Women In STEM Podcast

Women In STEM Podcast

by Kelly Shungu

Careers Science Technology

Season 7

From Hair Braiding to £1.4M: How Oyin Built an AI Empire for Women of Color

What does it take to build a £1.4 million AI-powered company from scratch — starting with braiding hair? In this episode, we sit down with Oyinkansola Adebayo (Oyin), CEO and Founder of Niyo Group, a multi-award-winning tech company transforming beauty and education for women of colour worldwide, with host Kelly Shungu. Link to upcoming event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1839543166129?aff=oddtdtcreator Oyin shares her journey from braiding hair for women in 2018 to building two powerhouse brands: Niyo Hair & Beauty, an AI-powered platform revolutionising salon experiences for textured hair, and Niyo Labs, a skills-based education platform that's trained over 3,000 women in tech and entrepreneurship — with an incredible 70% job placement rate at companies like KPMG and Goldman Sachs. We dive into: ✨ How she bootstrapped her way to 7 figures ✨ The role of AI in transforming industries built on exclusion ✨ What it takes to train and place women in competitive tech roles Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, curious about AI's impact on underrepresented communities, or looking for proof that purpose and profit can coexist, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Don't miss our Women in STEM event on November 19th, 6-9 PM at Somerset House! Niyo Group is sponsoring and giving away a huge VIP prize. Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1839543166129?aff=oddtdtcreator Follow the Women in STEM Podcast: Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ Connect with Niyo Group: Oyinkansola LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oyinkansola-adebayo/ Website: https://www.niyo.co/ Hide

Season 6

Building Life-Saving Medical Technology

What happens when brilliant women in STEM set out to solve one of medicine's most urgent challenges? You get groundbreaking innovation that's literally saving lives around the world. Host Kelly Shungu welcomes two powerhouse leaders from Front Line Medical Technologies: Dr Asha Parekh, Co-Founder and CEO, and Seema Gogna, Director of Products. Together, they've created the revolutionary COBRA-OS® device—a game-changing tool that stops bleeding in emergencies, from trauma centres to military medicine to postpartum care. In this inspiring conversation, we explore how biomedical engineering translates into real-world solutions, the challenges of scaling life-saving technology globally, and what it takes to lead with purpose in male-dominated industries. Asha and Seema share their journeys from STEM backgrounds to executive leadership, revealing how representation and equity drive their mission to make healthcare innovation accessible to all. Whether you're curious about medical technology, considering entrepreneurship, or wondering how STEM careers can create meaningful impact, this episode shows exactly how science and engineering can change—and save—lives. Follow the Women in STEM Podcast: Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ Connect with Front Line Medical Technologies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/front-line-medical-technologies-inc/posts/?feedView=all Twitter: https://x.com/FrontLineCOBRA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frontlinecobra YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBzYfdWDDRn12tUyKQ_bz-w Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FrontLineCOBRA/

Is a PhD Right for You?

Considering a PhD but not sure what you're getting into? This episode is exactly what you need to hear. Host Kelly Shungu sits down with Dr Sabrya Carim, a cell biologist whose career spans groundbreaking research, science editing at Nature Cell Biology, and TEDx speaking. With a PhD in Cell Biology and years of postdoctoral experience, Sabrya now dedicates her time to helping others—especially women—navigate their STEM journeys. In this honest conversation, we bust common PhD myths, explore what rigorous science really means, and tackle the confidence questions that keep so many brilliant minds from pursuing their dreams. Whether you're seriously considering doctoral studies or just curious about life in academic science, Sabrya shares the real talk you won't get from university brochures. From lab isolation to career pivots, from imposter syndrome to finding your voice as a scientist—this episode covers it all with the kind of authenticity that only comes from someone who's walked the path. Follow the Women in STEM Podcast: Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ Connect with Dr Sabrya Carim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrya-carim/?originalSubdomain=uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrya.speaks/?hl=en

Parenting in the Digital Age

Welcome to Women in STEM, the podcast where we amplify the voices of women breaking barriers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I’m your host, Kelly Shungu, and in today’s episode, we’re taking a slightly different — but deeply important — perspective: the role of parenting in shaping the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers. Our guest is none other than Sue Atkins — a parenting powerhouse, regular expert on the BBC and ITV, best-selling author, consultant for Disney, and host of the Navigating the Digital Jungle podcast. Together, we explore: ✨ Building confidence and resilience in children from an early age ✨ How play and imagination can spark problem-solving and creativity ✨ Helping kids form healthy digital habits in a tech-driven world ✨ Normalising representation and role models for young girls in STEM ✨ Reassuring parents who may feel doubt or guilt along their journey This conversation is warm, inspiring, and full of practical insights for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about raising confident, curious, and resilient kids who can thrive in the future of STEM. ⭐ CONNECT WITH US ⭐ Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ ⭐ GUEST LINKS ⭐ Website: https://sueatkinsparentingcoach.com/ Podcast: Navigating the Digital Jungle — available on all platforms 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/womeninstem/

Breaking Barriers in Cloud Tech

Welcome to Women in STEM, the podcast where we highlight the incredible journeys, challenges, and achievements of women making their mark in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I’m your host, Kelly Shungu, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of cloud technology with Sree Potluri, a seasoned Solution Architect with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. Sree shares her inspiring journey into technology, the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the field, and how she has built a successful career in cloud computing. We explore how cloud technologies are evolving, the essential skills needed for the future, and common misconceptions that often hold people back from pursuing careers in this space. Beyond the technical insights, Sree opens up about the power of mentorship, the importance of women supporting each other in tech, and her hopes for greater inclusivity and gender equality in the industry. This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and forward-thinking perspectives for anyone interested in technology, mentorship, and the future of women in STEM. ⭐ CONNECT WITH US ⭐ Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ ⭐ GUEST LINKS ⭐ Sree Potluri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navyasree-potluri-4094046a/

Fighting Cancer Through Research

🧬 Cancer Research & Scientific Partnerships: Breaking Barriers in STEM 🎙️ Episode 11 of Season 6 is here! This week on the Women In STEM Podcast, hosted by Kelly Shungu, we’re joined by two extraordinary scientists, whose groundbreaking research is shaping the future of cancer treatment: 🔬 Dr. Christina Towers – Principal Investigator at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, leading pioneering research into how cancer cells recycle their components (autophagy) to survive, to develop therapies that make them more vulnerable to treatment. 🧪 Dr. Dannielle Engle– Principal Investigator at the Salk Institute, focused on uncovering the biology of pancreatic cancer and developing earlier diagnostics and more effective treatments for this aggressive disease. #WomenInSTEM #CancerResearch #Oncology #STEMLeadership #LifeSciences #Podcast ⭐ CONNECT WITH US ⭐ Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ ⭐ GUEST LINKS ⭐ Christina Towers: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/christina-towers/ Dannielle Engle: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/dannielle-engle/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/womeninstem/

Data Scientists Driving Change

Welcome to Women in STEM, the podcast where we highlight the incredible journeys, challenges, and achievements of women making their mark in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I’m your host, Kelly Shungu, and in today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you a unique conversation with two extraordinary tech leaders and a dynamic husband-and-wife duo — Riya Joshi and Parin Jhaveri — who are breaking barriers and reshaping the future of technology together. Riya Joshi is a Data and Applied Scientist at Microsoft, working on the Edge Browser team, where she applies machine learning and NLP techniques to enhance user experience, increase retention, and drive personalisation. She’s also shared her expertise at PyladiesCon, inspiring many in the tech community. Parin Jhaveri, her husband, is an Applied AI Lead at JP Morgan Chase, leading AI product development using NLP and Generative AI to solve complex financial challenges. With rich research experience at UMass-Amherst, Google DeepMind, and roles at Intel and Cisco, Parin brings deep knowledge in AI innovation. Together, they share insights into their career journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how their partnership strengthens their work at the forefront of AI and data science. This episode explores their passion for technology, the future of AI, and advice for young women entering STEM fields. ⭐ CONNECT WITH US ⭐ Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ ⭐ GUEST LINKS ⭐ Riya Joshi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riyajoshi Parin Jhaveri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parinjhaveri

Climate Champions and Fashion Innovators

Welcome to the Women in STEM podcast, which shines a spotlight on inspiring women making waves in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I’m your host, Kelly Shungu, and in today’s episode, we’re joined by two incredible changemakers — Juhie Radia and Enna Uwaifo — who are pioneering innovation, sustainability, and leadership in their respective fields. Juhie Radia is a STEM ambassador for the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), the youngest King’s Ambassador for Industrial Cadets, and a passionate youth advocate and climate champion. She has been a powerful voice for breaking barriers in STEM, speaking at conferences, panels, and schools to inspire the next generation of leaders. Enna Uwaifo is the founder of the IE Collective UK, an advocate for the circular economy in fashion, and an ESG Stakeholder Engagement Specialist for CSRD ESRS E5 Compliance. She is deeply committed to sustainable fashion and ensuring that systemically excluded communities have a seat at the table in global trade. In this episode, we dive into their inspiring journeys, from leading youth climate action and advancing STEM education to transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and data analytics. Whether you’re an aspiring scientist, an advocate for change, or someone curious about the intersection of STEM and sustainability, this conversation will leave you empowered to take action in your career and community. ⭐ CONNECT WITH US ⭐ Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/ ⭐ GUEST LINKS ⭐ Enna Uwaifo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enna-u-a0632299/ Juhie Radia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juhie-radia/

Designing for Equity, Access & Impact

In this episode of the Women in STEM Podcast, host Kelly Shungu is joined by Shree Lakshmi Rao and Sam Gil Vargas from Optimistic Design, a team transforming complex global systems through human-centred research and inclusive strategy. Shree blends engineering with theatre to bring empathy and structure to design, while Sam leads with equity, advocating for underrepresented communities across health, education, and climate. Together, they discuss: Navigating non-traditional paths into design research What trauma-informed, equity-centred work looks like in practice The power of storytelling in driving system-level change How to design for complexity with compassion Whether you're a designer, researcher, or someone working to make systems fairer and more human, this episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and real-world impact. ⭐ CONNECT WITH US ⭐ Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: Women in STEM Podcast All links: linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: @womeninstem_podcast ⭐ GUEST LINKS ⭐ https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimistic-design

Lead Smarter, Not Harder: A Mid-Career Reset

What does it take to lead in tech, without running yourself into the ground? In this episode of the Women in STEM Podcast, host Kelly Shungu sits down with Uma Subramanian, founder of Limitless Leaders and a former Microsoft executive, to discuss sustainable career growth, emotional intelligence, and redefining leadership on one's terms. With over 20 years in the tech industry, Uma now helps mid-career professionals become confident, influential leaders without sacrificing their health or happiness. From mindset shifts to real-world strategies, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone feeling stuck, burnt out, or simply ready to lead with more clarity and purpose. 💡 In this episode, we cover: ✨ Uma’s transition from corporate tech to coaching 🧠 Why EQ is a superpower in leadership 🛑 How to set boundaries without guilt 📈 The secret to 10x results without working harder 🧘‍♀️ Personal stories of navigating work-life balance as a mom and founder 🔁 Actionable shifts to reclaim control of your career Whether you're in the middle of a tech career or leading a team, this episode will remind you: you can grow without the grind. ⭐ CONNECT WITH US ⭐ Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/ All links: https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast Instagram: @womeninstem_podcast GUEST LINKS : The Limitless Leaders: thelimitlessleaders.com Uma's LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eRV7SKmK

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