In this episode of Queen Me, Ashley Lynn Priore is joined by Erica Reid, Senior Director of Chapter Success at Friends of the Children - a national nonprofit pioneering long-term mentorship. Erica shares her inspiring journey through education and community work, reflecting on how a deeply rooted mission of serving youth, supporting families, and strengthening communities has guided her career and life.

From her early days in the classroom to her work shaping systems that empower families, Erica emphasizes that true change begins with relationships, trust, and community. She also reflects on her roles as an adjunct instructor and her work with PBS Kids North Carolina, where she expands access to free educational resources for children, families, and teachers.

This conversation is a reminder that mentorship is not just guidance - it’s a commitment to walking alongside someone for the long haul, nurturing resilience, and creating cycles of empowerment that ripple across generations.

In this episode of Queen Me, Ashley Lynn Priore is joined by Kate Grant, the founding CEO of the Fistula Foundation and author of No Woman Left Behind. Kate shares her bold leap from a high-powered advertising career to becoming one of the world’s leading advocates for maternal health. She opens up about the burnout she faced in an industry built on manipulating insecurities, and how a trip around the world shifted her perspective on poverty, justice, and purpose. Kate reflects on building the Fistula Foundation from funding a single hospital to becoming a global force for life-restoring surgeries, highlighting the courage it takes to embrace uncertainty, learn from mistakes, and fight systemic injustice.

This conversation is not just about health - it’s about equity, gender justice, and listening to the inner voice that calls us to greater impact.

In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Sari Caine - chess champion, educator, playwright, former performer, and upcoming memoirist. Sari opens up about her journey through trauma, teaching, identity, and art - all viewed through the lens of chess. From classrooms in New York City to new beginnings in the woods, Sari shares how the game saved her life, shaped her soul, and helped her discover who she really is when she stops performing and starts being.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Annemarie Penny, founder and CEO of Dreamore, to talk about technology, leadership, and the mindset shifts required to thrive in a rapidly changing world. From her beginnings in Arkansas to her journey as a tech leader in California, Annemarie shares how she’s using AI, strategy, and emotional intelligence to shape a more equitable and expansive future - especially for women.

In this soulful episode, harpist and 2025 Doris Duke Artist Award recipient Brandee Younger opens up about her journey through music, identity, and self-discovery. From blending classical roots with contemporary sound to creating her latest album Gadabout Season, Brandee reflects on joy, healing, and what it means to live authentically - even in spaces where you're told you don’t belong.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jerad Morey, a peacemaker and leader at the Minnesota Council of Churches. Jerad shares their journey from early life experiences with mental illness in the family to their leadership in conflict resolution and community dialogue. Together, we explore how chess, empathy, and deep listening can help us build bridges in a polarized world - and why curiosity may be our most underused superpower.

In this energizing episode, Amanda Litman - co-founder and president of Run for Something and author of When We’re in Charge - shares what it really means to be in charge without losing yourself in the process. From launching a political movement to advocating for humane, sustainable leadership, this conversation is a masterclass in owning your values, building power with purpose, and designing a future that works for you.

In this episode of Queen Me, we sit down with Kelly Ross - nonprofit leader, social entrepreneur, and founder of The Echo Collective in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kelly shares the journey behind her mission to uplift immigrant and refugee women through economic independence, community-building, and entrepreneurship. From humble beginnings as an ESL volunteer to launching The Refinery program, Kelly’s work shows how local action can create generational impact - and how stepping past fear can change everything.

In this inspiring episode of Queen Me, we sit down with Abby Lane - founder and CEO of Chérie Lane, a bold fashion brand empowering ambitious women through timeless, sparkly style. From starting her first jewelry business at age seven to launching a full-time brand while still in college, Abby shares the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship: the early hustle, the hard decisions, and the deep why behind every sequin and stitch.

In this powerful episode of Queen Me, we sit down with Therese Pitman - Director of Student-Athlete Development at the University of Pittsburgh and a former Division I lacrosse player. From her time as a multi-sport high school athlete to leading one of the most impactful departments in college athletics, Therese shares how she turned sideline moments into stepping stones, why supporting athletes off the field matters more than ever, and how she’s shaping the future of inclusive, purpose-driven sports leadership.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Lamb-Sinclair—award-winning educator, National Geographic Explorer, author, and the visionary behind 2892 Miles to Go. From her days in a Kentucky classroom to the frontlines of education reform and youth-led storytelling, Ashley shares how she’s built a life rooted in purpose, policy, and radical authenticity. This conversation explores what it means to lead from where you are, why stories can shift systems, and how being underestimated might just be your greatest strength.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anna Steve—a trailblazing plastic surgeon at Neinstein Plastic Surgery who specializes in breast surgery. From her small-town Canadian roots to her patient-first, minimal-scar approach to cosmetic care, Dr. Steve brings a refreshing, human-centered voice to the field of aesthetic medicine. She opens up about what it means to empower women through surgical care, how she balances motherhood and medicine, and why confidence—not trends—should guide beauty decisions.

In this inspiring Queen Me conversation, we’re joined by Karley Berry—Senior Director of Football Operations at the NFL. Karley opens up about her journey from a small internship sparked by family ties to becoming a driving force for equity and inclusion across the football world. From legal insights to leadership philosophy, this episode explores what it takes to break into—and rise within—one of the most competitive industries, all while staying rooted in purpose, integrity, and faith.

In this episode, we sit down with Kamala Avila-Salmon—storyteller, producer, and DEI powerhouse—whose career spans music, tech, and Hollywood. From breaking barriers as Lionsgate’s first head of inclusive content to founding her own production company, Kamala opens up about the power of authentic storytelling, the hidden roadblocks in the entertainment industry, and what it means to lead with truth, clarity, and conviction.

In this episode of Queen Me, we sit down with Micaela English—a dynamic journalist, storyteller, and digital innovator whose work spans luxury, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty. From navigating unexpected career detours to redefining success on her own terms, Micaela shares a candid and empowering look at her path through the evolving world of media. This conversation dives into the power of resilience, the future of digital storytelling, and what it really means to unleash your inner queen.

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Jenny Ingber, President and CEO of Chess in the Schools, to discuss her career transition from science education to nonprofit leadership, the organization’s mission to uplift low-income youth through chess, and the broader challenges of running a nonprofit. They explore how chess serves as a powerful tool for youth development and education.

Jonathan Pride, VP of Field Operations at NPower, shares his journey from military service to corporate America and the nonprofit sector. He discusses leadership, personal growth, and NPower’s mission to create opportunities for veterans and underserved young adults in tech.

In this episode, we sit down with Coral Reynolds, President of Fiesta Plush, as she shares her path from customer service to company leadership, navigating challenges in the toy industry, and finding balance between ambition and personal fulfillment.

In this inspiring episode of Queen Me!, we sit down with Michelle Reardon, Head of Communications at National Veterinary Associates (NVA). Michelle shares her dynamic career journey—spanning government, corporate, and nonprofit communications—and offers invaluable insights on leadership, mentorship, and navigating the evolving veterinary care industry.

This interview features David Simas, former CEO of the Obama Foundation, discussing his career journey, the importance of relationships, leadership values, and the role of youth in decision-making. David shares personal anecdotes and insights on building connections, navigating leadership challenges, and fostering intergenerational collaboration.