Climb Higher With Her

Kean University

Climb Higher with Her is a podcast about women in leadership, career growth and professional development. Hosted by Darlene Repollet, First Lady of Kean University and a former corporate HR executive with 25 years of experience, the podcast features conversations with women leaders in business, government, higher education and public service. Each episode includes real-world lessons and actionable insights for emerging and established women leaders navigating today’s workplace, executive roles and leadership careers.

20 Episodes

The Art of Becoming: Tiffany Case on Choosing Growth Over Perfection
11/9/2026
46:35
Kean University alumna Tiffany Case ’23 M.A. reflects on her evolving career as an artist and arts administrator, and how letting go of perfectionism reshaped her understanding of success. She discusses discovering her own leadership potential, the importance of authentic professional connections and the opportunities that emerge when we step outside our comfort zones.
Taking Action and Being the Spark for Change with Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
10/27/2026
41:43
New Jersey Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson shares how her personal experiences and connections to her community shape her approach to public service. She discusses efforts to expand voting rights in the state and shares how finding the courage to act, even in the face of fear, helped her reach elected office.
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The Power of “Yet” - Empathy in Leadership with Dr. Marian Stuart
10/13/2026
31:39
Explore how empathy, communication and human connection can shape how we lead and connect with others with Kean University alumna and psychologist Dr. Marian Stuart ’71 . Get insights on setting emotional boundaries, bridging the gap between mental and physical health and learn how to embrace the power of “yet” to build confidence and navigate challenges.
Adenah Bayoh on Building Businesses, Community Wealth and Leading with Purpose
9/28/2026
47:14
Climb Higher with Her launches Season 2 with Adenah Bayoh, who shares her journey to building a successful career as an entrepreneur and real estate developer. She discusses perseverance, turning vision into tangible community wealth and her commitment to creating opportunities in underserved communities.
Courage and Perseverance: Leadership Lessons from Season One
8/10/2026
16:25
Courage, perseverance and authentic leadership take center stage in this Climb Higher With Her season one recap. Revisit powerful insights from season one guests on moving through fear, overcoming rejection, stepping beyond comfort zones and building the resilience to keep going. These practical lessons offer encouragement for anyone beginning a new journey or pushing through a difficult chapter.
Bonus! Leadership Advice For New Leaders with Michelle Velez-Jonte
7/20/2026
2:26
In this bonus conversation, Michelle Velez-Jonte shares advice for first-time leaders, including the importance of listening, asking questions and staying connected to the purpose behind the work.
Bonus! How to Build Connections with Amanda Gardiner
7/6/2026
4:30
In this bonus conversation, Darlene Repollet and Amanda Gardiner discuss the importance of persistence, strengthening relationships and how networking and human connection can open doors over time.
Michelle Velez-Jonte on Finding Her Voice and Leading Through Language
6/22/2026
35:37
Michelle Velez-Jonte shares lessons from her 25-year career in K-12 education and the experiences that shaped her as a leader. She reflects on how mentorship helped her find her voice and lead through change, as well as her dedication to creating opportunities for the next generation of Latino educators. Her story reminds us that leadership is built by embracing challenges, moving courageously and creating pathways for others to succeed.
Sustainability and Better Business: Amanda Gardiner on Values-Based Leadership and the Work of Change
6/8/2026
35:58
Sustainability leader Amanda Gardiner shares the winding path of her career, from studying opera and international affairs to advancing social impact and sustainability for global organizations. She discusses the evolution of sustainability from corporate side projects to core business strategy, the importance of building relationships to influencing change and leading with a clear set of values.
Disney’s Christina Carey Dunleavy on Leadership, Change and Inclusive Storytelling
5/26/2026
37:44
Alumna Christina Carey Dunleavy ’98, reflects on her journey from Kean University to Disney, earning an MBA in Ireland and the value of inclusive storytelling, mentorship and trusting yourself through every career pivot. She shares empowering leadership lessons on embracing change and chasing curiosity.

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Climb Higher With Her

Kean University

20 Episodes

The Art of Becoming: Tiffany Case on Choosing Growth Over Perfection

Taking Action and Being the Spark for Change with Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

The Power of “Yet” - Empathy in Leadership with Dr. Marian Stuart

Adenah Bayoh on Building Businesses, Community Wealth and Leading with Purpose

Courage and Perseverance: Leadership Lessons from Season One

Bonus! Leadership Advice For New Leaders with Michelle Velez-Jonte

Bonus! How to Build Connections with Amanda Gardiner

Michelle Velez-Jonte on Finding Her Voice and Leading Through Language

Sustainability and Better Business: Amanda Gardiner on Values-Based Leadership and the Work of Change

Disney’s Christina Carey Dunleavy on Leadership, Change and Inclusive Storytelling