Claim OwnershipHer Path to Success
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"Her Path to Success is a podcast dedicated to celebrating and learning from inspiring women who are breaking barriers in their fields. Hosted by Sia Gullapalli, each episode dives into the journeys of trailblazing women—exploring their challenges, achievements, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re looking for career inspiration, insight into different industries, or motivation to chase your dreams, this podcast is for you. Tune in and discover what success truly means!
40 Episodes
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli speaks with Dr. Esther Melamed, a neurologist, neuroimmunologist, and physician-scientist whose work explores the powerful intersection between the immune system and the brain.Dr. Melamed shares her journey into neurology and neuroimmunology, reflecting on the moments during her training that shaped her path as a physician-scientist. She explains how immune-mediated neurological diseases are transforming our understanding of brain health and why neuroimmunology has become one of the most exciting frontiers in modern medicine.The conversation also explores what it means to bridge research and patient care — from translating discoveries in the lab into treatments for patients to learning from clinical experiences that inspire new scientific questions.Beyond the science, Dr. Melamed discusses the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the next generation of physician-scientists, particularly women entering academic medicine.Together, we explore the future of neuroimmunology, the challenges of scientific discovery, and the profound impact that research can have on patients’ lives.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Caralyne Jackson, a distinguished neurologist and national medical leader, to discuss the intersection of clinical excellence, advocacy, and leadership in medicine.Dr. Jackson shares:Her journey into neurology and what drew her to the fieldThe evolving challenges facing physicians todayThe importance of patient advocacy and ethical leadershipHow young women can pursue medicine with confidence and clarityLessons on resilience, service, and long-term impactThis episode offers powerful insight for aspiring physicians, neuroscience students, and anyone passionate about making a difference through healthcare.
What if the earliest signs of neurodegenerative disease begin long before symptoms appear?In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Bess Frost, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry at Brown University. Dr. Frost’s lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.Together, they explore how disruptions in nuclear architecture, tau pathology, and chromatin organization contribute to cognitive decline — and what this means for early detection and prevention. Dr. Frost also shares insights into her journey in science, navigating academia as a woman in research, and the importance of curiosity-driven discovery.This conversation bridges molecular neuroscience with real-world impact, offering students and aspiring scientists a deeper look at how laboratory research shapes the future of brain health.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, we spotlight Dr. Ellen Ochoa — engineer, astronaut, and former Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. As the first Hispanic woman in space, Dr. Ochoa broke barriers in 1993 and went on to fly four Space Shuttle missions.But her story goes far beyond firsts. From her early work in optical engineering to leading one of NASA’s most important centers, Dr. Ochoa’s journey reflects resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to expanding opportunity in STEM.We discuss:What it takes to become an astronautLeadership lessons from space explorationThe importance of representation in scienceAdvice for young people who dream bigHer path reminds us that exploration is not just about discovering new worlds — it’s about expanding who gets to lead.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Courtney T. Byrd—renowned speech-language pathology researcher and founder of the Michael and Tami Lang Stuttering Institute. We discuss her personal journey into stuttering research, the importance of culturally responsive care, and how innovative tools like virtual reality and interactive technology are transforming clinical practice. Dr. Byrd also shares insights on bridging research and real-world treatment, addressing gaps in clinician training, and advice for the next generation of communication science leaders.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Jori Fleisher, a movement disorders neurologist and trailblazer in home-based care for people living with advanced Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia.Dr. Fleisher’s work lives at the intersection of medicine, research, empathy, and systems redesign. From stepping into patients’ living rooms instead of hospital hallways to centering caregivers who are often overlooked, she has reimagined what meaningful, equitable neurological care can look like.We talk about the moments that shaped her career, the emotional realities of caring for patients with progressive neurologic disease, the power of compassionate communication, and what it truly means to build healthcare systems that meet people where they are. We also explore her commitment to mentoring the next generation and her advocacy for women in neuroscience.This conversation is about more than medicine — it’s about listening, humility, and designing care that honors humanity.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Dr. Susan Durham, a leader in pediatric neurosurgery, to explore the intersection of technical excellence, emotional resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.Dr. Durham shares her journey into medicine and what drew her to pediatric neurosurgery—a field that demands not only surgical precision, but deep empathy for children and their families. We discuss how she learned to make life-altering decisions under pressure, navigated moments of doubt early in her career, and evolved from an individual surgeon into a Professor and Chief of Neurosurgery.This conversation also dives into leadership lessons that can’t be taught in textbooks, mentorship in academic medicine, the realities of working in a historically male-dominated field, and how her definition of success has evolved over time. Dr. Durham reflects on loss, growth, legacy, and what she hopes future generations—especially young women considering neurosurgery—understand before stepping into this path.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I’m joined by Dr. Colgin, a leading neuroscientist whose work explores how neural circuits and brain rhythms support learning and memory. We discuss her journey into neuroscience, her lab’s research on hippocampal networks and neural oscillations, and how foundational memory research connects to brain health and disease. Dr. Colgin also shares insights on interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and what the next decade may hold for memory science—along with advice for students interested in research.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Mesha Martinez for a powerful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and using your voice with intention. Dr. Martinez shares her journey navigating spaces that were not always designed to include everyone, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.We discuss the role of representation, the responsibility that comes with leadership, and how lived experience can become a source of strength rather than limitation. This episode explores what it means to lead with purpose — not for recognition, but to open doors for others and build systems that are more equitable and inclusive.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Beekhuyzen, a technologist, entrepreneur, and global advocate for gender equity in STEM. We explore her personal journey into technology, what inspired her to found the Tech Girls Movement Foundation, and why technology is ultimately about solving human problems—not just writing code.Our conversation dives into digital literacy as a human right, the power of storytelling in reshaping who belongs in tech, and how inclusive systems—not just surface-level diversity—lead to better solutions. Dr. Beekhuyzen also shares advice for young people, especially girls, who want to launch tech-for-good initiatives, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for meaningful change in their communities around the world.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Thomas, an engineer, educator, and innovator whose work bridges engineering, design, and education. We explore how creativity fuels technical excellence, why playful learning belongs in serious STEM spaces, and how hands-on experiences can transform the way students see themselves as problem-solvers.From the origins of Squishy Circuits to the mission behind the Playful Learning Lab, Dr. Thomas shares insights on interdisciplinary leadership, accessibility in STEM education, and how curiosity—when nurtured—can shape lifelong innovators. This conversation is a reminder that the future of STEM isn’t just technical—it’s imaginative, inclusive, and human.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Urmi Hossain, a finance professional, author, and global advocate for women’s empowerment, to discuss navigating career growth while staying rooted in purpose. She reflects on her journey into finance, the obstacles she faced early on, and the lessons she learned about confidence, networking, and leadership in a competitive industry.We explore the role of mentorship and community in shaping success, how writing and public speaking helped her amplify her voice, and the habits that have supported her personal and professional growth. Drawing from her global perspective, she also shares insights on how diverse experiences strengthen leadership—and leaves listeners with empowering advice for young women stepping into their own paths.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Tiffany Yu, a leading voice in disability visibility and the founder of Diversability, to explore how identity, resilience, and storytelling intersect with leadership and advocacy. Tiffany reflects on her personal journey, the early challenges of launching a global disability community, and how conversations around inclusion have evolved over time.We also discuss turning difference into strength, balancing vulnerability with leadership, and the responsibility organizations have in creating truly inclusive spaces. This episode highlights the power of representation and the impact young leaders can have in shaping a more accessible and equitable future.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, we speak with Jayashree Karnam, a technology leader in quality engineering at NCR Voyix, about building reliable systems, leading high-impact teams, and navigating a career in engineering.Jayashree shares how she first discovered her passion for technology, what drew her to quality engineering, and the pivotal experiences that shaped her professional journey. She offers an inside look at what quality engineering means in a fast-paced tech environment and why it is essential to innovation, trust, and scalability. Through reflections on leadership, mentorship, and resilience, Jayashree provides powerful insights for aspiring engineers—especially young women—who want to grow into leadership roles while maintaining excellence and integrity in their work.
In this powerful episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Dr. Monica Gandhi—infectious disease physician, public health leader, and Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research—to explore a career defined by science, advocacy, and impact. Dr. Gandhi shares pivotal moments from her medical training, what led her to focus on HIV prevention for women, and how her mission has evolved to center equity and community voices.From pioneering research in HIV prevention to public communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, this conversation highlights the responsibility of scientists to engage beyond the lab. Dr. Gandhi also reflects on mentorship, leadership, and resilience, offering invaluable advice for students passionate about public health, global health, and creating meaningful change.
In this inspiring episode of Her Path to Success, Sia sits down with Ishitha Arekapudi—young pilot, aviation advocate, author, and founder of the IHS Sky Riders program—to explore what it means to chase bold dreams at a young age. Ishitha shares how she discovered aviation early on, the challenges of becoming a pilot in a traditionally male-dominated field, and the unforgettable moment of her first solo flight.From flying gliders to powered airplanes, earning certifications and scholarships, and launching programs that empower underrepresented students in aerospace, Ishitha reflects on how aviation shaped her confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose. She also opens up about her future aspirations in astrobiology and space exploration, her book Cleared for Takeoff, and why she believes young people—especially women—will define the next era of flight.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Dr. Baki, a leader in cosmetic science and academic leadership, to explore how science, consumer health, and innovation intersect. Dr. Baki shares her journey into cosmetic science, the mentors and pivotal moments that shaped her path, and how she has balanced research, teaching, and leadership throughout her career. She also discusses the growing role of cosmetic science in personal care and wellness, her experiences as a woman in STEM, and the importance of mentorship in guiding the next generation of scientists. This conversation offers valuable insight for students interested in chemistry, cosmetic science, leadership, and impact-driven careers.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Tara Nagle, a Senior Research Engineer at Cleveland Clinic, to explore how engineering and medicine intersect to drive meaningful innovation. Ms. Nagle shares her journey into biomedical research, the challenges she navigated as a woman in a highly technical field, and the role collaboration plays in advancing patient care. From mentorship to the future of healthcare technology, this conversation offers valuable insight for students interested in engineering, research, and impact-driven careers.
In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia sits down with Dr. Ximena Bernal, a leading behavioral ecologist whose groundbreaking work uncovers the complex communication, survival strategies, and ecological interactions of animals in their natural environments. Known internationally for her research on predator–prey dynamics and acoustic communication, Dr. Bernal’s work bridges biology, evolution, and environmental science to reveal how behavior shapes life on Earth.Together, we explore her career path, the curiosity that drives her research, and the lessons she has learned as a scientist navigating a male-dominated field. This conversation is perfect for students, young researchers, and anyone curious about animal behavior, science, or finding their path in STEM.
Today, I’m joined by someone whose journey proves that resilience can take many forms. Jayden Ogbodo is a former Marine, researcher, emergency department technician, and now a student anesthesiologist assistant — a path defined by service, discipline, and heart. In this conversation, we dive into how the Marine Corps shaped her mindset, how her diverse healthcare roles sharpened her purpose, and how science, grit, and identity guide the future she’s building.
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