Women and Basketball with Faatimah A and host Catherine Gray Ep. 498

*A TOPIC SO GOOD WE HAD TO RE-AIR! What happens when high-impact women have a global space designed to preserve their voices, strengthen meaningful relationships, and expand their influence? Catherine Gray, host of the Invest In Her Podcast, talks with Kristin Thomas, founder of Marble Collective—an AI-powered global salon that deepens cross-sector relationships and amplifies the presence and digital legacies of women leaders. Kristin explains how Marble Collective creates an intentional community where influential women can connect, collaborate, and thrive across industries. Drawing from her 20-year career in real estate, advisory work, and advocacy for mental health, diverse founders, and inclusive leadership, she shares why visibility and meaningful connection are essential for creating lasting impact. This conversation offers an inspiring look at how technology and community can help women preserve their stories, broaden their influence, and build enduring legacies. In this episode: What inspired Kristin to create Marble Collective How AI can preserve and amplify women's voices The value of meaningful cross-sector relationships Why intentional communities matter for women leaders Lessons from Kristin's 20-year career in real estate Supporting mental health, diverse founders, and inclusive leadership How women can strengthen their visibility and create lasting legacies Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels #InvestInHer #KristinThomas #MarbleCollective #WomenLeaders #WomenInBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #WomenInAI #FemaleFounders #InclusiveLeadership #DigitalLegacy #CommunityBuilding #WomenSupportingWomen #SheAngelInvestors #CatherineGray #LeadershipDevelopment

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Faatimah A., professional basketball player, Jamaican National Team member, and Founder & CEO of the Women's Premier Basketball Association (WPBA). Since launching the WPBA in 2022, Faatimah has built the nation's leading development league for women's basketball, helping more than 100 athletes continue their professional careers overseas while creating opportunities that extend far beyond the court. Recognized by FIBA and competing internationally through the Women's Basketball League Americas (WBLA), the WPBA is redefining athlete development through mentorship, media, technology, and holistic support for women in sports.  In this inspiring conversation, Faatimah shares how her own journey as a professional athlete exposed a critical gap in women's basketball: the lack of a true development league between college and the WNBA. She explains how she bootstrapped the WPBA from the ground up, discusses the importance of creating sustainable career pathways for female athletes, and highlights the league's success in helping players earn overseas contracts and WNBA opportunities. Catherine and Faatimah also explore the growing business of women's sports, why investment in female athletes is long overdue, and how basketball can become a vehicle for leadership, financial literacy, personal growth, and lasting impact. This episode is a powerful reminder that when women build opportunities for other women, entire industries can change.  Websites Mentioned: https://womenspba.com https://www.youtube.com/@WomensPBA Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://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 Sarah Lerner-Mantel, Managing Partner at Roll Tack Ventures, a Midwest-based venture capital firm investing in Series A and B B2B technology companies that drive growth, improve efficiency, and reduce risk. Before launching Roll Tack Ventures, Sarah helped scale Wayfair's 33-million-SKU marketplace and co-founded a med-tech company that developed an innovative ventilator during COVID-19, leading the company through acquisition. Her mission is to help exceptional founders grow industry-defining companies by providing not only capital, but meaningful strategic support and connections.  In this episode, Catherine and Sarah explore what it really takes for startups to raise venture capital, the difference between Series A and Series B funding, and why the Midwest is an untapped opportunity for innovation despite generating a quarter of U.S. GDP. Sarah shares how Roll Tack Ventures partners with founders by opening doors to customers—not just writing checks—and discusses her own entrepreneurial journey from startup founder to venture capitalist. They also discuss the importance of increasing women's representation in venture capital, how investors evaluate companies, why founders should better understand the venture funding process, and how education can encourage more women to become both founders and investors. Whether you're building a company, considering venture investing, or simply curious about how innovation gets funded, this conversation offers valuable insights from both sides of the investment table.  Websites Mentioned Roll Tack Ventures – https://rolltackventures.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #WomenInBusiness #WomenFounders #WomenEntrepreneurs #VentureCapital #VC #StartupFunding #SeriesA #SeriesB #FounderJourney #B2BTech #TechStartups #Innovation #FemaleInvestors #WomenInVC #AngelInvesting #WomenWhoInvest #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ScalingStartups #MidwestStartups #FounderLife #StartupSuccess #CatherineGray  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Kelly Gushue, Wealth Coach, founder of Personal Finance Warrior, and a passionate advocate for helping women build lasting wealth. With experience as a Portfolio Strategist and Financial Advisor, Kelly empowers women entrepreneurs to take control of their financial futures through investing, wealth-building strategies, and alternative investments such as venture capital and private companies. A Harvard graduate with an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Kelly is also a sought-after speaker who has addressed audiences around the world, including at the United Nations, on the topic of the Women's Wealth Transfer.  In this inspiring conversation, Kelly shares the personal experiences that shaped her relationship with money and fueled her mission to help women achieve financial independence. She and Catherine discuss the historic wealth transfer currently underway, why women need to become more confident investors, and the importance of moving from saving to wealth-building. Kelly also explains how investing in women-founded companies can create both financial returns and meaningful impact, while offering practical guidance for women who want to begin investing but aren't sure where to start. This episode is a powerful reminder that financial freedom is not reserved for a select few—it's something every woman can learn, pursue, and achieve.  Websites Mentioned: PersonalFinanceWarrior.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com 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 John Ehlers and Dayn Conrad, two seasoned land banking experts and passionate advocates for helping more women build wealth through real estate. John Ehlers is a Certified Land Banking Specialist and Regional Manager with more than four decades of experience in real estate, business leadership, and wealth strategy. Dayn Conrad is a Regional Manager, entrepreneur, educator, and sought-after speaker known for helping clients understand complex investment opportunities and make confident financial decisions. Together, they have spent decades educating investors on the power of land ownership and the long-term wealth-building potential of strategic land banking. In this episode, Catherine, John, and Dayn explore why women currently own only a small percentage of land and why increasing female participation in land ownership could be a powerful path to financial independence and generational wealth. They discuss the fundamentals of land banking, how investors can purchase affordable land in developing areas, and why expert research is critical when identifying buildable, usable properties. The conversation also examines the impact of major trends such as AI, electrification, renewable energy, logistics expansion, and infrastructure growth throughout Southern California. John and Dayn explain how understanding future development patterns can create significant opportunities for investors, while emphasizing the importance of patience, education, and strategic planning when investing in land as a long-term asset.   Websites Mentioned: https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com 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 Archita Mandal, founder and CEO of Upend Now, a transformative AI platform designed to bridge the gap between technology and creative storytelling. Archita works at the intersection of deep tech, media, and entertainment, building agentic AI solutions for the AdTech and FilmTech industries. A former Entrepreneur in Residence at NEC X, Stanford LEAD graduate, Grace Hopper speaker, award-winning filmmaker, and member of Women in Film Los Angeles and Women in Media, she brings a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision to her work. Her films have been distributed on Amazon Prime and Pocket Films, and her creative projects have garnered more than half a million views online.  In this episode, Archita shares her fascinating journey from a 17-year career in cloud security and product management to becoming a filmmaker and startup founder. She discusses how the challenges she experienced in both the technology and entertainment industries inspired the creation of Upend Now, an AI-powered platform that helps businesses, creators, and production teams rapidly develop creative briefs, scripts, storyboards, shot lists, and visual concepts. Catherine and Archita explore how AI can serve as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, dramatically reducing production costs and development time while helping technical founders communicate complex ideas more effectively. They also discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, customer validation, and the importance of bringing left-brain and right-brain thinkers together to create more impactful storytelling. Websites Mentioned: 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 Dr. Lesley Robinson, Founder & CEO of Embolden Education and Co-Founder of the ayana Foundation. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurial leadership, Dr. Robinson has spent more than two decades helping founders, educators, and students develop the confidence, skills, and community needed to thrive. She currently serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University and previously founded the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. Through her work, she has championed equitable access to entrepreneurship education, funding, and mentorship for women and underrepresented founders around the world.  In this inspiring conversation, Catherine and Lesley discuss the critical role education plays in closing the funding gap for women entrepreneurs and why entrepreneurial thinking should be introduced much earlier in life. They explore the launch of the Show Her The Money VC101 educational program on college campuses, the power of representation in helping women see themselves as founders, and the importance of building supportive communities that foster growth and opportunity. Lesley also shares insights from her work with the ayana Foundation, Colorado State University, and the Cherokee AcceleratHER Fellowship, highlighting how education, community, and access to capital can transform lives and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Embolden education teamed up with Show Her The Money to create a VC 101 curriculum to be combined with our movie. This educational experience helps college student students learn about venture capital as a career path, and also as an investment and funding path as an entrepreneur.   Websites Mentioned: 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 Avanthi Shah, a venture capitalist, AI leader, and award-winning entrepreneur focused on the future of deep tech innovation. As General Partner at NextVersed Ventures and a leader at NextVersed AI, Avanthi brings decades of experience spanning Silicon Valley startups, emerging technologies, and advising organizations ranging from NASA to financial institutions. Recognized as CNBC's Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, she is passionate about supporting founders, advancing women in venture capital, and helping bridge the gap between innovation and impact. In this episode, Catherine and Avanthi dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, deep tech investing, and the importance of getting more women involved in venture capital. Avanthi shares insights into the startup ecosystem, the future of AI, and why this moment presents a major opportunity for women investors as wealth continues to shift into female hands. The conversation also explores mentorship, startup growth, microfinance, and how investing can create both financial returns and meaningful societal impact. This inspiring discussion offers practical insight for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone curious about the future of technology and innovation.   Websites Mentioned: 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 Rose Garcia and Arabella (Bella) Barkow, two powerhouse entrepreneurs and advocates making a major impact in the LGBTQIA+ community. Rose Garcia is widely recognized as the real-life inspiration behind the iconic character "Papi" on the hit series The L Word and later became a fan favorite on The Real L Word. Beyond television, she has built a successful real estate career, become a respected speaker and emcee, and is a Stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor now thriving in remission. Bella Barkow is an accomplished event producer whose career spans decades of large-scale LGBTQ+ festivals and live entertainment experiences, including LA Pride, Outloud Festival, and The Dinah. Together, through their company BellaRose Productions, they are ushering in a bold new era for the legendary Dinah festival.  In this inspiring conversation, Catherine, Rose, and Bella discuss the journey of acquiring and evolving The Dinah into a modern cultural force while staying true to its roots of inclusivity, celebration, and community. They open up about the challenges they've overcome personally and professionally, from navigating adversity and breaking barriers in business to building authentic brands centered around purpose. Rose shares her experience balancing entrepreneurship, visibility, and advocacy while surviving cancer, while Bella reflects on how embracing her identity ultimately became her greatest professional strength. The episode explores leadership, resilience, representation, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, safe, and empowered. Their passion for community-building and commitment to elevating queer voices shines throughout the conversation.  Websites Mentioned: https://thedinah.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com 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 entrepreneur and AI innovator Bethany Crystal, founder and CEO of Build First, an AI learning lab and product studio focused on helping people turn ideas into working products—often in under an hour. With a background spanning startups, venture capital, workforce development, and leadership roles at organizations including Union Square Ventures, Tech:NYC, and Stack Overflow, Bethany has spent more than a decade helping people adapt to major technology shifts. She is passionate about making AI approachable and practical for everyday people, and has already trained more than 1,500 individuals through hands-on workshops, hackathons, and live build sessions.  In this episode, Bethany and Catherine dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI and what it means for entrepreneurs, creators, and the future of work. Bethany shares how she unexpectedly began building AI-powered mini apps for her own family and how that experience led her to launch Build First. The conversation explores why learning to "build" with AI is becoming an essential skill, how non-technical founders can use AI tools to bring ideas to life faster than ever before, and why experimentation is more important than perfection in today's business landscape. Bethany also discusses balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, her grassroots leadership work in New York City, and her belief that the future belongs to people willing to adapt, create, and embrace emerging technology. Websites Mentioned: https://buildfirst.ai/ https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels