Modern Figures Podcast

At the conclusion of Season 6 - we’re at a crossroads and it’s…a lot. Jeremy and Kyla pull back the curtain on the raw, real struggles of life as faculty—juggling the impossible trifecta of research, teaching, and endless service. In another installation of the Black-ademic series, they don’t sugarcoat the burnout, boundary battles, or the constant hustle to keep academia from swallowing you whole. This episode dives deep into their personal wins and failures, revealing the hidden costs of “success” in higher education. Along the way, they celebrate the game-changing voices they’ve featured this season and reflect on powerful moments from the Podcast Summit and upcoming conferences. If you think academia is just about books and lectures, think again. This is about community, mentorship, and fighting to find real meaning in a system built to wear you down.

Felecia Hatcher joins Kyla and Jeremy to share her inspiring journey from a diverse career in experiential marketing to becoming the CEO of Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition Opportunity Incorporated. Felecia discusses the importance of challenging traditional educational paths, her passion for empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs, and building resilience through innovation. Her candid reflections highlight the significance of pursuing dreams despite obstacles, fostering inclusive innovation, and leveraging unique opportunities for those with world-bending ideas. Discover Felecia's insights on breaking barriers and building a legacy for future entrepreneurs.

Join Jeremy and Kyla as they engage with Dr. Quincy K. Brown, an influential figure in STEM policy and education. Quincy shares her inspiring journey from growing up in the Bronx to becoming an established expert in computer science and policy. Learn about her transitions from academia to policy-making, her work in the White House, and her venture into entrepreneurship with Futures and Innovation. Explore how community, education, and perseverance have shaped her path and the impact she continues to have on future generations in STEM.

Dr. Sandra K. Johnson made history as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in computer engineering — and she’s just getting started. In this inspiring conversation, she joins hosts Kyla and Jeremy to share her journey from Louisiana to IBM, her leap into fintech and venture capital, and how she's empowering the next generation of African diaspora entrepreneurs. Tune in for insights on resilience, innovation, and thriving in spaces where few have gone before.

This week, Kyla and Jeremy are joined by the brilliant and hilarious Dr. André Brock, Associate Professor at Georgia Tech and certified expert in all things digital culture. They dive into how Black communities—especially Black women—have shaped the online world, from memes to movements. Dr. Brock breaks down the magic of “distributed Blackness,” why African American rhetoric matters in tech, and how the internet just wouldn't be the same without a little (okay, a lot of) Black excellence. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it might just change the way you see your timeline. Tune in for hot takes, real talk, and maybe a few tweets worth quoting.

In this episode, the multitalented, multifaceted Deborah A. Anderson, dives into the nuances of balancing roles as an academic, animator, and influencer, emphasizing the importance of representation and access to animation careers for Black and brown communities. The discussion unfolds around her creation of Black Women Animator, aiming to demystify the animation industry for aspiring creatives. Deborah’s insights on the impact of technology and AI on animation underline the critical intersection of art, culture, and innovation.

In this inspiring episode of Modern Figures Podcast, hosts Kyla McMullen and Jeremy Waisome sit down with Dr. Cheryl D. Seals, the Charles E. Barkley Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Auburn University. From her early days in Louisiana to becoming a powerhouse in user experience, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, Dr. Seals shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path in tech.

Our esteemed hosts, Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome, check in for some mid-season updates in their academic and research endeavors, including mentoring new students and navigating grant funding challenges. Special guest Dr. Amber Johnson pops in to share our involvement in various projects, including a Small Business and Research Grant from the NSF. Don’t miss this episode because we discuss travel grants and opportunities to become a Modern Figures Influencer! BONUS: Stick around for an important update at the end of the episode.

Comedian and actress Keysha E. discusses her journey from a computer engineer with degrees in information systems and computer engineering to performing comedy in Hollywood.

Join Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen as they elevate the influential stories of Black women in computing. This episode features Chioma Aso, a dynamic figure bridging engineering and advocacy. Chioma discusses her journey from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to becoming an influential engineering manager and founder of STEAMDivas Incorporated. She shares insights on grounding, productivity, and STEM education, while challenging conventional narratives around intelligence and confidence. Discover how Chioma empowers young girls through STEM, inspiring the next generation of tech innovators.

Stephanie Van Putten, a notable leader in tech and entrepreneurship, shares her journey from PG County, Maryland, to becoming a major force in Silicon Valley. She discusses her experiences at Microsoft and MIT, founding Blendoor, and creating Visible Figures, a platform enhancing visibility for women leaders of the African diaspora. With insights into navigating tech, raising venture capital, and fostering diversity, Van Putten reflects on challenges and the importance of community and networking. Join this enlightening conversation to explore the intersection of human capital, technology, and the push for more inclusive, equitable workplaces.

Join hosts Kyla and Jeremy on the Modern Figures podcast as they welcome Dr. Gloria Katuka, an applied scientist at Microsoft from Zaria, Nigeria. Gloria shares her remarkable journey through academia, achieving four degrees in eight years, including a PhD in computer science. Discover her experience transitioning from Nigeria to the U.S., her passion for computer science education, and her impactful work in developing AI services. Gain insights into her unique career path, the challenges she overcame, and her current role at Microsoft, crafting AI solutions for customers.

Dive into an insightful conversation with Dr. Valerie Taylor, Director of Argonne National Labs’ Mathematics and Computer Science Division. Exploring her journey from a tech-infused childhood in Chicago to pioneering roles in academia and founding the organization, CMD-IT. Dr. Taylor shares personal stories about mentorship, navigating academia as a minority, and shaping the future of computing through inclusivity and research. Get a glimpse into significant milestones in industry and academia, accentuated by her leadership in the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference.

Ready for a journey that will inspire and empower? Join Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome as they take you behind the scenes of their game-changing podcast and nonprofit, Modern Figures Inc., dedicated to advancing diversity in STEM. In this episode, they reveal the powerful story behind the podcast's creation, emphasizing the crucial role of community, education, and safe spaces for underrepresented minorities in computing.

In this insightful episode, listeners are introduced to the fascinating journeys of Jennifer Otiano and Kowe Kadoma, two emerging scholars in the field of Information Science. Their stories unravel against the backdrop of their shared passion for human-centered technology and their individual quests for understanding its socio-cultural implications. Diving deep into the heart of computing research, Jennifer and Kowe discuss their academic pursuits and personal growth, painting a vivid picture of resilience and innovation in a field that constantly evolves.

In this episode, Linda Calvin, the Chief Impact Officer for Reboot Representation, shares her experiences growing up as the only Black woman in her family, church, and school. She discusses the challenges she faced and how she used her love for writing and creativity to navigate those situations. Linda also talks about her journey in the IT sector, her decision to go back to school as a non-traditional student, and her transition to law school. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the value of understanding coding as a foundation for leadership in the tech industry.

Dr. Robin Brewer, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, shares her journey in computer science and human-computer interaction. She discusses her research experiences, including internships at Facebook and Microsoft Research, where she focused on designing technologies for older adults. Dr. Brewer inspires the next generation of researchers and challenges preconceptions about Black women in computing. Her current work centers around designing technologies for older adults and people with disabilities, including voice and AI technologies. She also emphasizes the importance of getting research outside of academia and into the real world.

Dr. Valamere Mikler, an advocate for equitable spaces in DEI, shares her journey from criminal justice to industrial organizational psychology. She discusses her work with Girls Who Code and her initiative, SheRanTech, which educates and empowers girls and women on internet safety and securing STEM careers. Dr. Mikler also explores the motivations of millennials and Gen Z in the workforce and the importance of technology in advocating for women in tech. Join Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen as they elevate the voices of black women in computing.

In this episode of Modern Figure’s podcast, Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen interview Shana T. Bryant, an executive producer at Oculus Game Publishing. Shana shares her journey in the gaming industry, from her early passion for video games to her diverse roles in companies like EA and Microsoft. She discusses the importance of communication and teamwork in game development and challenges the notion of the “gamer” identity. Shana also delves into the lack of diversity in the industry and the slow progress being made. Join the conversation and be inspired by Shana’s insights and experiences in the world of gaming.

In this episode, Dr. Aishat Aloba joins hosts Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen to discuss her journey as a Black woman in computing. Dr. Aloba shares her experiences growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and the misconceptions about Africa. She talks about her initial interest in computer engineering and how she discovered her passion for computer science. Dr. Aloba also highlights the importance of community and the role it played in her transition to studying in the United States. She shares her experiences at the University of Mississippi and the opportunities she had to get involved in research. The episode concludes with Dr. Aloba discussing her decision to pursue a PhD and her current work in user experience research.