Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM
We’re Kathy Kale Nelson and Linda LaTourelle — co-hosts of Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM.
Our mission is to amplify the voices of ordinary women doing extraordinary work in science, technology, engineering, and math.
We’re deeply committed to:
- Normalizing the presence of women in STEM by making their stories visible
- Building community for women who may be the only ones like them in their workplace
- Educating listeners about the wide variety of STEM careers — and what they actually look like
- Empowering growth and retention by addressing the challenges behind the leaky pipeline
From early-career professionals to experienced leaders in a wide variety of STEM fields, our guests share how they got started, how they’ve grown, and what they’ve learned along the way. This podcast is a space where women in STEM can be seen, heard, and supported — because representation isn’t just powerful, it’s essential.
Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM
96. Ashley McDonald - Agriculture; Bachelor's degree in Ag Econ; JD; VP of Sustainability, National Pork Board
Ashley McDonald is the Interim Vice President of Sustainability at National Pork Board. Ashley's passion for agriculture, farming, and STEM started at a very young age and she specializes in sustainability and policy.
Ashley has a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics and a Doctor of Law (JD) from George Mason University.
Episode Notes
Ashley shares the close relationship between agriculture and STEM fields. She specializes in sustainability in the pork industry and she talks about the many facets of sustainability - including...the importance of poop!
Science, technology, and engineering all play critical roles in agriculture which Ashley explains. She also shares how she got interested in the industry and how she comes from a background of both agriculture and engineering influences in her life. And she debunks some common myths such as the reduction of family farming in the US and how gender diverse farming truly is.
Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
Acronyms, Definitions, and Fact Check
Capturing Cow Farts and Burps - Using silly science, Erin engages young children in science and energy. (https://www.amazon.com/Capturing-Farts-Burps-Erin-Twamley/dp/1647648572)
Most farms are still family owned in the US. (https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2020/01/23/look-americas-family-farms)
