Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson for a new episode of Madam Policy featuring Dr. Tarika Barrett! As CEO of Girls Who Code, Dr. Barrett leads the mission of inspiring more girls to become computer scientists and engineers. To date, 450,000 girls have gone through Girls Who Code programs. In this episode, you will hear more about Dr. Barrett’s meeting with President Biden discussing improving the nation’s cybersecurity; the work of Girls Who Code to close the gender gap in tech; and how she is using her platform to create the diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech field. If you can see it, you can be it!

Dr. Tarika Barrett: Creating the Code and Closing the Gap for Girls in Tech

We’re thankful for Civil Rights leaders who risked their lives in the fight for equality and those who continue the fight today. This week’s guest, Paula Young Shelton, is the author of the award-winning Child of the Civil Rights Movement and an educator and Author-in-Residence at Georgetown Day School. The daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, Paula grew up learning directly from Civil Rights giants like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Representative John Lewis. Now, Paula continues to carry the torch for creating change by writing, teaching and speaking about equality and justice. In this episode you will hear how social media affects activism; what’s next for Paula in the fight for equality; and the evolution of the role of women in advocacy. Paula also shares details about her new book, which is coming soon! Finally, listeners get to hear the true impact of Paula’s teachings as former student, Anjali Martin-Shanker, joins the conversation as a special guest host. Anjali’s conversation with Paula creates a full circle moment as the two share details about how Paula’s lessons are relevant to events that are happening today. This special episode is hosted by Dee Martin, Yasmin Nelson and Anjali Martin-Shanker.&nbsp;

Paula Young Shelton: Marching Towards Equality, Educating Our Youth and Writing for Change

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) delivers affordable, reliable, and clean natural gas service to nearly 22 million customers, making it the nation’s largest natural gas utility. Leading the way, is Maryam Brown, President of SoCalGas. Maryam joined hosts Dee Martin and Christine Wyman to discuss SoCalGas’ role in the energy transition, including the Company’s recently-released study, "The Role of Clean Fuels and Gas Infrastructure in Achieving California’s Net-Zero Climate Goal." Maryam also discusses the importance of leading with intention; creating pathways to employment in the gas industry through internships; and why she believes that hard work always prevails. Also, Maryam shares some lessons from the kitchen including how cooking has helped to strengthen her relationships with some important women in her life. This is an episode that you don’t want to miss!

Maryam Brown, the Triple Threat: Policy Trailblazer, Clean Energy Visionary, and Focused Leader

Ilhaam “Illy” Jaffer is a woman on a mission: to lead the fight for a world without cancer. Illy, a savvy political veteran, is powerful, fearless, and tenacious. As Director of Federal Government Relations for the American Cancer Society, Illy amplifies the voices of cancer patients, shapes health policy, and helps ensure equity in the distribution of funds, inclusion in studies, and more. In a conversation led by hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson, Illy discusses how her work in federal and state politics helped make her a strong advocate for the important work of the ACS. She also dives into women’s health, discussing reproductive rights and the importance of not dismissing early signs of illness, sharing her scary journey of being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Illy leaves listeners with advice to trust your instinct, believe in your abilities, and validate yourself.

Ilhaam “Illy” Jaffer: Elevating Patient Voices, Creating Lifesaving Policies & Conquering Cancer

Ready or not, cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies are here, and they are the hot topics among policy leaders. What’s on the policy horizon? Kristin Smith, Executive Director of the Blockchain Association, shares five policy priorities with hosts Dee Martin and Anne Termine. As the leading voice for the blockchain industry, Kristin is constantly working on cultivating the right mix of policies so blockchain networks can truly thrive. Having just spoken at the CES conference, Kristin shares her extensive knowledge on digital assets, NFTs, decentralized finance, and the impact of the infrastructure bill on crypto tax treatment. Also hear about Kristin’s pathway from Capitol Hill staffer to Executive Director for life lessons you won’t want to miss! Never a dull moment with this Fortune 40 Under 40 honoree who is widely-recognized for her lobbying prowess and tech expertise, Kristin Smith.

Kristin Smith: Demystifying Blockchain & Envisioning a Thriving Digital Future

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, inspired by her mother former New York City Council Member Dr. Una S. T. Clarke and a predecessor of her current congressional seat U.S. Representative Shirley Chisolm, has dedicated her life to public service. Congresswoman Clarke is the U.S. Representative for New York’s 9th district—a district that prides itself on being an immigrant port and mosaic of different cultural, ethnic, and belief backgrounds­. Not only is Clarke the Representative for NY-09, but she was also born and raised in the district she now represents after her parents immigrated from Jamaica to attend school in Brooklyn. Clarke co-chairs the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security and has been a member of the Congressional Black Caucus since coming to Congress in 2007 and chairs its Immigration Task Force. &nbsp; Congresswoman Clarke sits down with hosts Dee Martin and “forever team Clarke” former staffer Kendall Mitchell to discuss her work, her leadership, and her constituents. They discuss Representative Clarke’s leadership within CBC and her policy priorities and roles during ALC. Want to know how to create systemic change? Tune in now!

U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09): Kicking Off CBC’s Annual Legislative Conference!

Madam Policy is 100! We’re celebrating Madam Policy’s 100th episode and no better way than hosting trailblazer Dr. Geri Richmond, DOE’s Under Secretary for Science and Innovation! The brilliant physical chemist Dr. Richmond leads the Office of Science, the nation’s largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences; DOE’s applied R&amp;D areas of nuclear, fossil, and renewable energy, and energy system integrity; and the DOE national laboratories and their facilities. Dr. Richmond has been honored by numerous awards including the National Medal of Science, the Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society, and the Linus Pauling Medal Award. Deeply commitment to the advancement of women in science, Dr. Richmond is the founding director of a grassroots organization called COACh that has helped over 25,000 women scientists and engineers in career advancement in the U.S. and in dozens of developing countries globally. &nbsp; Hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown are joined by the Under Secretary to discuss the Department of Energy’s role in supporting the US’s advancement in energy, science, and technology. Want to learn about the nation’s top priorities for advancing the Clean Energy Transition? Want to hear our thoughts on the themes of the bestselling book Lessons in Chemistry and how it ties into Dr. Richmond’s real life work empowering women in STEM? Want to know what advice the Under Secretary would give to her 24-year-old self? Tune in to our monumental 100th episode now!

Celebrating 100 Episodes! U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Science and Innovation Dr. Geri Richmond: A Trailblazer Who is “Relentlessly Pleasant in the Face of Adversity”

Kicking off 2024 and Black History Month, Madam Policy welcomes two amazing and recognized leaders for race, social justice, and gender equality, Reverend Naomi Tutu and Author Mungi Ngomane! Daughter and granddaughter of the honorable Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Naomi Tutu and Mungi Ngomane, author of Everyday Ubuntu, join hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell this week. Hear from Rev. Tutu about the importance of living through the struggle, as she did when she ultimately accepted her call to the ministry. Hear from Mungi about the Southern African philosophy ubuntu, “I am only because you are,” and the smart, implementable lessons Mungi shares in her book, Everyday Ubuntu. Want to put a big smile on your face? Tune in to hear the mother-daughter dynamic duo talk about their pride in each other and a potential book in the works 👀.

Living "Everyday Ubuntu": Rev. Naomi Tutu & Author Mungi Ngomane

Political strategist and technology entrepreneur, Lucy Caldwell, Founder of Mockingbird Lab, joins Madam Policy to talk about her work mobilizing independent voters, advocating for structural reforms to make politics more competitive, and disrupting old school grassroots organizing with innovative technologies. Lucy sits down with Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to discuss the current state of political campaign technology and her focus on using data-driven strategies to drive voter engagement. Tune in for a healthy dose of political prognostication, too! Want to hear the toughest advice Lucy was told early on in her career? Tune in now!

Lucy Caldwell, Political Strategist & Founder, Mockingbird Lab: Data-Driven Grassroots Activism

In this episode of Madam Policy, entrepreneur and fashion industry veteran Wendy Rabin, Founder of Wrabyn Boutique (wrabyn.com), joins hosts Dee Martin and Joelle Rosenthal to explore fashion’s role in emboldening women and driving change. Wendy shares her insights on the evolution of the fashion industry, exploring topics such as the impact of clothing on confidence and personal branding through the lens of enclothed cognition. The conversation tackles several pressing issues in the industry including sustainability, the impact of sexism in design, and how women can claim a seat at every table through confident self-presentation. Need help building a timeless wardrobe or still confused about business casual? Want to know about the importance of buying better and wearing forever? Then tune in!

Wendy Rabin, Founder of Wrabyn Boutique: From Wardrobe to Boardroom - Fashion’s Role in Empowering Women & Driving Change

Madam Policy host, Dee Martin, welcomes the latest batch of Policy Resolution Group (PRG) interns for the Summer 2024 semester, Jenna Bolonik, Margaret Hecht, Cooper Henson, Jenny Hu, Margaret Hutt, Joelle Rosenthal, and Kyleigh Voity. Dee and the interns discuss the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity available during the internship, constantly seeking out opportunities to learn, and more! The interns also talk about their favorite moments from the in-person D.C. internship including a U.S. Supreme Court Tour and a U.S. Capitol Tour, newsroom tours including NPR and Fox News, and more! Want to hear about the interns’ favorite pieces of advice they received over the semester? Want to know what advice this next generation of policy makers would give to their 50-year-old selves? Then tune in!

PRG Summer 2024 Internship Class: “Always take advantage of every opportunity available”

Madam Policy welcomes champion and advocate for mental health services and LGBTQ+ rights as well as a fighter for all things Vermont, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT). Rep. Balint joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to discuss her key policy priorities for Vermont including housing, healthcare, and climate issues. Tune in as former middle school teacher, Rep. Balint, gives her take on whether teaching members of congress or teaching middle schoolers is more challenging. Tune in to hear more about the Congresswoman’s journey and the importance of being the first openly gay person to represent Vermont in Congress. Want to know how Rep. Balint cultivates bipartisan support for some of the most critical issues facing our nation? Then listen now!

Trailblazer U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT)

Political powerhouse and Legislative Counsel for Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Donni Turner, joins the Madam Policy Podcast to talk about her extensive experience in legislative advocacy, the importance of representation and mentorship in politics, and the impact of education policies in the United States. Hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao sit down with Donni to discuss her work shaping the College for All Act, the Cancel Student Loan Debt proposal, the Universal School Meals Deal, and the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Donni also shares valuable advice on negotiation and networking, emphasizing the need for women to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Curious about student loan policies, negotiating in the workplace, or advocating for diverse representation in Congress? Then tune in to learn more!

Donni Turner, Legislative Counsel, Sen. Michael Bennet: Political Powerhouse & Mentor

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Madam Policy welcomes Friday Jones, a renowned tattoo artist who specializes in helping empower breast cancer survivors by transforming their mastectomy scars into illustrative tattoos. Friday joins hosts Dee Martin and Joshua Zive to discuss the&nbsp;emotional and psychological impact of her work on clients and the importance of creating a supportive environment for women and non-binary individuals in the tattoo culture. Want to hear more about Friday Jones’ perspective on the intersection of tattoo artistry and the medical reconstructive process?  Want to hear about Friday’s experience in legalizing tattooing in Montenegro  and tattooing Angelina Jolie? Then listen now!

Trailblazing Tattoo Artist Friday Jones: Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors Through Art

With election day one day away, Madam Policy welcomes Mandy Gunasekara, former EPA Chief of Staff during the Trump administration and author of Y’all Fired: A Southern Belle’s Guide to Restoring Federalism and Draining the Swamp. Listen in as hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos talk with Mandy about her new book detailing her experience as a political appointee during the Trump administration, her role in Project 2025, and her biggest professional achievements, including developing former President Trump’s strategy for exiting the Paris Climate Accords. Curious to hear more about Mandy’s new book and what she thinks a second Trump administration could look like? Then tune in!

Mandy Gunasekara, Author, “Y’all Fired”: Insights from the Former EPA Chief of Staff on Policy & Federalism

As the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) prepares for its annual G-Man Honors fundraising gala, Madam Policy welcomes Tresa Roth, a dedicated champion and advocate for 9/11 families. In this special episode, host Dee Martin is joined by guest host Jean O’Connor, Executive Director of the FBI Agents Association and retired FBI Special Agent, to talk with Tresa about navigating grief, preserving the legacy of 9/11 responders, and honoring her late husband, Supervisory Special Agent Bob Roth, one of the first agents to respond to the Pentagon on 9/11 along with co-host Jean O'Connor. Curious about Tresa’s experience in the national security arena? Interested in learning how the FBIAA Memorial College Fund has supported her family? Then be sure to tune in!

Tresa Roth, Champion and Advocate for 9/11 Families: Transforming Grief into Purpose

In this episode of Madam Policy, hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao welcome Halie Craig, Technology Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and recent nominee to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Halie shares the journey from intern to influential policy leader that led to her current nomination, discussing the intersection of trade, technology, and the power of language skills in policymaking. She also opens up about her personal story as a survivor of sexual assault, her advocacy for survivors’ rights through the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and her belief in the importance of creating supportive environments for victims. Want to hear what advice technology and trade policy expert and advocate Halie Craig would give to her 50-year-old self? Then tune in!

Halie Craig, Tech Policy Director at Senate Commerce: Bridging Tech, Trade, & Survivor Advocacy

Chief of Staff to Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Toni-Marie Higgins, returns to Madam Policy to discuss leadership and policy priorities in the new political climate of the Republican Trifecta. Hot topics include the reauthorization of the important Farm Bill as Chairman Boozman takes gavel of the Senate Agriculture Committee; the role of bipartisanship in the new Congress; and tackling policies related to crypto and digital currencies. Hosts and proud Arkansans Dee Martin and Shelby Kelley sit down with Toni-Marie to talk about her career journey to Chief of Staff and her advice to younger staffers looking to move up in their careers. Want to hear about Toni-Marie’s work co-leading and mentoring other female chiefs of staff in the Senate? Then tune in!

Toni-Marie Higgins, Chief of Staff, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR): Trailblazer, Thought Leader & Policy Pro

Tax policy expert and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs (Tax & Budget) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Alice Lin joins Madam Policy host Dee Martin to discuss her journey from being a senior tax policy advisor in Congress to lead tax expert at Treasury. From helping develop the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) during her time on the House Ways and Means Committee to working on implementation as a senior tax policy advisor for the Senate Finance Committee to helping publish over 95 pieces of guidance on the IRA at Treasury, Alice shares her view on the future of the IRA and reconciliation. Want to hear how Alice’s experience shadowing a congressional district office in high school put her on the path of public service? Listen now!

Alice Lin, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury: Insights from an IRA and Tax Policy Maven

Madam Vice President? Madam Speaker? Now there’s Madam Policy, a podcast by and about women shaping policy and creating history. Hosted by Dee Martin—life-long organizer and advocate—with a cast of rotating co-hosts and subject matter experts in the Washington, DC-based Policy Resolution Group (Bracewell LLP), each episode features an interview with an extraordinary woman who is making change. 
 
Listen for insight from Members of Congress, corporate leaders, journalists and activists who are every day, in every way, shaping our nation.
 
The show is lively, provocative, informative, and fun! 
 
Editing and pod production by Bracewell LLP.

The Madam Policy Podcast

Popular tracks