2 L.I.T. Chicks (Leaders In Tech)

S3, Ep8: Surviving AI as a Project Manager with Chakita Holmes | #2LitChicksPodcast

In this episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks, we’re live in the studio with technical program leader Chakita Holmes, a seasoned project and program manager with over 20 years of experience navigating tech, transformation, and leadership.
 
Chakita shares her non-traditional journey into tech, how transferable skills opened doors she never planned for, and why project management is one of the most powerful and future-proof skill sets in today’s workforce.
 
From AI and agile methodologies to leadership, community, and evolving with confidence, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical insight, and inspiration for the next generation of Leaders in Tech.
 
💡 We talk about:
How transferable skills from communications, education, and the arts translate into tech careers
The evolution of project management from a skill set into a full career path
The role of AI in program management and why human insight still matters
Agile vs. waterfall and what modern organizations are actually using today
Why continuous learning, community involvement, and adaptability are non-negotiable in tech
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#LeadersInTech
#WomenInTech
#TechLeadership
#ProjectManagementCareers
#ProgramManagement
#AgileLeadership
#TechCareerPaths
#AIInTech
#Podcast#CareerGrowth#ProfessionalDevelopment#TechPodcast#Leadership#CareerAdvice#LifelongLearning

S3, Ep7: Tech Engineering with Samuel and Chris | #2litchickspodcast

This week on 2 LIT Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with two powerhouses from HEL Resources — Chris Berry and Samuel Davis — for a conversation that is equal parts brilliance, heart, and Black excellence.
 
From software-defined vehicles and AI disruption to military service, mentorship, community impact, and that crucial mindset shift from learning → earning → returning, this episode brings gems on gems. They break down how passion fuels purpose, why the STEM pipeline needs our kids, and how discipline, exposure, and emotional intelligence can change lives.
 
If you’re a young leader, a tech dreamer, or someone who loves hearing two worlds collide—this episode is your vibe. Stay curious, stay bold, and always stay lit.
 
 
💡 We talk about:
How HEL Resources grew from a napkin idea to a tech solutions powerhouse
The importance of discipline, mentorship, and emotional intelligence for young professionals
Military service stories and advice for the next generation considering the Armed Forces
AI’s real impact on engineering, validation, IOT, and workforce morale
Community service, purpose-driven leadership, and paying it forward
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#BlackExcellenceInTech
#WomenInTechPodcasts
#STEMLeadership
#AIEngineering
#VeteransInTech
#TechMentorship
#SoftwareDefinedVehicles
#IOTInnovation
#PodcastEpisode
#Leadership
#CareerGrowth
#Motivation
#STEMEducation
#AI
#TechCommunity
#Inspiration
#PodcastLife
#TwoLitChicks

S3, Ep6: How Will AI Empower and Inform Organizations? Feat. Dr Laura Jones |#2LitChicksPodcast

In this episode of the Two Lit Chicks podcast, Fern and Alicia sit down with Dr. Laura Jones, a distinguished cybersecurity and risk management executive whose career spans military service, global consulting, academia, and corporate leadership.
 
Dr. Jones shares her journey from Special Forces support to becoming an influential voice in enterprise risk, cyber leadership, and emerging technology strategy. We explore the future of AI in governance, risk and compliance (GRC), the importance of representation in tech, and how intentional risk-taking shapes stronger leaders.
 
Listeners will gain practical perspectives on navigating leadership as a woman of color in technology, the evolution of cybersecurity education, and the role of empathy and innovation in the next generation of AI.
 
💡 We talk about:
Dr. Laura’s incredible military journey and Special Forces experience
Navigating leadership as a Black woman in cybersecurity and risk management
Why women need to take more risks in their careers
The future of AI, empathy, and the rise of vibe-coding
How she balances corporate leadership, academia, and authorship
Her mission to educate kids through cybersecurity-themed children's books
The power of faith, self-awareness, and finding your lane
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#WomenInCybersecurity
#RiskManagementLeaders
#BlackWomenInTech
#AIandGRC
#PodcastEpisode#Leadership#WomenEmpowerment#Trailblazers

S3, Ep5: PhDs, Power, and AI: Using It Responsibly with Saki and Jennifer | #2litchickspodcast

Welcome back to another episode of Two Lit Chicks, and today we are technically Two Lit Chicks… with Two More Lit Chicks. Yes, it’s a FOUR-LIT-CHICKS kind of day.
 
In this powerhouse episode, Fern and Alicia sit down with two STEM queens who have been shaking tables, building pipelines, and breaking ceilings for girls of color long before STEM became a hashtag.
 
Meet Saki Melton, founder and executive director of The GEMS Camp, and Dr. Jennifer Simpson, scientist-turned-educator who went from analyzing “white powders” for the DEA to inspiring the next generation of science rockstars. These women are dropping wisdom, receipts, and holy-hallelujah insights on education, grit, STEM equity, and the truth behind pursuing advanced degrees as Black women in America.
 
💡 We talk about:- What it really takes to earn a PhD (spoiler: sacrifice + tears + caffeine)- Why representation in STEM is STILL an uphill battle- How girls learn outside the classroom — and why it matters- AI in education: opportunity, bias & the reality check- Excellence, identity, and taking up space in male-dominated fields- Why “you are enough” may just save your sanity- The lightning round you didn’t know you needed
 
This episode is rich, real, funny, and full of truth bombs. If you’re on your own STEM journey, navigating grad school, or simply trying to find your spark — pull up a seat.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#WomenInSTEM
#BlackWomenInSTEM
#GirlsInSTEM
#STEMEducation
#STEMEquity
#PhDJourney
#NonprofitLeadership
#STEMMentorship
#ForensicScienceLife
#STEMCamps
#STEMForGirls
#LearningScience
#PodcastEpisode
#InspirationalWomen
#Leadership
#Education
#Empowerment
#MotivationDaily
#WomenSupportingWomen
#AIandEducation
#FemaleLeaders
#CareerTalk
#PodcastShow
#YouTubePodcast

S3, Ep4: The Future of Rehab: Neuro Rehab VR feat. Veena Somareddy | #2LitChicksPodcast #podcast

In this inspiring episode of Two Lit Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with Veena Somareddy, CEO and founder of Neuro Rehab VR, a breakthrough startup transforming rehab through immersive virtual reality and AI-powered therapy. Veena shares her journey from game design student to award-winning tech founder, the science behind neuroplasticity, and how VR accelerates recovery for stroke survivors, spinal cord injury patients, and more.
 
She opens up about building trust as a young female entrepreneur, scaling her company to 37 states, and the resilience required to pioneer cutting-edge healthcare technology.
 
💡 We talk about:
- How VR accelerates neurorehab by tapping into 4–5 neuroplasticity principles at once.
- Veena’s journey from India to UTD to CEO, blending gaming, tech, and medicine into purposeful innovation.
- Challenges of being a young female founder and how trust, outcomes, and resilience built her credibility.
- The future of VR + AI in rehab, workforce shortages, and scaling immersive therapy nationwide.
 
This conversation is rich with wisdom, passion, and a forward-thinking vision for the future of immersive therapy.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
#WomenInTech
#HealthcareInnovation
#VirtualReality
#TechLeadership
#NeuroRehab
#VRInHealthcare
#StrokeRecoveryTech
#ImmersiveTherapy
 

S3, Ep3: Is Your Cybersecurity Ready for AI Driven Threats? Feat. Tina Helton #podcast #2LitChicksPodcast

In this inspiring episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks – Leaders in Tech, Dr. Alicia and Fern sit down with Tina Helton, a cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance manager with over 25 years in IT.
 
Tina’s story is one of grit, brilliance, and grace — from implementing global ERP systems to leading AI integration in cybersecurity, to navigating one of life’s hardest challenges: breast cancer.
 
💡 We talk about:
How AI is transforming cybersecurity and every profession it touches.
The value of continuous learning and networking in advancing your tech career.
What organizations get wrong about data protection and how to stay cyber-aware in daily life.
The realities of being a Black woman in a male-dominated field and advocating for yourself in corporate spaces.
How a breast-cancer diagnosis reshaped Tina’s life, work, and faith — and led her to write her inspiring children’s book Perfectly and Wonderfully Made.
This conversation blends leadership, empathy, and empowerment — reminding us that we can be both strong professionals and vulnerable humans.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#2LITChicks #LeadersInTech #Cybersecurity #WomenInTech #ArtificialIntelligence #TechCareers #GRC #BreastCancerAwareness #Resilience #FaithAndHealing #WomenWhoLead #BlackWomenInTech #PurposeDrivenLife #AIandCyber #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen#leadership

S3, Ep2: Evolve or Die- How to Keep Your Business Alive feat. Dee Maddox #podcast #2LitChicksPodcast

In this episode of 2 Lit Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with Dee Maddox, Chief Excellence Officer of DMX Consulting, to unpack the journey from employee to entrepreneur — and from acceptable to exceptional. Dee shares how the pandemic became her catalyst for change, her powerful “DEED to Success” framework, and why building better bosses begins with self-awareness.
 
From NASA stories to the role of AI in leadership, Dee drops truth, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. If you’re searching for purpose, passion, and practical steps to level up your career, this conversation is your reminder to design your path, demand excellence, and own your growth.
 
💡 We talk about:
Turning pain into purpose
Building better bosses
The DEED to Success framework
Purpose over paycheck
AI and leadership
Representation and trust
The power of reevaluation
 
Grab your notebook and get ready for a masterclass in leadership, authenticity, and staying lit in every lane.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
 
#2LitChicksPodcast
#WomenInLeadership
#DMXConsulting
#PurposeDrivenCareer
#DemandExcellence
#LeadershipDevelopment
#EmotionalIntelligence
#WomenOfColorInBusiness
#TrustAndRespect
#StayLit

Get into the TOP Future Industries | 2 L.I.T. Chicks, S3 Ep1 #podcast #2LitChicksPodcast

In this electrifying episode of 2 LIT Chicks, hosts Fern Johnson and Alicia sit down with Eddie Bright Jr., Global CEO of ApTask Global, a veteran-certified, African-American-owned staffing powerhouse shaping the future of work.
 
Eddie drops straight gems on how AI is transforming recruiting, why technology and leadership go hand in hand, and what it truly means to lead with gratitude. From the rise of AI enablers to Gen Z’s new workforce mindset, this episode unpacks what the next generation of leaders needs to stay ahead of the curve.
 
💡 We talk about:
How AI is reshaping the staffing industry (and which jobs might disappear first)
Why understanding the why behind AI separates leaders from followers
Eddie’s journey from radio announcer to global CEO
His Gen Z workforce initiative changing lives in Newark
The power of gratitude, leadership, and giving back
What the military taught Eddie and Alicia about discipline, service, and resilience
This conversation is equal parts inspiration and real talk—just what you’d expect from the 2 LIT Chicks. Stay curious. Stay bold. Stay LIT.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#2LitChicksPodcast #WomenInTech #Leadership #AIEthics #FutureOfWork #BlackExcellence #WomenInLeadership #StaffingInnovation #GenZWorkforce #PodcastCommunity #TechAndLeadership #StayLIT

S2 EP. 8 - Tech Execs Unite at ITSMF Award Gala in Houston!

2 Lit Chicks Podcast: ITSMF Awards Gala Episode
“What happens when the future of tech walks into a room—and every voice in that room feels seen, heard, and lit up?”
Join your host Fern Johnson on a front-row journey into the I-T-S-M-F Technology Leaders Awards Gala, straight from Houston, Texas.
In this special episode of Two Lit Chicks, we bring you behind the velvet rope—into the vibrant energy, bold ideas, and magnetic leaders redefining what tech leadership looks like.

S2 Ep. 7 - Work Different

Welcome to "Work Different" - the podcast that's challenging everything you thought you knew about business, productivity, and success. Its your girl Fern or 2 LIT Chicks Podcast, and today we're diving into a book that flipped the business world on its head: "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. Basically, you need to STOP talking…and START working!!! Smarter, not harder…driving productivity and innovation.
 
 Joining me today is another LIT Chick….Kiran Nagar, President and Managing Director of Arayna Technology.
 
When "Rework" hit shelves in 2010, these Basecamp founders didn't just suggest tweaking your business approach - they threw the entire rulebook out the window. Forget growth at all costs. Forget working yourself to death. Forget needing investors, elaborate business plans, and endless meetings.
 
"Rework" told us something radical: The old way is broken. Working smarter beats working longer. And sometimes, doing LESS is the secret to building something great.
 
Today, we're unpacking the revolutionary ideas from "Rework" that are even MORE relevant in today's chaotic work landscape. Whether you're running a business, thinking of starting one, or just trying to navigate your career, this episode might just change how you think about work forever.