Women Inspire Chicago!

Hosted by V103 (WVAZ-FM)

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Aug 2025

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Hosted by Angela Ingram, iHeart Chicago's Senior Vice President of Public Engagement and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Paulina Roe. Angela will host inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives as they share their personal stories of success. These conversations will highlight the executive's road to success, including their triumphs, detours, pitfalls and challenges.

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16 recent

August 28, 202530 min

Episode Fourteen: Karen Cardarelli

iHeartMedia Chicago presents the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast, hosted by Angela Ingram, iHeart Chicago's SVP of Public Engagement and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Paulina Roe. Angela hosts inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives. Karen Cardarelli, Executive Director of FACETS Film Forum, joined Angela and ROCK 95.5’s Maria Palmer for the latest episode.Since 2020, Karen Cardarelli has served as Executive Director of FACETS Film Forum, navigating the organization through the passing of its founder, reopening after the pandemic and launch of Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals. She is now ushering the organization through its 50th Anniversary celebration and fundraising campaign. Karen formerly worked in Chicago’s theater sector and served on the League of Chicago Theatres Board of Directors. Currently, she proudly serves on the iHeartMedia Chicago Local Advisory Board and as the Board President of the Film Festival Alliance.Check out the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast and be inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago podcast is sponsored by @Potbelly. Connect with Karen Cardarelli: IG, X, Facebook and YouTube - @facetschicago https://www.facebook.com/karen.cardarelli https://www.instagram.com/cardarellikaren/

July 10, 202530 min

Episode Thirteen: Nicole R. Robinson

iHeartMedia Chicago presents the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast, hosted by Angela Ingram, iHeart Chicago's SVP of Public Engagement and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Paulina Roe. Angela hosts inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives. Nicole Robinson, Chief Executive Officer for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, joined Angela for her latest episode. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Nicole R. Robinson has spent her career building bridges between communities, individuals, government, and business leaders. Today, Nicole serves as the Chief Executive Officer for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, a social impact organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. Inspired by this mission and the resilience of the families who turn to the YWCA, Nicole is committed to building community resilience to heal from violence; unleashing youth potential and ensuring communities have economic equity needed to thrive. It’s a privilege for Nicole to serve as steward of the mission, vision, strategy, operational and financial leadership of a $40MM, 300 team member human services enterprise, with 12 sites across Cook County, DuPage County and Lake County.Nicole has been featured in Crain’s Business Chicago amongst the list of Notable Black Leaders and Executives, serves on the boards of Court Theatre and Erikson Institute as well as being a member of the Economic Club of Chicago.Check out the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast and be inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago podcast is sponsored by @Potbelly. Connect with Nicole Robinson: https://www.facebook.com/ywcachicagohttps://instagram.com/ywcachicagohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ywcachicagoNicole R Robinson | LinkedIn

May 28, 202536 min

Episode Twelve: Jeanne Sparrow

iHeartMedia Chicago presents the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast, hosted by iHeart Chicago’s SVP of Public Engagement, Angela Ingram and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Paulina Roe. Angela hosts inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives. V103’s Jeanne Sparrow, an Emmy-winning television and radio personality and author, joined Angela for her 2nd Anniversary Special Edition episode. Jeanne Sparrow is a 7-time Emmy-winning television and radio personality and podcast host with over 30 years’ experience in broadcasting and media. She now uses hat expertise as an author, award-winning speaker, trusted leadership communications consultant and graduate faculty instructor at Northwestern University. Jeanne helps people and organizations amplify their impact and find more success by delivering their unique, authentic value through visionary leadership, effective sales, and inspiring speaking. Jeanne Sparrow is everywhere! Listen to her podcast "Fearless Authenticity with Jeanne Sparrow" on iHeartRadio, hear her on the "Saturday Morning Wake Up Club" on iHeart Chicago's V103, and find her new book, Fearless Authenticity: Lead Better, Sell More and Speak Sensationally at your favorite bookseller. Check out the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast and be inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago podcast is sponsored by @Potbelly. Connect with Jeanne: Facebook: msjeannesparrowInstagram: @jmsparrowX: @JMSparrowLinkedIn: JeanneSparrowTikTok: @msjeannesparrowEmail: js@jeannesparrow.comWebsite: FearlessAuthenticity.com/book

February 27, 202542 min

Episode Eleven: Suzanne Yoon

Suzanne Yoon is a recognized private equity investment executive with over 25 years of experience investing in and advising middle market companies. Throughout her career she has led, sourced, and closed over $3B of middle market deals and advised on global restructurings totaling over $10B in asset value. Suzanne currently serves as Founder and Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm. She launched Kinzie in 2017 as part of her long-standing vision to advance the use of technology and innovation to help companies unlock value. In 2020, Kinzie was recognized by the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) as the North American Female Founded Firm of the Year. Prior to Kinzie, Suzanne held executive positions with Versa Capital Management, CIT Group and LaSalle Bank/ABN AMRO.As an active member of the business and civic communities and a champion for diversity initiatives, Suzanne serves on several private company and philanthropic boards including on the Board of Trustees for the National Philanthropic Trust, a $37B donor advised fund, and on the Chicago Bears’ first-ever Women’s Advisory Board. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium, the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, The Economic Club of Chicago and the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Suzanne also serves on the Steering Committee for PEWIN and is active with the Women’s Association of Venture & Equity (WAVE). She has earned extensive professional accolades from many organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, Mergers & Acquisitions and Chicago United.A Chicago native, Suzanne lives in the city with her husband and three children. She earned her B.A. in Economics from the University of Iowa and is an Executive Scholar of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.Check out the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast and be inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago podcast is sponsored by @Potbelly.

January 28, 202541 min

Episode Ten: Keke Hampton

iHeartMedia Chicago presents the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast hosted by Angela Ingram, iHeart Chicago's Senior Vice President of Public Engagement and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Paulina Roe. Angela hosts inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives as they share their personal stories of success, including their triumphs, detours, pitfalls and challenges.In this episode, "Kickback with KeKe," Angela has a candid conversation with the voice of a new generation of leaders - KeKe Hampton. She is an award-winning on-air personality from iHeart Chicago's 103.5 KISS FM and 107.5 WGCI.KeKe began her radio career as an intern at iHeartmedia Chicago. She excelled in several behind the scenes roles until she began her on-air journey as a weekend talent on 107.5 WGCI. KeKe is a member of the nationally syndicated morning show, "The Fred Show," on 103.5 KISS-FM. She also continues to host 'Weekends with KeKe" on 107.5 WGCI in Chicago and Q93.3 in New Orleans. KeKe is a 2024 "Gracie Award" winner, selected as a "Rising Radio Star" by Radio Facts Magazine and a "Future African American Radio Leader" by Radio Ink Magazine. Keke continues to create viral content and deliver compelling celebrity interviews. She has made multiple appearances on ABC 7 Chicago and FOX 32 Chicago. In 2023, she made her first appearance on BET and guest starred on the nationally syndicated morning show "The Breakfast Club." She is a co-host of the popular "What More Can I Say" podcast and the co-creator/co-host of "Cooking with Keke & Ryan." When she is not on the mic, you can catch KeKe reporting from the hottest events or hosting, “The Kickback With Keke,” an after-school program for under-privileged kids in the south suburbs of Chicago.Check out the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast and be inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago podcast is sponsored by @PotbellyConnect with KeKe: @OnAirKeKe

August 26, 202417 min

Episode Nine: Jasmine Flowers Mazyck

iHeartMedia Chicago presents the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast hosted by Angela Ingram, iHeart Chicago's Senior Vice President of Public Engagement and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Jasmine Bennett. Angela hosts inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives as they share their personal stories of success, including their triumphs, detours, pitfalls and challenges.Jasmine Flowers Mazyck, Managing Director at Flowers Communications Group, spent 17 years as a global Talent/HR consultant and leader in the management consulting industry. She began her career at Deloitte as a Human Capital Consultant, where she developed and implemented change readiness and learning strategies for large-scale clients across a range of industries.Jasmine advanced her career at Deloitte, eventually becoming a Talent Leader for the Core Industry Solutions service area. In this role, she was a strategic thought partner with senior leadership, advising on priorities such as employee engagement, culture, professional development, performance management, retention, compensation, and DE&I.Most recently, Jasmine was a Professional Development Manager and Global Talent Management leader at McKinsey & Company, where she partnered with leaders to advance and activate DE&I commitments and led the inception of a leadership development strategy and program.Jasmine is a PR Council Board Member and an alumna of Leadership Georgia, one of the nation’s oldest and most successful leadership training programs for young business, civic, and community leaders. Jasmine holds a B.A. in Economics from Spelman College and an MBA from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. Notably, her first corporate internship was at Flowers Communications Group while she was at Spelman.Check out the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast and be inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago podcast is sponsored by Potbelly.Connect with Jasmine Flowers Mazyck:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmineflowersmazyck/Instagram: @MrsJazMaz

July 8, 202421 min

Episode Eight: Sally Ramirez

iHeartMedia Chicago presents the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast hosted by iHeart Chicago’s SVP of Public Engagement, Angela Ingram and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Jasmine Bennett. Angela hosts inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives. Sally Ramirez, Senior Vice President of News, NBC5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago, joined Angela for her 1st Anniversary Special Edition Episode.With more than 30 years of local/national broadcast journalism experience, Sally Ramirez returned to Chicago in 2023 to restructure and lead the newsrooms at two of Chicago’s most prestigious media properties: NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) and Telemundo Chicago (WSNS-TV).Sally has been honored with numerous industry awards, including five Edward R. Murrow Awards, four Emmy Awards and the Alfred I. du-Pont-Columbia University Award, among others.Check it out and be inspired!The Women Inspire Chicago Podcast is sponsored by Potbelly.Connect with Sally Ramirez: (NBC 5 Chicago): Twitter (X): @nbcchicago Instagram: @nbcchicago TikTok: @nbcchicago (Telemundo Chicago): Twitter (X): @TelemundoCHI Instagram: @telemundochicago  (Sally Ramirez): LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sally-ramirez Twitter (X): @SallyRamirezInstagram: @sallyceli_news

April 8, 202419 min

Episode Seven: Alene Mason

iHeartMedia Chicago presents the Women Inspire Chicago Podcast hosted by Angela Ingram, iHeart Chicago's Senior Vice President of Public Engagement and produced by iHeart Chicago’s Jasmine Bennett. Angela hosts inspiring conversations with some of Chicago’s top women executives as they share their personal stories of success, including their triumphs, detours, pitfalls and challenges. Alene Mason is the Chicago Public Schools Network 9 Chief of Schools. She is a highly skilled, passionate, motivated, and driven leader who works tirelessly to make a positive impact both inside and outside of the school community. Alene was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and is a proud product of Chicago Public Schools. She has devoted her entire professional career to education as a Teacher Leader, Network Math and Science Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Deputy Chief of Schools and Chief of Schools. Alene’s 25-year career in education is fueled by her vision to help transform and change the lives of others. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Actuary Science from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Master of Arts from Saint Xavier University in Elementary Education and Master of Arts from Concordia University in School Leadership. Alene is nationally recognized as a Cahn Distinguished Principals Fellow and currently serves as a Cahn Alumni Advisor. She sees no barriers when it comes to transforming lives. This is not a job for her, but a ministry, combined with a mission of excellence. Check It Out and Be Inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago Podcast is sponsored by Potbelly.Alene Mason on Social:Facebook: Facebook.com/AleneMasonInstagram: @masonaleneTwitter/X:@alenemason@ChiPubSchoolsLinkedIn: Alene Mason

March 4, 202428 min

Women Inspire Chicago: Bonus Episode

It's Women's History Month!In a special bonus episode of Women Inspire Chicago, Angela and Jasmine pay tribute to the women in their lives that have inspired them and played a part in who they are today.Join in as they honor their legacies and celebrate the progress that we continue to make in 2024 and beyond.

February 5, 202422 min

Episode Six: Kara Demirjian Huss

Kara Demirjian Huss joined Jasmine for the latest episode.Kara is the Founder and President of DCC Marketing, WBE/WBENC, a full-service marketing agency driving impact through their unique approach to multicultural marketing that creates stand out campaigns to drive consumer education and behavior change. She is also the Senior Vice President for TCCI Manufacturing a global leader in compressor technology and electric vehicle component manufacturing for the commercial vehicle and specialty automotive industry. TCCI is headquartered in Illinois with facilities in 10 countries. Kara was appointed in May 2023 by Governor Pritzker to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) as part of the leadership team to oversee the development, implementation, and modification of the Unified State Plan for Illinois workforce development system. She has a B.S. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.Check It Out and Be Inspired! The Women Inspire Chicago Podcast is sponsored by Potbelly.Kara Demirjian Huss:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-demirjian-huss-aa1b3029/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dccmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccmarketing/Twitter/X: @karadccmrktg