NorthStar GAZE

Hosted by NorthStar of GIS

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Embark on a transformative journey with the "NorthStar Gaze" podcast, sharing intimate stories from Geo-Stem luminaries. In 1-on-1 chats, explore their journeys and profound contributions to geography and GIS. Inspired by our Telescope program, each episode offers a telescopic view into their lives. Uncover the human side of Geo-Stem, where passion meets purpose, and racial justice is central. "The NorthStar Gaze" is your invitation to a Homecoming, where diverse voices paint the tapestry of contributions to geography and STEM. Tune in and let the brilliance of these geo-stars guide you.

Listen to episodes

52 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 635 min

Women in GIS: Part II with Aisha Jenkins

Let us know what you thought of this episode. The North Star GAZEWomen in GIS Series – Part II with Aisha JenkinsIn Part II of our conversation with Aisha Jenkins, we explore what happens when courage, purpose, and authenticity intersect. Aisha reflects on her transition from the corporate world to teaching GIS at Howard University, building international geospatial programs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.Together, Erica Phillips, Eva Reid, and Aisha discuss the unique challenges Black women face in technology, the importance of equity and justice in GIS, and the lessons learned from navigating burnout, leadership, and career reinvention.In this episode, Aisha shares:✨ What she found on the other side of fear✨ Her journey from industry to academia✨ The power of showing up and building authentic relationships✨ Why women in GIS must own their voice and their story✨ Lessons on leadership, resilience, and finding joy along the wayAisha closes the conversation with a powerful reminder: don't let titles define you. Know your value, embrace your voice, and never lose sight of the joy that fuels your purpose.Guest: Aisha JenkinsHosts: Erica Phillips and Eva Reid Support the show

May 21, 2026Episode 1031 min

Women in GIS: Aisha Jenkins on Justice, GIS, and Building Community

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In Part 1 of this special Women in GIS series conversation, the North Star GAZE turns the microphone toward its own creator, Aisha Jenkins. Joined by co-host Eva Reid and host Erica Phillips, Aisha reflects on the original vision behind the podcast and the creation of a space where Black geospatial professionals could share their stories, experiences, and impact in their own voices.The conversation explores representation in GIS, the realities of navigating corporate environments as a Black woman in tech, and the importance of creating new “tables” instead of waiting for invitations to existing ones. Aisha also opens up about leadership, burnout, introversion, and the intentional process of building the North Star GAZE as a platform that could grow beyond her own involvement.Listeners will also hear Aisha discuss her current work in justice-centered geospatial capacity building — from teaching GIS at Howard University to supporting international GIS development initiatives through the International Telecommunication Union. This episode is a thoughtful and deeply personal look at purpose, impact, and what it means to use geospatial technology to create more equitable futures. Support the show

April 30, 2026Episode 943 min

Women in GIS: Building Pathways, Expanding Access featuring Elizabeth Cotton

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode of the Northstar GAZE Podcast, our Women in GIS series continues with Elizabeth Cotton, founder of Black Tech Link. Elizabeth shares how her work is expanding access to technology through STEM education, workforce development, and community-driven programs.She reflects on her journey into GIS, the importance of exposing more technologists to geospatial tools, and how her organization is creating new pathways through GIS training and partnerships. Co-hosted by Eva Reid, the conversation also explores the realities of sustaining mission-driven work in today’s funding environment.This episode highlights the power of community, access, and opportunity in shaping the future of women in GIS. Support the show

April 16, 2026Episode 840 min

Women in GIS: The Next Generation - Kaylan Soares on Finding Her Path

Let us know what you thought of this episode. What does the future of GIS look like? In this episode, it sounds a lot like Kaylan Soares.As part of our Women in GIS series, Kaylan joins host Erica Phillips and guest host Eva Reid to share her journey into the geospatial world—from a spark of curiosity in environmental science to building powerful GIS projects focused on environmental justice.Kaylan brings energy, insight, and a deep belief in the role GIS can play in creating more equitable communities. She discusses her work analyzing access to green space and water, her passion for storytelling through data, and how mentorship and community have helped her navigate the transition from student to professional.If you're just starting out—or looking to reconnect with why this field matters—this episode is for you.NOTE: During the episode, you'll hear mention of Kaylan's Lightning Talk. You can find that here - https://youtu.be/XVEdJSgwnyM?si=xi7UwnOtbVjIH_bs Support the show

April 2, 2026Episode 745 min

Women in GIS: From Community to Climate—Mapping Environmental Justice in Baltimore

Let us know what you thought of this episode. As part of our Women in GIS series on the Northstar GAZE Podcast, we sit down with Lynn Pinder and Kimberly Armstrong, co-founders of the Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative, to explore how environmental justice, workforce development, and community leadership intersect with geospatial thinking.While neither guest began their journey in GIS, this conversation highlights how women leading in community-based work are increasingly leveraging geospatial tools to better understand and address systemic challenges—from redlining and public health disparities to climate resilience and access to opportunity.Together, we explore how GIS can serve as a bridge between data and lived experience, and how empowering communities with these tools can help shift power, inform solutions, and create new pathways into green careers.This episode is a powerful example of how women—both inside and adjacent to the GIS field—are shaping the future of geospatial impact. Support the show

March 26, 2026Episode 638 min

Women in GIS with Eva Reid

Let us know what you thought of this episode. The Northstar GAZE kicks off its Women in GIS series with a dynamic conversation featuring Eva Reid of Dewberry. As Guest Host for this quarter, Eva brings both technical expertise and a powerful perspective on what it means to lead as a woman in the geospatial field.In this episode, we explore Eva’s career journey, the evolving role of women in GIS, and the importance of visibility, mentorship, and representation in shaping the future of the industry. Together, we set the stage for a season dedicated to elevating the voices and impact of women across geospatial disciplines. Support the show

March 12, 2026Episode 537 min

Who Bears the Burden? Spatial Justice and the New AI Frontier: Environmental Justice with Dr. Khalil Shahyd

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode of North Star Gaze, guest Dr. Khalil Shahyd—Senior Strategist at the Natural Resources Defense Council—joins Erica Phillips and guest host Dr. Adrienne Hollis to explore how spatial justice shapes environmental and economic outcomes. Drawing on his lived experience, activism, and scholarship in political ecology and economic geography, Dr. Shahyd unpacks the historical roots of environmental injustice and examines the rapid expansion of hyperscale AI data centers. The conversation reveals how these facilities threaten frontline communities through resource extraction, misinformation, and unequal power—while offering strategies for education, resistance, and community-centered policy. Support the show

February 26, 2026Episode 444 min

Mapping the Black Baseline: Environmental Justice, Pipelines, and Regulatory Power with Montina Cole

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode, Dr. Adrienne Hollis and Erica Phillips interview Montina Cole, Esq. Principal of Jai Green Consulting about her ground-breaking work at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Montina specifically speaks about her work empowering Environmental Justice communities to advocate for themselves when disruptive and harmful pipelines are proposed. Support the show

February 13, 2026Episode 336 min

Designing Resilience: GIS, Wetlands, and Community Vision in New Orleans with Rashida Ferdinand

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode, we meet Rashida Ferdinand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SankofaLA. The Sankofa Community Development Corporation (CDC) founded by Rashida Ferdinand in 2008, with the support of Lower Ninth Ward residents and stakeholders, is a 501 (c) 3 non – profit organization. Initially incorporated as the Historic Lower Ninth Ward Council for Arts and Sustainability our first project was the Sankofa Marketplace, a monthly community hub for local growers, musicians, chefs, merchants, and artists. Daniela Rivero who is a member of SankofaLA's board also joined the conversation to share how she uses GIS to support Sankofa's mission. Support the show

January 30, 2026Episode 241 min

Where Farming Harms: Mapping Environmental Justice with Maria & Michael Payan

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode of North Star Gaze, Erica Phillips and guest host Dr. Adrienne Hollis are joined by Maria and Michael Payan of the Sussex Health and Environmental Network (SHEN) and Sentinels of Eastern Shore Health (SESH). Through deeply personal stories and groundbreaking community-led research, the Payans reveal how industrial poultry farming has transformed rural life on the Delmarva Peninsula. From asthma attacks and water contamination to DNA-based testing that uncovers animal waste inside homes, this conversation exposes the human cost of CAFOs—and the power of mapping, data, and community science to demand accountability. Support the show