project and former Nike footwear and color designer, to explore how systems thinking, storytelling, and sustainability intersect in personal style. Colin shares his journey from small-town Iowa to internships at New Balance and Todd Snyder, a decade-long career at Nike and Jordan Brand, and the leap into entrepreneurship with a self-published fashion archive magazine.His work blends design thinking with psychology, sustainability, and personal branding—celebrating the clothes people already own rather than pushing the next purchase.⚫In this conversation, you will learn:◾How systems thinking applies to fashion and personal style◾The process behind curating and photographing a “Top 50” wardrobe◾Insights from working at Nike, Jordan Brand, and across design disciplines◾Why storytelling matters in clothing and branding◾The challenges and rewards of building an independent creative platformWhether you are a designer, innovator, sustainability advocate, or creative entrepreneur, Colin’s story offers inspiration and strategies for merging creativity with purpose.⚫Connect with Colin◾Wardrobe Theory Project: https://wardrobetheoryproject.com/◾Personal Website: https://www.colinjamesbehr.com/◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-behr-24623048/◾Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569072192492◾Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wardrobe_theory_project/⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/contact⚫iNNOVATION Insights - https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/

What does it mean to create art in the “middle of nowhere”? In this captivating episode of iNNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders reconnects with Jennifer Rife, a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans fiber art, basketry, photography, and site-specific land installations. Jennifer shares her winding creative journey—from her childhood in Lamar, Colorado, to her years as a graphic designer, exhibition coordinator, and creator of thought-provoking outdoor installations. Jennifer discusses her concept of the “middle of nowhere,” how it connects to geography and personal experience, and why she documents her work using GPS coordinates. She dives into the transformative power of the flow state, the importance of curiosity, and how unexpected inspirations—like early childhood memories, caves with petroglyphs, and the Spiral Jetty—have shaped her artistic vision. ⚫This episode is a must-listen for artists, educators, and innovators interested in: ◾Tapping into flow for creative breakthroughs ◾The process behind creating and photographing land installations ◾Blending traditional artistry with experimental approaches ◾Finding inspiration in geography, memory, and everyday objects ◾Encouraging audiences to ask questions rather than seek answersJennifer’s advice to emerging artists? Be bold, embrace failure, and follow the ideas that feel “ripe.” ⚫Connect with Jennifer ◾Website: https://artinthemiddleofnowhere.com/ ◾Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WYjennifer.rife ◾Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artinthemiddleofnowhere/ ⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/contact

Dr. Nicole Yeldell Butts, a leader in organizational transformation with over 25 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, human resources, and organizational change, discusses the motivations and pivotal moments leading her to a career in HR, the challenges HR professionals face, particularly during seismic events like the 2020 pandemic and racial reckoning, and how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership and DEI.She introduces her 'Shift Framework'—an innovative and practical roadmap to align stated organizational values with actual lived behaviors. Dr. Butts also provides valuable insights into personal branding, innovation, and the continuous journey towards meaningful cultural change within organizations.⚫Connect with Nicole◾Website: https://www.nicolebutts.com◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlyeldell/⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://innovation-insights.mykajabi.com/signup⚫iNNOVATION Insights - https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/W5HCHpg4zFNU6jIpunx7

Welcome to another insightful episode of Innovation Insights! Join host Dr. Eulanda Sanders as she sits down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center and a division of Cheyenne Consultants. Richard's journey from Northeast Philadelphia to leading a thriving call center in Costa Rica is dynamic and inspiring. Tune in to hear about his early ventures, his passion for linguistics, and his innovative approach to business. Richard shares invaluable tips on communication, building a strong company culture, and the importance of ethics and planning in entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a business veteran, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice. ⚫Connect with Richard ◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/ ◾Website: https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/costa-ricas-call-center-2/ ⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://innovation-insights.mykajabi.com/signup ⚫iNNOVATION Insights - https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/

Jim Simon, a visionary in 3D design and digital fashion technology, shares his beginnings as a traditional artist to becoming an academic lead at CLO Jim discusses his journey, insights, and the transformative impact of 3D technology on the fashion industry. This episode covers the importance of blending traditional artistry with digital innovation, the environmental benefits of CLO 3D, and strategic advice for young designers and educators. Perfect for designers, educators, and innovators looking to embrace technology as a tool for creativity and sustainability.⚫Connect with Jim ◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsimonclo3d/ ◾TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloprofessorjim ◾CLO Website: https://www.clovirtualfashion.com/ ⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://innovation-insights.mykajabi.com/signup ⚫iNNOVATION Insights - https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/