In 2005, Rachelle Steele was stationed in Mississippi for her job in the Navy when Hurricane Katrina hit. With two daughters, just six-months-old and eighteen-months-old, Rachelle fought for their survival—and then began to document what was happening around her. Those events left her with photography PTSD, and she didn’t pick up a camera for another 5 years. It took time, but she eventually became an award-winning photographer and has been one of a select group of artists named “International Portrait Photographer of the Year” for three years in a row. On this episode of She Pivots, Rachelle recounts her childhood and the loss of her father to addiction at a young age; her time in a biker gang; her decision to return to photography; and how the work she did during her Master of Fine Arts in Photography helped her heal.

She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Rachelle, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit shepivotsthepodcast.com.

Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gina Ortiz Jones grew up as a first-generation American, taught early on about the importance of service by her family. But she never imagined breaking one of the largest glass ceilings in the country by becoming the Under Secretary of the Air Force — the first woman of color and the first openly lesbian person in the role. On this episode of She Pivots, Gina shares the deep history of and pride around military service in her family; coming out to her mom at age 15; the personal and emotional impact of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; the decision to step away from her career to care for her mother; and her fight for women’s health and reproductive freedoms.

She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Gina, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit shepivotsthepodcast.com.

Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s guest holds an extra special place in Emily’s heart. Emily met Nancy Goldberg when she was nine years old at the Belvoir Terrace Summer Girls Performing Arts Camp. As Owner and Director Emeritus, Nancy has dedicated her life to enriching and educating young girls. In this Candid Convo, Nancy reflects on her love for teaching from a young age; her own experiences with summer camps growing up; and launching a renowned arts program for people with Williams Syndrome. She also offers a powerful message on morality and empathy that’s much needed in today’s busy world.

She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Nancy, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit shepivotsthepodcast.com.

Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.