Her Story

Rupa Murthy ('99), CEO of YWCA Richmond, talks building her own community to serve in Richmond, VA.

Previous resident of the Alumni Board of Directors and and later Chair of Women for Madison’s EAC, Elizabeth Martin ('85) recounts her experiences throughout her life and JMU.

At CMSS  Nisiel Natividad and Britnie McDonald sit down to talk their student, professional, and cultural experiences at JMU.

Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council and Director of JMU’s Research to Impact initiative, Leigh Evans talks with Dr. Angela Russell about restarting her life at 40 and moving to The Valley, her change in career, and learning to live for herself.

Founder of At Home with Libby and owner of two Bumble Brews Play Cafe locations, Libby Hale Azzarello (‘11), and co-founder and managing partner of Meraki Communications, Morgan Dye (‘05) in a conversation about finding their business interests and balancing entrepreneurship with home life. 

Dr. Ebony Parker Waugh (‘93), seasoned nurse turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Parker Waugh Enterprises, Inc.---the parent corporation of EPW Consulting, and certified master mindset coach—  sits with Catie Harper to break down her pathway to entrepreneurial healthcare while remaining authentic.

Carrie Willets (‘97), the chief administrative officer at West Virginia University Health System, talks  about her outlooks in parenting, career growth, and the lasting impacts of her time at JMU. 

Media Arts and Design Journalism major with double minors in Youth Justice and Family Studies at JMU, Caroline Stoaks (‘25), speaks with licensed professional counselor, school counselor, and clinical supervisor, Teresa Haase (‘95, ‘02M, Ed.S) about her experiences in foster care and finding religion. She expands the discussion to attendees of the 2025 Women Who Amaze summit to reflect on turning ‘Pain to Purpose', a nonprofit she’s starting by the same name.

At the 2025 Women Who Amaze Summit, Chief brand officer at The Martin Agency, Elizabeth Paul (‘03) talks about the resilience she’s built by not taking “a straight road” and maintaining balance within her career and family life.

In a discussion with Carol Anderson, Director of JMU’s Graduate School, Dr. Linda Thomas reflects on her career and academic journey. Hear how her experiences in taking an oppositional path as the daughter of an immigrant have given her the strength and resilience to achieve her goals.