iNNOVATION Insights Podcast

Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to supporting students and professionals by emphasizing practical application, critical thinking, and continuous learning—all firmly grounded in best business practices and theoretical foundations. In September 2023, I founded iNNOVATION Insights, a career management consultancy dedicated to helping professionals navigate their career journeys with confidence and strategic insight.

At the heart of iNNOVATION Insights is our signature podcast. I host conversations with visionaries reshaping our world—entrepreneurs, industry disruptors, and creative geniuses who have cracked the innovation code. This isn't your average business podcast; each episode delivers career-defining strategies you can implement immediately, behind-the-scenes stories of breakthrough moments, and practical frameworks that transform good ideas into extraordinary results. Rather than simply interviewing guests, I work to extract the blueprints they've used to revolutionize their fields, making their insights accessible and actionable for listeners.

Beyond the podcast, INNOVATION Insights offers a complete innovation ecosystem: thought-provoking blogs that decode patterns of success, transformative workshops that convert potential into performance, and personalized coaching services that spotlight each individual's unique talents. Through these interconnected offerings, I empower professionals to turn their visions into reality, reinforcing my belief that innovation isn't just about ideas—it is about execution and impact.

◾ Research & Design Excellence

My passion for research has resulted in 21 research awards, 104 refereed research and teaching presentations, and 23 publications spanning journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. As a designer, my creative work has earned 21 design awards at regional, national, and international levels, with my pieces featured in 70 juried exhibitions, 15 invited exhibitions, and 13 curated exhibitions over my 43 years of design experience.

◾ Educational Impact

With 35 years of teaching experience in apparel and merchandising, I've had the privilege of guiding 35 graduate students to completion. I take immense pride in seeing my students' work showcased in 73 juried exhibitions and recognized with 63 awards for research and creative scholarship. My teaching philosophy centers on developing the whole student—nurturing their academic knowledge, professional identity, and creative confidence.

◾ Leadership at Iowa State University

During my tenure at Iowa State University, I spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance student learning and departmental excellence. I helped increase external funding to over $3 million since 2017, including a remarkable $1.5 million grant secured by one faculty team. I launched the Event Management Masters Program, welcoming its first cohort in Fall 2019 and celebrating its first graduates in Spring 2022.

My leadership extended to supporting faculty innovation, resulting in two start-up businesses and three pending patents. I guided the establishment of new textile science and product development research labs in the Human Nutritional Sciences Building. I created three Executive Advisory Councils for Hospitality Management, Event Management, and the Textiles & Clothing Museum.

Student learning environments have been a key focus of my work. I established INNOVATE 1858, a student-operated retail store, and SPARKS, a student-operated café, within the Iowa State University Student Innovation Center. I also opened and managed the College of Human Sciences Culinary Creation Lab and established specialized learning facilities, including the AESHM Data Analytics Laboratory, THE MEETING ROOM: Where Experiences and Technology Innovate, the AESHM Photo Studio, and the AESHM 3D Body Scanning Lab.

Additionally, I facilitated curricular and operational updates to the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom and managed approximately $429,000 in undergraduate and graduate scholarships across three programs.

◾Colorado State University Contributions

At Colorado State University, I served as the Founding Director of the Center for Women's Studies & Gender Research, developed the Apparel Design & Production Portfolio Review for Design & Merchandising, and created outcome assessment instruments for academic programs.

◾My Approach

I believe in fostering environments where innovation thrives, and students develop technical skills and professional identities. My commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service has shaped my career and the experiences of countless students and colleagues throughout my journey in higher education.