In 2021, Monica Dutcher and I launched MOXY: The Voice of Women in Infrastructure, an online platform celebrating the achievements of women in infrastructure and actively supporting their professional growth, mental well-being, and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Over the years, MOXY has introduced audiences to some extraordinary women who proudly (and bravely!) shared their career paths—some linear and some as non-linear as a bowl of cooked spaghetti noodles—challenges, and accomplishments. Their experiences remind other women that they are not alone in their journey. We also met good men who epitomize allyship and are using their voices to move the needle in a positive and meaningful way for women working in male-dominated industries.
With each story we published, I realized I had more questions. There was more to unpack in their stories and, with that, my Conversations with MOXY was born.
I hope you enjoy!
Building Capacity: MWBE Advocacy and Construction Legacies
Construction executive Akilah Darden joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss unlearning systemic barriers, the power of MWBE sponsorship, and building legacy in infrastructure.
Field to Office: High-Rise Management and Inclusive Leadership
Project manager and coach Irene Walsh-Garcia joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss her 25-year journey from electrician to managing 60-story high-rises and how to bridge the "field to office" gap.
Democratizing Success: The New Era of Mentorship
Mentorship expert Stacy Cassio joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss being "mentor-ready," the power of pop-up mentorship, and building inclusive leadership pipelines in construction.
Grit and Grace: Estimating, Engineering, and Field Realities
Project manager Dee Durant joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss the realities of field work for women, the porta-potty problem, and the power of relentless curiosity in construction.
Data and Dirt: Modernizing the Family Construction Business
Alicia Brentzel, President of Brex Enterprises, joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss pipeline construction, navigating family business dynamics, and using data to drive infrastructure excellence.
Nuclear Engineering and Motherhood: Resilience and Reclaiming MOXY
Nuclear Engineer Sabrina Ireland joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss navigating corporate growth during personal loss, normalizing motherhood in STEM, and "embracing the hot mess."
Second Chances and the South Lawn of the White House
Ironworker Heather Kurtenbach joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss her path from incarceration to the White House, union leadership, and maternity leave in the trades.
Beyond the Buzzword: Strategic Inclusivity and the Future of DEI
Strategist Lisa Lark joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss the shifting landscape of DEI, the business value of diverse perspectives, and practical steps for fostering inclusivity.
Under Pressure: Resilient Leadership and Combat Engineering
Retired Navy Captain Jen Donahue joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss leading under fire, overcoming perfectionism, and the shift to human-centric leadership in infrastructure
Normalizing Sobriety in Corporate Life
Oracle Director Dana Piscopo joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss normalizing sobriety in corporate life, the "Reclaim Your Moxie" initiative, and building recovery-friendly workplaces.
My Body, My PPE: Global Safety Equity and the AWESOME Alliance
Sally Morse joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss the "My Body, My PPE" global survey results, the formation of AWESOME, and the business case for women's safety gear.
Trading Up: Fixing the Skilled Labor Gap in Infrastructure
Allie Perez, founder of Texas Women in Trades, joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss the lucrative potential of trade careers, dismantling industry stigmas, and building inclusive workforces.
Beyond the Shortage: Construction Equity
Ebba Schmidt and Sharon Latson join Natasha Ozybko to dismantle the labor shortage myth and introduce their revolutionary construction incubator, Big Shoulders.
The Hard Truth: Soft Skills, Policy, and Workplace Culture
Attorney and risk expert Tommie Jo Brode joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss why soft skills are non-negotiable for infrastructure leaders and how to align company policy with actual site practice.
Navigating Quicksand: Anxiety Management and Vulnerability
Therapist and author Monica Pitek-Fugedi joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss managing anxiety in the trades, her "Anxiety Keychain" strategies, and the power of vulnerability.
Breaking the "Good Student" Trap: Confidence and Career Strategy
Certified coach Jackie Ghedine joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss how women can move from "doers" to "leaders," overcome Imposter Syndrome, and build strategic confidence.
The Power Shift: Redefining Leadership for the Modern Era
Leadership expert Gloria Feldt joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss the "9 Leadership Power Tools," the shift from "Power Over" to "Power To," and the path to gender parity by 2025.
The Hype Revolution: Power, Community, and Breaking the Queen Bee Myth
Erin Gallagher, CEO of Ella, joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss how radical community and public advocacy can dismantle systemic barriers for women in infrastructure.
The Leaky Pipeline: Resilience and the Cost of Construction Culture
Quantity surveyor and expert witness Faye Allen joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss the "leaky pipeline" for women in construction and the necessity of active male allyship.
The Future of Leadership: The Power of Perspective and Persistence
MBA graduate and tech professional Amanda Stone joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss the value of people leadership, the "great breakup" of women in the workforce, and the importance of active allyship.