From the show
Darlene Repollet—Kean University First Lady & 25-year HR executive—hosts candid conversations with women leaders across every sector.
Episodes
Latest Episode
October 13, 2026 · 31m
Explore how empathy, communication and human connection can shape how we lead and connect with others with Kean University alumna and psychologist Dr. Marian Stuart ’71 . Get insights on setting emotional boundaries, bridging the gap between mental and physical health and learn how to embrace the power of “yet” to build confidence and navigate challenges.
More Episodes
Sep 28, 2026 · 47m
Climb Higher with Her launches Season 2 with Adenah Bayoh, who shares her journey to building a successful career as an entrepreneur and real estate developer. She discusses perseverance, turning vision into tangible community wealth and her commitment to creating opportunities in underserved communities.
Aug 10, 2026 · 16m
Courage, perseverance and authentic leadership take center stage in this Climb Higher With Her season one recap. Revisit powerful insights from season one guests on moving through fear, overcoming rejection, stepping beyond comfort zones and building the resilience to keep going. These practical lessons offer encouragement for anyone beginning a new journey or pushing through a difficult chapter.
Jul 20, 2026 · 2m
In this bonus conversation, Michelle Velez-Jonte shares advice for first-time leaders, including the importance of listening, asking questions and staying connected to the purpose behind the work.
Jul 6, 2026 · 4m
In this bonus conversation, Darlene Repollet and Amanda Gardiner discuss the importance of persistence, strengthening relationships and how networking and human connection can open doors over time.
Jun 22, 2026 · 35m
Michelle Velez-Jonte shares lessons from her 25-year career in K-12 education and the experiences that shaped her as a leader. She reflects on how mentorship helped her find her voice and lead through change, as well as her dedication to creating opportunities for the next generation of Latino educators. Her story reminds us that leadership is built by embracing challenges, moving courageously and creating pathways for others to succeed.
Jun 8, 2026 · 35m
Sustainability leader Amanda Gardiner shares the winding path of her career, from studying opera and international affairs to advancing social impact and sustainability for global organizations. She discusses the evolution of sustainability from corporate side projects to core business strategy, the importance of building relationships to influencing change and leading with a clear set of values.
May 26, 2026 · 37m
Alumna Christina Carey Dunleavy ’98, reflects on her journey from Kean University to Disney, earning an MBA in Ireland and the value of inclusive storytelling, mentorship and trusting yourself through every career pivot. She shares empowering leadership lessons on embracing change and chasing curiosity.
May 11, 2026 · 39m
Three accomplished leaders, Kean University alumna Alexa Canas ’13, Tiffany Perkins-Munn, Ph.D., and Dr. Karma Brown Warren, continue their candid conversation on leadership, career growth and navigating rapid change in today’s workplace. They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, why confidence is built through action and how women can advocate for themselves.
Apr 27, 2026 · 56m
Three accomplished leaders, Kean University alumna Alexa Canas ’13, Tiffany Perkins-Munn, Ph.D., and Dr. Karma Brown Warren, reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their careers. They share how they navigated nonlinear paths across industries including the NFL, finance and medicine, and how they made bold pivots, set clear work-life boundaries and used their voices to lead with impact.