STEM in Stilettos – Empowering Female Founders to Dominate the Digital Market

Are you a woman in STEM wondering how to navigate the challenges of leadership, compliance, and personal growth? Curious about the journey of a cybersecurity compliance manager and podcast host with a passion for making an impact? In this episode of "STEM in Stilettos," hosted by Zofia Morales, Monica Reagor, a leader in governance, risk, and compliance, shares her journey as a woman in STEM and discusses the challenges and successes in her career at the intersection of cybersecurity and compliance. Monica reflects on topics such as risk ownership, AI governance, leadership, and the value of taking an unconventional path in a growing field. Listeners are in for a treat as Monica provides a candid look at career growth, confidence, and the importance of showing up with clarity, integrity, and impact. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on career progression, confidence-building, and the power of resilience in the face of challenges. Key Takeaway: Gain insights into career growth, confidence-building, and the value of authenticity and excellence in STEM fields, particularly cybersecurity and compliance. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:32 Monica Origin Story 05:00 PCOS Diagnosis and Advocacy 08:50 Managing PCOS Day to Day 14:49 Doctor Visits and Self Advocacy 16:47 Food Tools and Fig App 19:13 Break and Body Check In 21:05 Path into Compliance 26:38 Cybersecurity Pace and Pandemic 27:56 AI Needs Guardrails 29:17 Global Compliance Reality 30:20 Selling Security Internally 31:55 Networking Finds The Niche 35:20 Break And Career Mapping 36:57 Podcasting Origin Story 42:59 Making Compliance Practical 45:31 Culture And Bias In Tech 47:41 Vulnerability Timelines And Tradeoffs 49:33 GDPR And Third Party Proof 51:01 GRC Engineering Future 52:06 Final Wrap And Call To Action --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Monica Reagor is a governance, risk, and compliance leader, cybersecurity compliance manager, speaker, and podcast host with a passion for helping people lead and live with purpose. She is the host of MY GRC POV, where she leads practical conversations on cybersecurity, privacy, AI governance, and regulatory oversight, and The FaithFlex Podcast, a platform focused on faith, growth, and purpose. Monica is also the co-founder of the PCOS Awareness Association and serves in leadership across several professional and community organizations. Known for her clear voice, practical insight, and heart for impact, she brings a thoughtful perspective to conversations on leadership, compliance, advocacy, and personal growth. Connect with Monica Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/monica.reagor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicareagor/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/monicareagor OptIn URL - https://bio.site/monicareagor --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

Are you navigating the challenges of being a female founder in the tech industry? Do you crave a supportive community that understands the unique struggles you face? In this episode of "STEM in Stilettos," Zofia Morales sits down with Rebecca Matchett, a seasoned entrepreneur, to discuss her newest venture, synchrony, an AI-assisted social platform for neurodivergent adults. Rebecca shares insights on building tech with empathy, the importance of inclusivity in social platforms, and her journey from fashion to tech entrepreneurship. Join us to discover how founders can make a meaningful impact with empathy-driven innovation. Listeners will gain valuable insights on building inclusive tech solutions, understanding the importance of empathy in entrepreneurship, and leveraging past experiences to drive positive change in the tech industry. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Rebecca Matchett is a seasoned entrepreneur, bringing over two decades of experience to her most recent pursuit of passion at synchrony. Having founded and led several fashion companies, including alice+olivia, Rebecca & Drew, Sophie Hudson for HSN, InStyle Essentials for InStyle Magazine and TrioFit, Rebecca has demonstrated an ability to identify and address market needs, culminating in her patent in women's sizing marketed through the TrioFit brand. Now, Rebecca is channeling her experience into creating an inclusive, enriching community for neurodivergent individuals. Her decision to join synchrony reflects her commitment to leveraging her startup acumen and deep understanding of underserved markets to make a meaningful difference. With a track record of transforming ideas into impactful solutions, Rebecca is poised to drive positive change and foster a supportive environment for those who need it the most. Connect with Rebecca Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joinsynchrony LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-winn-matchett-6356481/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joinsynchrony/ OptIn URL - http://joinsynchrony.com --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

Are you a female founder looking to navigate the challenges of the tech industry while balancing your personal life? Do you find yourself struggling with imposter syndrome and seeking a supportive community of like-minded women? Join Zofia Morales on "STEM in Stilettos" as she sits down with Stella Kafka, a scientist and nonprofit leader, to explore strategies for empowering female entrepreneurs. Discover how diversity and inclusion can drive innovation in STEM and gain valuable insights on advocating for yourself and others in your career journey. Learn from Stella's experiences in mentoring women and youth in science and get inspired to pursue leadership roles in STEM with confidence. In this episode, listeners will gain insights on embracing diversity and inclusion in driving innovation, advocating for themselves in their careers, and empowering the next generation of scientists and leaders. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Stella Kafka is a scientist, strategist, and nonprofit leader passionate about making science accessible, inclusive, and impactful. As CEO and Executive Director of major scientific organizations, she has led transformative initiatives in astronomy, climate resilience, equity, and STEM education—bridging research, policy, and public engagement. From advancing global collaborations across communities to championing programs that empower women and youth in science, Stella's work centers on connection, purpose, and the power of diversity to drive discovery. Connect with Stella Here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stella.kafka LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellakafka/ --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

Are you staring at a career path that once felt solid — but now feels like it's hit a dead end?Have recent tech layoffs, industry shifts, or plain burnout forced you to rethink everything you thought was "the plan"? In this special episode of STEM in Stilettos, guest host Dr. Stella Kafka turns the mic toward the show's usual host, Zofia Morales, for a candid conversation about strategic reinvention in unpredictable times. Together, they explore how a career built on logic, expertise, and hard work can still reach a point where it no longer fits, and what women in STEM can do when that moment arrives. Zofia shares the pivotal decisions that moved her from biophysics research into global fintech, then into financial education, public-sector outreach, and ultimately entrepreneurship and career strategy. Through personal stories and practical insight, she reveals how systems thinking, scientific method, and curiosity can guide reinvention during layoffs, market shifts, burnout, or major life transitions. This episode offers a grounded, non-panic approach to figuring out what comes next when the path you've been on suddenly stops working. Listeners will discover how to recognize when a career chapter has truly ended, how to think clearly during moments of disruption, and how to use a STEM-trained mindset to navigate reinvention with clarity, intention, and confidence. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Zofia Morales is a former biophysics researcher turned fintech leader, financial educator, entrepreneur, and now career strategist for women in tech. Her professional path spans scientific research, global banking operations, mortgage education, public-sector outreach, and business ownership. Through each reinvention, Zofia has used systems thinking, curiosity, and strategic experimentation to build a career defined by impact rather than linear promotions. Today, she works with women in STEM who are navigating layoffs, burnout, stalled promotions, or major career pivots—helping them design careers that align with their values, income goals, and long-term stability. Her mission: to help close the pay gap by empowering women to create income and influence on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/ --------------------------------- Host Bio: Stella Kafka is a scientist, strategist, and nonprofit leader passionate about making science accessible, inclusive, and impactful. As CEO and Executive Director of major scientific organizations, she has led transformative initiatives in astronomy, climate resilience, equity, and STEM education—bridging research, policy, and public engagement. From advancing global collaborations across communities to championing programs that empower women and youth in science, Stella's work centers on connection, purpose, and the power of diversity to drive discovery. Connect with Stella Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stella.kafka LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellakafka/

Are you struggling to navigate the challenges of innovation in healthcare and traditional industries? Join Zofia Morales as she dives into a conversation with Sheila Buswell, the visionary founder behind the groundbreaking UPMO device. Discover how fear of AI can be replaced with understanding, the unique benefits of AI and machine learning in healthcare, and the importance of inclusive communication in driving innovation. Key Takeaway: Listeners will gain insights into the transformative power of innovative solutions like UPMO and the potential of AI to enhance patient care and safety in healthcare settings. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Sheila Buswell is the founder of Buswell Biomedical and the inventor of the UPMO, a device designed to improve safety and dignity in hospitals. Her journey began after a serious injury in the Army and watching her mother face similar mobility challenges decades later in a rehab hospital. Frustrated by the lack of progress in patient care, Sheila drew on her engineering education as well as her years of work experience to develop a smart, compassionate solution. She advocates for AI as a practical tool in healthcare and is the author of Is This Seat For Me? Connect with Sheila Here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheila.m.buswell LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuswellbiomedical --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

Feeling overwhelmed with juggling the demands of entrepreneurship and personal life? Wondering how to achieve growth and success while maintaining a work-life balance? Join Zofia Morales in a captivating conversation with award-winning Leadership Expert, J'aime Nowak, as they delve into practical strategies for female founders to shift from chaos to clarity in the digital market. Discover empowering insights and actionable steps to prioritize self-care, boost leadership skills, and celebrate your journey as a fearless entrepreneur. In this episode, J'aime Nowak shares her transformative "Simple 7" system, offering a roadmap from chaos to clarity in both business and personal life. Listeners will gain valuable tips on how to reclaim their power, clear mental clutter, prioritize effectively, and maintain enthusiasm even in the face of challenges. Get ready to revamp your approach, redefine success, and cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial journey with J'aime and Zofia's expert guidance. Listeners will take away practical tools and insights to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, prioritize self-care, and elevate their leadership skills to propel their business forward while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Award-winning, International Keynote Speaker, Leadership Expert & author J'aime Nowak has been a leading force in business/Real Estate and professional growth and development for 3 decades. Being on the front lines as a six-figure entrepreneur, a multi-million dollar company owner and a growth-focused, top tier corporate leader has earned her expert status on many fronts and a unique perspective on calming the chaos and creating excellence while overcoming adversity and mastering change. She has spoken to, trained and coached over 250,000 thousand leaders to shift their thinking, elevate their opportunities and build profitable businesses and careers while living epic, transformational lives. Connect with J'aime Here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jssnowak LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/j-aime-n-nowak-08893212 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimennowak Begin taking the steps to turn chaos into clarity, stress into strength and overwhelm into opportunity by grabbing my "Design Your Daily Flow" free resource www.jaimenowak.com --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

Do you ever wonder how to navigate challenges as a female tech founder, especially when faced with the pressure to balance work and personal life? Join Zofia Morales on STEM in Stilettos as she sits down with Amber Briggle, CEO of B-Well Enterprises and founder of Soma Massage Therapy, to discuss resilience, being people-first, and the journey of rebuilding a business post-pandemic. Discover how Amber's focus on values, ethics, and compassion has not only sustained her business but led it to thrive in the face of adversity. Gain insights into overcoming unique challenges in the tech industry and learn valuable lessons for your entrepreneurial journey. Key Takeaway: Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of values, resilience, and compassion in building a successful business, especially in industries dominated by women. 00:00 Introduction to STEM Stilettos 00:47 Meet Amber Briggle: A Journey of Resilience 02:32 The Impact of the Pandemic 04:03 Rebuilding and Innovating During Crisis 08:09 Creating a Virtual Massage Studio 13:17 Lessons in Business Resilience 16:53 People-First Business Philosophy 24:05 The People-First Philosophy 24:56 Flexible Scheduling and Employee Well-being 25:17 Enhanced Client Experience 26:37 No Tipping Policy Explained 31:13 Self-Care for Business Owners 38:12 Franchising as a Growth Strategy 41:34 Women in Franchising 42:47 Final Thoughts and Contact Information --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Amber Briggle is the CEO of B-Well Enterprises and founder of Soma Massage Therapy: a multi-award-winning business and the nation's most exciting new franchise opportunity! She became a massage therapist in 2004 and launched Soma in 2011. Through tenacity and determination, she has built (and rebuilt, thanks to the pandemic!) a thriving massage therapy business and a promising franchise brand. After graduating massage school in 2004, Amber moved around the world before settling in Dallas in 2009. Soon, she had more clients than her hands could manage, often booked out for weeks. At first, she referred clients to other therapists but realized it made more sense to bring them "in house" – and a business was born. With a focus on "people first," her small business quickly took off. Team members stayed loyal thanks to Amber's approach to hiring, training, and staffing, which fostered a strong client base. In 2013, she moved Soma out of her house into a brick-and-mortar location, doubling in size within a few years. By 2019 she was seeking a larger space, but the pandemic halted those plans. Soma was forced to close, her staff of 13 dwindled to four, and her satellite office shut down. Determined to survive, Amber rebuilt her business in just 14 months: reopening in a new location with 7 treatment rooms, a staff of 24 therapists and 4 front desk members, and gross revenues exceeding $1M annually. Soma Massage Therapy has earned awards year after year, and Amber is proud of its reputation as a people-first business. She has learned that when she leads with values, ethics, compassion, and respect, her business can withstand the test of time. Connect with Amber Here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somadenton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mysomamassage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysomamassage Opt-in: https://mysomamassage.com/contactus/ $1000 or a year of free massages if you introduce us to someone who becomes a Soma Massage Therapy franchisee in the future! www.mysomamassage.com/franchise --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/