Investing In Women with Midwest VC Founder Jennifer Abele and host Catherine Gray Ep. 459

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Lauren Makler, Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, a human-first fertility ecosystem that empowers women to freeze their eggs for free when donating half, making egg donation more accessible and less transactional. In this episode, Lauren shares how her personal fertility journey inspired the creation of Cofertility and how the company is redefining how egg donation and egg freezing are approached. She talks about her vision to increase access, empathy, and innovation in reproductive health, making options more inclusive and equitable for women across different backgrounds. Lauren also opens up about her career path, from founding Uber Health to building healthcare solutions for millions, and how those experiences shaped her leadership style and commitment to systemic change in healthcare. Her story is one of turning personal adversity into impact and purpose. https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Fielding Jamieson, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Tipt Ventures. With a rich background in innovation across major media and tech companies like NBCUniversal, Comcast, and R/GA Ventures, Fielding brings her expertise in scaling startups and fostering sports and tech collaborations to the conversation. In this episode, Fielding shares how her work at the intersection of media, sports, and technology led to the creation of Tipt Ventures. She talks about the changing landscape of women in sports, the importance of inclusive investment, and how the industry is evolving to support female founders and leaders. Fielding also reflects on what it takes to drive innovation in such competitive spaces and the lessons learned from sourcing over 1,000 startups throughout her career. https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Jennifer Abele, founder and managing partner of Milwaukee-based venture capital firm VC 414. Jennifer co-founded VC 414 in 2023 with Raquel Filmanowicz, building a 100% women- and 50% Latina-owned firm focused on backing underdogs and outsiders who are poised to become market leaders. Their mission is to support early-stage startups founded by women and undercapitalized entrepreneurs, with a focus on vertical SaaS and AI companies driving both people and prosperity. Jennifer’s impressive career includes serving as a public sector executive, water utility CEO, and higher education leader, with over two decades of leadership shaping transformative projects in Milwaukee. She also leads Kitsune Capital, her personal investment entity, and was named a Woman of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal. In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey from government leadership to venture capital, including how her experiences shaped her vision for creating opportunities in underrepresented communities. She and Catherine dive into the strategies VC 414 uses to identify promising founders, the importance of diversity in building stronger companies, and how investing in underestimated entrepreneurs can unlock overlooked returns. Jennifer also discusses balancing her role as an investor, community leader, and philanthropist while helping to reshape the future of business and innovation. https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com  https://vc414.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-abele-2859684/   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Erika Aquino, a global angel investor, strategic advisor, and passionate advocate for inclusive innovation. Born in the Philippines and rooted in her cultural heritage, Erika has invested in 26 startups across five countries including Manila, Miami, Singapore, Sydney, Berlin, and Austin. With a career that spans marketing, PR, global expansion, and even co-owning an award-winning craft beer company, she brings both boardroom expertise and deep empathy for founders. Erika’s investment focus is on women and minority-led ventures driving impact in wellness, education, sustainable agriculture, and the future of work. In this episode, Catherine and Erika explore the power of aligning profit with purpose and how angel investing can be a form of activism that shifts access, equity, and opportunity. Erika shares her journey from building businesses to backing global, purpose-driven startups and movements, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and worldview in founder pitches. Listeners will gain insight into the rise of global-first investing, why emerging markets are the next frontier of innovation, and how underrepresented founders are undervalued assets shaping the future.   https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Adhrita Nowrin, founder of Askria, an AI-powered platform designed to help founders and investors make smarter financial decisions. Adhrita created Askria as the “second brain” every founder wishes they had and every investor wishes their portfolio used. With a mission to eliminate blind decision-making in startups, Askria helps entrepreneurs know how much to raise, what kind of capital serves them best, and how to build fundraising-ready data rooms in hours instead of months. For investors, it provides tools to run faster, fairer due diligence and uncover meaningful insights hidden in financials and pitch decks. In this episode, Catherine and Adhrita dive into how AI is transforming financial decision-making for founders and investors alike. They explore how platforms like Askria are rewiring venture logic, shifting away from zero-sum thinking, and aligning founders and investors toward smarter, healthier outcomes. Adhrita shares her vision of using technology not just for efficiency, but to bring humanity back into entrepreneurship—helping startups save time, capital, and sanity while creating fairer investment ecosystems. Websites Mentioned: www.askria.ai https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Wadooah Wali, Co-Founder, Chief Strategy Officer, and Executive Producer at New Canvas, an award-winning XR studio focused on social impact storytelling. Wadooah is a pioneering entrepreneur, media innovator, and immersive storyteller whose career spans more than 20 years across traditional broadcast, digital platforms, and cutting-edge XR formats. At New Canvas, she drives strategic growth, industry positioning, and partnerships, leading high-profile projects like When Brooklyn Was Queer—a groundbreaking VR series produced with Elliot Page and PAGEBOY Productions that premiered at the 2024 Venice Immersive Production Bridge. Her career also includes leadership roles at Demand Media, WarnerMedia, Fullscreen, and Midroll Media/EarWolf, where she helped shape shifts in online video, podcasting, and digital publishing. In this episode, Catherine and Wadooah dive into the future of immersive media and its potential to influence culture and drive social change. Wadooah shares her vision for how XR storytelling can elevate diverse voices, break boundaries in entertainment, and create meaningful impact across industries. They also discuss her role as an advocate for inclusive innovation, her advisory work with GALECA and Revry.TV, and her mission to redefine what it means to be a modern media leader. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving intersection of creativity, technology, and cultural advocacy. Connect with Wadooah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadooah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dubya2 Websites Mentioned: www.newcanvas.co https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Melissa Houston, the internationally selling author of Cash Confident, a Forbes.com contributor, and founder of She Means Profit. Melissa is a CPA with over 25 years of experience in financial management for small businesses, and she has worked with major organizations like the Tory Burch Foundation, Scotiabank, and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. Her financial insights have been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, CNBC, and Psychology Today. With her extensive background, Melissa is dedicated to helping ambitious founders gain financial clarity and maximize profit in their businesses. In this episode, Melissa shares her journey from working in corporate finance to becoming a sought-after business finance coach and thought leader. She and Catherine discuss the importance of mastering your numbers, why profitability—not just revenue—is the key to sustainable success, and practical strategies entrepreneurs can use to take control of their financial future. Melissa also highlights common mistakes founders make when managing money and provides actionable steps to build confidence and create long-term financial stability. This is an empowering conversation for women entrepreneurs who want to take charge of their business finances.   Websites Mentioned: https://www.shemeansprofit.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com https://svwomenfoundersfund.vc www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Annelise Osborne, Chief Business Officer at Kadena, a POW Layer 1 blockchain platform focused on transforming the future of finance. With over two decades of experience in finance, risk, governance, and digital assets, Annelise brings a unique perspective at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain innovation. A seasoned investor, advisor, and thought leader, she is also the author of the bestselling book From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets in Traditional Finance. Annelise holds an MBA from Columbia University and a BA from The College of William and Mary. In this episode, Annelise breaks down the often misunderstood world of blockchain technology and digital assets, clarifying what they are and why they matter. She shares insights on how blockchain can revolutionize industries beyond finance, addresses misconceptions about crypto, and outlines the role of women in this emerging space. Catherine and Annelise also explore how Kadena is enabling secure, scalable blockchain solutions that bridge the gap between innovation and traditional systems. Whether you’re new to blockchain or seeking to deepen your understanding, this conversation provides both foundational knowledge and future-forward perspectives. Websites Mentioned: https://kadena.io https://anneliseosborne.com/ https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com https://svwomenfoundersfund.vc www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Natalie R. Roberts, a global M&A strategist, CEPA-certified advisor, and founder of iKadre, a boutique advisory firm dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs strategically exit their businesses and plan what’s next. With over 20 years of experience at top firms like Ernst & Young, HP, and Pearson, Natalie brings big-league M&A strategy to women-owned businesses, blending sharp financial insight with deep empathy. Her mission is to guide women through transformation by building long-term value and empowering them to redefine success on their own terms. In this episode, Natalie shares what it really means to “plan with the end in mind” and how the most powerful business moves often start with internal clarity. She discusses the keys to maximizing business value before an exit, including productizing services, reducing risk, and identifying the right buyers. Catherine and Natalie explore how women can take ownership of their financial future through smart strategy, intentional growth, and aligned transformation. Whether you're five years from selling or already eyeing the marketplace, this conversation is packed with insights to help you grow and exit on your own terms. Mentioned Website: 🌐 www.ikadre.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com https://svwomenfoundersfund.vc www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Katherine M. Dean, MBA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and founder of OpalWomen—the Women’s Division at Opal Wealth Advisors. With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Katherine is also an Amazon best-selling author, real estate investor, and founder of the empowerment organization Living Your Worth, Inc. She’s a passionate advocate for financial literacy and legacy-building for women and girls and has served as Chair of Girls Inc. of Long Island. Based in Long Island with her wife and daughters, Katherine is committed to helping women align their financial strategies with their values and long-term visions. In this episode, Katherine and Catherine dive deep into the growing power of women in finance—especially in light of the historic transfer of wealth expected over the next decade. They discuss the importance of women feeling empowered to invest, pursue multiple streams of income, and show up in financial conversations with confidence. Katherine shares how OpalWomen fosters these conversations through community-building, retreats, and educational events. The discussion also touches on the impact of alternative investments, the need to increase venture capital funding for women, and the importance of using financial power for social good. Katherine emphasizes that investing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about aligning your money with your purpose, your joy, and your legacy. Join us for a powerful evening hosted by Opal Wealth Advisors as they present Show Her the Money, a film screening and panel discussion centered on female entrepreneurs and their path to growth. This special event promises wine, delicious food, and meaningful conversation—where wealth meets purpose. Learn more and reserve your spot at opalhamptonsevent.com. opalhamptonsevent.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com https://svwomenfoundersfund.vc www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels