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Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that examines the stories of life and leadership for smart, amazing women (and men). Each episode features powerful conversations with people who are changing the world and making a difference in their communities. Our guests share their personal stories, insights, and advice on how to break through barriers and achieve success and, in the process, provide access to new ideas, resources, and expertise that can expand opportunities for us all.
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Show Notes:
In this episode, Dr. Nicole Haggard, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, joins Dr. Nancy O’Reilly for an inspiring discussion about the importance of “listening to the light that wants to live in you” and how to use it to become a powerful change maker. Dr. Nicole shares her journey from her unsupported dissertation work to becoming an advocate for change by putting truth to power through research. Join us as they delve into the importance of collaboration and support in tackling gender inequity, and how the Center provides a hub for educating people why intersectionality matters. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on representation in the media, leadership development, and creating positive change for women and girls.
About Nicole Haggard, PhD:
Nicole Haggard, PhD, is the director of the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Her scholarly work, consulting and academic career have been dedicated to promoting equity for women and gender parity. Her research focuses on the intersection of race and gender in American culture. A faculty member in the Film, Media, and Social Justice program at Mount Saint Mary’s since 2015. Dr. Nicole is also the co-founder of the Center for Intersectional Media and Entertainment, an organization dedicated to advancing representation in the entertainment industry. Dr. Nicole takes an intersectional approach to advancing culture, bringing data to life through storytelling. She has worked with organizations like the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and Lyda Hill Philanthropies If/Then Initiative to amplify their mission of advancing women in underrepresented fields. In addition to being a seasoned and engaging presenter and keynote speaker, she is also a contributing expert to media outlets, such as Variety and NBC. Dr. Nicole holds a PhD in American studies, with an emphasis in Women’s Studies and Critical Race Theory from Saint Louis University.
About the Center for the Advancement of Women:
The Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University is dedicated to promoting equity for women and gender parity. Led by Dr. Nicole, the center focuses on research, advocacy, and leadership development, aiming to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in California. By highlighting the experiences of women, especially women of color, the center seeks to create positive change and empower the next generation of female leaders. The center’s commitment to collaboration and intersectionality makes it a powerful force for advancing gender equity in our society.
Episode Timestamp:
00:00 Dr. Nicole Haggard promotes equity for women.
06:46 Nuns had a strong and gentle presence.
09:16 Sisters started on streets, teaching lace making.
10:39 Mount Saint Mary’s University educates uncommon visionary women.
14:24 Creating supportive circles for women in Hollywood.
17:21 Series educates on Hollywood’s representation, industry changes.
22:10 The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California leads to establishment of Center for the Advancement of Women.
23:29 Nicole puts the data from the report into action by deciding what needs to be done
28:46 Your perspective and life experience is magic, embrace your individual truth.
31:03 Intersectionality in action, overcoming industry barriers.
34:00 Healing, empowerment, and struggle in doula work.
36:04 Connecting big and community organizations for progress.
39:11 Seeking allies to solve gender inequity boldly.