In this soulful episode of Queen Me, 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 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 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 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.