Women of IU

About Women of IU

The Women of IU podcast is hosted by the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology and aims to share the stories and experiences of women on IU campuses who are making strides in areas like science, engineering, math, media studies, coding, art and design, and more. This podcast is a way to highlight the important work women do every day at IU.

Publisher

Kosha Patel

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Sept 2023

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Ep. 14: Beyond the Hype: Ethical AI in Everyday Life with Anchal Bahel

   In the first episode of our new season, Anchal Bahel joins host Kosha Patel to explore what ethical AI looks like in everyday life, from studying for exams and managing busy schedules to knowing when to trust your own thinking. In this episode, Anchal walks through how she uses AI as a thought partner, why she starts with her own ideas, and what responsible use means through three principles: transparency, accuracy, and accountability. We also discuss bias, how AI is changing what it means to be a good student, and why critical thinking remains essential as these tools become more common. With conversations about AI often caught between fear and hype, Anchal offers a more balanced perspective: recognize the benefits, understand the limitations, and stay intentional about how you use it. She shares practical ways to get started and stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, along with the encouragement from her mother that inspires her to push beyond her comfort zone. Anchal Bahel is a senior at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business studying Information Systems and Business Analytics. She is a member of the Ethical AI alliance team at the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, where she helps students explore the technical, ethical, legal, and societal dimensions of AI. She is pursuing a career in technology consulting. To learn more about the Ethical AI team and upcoming events, visit the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology website (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/index.html). Anchal recommends the ⁠TLDR AI newsletter (https://tldr.tech/ai)for keeping up with AI developments. About the Center of Excellence for Women & Tech The Center of Excellence for Women & Tech (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/) at Indiana University empowers women to build leadership skills, gain confidence with technology, and foster community across disciplines. Follow @IUwomenandtech (https://www.instagram.com/iuwomenandtechnology/) on Instagram to stay updated on events and future episodes.

2. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Ep. 13: Say Yes to What Scares You with Anshu Roja Selvamani

   In this episode, Anshu Roja Selvamani reflects on her journey from international student to one of IU's most decorated graduating seniors, building a sense of belonging through real struggle, and why she refuses to be boxed into a single identity. She shares her perspective on AI and creativity, the tension between efficiency and human expression, and why she believes technology is only as good as the intention behind it. We also dig into how she built Binary Horizons from a single coding pilot in Namibia into a nonprofit spanning four countries, and the advice that's carried her through: say yes to what scares you, and figure out the rest later. Anshu Roja Selvamani (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/about/staff/student-alliance-staff/arojasel.html) is a graduating senior in Computer Science at Indiana University Bloomington, with minors in Data Science, Music Production, and Cognitive Science and a 4.0 GPA. She is the recipient of the 2026 Herman B Wells Distinguished Senior Award (https://news.iu.edu/studentlife/live/news/50371-anshu-roja-selvamani-the-2026-herman-b-wells-award), IU's most prestigious senior honor, as well as the 2026 Outstanding Student Leader Award and the 2025-26 Maureen Biggers Leadership Award, both from the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, and a 2025 Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) Scholar. At the Center, Anshu serves as Lead Intern for the IUB Women Rising alliance team and is a past Podcast Production Intern, having spent nearly two years producing and hosting episodes of the Women of IU podcast, the very show she's now the featured guest on. She's also Vice President of Entropic@IU, past President of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and an undergraduate instructor for IU's Intro to AI and Data Representation courses. Beyond campus, Anshu is the founder and president of Binary Horizons, a nonprofit expanding digital literacy and AI empowerment across Namibia, Nigeria, India, and Zambia, including Code Connect Namibia and the Afro-Asian Entrepreneurs Conference in Tanzania. If you'd like to learn more about Anshu and her work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshuselv/) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/anshuselv/). About the Center of Excellence for Women & Tech The Center of Excellence for Women & Technology (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/index.html) at Indiana University empowers women to build leadership skills, gain confidence with technology, and foster community across disciplines. Follow @IUwomenandtech (https://www.instagram.com/IUwomenandtech) on Instagram to stay updated on events and future episodes.

3. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Ep. 12: Allyship is a Verb: Building Equitable Workspaces with Mridvika Raisinghani

   For our last episode of the semester, we’re digging into our archives to release a previously unreleased episode hosted by our Allies for Equity Team! Please enjoy this interview hosted by series host Kosha Patel featuring then-Lead Intern Jaqui Sanchez from the Allies for Equity team in conversation withMridvika Raisinghani, IU Alum, co-founder and CEO of Sama, and women’s rights activist. In this episode, Mridvika helps us rethink equity as something we actively build, not just discuss. She shares a powerful moment from her work that revealed how even well intentioned spaces can unintentionally exclude others, and how that experience reshaped her approach to inclusion. She explains why change begins with awareness, how discomfort signals growth, and why evolving our perspectives matters more than “unlearning” them. We also explore her journey from consulting to purpose-driven work and the creation of Sama, a platform that helps organizations use data to understand why women leave the workforce and build more equitable systems. Mridvika also reframes allyship as action, encouraging students to notice whose voices are missing and create space for others. Mridvika Raisinghani is the co-founder & CEO of Sama, an AI enabled startup in the space of Gender Inclusion. Sama's predictive modelling tool depicts the turnover intention of women employees in an organization, and its recommendation engine suggests the interventions that organizations can use to increase retention and representation of women in the workplace. The end-to-end SaaS platform is a one-stop shop for organizations allowing them to use data to drive retention interventions. She has spent her career of 18 yrs across IT services, Consulting, Non-profit fundraising and Ed-tech and HR-tech Startups in India, Africa and US. Her last decade as a start-up operator has allowed her to scale businesses, lead client delivery teams (Sales & Delivery), own multi-million dollar P&L's and work across geographies with cross-cultural teams. She is based in Mumbai and is deeply passionate about women’s rights, identifying as a staunch feminist focused on addressing low female workforce participation in India. Prior to her start up stints, she was raising funds for large non profit and advising financial services clients in the US in secondary mortgage markets. Mridvika has a bachelor’s degree in computer sciences from Mumbai University and a Masters Degree in Information Systems from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, (Bloomington) United States. If you’d like to learn more about Mridvika and her work, you can visit samalives.com (https://www.samalives.com/) or connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mridvika/). Her podcast, JustAnOrdinaryMom.com (https://www.justanordinarymom.com/), is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. About the Center of Excellence for Women & Tech The Center of Excellence for Women & Tech (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/index.html) at Indiana University empowers women to build leadership skills, gain confidence with technology, and foster community across disciplines. Follow @IUwomenandtech on Instagram to stay updated on events and future episodes.

4. 

   18 Feb 2026

   Ep. 11: Go Behind the Portraits: the Women of IU Portrait Collection with Sherry Rouse and Laurie Burns McRobbie

   In this episode, Sherry and Laurie take us behind the scenes of the Women of IU Portrait Collection, a powerful campus initiative that honors the legacy and contributions of women connected to Indiana University. They share how the collection began, the research and storytelling process behind selecting honorees, and the importance of making historically overlooked contributions visible through art. Together, we explore remarkable stories from the collection, including trailblazers who transformed residence life, broke racial barriers, and shaped the student experience in ways still felt today. Sherry and Laurie reflect on the emotional impact of portrait dedications, the role of artists, many of them women, in telling these stories, and how families, students, and alumni continue to connect with the collection in meaningful ways. Beyond the portraits themselves, the conversation highlights broader themes of leadership, visibility, and legacy. Laurie discusses how the collection helped shape conversations during IU’s Bicentennial Campaign and contributed to long-term efforts to recognize women’s impact through endowments, portraits, and public art. Sherry emphasizes the power of curiosity, inviting listeners to slow down, look up, and notice the stories embedded in the spaces we move through every day. The episode closes with reflections on inspiration, community, and the importance of preserving the relationships and stories that shape who we become, personally, professionally, and institutionally. Sherry Rouse is Indiana University’s longtime curator of campus art, responsible for preserving and managing artwork across all eight IU campuses. Her career spans decades in arts leadership, including directing the Bloomington Area Arts Council and serving with the National Endowment for the Arts. Through her curatorial vision and deep institutional knowledge, Sherry has played a central role in shaping and sustaining the Women of IU Portrait Collection, ensuring that the stories of women who have shaped the university are preserved, honored, and made visible to the campus community. Laurie Burns McRobbie is Indiana University’s eighteenth First Lady and a nationally recognized leader in women’s philanthropy, leadership, and technology. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education at the University of Michigan and Internet2, she helped found the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council and the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology at IU. Laurie continues to serve on influential boards at the state and national level, advocating for women’s visibility, leadership, and access to opportunity across higher education and beyond. About the Center of Excellence for Women & Tech The Center of Excellence for Women & Tech is a welcoming community on Indiana University’s campus that strives to empower women students, faculty, and alumni to expand their leadership skills, build confidence with technology, and foster community and collaboration across all fields of study and industry. Follow the Center on Instagram at @IUwomenandtech to stay up to date on events, programs, and future podcast episodes.

5. 

   9 Dec 2025

   Ep 10: How Your AI Input Becomes Legal Evidence — with Dr. Angie Burks

   In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Angie Burks, Visiting Senior Lecturer at the Kelley School of Business, whose work bridges business, law, and engineering. Together, we explore a question most people never think to ask: What happens to the things you type into AI — and can they become legal evidence? Dr. Burks breaks down the hidden permanence of digital communication, why “deleted” rarely means gone, and how your AI chats can be subpoenaed in court. She also shares her P.A.C.E.D. framework — a simple, powerful tool to help students and professionals pause before hitting “send.” We also discuss the moral crossroads created by AI, the role of intuition in a tech-driven world, and what it means to lead with clarity and character in fields where women remain underrepresented. If you use AI in school, at work, or in your daily life, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

6. 

   19 Sept 2025

   Ep. 9: Consulting for a Sustainable Future: Stephanie Hayes Richards on Mentorship, Global Policy, and Leading with Purpose

   In this episode, Jinji Tserennadmid of the Sustainability and Tech Team sits down with Stephanie Hayes Richards, founder of Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute. Stephanie shares how a report from the IPCC in the ’90s sparked her journey into environmental policy, and how she later combined her passions for sustainability and business to launch her consulting firm. They explore the value of integrating academic and real-world experience, the role of inclusivity and communication in leadership, and how students can best prepare for global careers in sustainability. Tune in to hear Stephanie’s insights on the future of the field—and how professionalism, not just technical skill, can shape tomorrow’s climate leaders.

7. 

   8 May 2025

   Ep 8: Designing for Dignity: Dr. Aqueasha Hammond on Aging, AI, and the Future of Tech

   What does it mean to design technology that supports independence, dignity, and connection as we age? In this episode, host Anshu Roja Selvamani sits down with Dr. Aqueasha Martin Hammond—associate professor of Human-Computer Interaction at IU Indianapolis—to explore how AI and voice technologies can empower older adults while navigating critical concerns around privacy, trust, and accessibility. Dr. Hammond shares how her grandmothers inspired her career, why mentorship matters, and the ethical frontiers she's exploring next.

8. 

   24 Feb 2025

   Ep. 7: Building a Mind: AI, Cognitive Science, and the Origins of Intelligence

   How do our brains learn? Can artificial intelligence help us unlock the mysteries of the human mind? In this episode of the Women of IU Podcast, Dr. Samantha Wood, assistant professor at Indiana University’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, joins host Anshu Roja Selvamani to discuss her groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, cognitive science, and neuroscience. Dr. Wood shares how she uses digital twins, neural networks, and psychology models to understand how newborn brains build knowledge. She also explores the advantages and risks of AI in cognitive science, the future of women in tech, and overcoming imposter syndrome in male-dominated fields. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a student, or just curious about the origins of intelligence, this conversation is sure to inspire! 🎧 Tune in now to learn how AI is helping us "build a mind"! 💡 Follow IU Women & Tech: @iuwomenandtech 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Wood’s research: www.buildingamind.com (http://www.buildingamind.com/)

9. 

   21 Oct 2024

   SPECIAL EPISODE: Unmasking Misinformation: Donnell Probst on How Media Literacy Empowers You

   In this episode of the Women of IU Podcast, Mahasin Ameen interviews Donnell Probst, Deputy Director for the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE). Donnell shares her expertise on media literacy, the challenges of navigating today’s media landscape, and how to empower individuals through media education. Key topics discussed: Donnell's role at NAMLE and the importance of media literacy education in a digital-first world. Defining media literacy and its key components, including access, analysis, and evaluation of media. The differences between misinformation and disinformation, and the growing need for fact-checking in today's media. The role of algorithms in shaping what we see online and how individuals can be more critical of their digital consumption. Practical tips on engaging students in media literacy and addressing cultural differences in media understanding. How NAMLE celebrates Media Literacy Week and its efforts to promote awareness on a national level.

10. 

    12 Sept 2024

    Ep. 6: From IU to Microsoft: Tara Aggarwal's Career Path in AI

    In this episode of the Women of IU Podcast, Anshu Roja Selvamani interviews Tara Aggarwal, an AI lead at Microsoft for Outlook and an IU alumna. Tara shares her insights on the world of AI, her experiences as a woman in tech, and her advice for aspiring professionals. Key topics discussed: Tara's role as an AI lead at Microsoft, including her focus on responsible AI and ethical considerations. Her journey at IU, including her involvement in CEWIT and other student organizations. The challenges and opportunities of studying abroad in London. Her experiences as a woman in tech, including the importance of representation and breaking down barriers. The future of AI and the role of women in shaping it. Advice for students and women early in their careers. Tara's inspiring story offers valuable insights into the world of AI and the importance of pursuing your passions, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone.

11. 

    12 Sept 2024

    Ep. 5: Tiana's Tech Talk: A Journey in Tech and Higher Education

    This episode of the Women of IU Podcast features Tiana Iruoje, the Director of Student Engagement and Success at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering. Tiana discusses her rewarding career journey in higher education and her passion for creating opportunities for students. She offers valuable advice for underrepresented students in tech and shares her thoughts on the future role of women in the industry. Here are some key points from the conversation: Tiana's role involves overseeing student success from enrollment to graduation, while also creating high-impact engagement activities. The most rewarding part of her work is witnessing the growth of students throughout their academic careers. Tiana emphasizes the importance of breaking down the imposter syndrome and encourages underrepresented students to find their voice and advocate for themselves. She highlights the need for women to be visible in leadership positions within the tech industry. Tiana's mother is her biggest inspiration, and she credits her with fostering a strong work ethic and a dedication to helping others. This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone interested in student success, diversity in tech, and the power of mentorship.

12. 

    12 Sept 2024

    Ep. 4: Demystifying AI and Inspiring Women: A Conversation with Dr. Alexis Pierce Caudell

    This episode of the Women of IU Podcast features the IU student-run Ethical AI Team interviewing Dr. Alexis Pierce Caudell, a lecturer at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Dr. Caudell dives into her work teaching about ethics in technology and generative AI, preparing students for the rapidly evolving world of AI. She also offers insights on being a woman in this dynamic field and shares advice for aspiring women in tech. You'll hear Dr. Caudell discuss: The challenges and opportunities of AI in areas like climate change. How she approaches teaching about generative AI in the classroom. The importance of "socio-technical thinking" in the context of AI. Her experiences as a woman in the technology industry. Her advice for students and women navigating their careers in tech. The future role of women in the field of AI. This episode is brought to you by the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology (CEW&T). Don't forget to: Rate and review the Women of IU Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow the Center on Instagram @iuwomenandtech. Learn more about Dr. Caudell and the Ethical AI Team in the show notes and at womenandtech.indiana.edu.

13. 

    11 Dec 2023

    Ep. 3: Finding Your Voice in Design with Avrie Allen

    Graphic Designer Avrie Allen joins the show to discuss her experience studying design at IU, how tech influences her design process, and some of her personal design inspirations.

14. 

    12 Oct 2023

    Ep. 2: Managing the Message with Dr. Lisa Lenoir

    Lisa D. Lenoir (https://mediaschool.indiana.edu/people/profile.html?p=ldlenoir) is a critical/cultural media sociologist who studies race, gender, and class. She holds a Ph.D. in media sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia; an M.S. in International Public Service from DePaul University; and a B.A. in Journalism, with a minor in Graphic Design from Indiana University Bloomington. For 17 years she worked as a professional journalist covering and editing everything from fire to fashion at the Marietta Times (Marietta, Ohio); The Peoria Journal Star; The Indianapolis Star; and the Chicago Sun-Times. She was an instructor at Columbia College Chicago for 14 years and an assistant professor at Stephens College in Missouri teaching fashion communication for seven years. She was a Lillian Kopenhaver Center Fellow in 2017 and won numerous awards as a journalist. Her research uses a critical and cultural paradigm to examine contemporary cultural phenomena in media discourses. Areas of interest include journalism studies; activism; and identity and consumer culture. Her dissertation explored “woke culture” discourses in Essence; O, The Oprah Magazine; and Teen Vogue. At IU she teaches courses in the Media School’s new Fashion Media program. The Center of Excellence for Women & Tech (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/index.html) is a welcoming community on Indiana University’s campus that strives to empower women students, faculty, and alumni to expand their leadership skills, build confidence about technology, and foster community and collaboration between all fields of study and industry.  **Correction: the Center’s NEW Instagram handle is @IUwomenandtech. Please follow us there! Big thanks to Rebecca Ramsey at IU's Center for Language Technology whose work makes this podcast possible! Since 1959, CeLT has overseen the language and computer labs in Ballantine Hall, with the mission of providing the highest quality services to support language teaching, learning, and research at Indiana University. Find out more about their services and resources here. (https://celt.indiana.edu/index.html)

15. 

    13 Sept 2023

    Ep. 1: Sustainability & Tech with Zolboo Dashmyagmar

    Zolboo Dashmyagmar (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/about/staff/student-alliance-staff/zodash.html) is pursuing an MPA degree concentrating on Sustainability as a Fulbright scholar. She has worked in multicultural teams in the technology, international development, and hospitality sectors. Zolboo is also the lead intern on the Center’s Sustainability & Tech Alliance Team! She is passionate about contributing to global climate action, technology for good, and women's empowerment. The Center of Excellence for Women & Tech (https://womenandtech.indiana.edu/index.html) is a welcoming community on Indiana University’s campus that strives to empower women students, faculty, and alumni to expand their leadership skills, build confidence about technology, and foster community and collaboration between all fields of study and industry. Check out Sustain IU (https://sustain.iu.edu/index.html) to explore degree and career paths in sustainability, and to find out ways to get involved on campus. Big thanks to Rebecca Ramsey at IU's Center for Language Technology whose work makes this podcast possible! Since 1959, CeLT has overseen the language and computer labs in Ballantine Hall, with the mission of providing the highest quality services to support language teaching, learning, and research at Indiana University. Find out more about their services and resources here. (https://celt.indiana.edu/index.html) IU recently presented a Climate Action Plan that establishes a pathway for IU to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Learn more about IU’s Climate Action Plan and the Climate Action Planning Committee here. (https://cpf.iu.edu/climate-action/index.html?_gl=1*ofs7dd*_ga*MTQ0OTEyNTc1Ni4xNjg0MzU3NTIy*_ga_61CH0D2DQW*MTY5NTI0NzkyNi4zNy4xLjE2OTUyNDc5NzIuMTQuMC4w)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

18

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Women of IU

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.