Women in science and podcasting

After climbing the ranks in a predominantly male-dominated field, Paige Ingram ’19 decided it was time to pay it forward and to other professional women, one episode at a time. 

Along with co-host and former roommate Brooke Stratton, an Ohio State grad, Ingram launched the Spotify podcast Wise Women Once Said just over a year ago. Designed to empower women in STEM, offer career advice and help female professionals build meaningful relationships, the podcast has recorded more than 50 episodes.

“Our podcast is something I would have wanted to listen to as an undergrad in engineering,” said Ingram, who majored in mechanical engineering at UD. 

While both women grew up in Cleveland and attended the same high school, their paths didn’t intertwine until after college graduation. Ingram and Stratton began their first engineering jobs out of college at the same time and embraced the newness together. Plus, they both realized they had a mutual love of biomechanics.

Ingram said that when she was first starting out in her new job, she and Stratton had hours-long conversations about work, professionalism and working “in a man’s world.”

“When Brooke was talking to me and we were relating to each other, I realized I wasn’t alone. I felt fortunate to have someone like her that understands my experiences and helps navigate our careers together,” she said. 

Currently Ingram works as an account executive at Johnson Controls, an Irish company that produces fire, HVAC and security equipment. Stratton is a supply management engineer.

As a passionate woman in STEM, Ingram wanted to make sure the podcast didn’t shy away from crucial workplace conversations — discussing performance reviews, negotiating raises and advice when starting new jobs in male-dominated fields. While the podcast has focused on STEM careers, the content aims to connect with women in any career field.

“A lot of our episodes are based on questions we have and content that we’ve discussed with each other,” Stratton said. “We are still learning alongside our audience.”

The podcast often includes guests, all women in professional careers. The podcast also features a themed mini-series about specific work-related topics like building confidence in the workforce.

Ingram said she thinks it's important to be curious and find a support system so you don’t have to feel alone in your process. 

“Be curious about learning and get to know people because it will build your network.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be curious about learning and get to know people because it will build your network,” Ingram said. “You’ll be able to use your resources and it will take you further than you expect.”

New podcast episodes are released every Sunday. The latest episode includes an interview with UD alum and research engineer Andi Mott '18, who specializes in energy efficiency in buildings, energy codes, greenhouse gas tracking and climate resilience.

“We want to meaningfully give back to women in STEM,” Ingram said. “When we see people listening and really engaging with our content, that’s been inspiring..”