The Polished Podcast

Episode #59 - Dwell Partners

In this week’s episode, you'll get to listen to an exclusive interview between our Executive Director, Kat Armstrong, and our all-time favorite real estate duo, Lauri Ann and Aimee of Dwell Partners. Dwell Partners started out as two individual agents managing the hustle and bustle of DFW real estate. As they became friends and advocates for each other, they got excited about how much more they could do for their clients together rather than apart with their complementary work ethic, core ...

Episode #58 - Susan Riffe

In this week’s episode, you'll get to listen to an exclusive interview between our Executive Director, Kat Armstrong, and Susan Riffe. Susan grew up as a Kansas farm girl who spent summers traveling with her family throughout the Midwest harvesting wheat for other farmers by contract, which meant she spent long hours driving really big farm machinery and helping her mom fry 4 chickens at a time to feed their very hungry 12 person crew. She drove herself down I-35 to attend Baylor Universit...

Episode #57 - Alana Latiolais

On paper, Alana Latiolais began as a licensed Cosmetologist, adding a Merchandising degree to the mix. As life unfolded, blossoming into marriage and a family, Alana continued to cultivate color into every part of her life, never blending into a crowd, believing wholeheartedly the richness of tones can change a mood, spark joy, and evoke connection.

Episode #56 - Sam Beazley

Sam is a tax accountant at Grant Thornton. She is married to her best friend, Ben, and is dog-mom to Beatrice. She is enthusiastic about Baylor, Chick-fil-A and budgeting!

Episode #55 - Emily Lynn

Emily studied International Business and Economics at Mary Hardin-Baylor, and she gets to live her dream job at Fossil Group, specializing in global brand management and merchandising. Emily shares her home in Allen, TX with her sweet husband Seth and their diva cat Princess. When not working on a home project, she spends her weekends trying new recipes for a dinner party with friends or napping in a hammock with a good book club read. Emily is passionate about travel, empowering women, and ...

Episode #54 - Irina Owens

Irina works for Texas A&M Mays Business School and Southern Methodist University as an MBA virtual career coach. She coaches MBA students on interviewing, networking, or finding the very best job or internship based on their strengths and career goals. After 15 years of working in research and brand management for Frito Lay and Dr. Pepper Snapple, Irina was ready to move into academia. Irina is a married working mom with two beautiful girls, Olivia and Adele.

Episode #53 - Audry Bolio

Audry is one of our Polished Dallas volunteers and loves serving her community with an amazing group of women. She has made a career in the luxury retail industry working for Neiman Marcus and Jay Strongwater. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Speech Communications and a minor in Business.

Episode #50 - Dr. Danika Franks

Dr. Danika Franks is a passionate mentor and empowerer of young people. As Assistant Dean of Students for TCU and UNT Health Science Center School of Medicine, she cares for her students through career advising while also doing life alongside her husband, Chauncey Franks, TCU Football Team’s Chaplain. Mother to three children – Eli, Eden, and Ellie – she also loves interior design, describing her décor style as a cross between Bohemian-Anthro- Traditional- Minimalist. Try saying that fast! A...

Episode #49 - Virginia Cumberbatch

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Virginia is a founding board member of Six Square: Austin's Black Cultural District, an organization focused on preserving Austin's Black history and heritage in East Austin and curating ongoing cultural and economic contributions of Black Austinites. She is currently serving as Curator for the Austin Shapers (a hub of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers), on the board of KLRU (Austin's Public Broadcasting station) and was vital in re-launching the Nat...

Episode #48 - Denise Bradley

Denise is the Vice President of Community Affairs at St. David's Healthcare and is a pillar in the Austin philanthropic community. She plans and executes corporate communications and community affair strategies daily and is active in many other organizations, including The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Campaign and The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. 

Polished Podcast #47 - Kat Armstrong

Encouraging women to love God and others with their all, Kat teaches the Bible with humor and heart. She engages disconnected women exploring God with the relevance of the scriptures, commissions rooted Christians to flourish in their God-inspired assignment, and refocuses the Church to outreach.

Polished Podcast #46: Feleceia Benton

Feleceia, affectionately known as Zoe's Mom, is a passionate lover of God, His people and His purpose in her life and the lives of others. Her knack for creativity and business inspired her to start her own company. Now in its seventh year, the Zoe Communications Agency is a creative content and brand management company that builds strategic marketing solutions for cities, communities and businesses alike!

Polished Podcast #44: LaToria Wilson

In episode 44, you'll get to listen to an exclusive interview with LaToria Wilson from the 2018 Dallas February Luncheon. Big hair and big personality aren't all this girl has to offer! With an energy all her own, LaToria brings an eclectic feel to the hip-hop music she makes. Whether it’s a high-energy anthem or a story she’s telling accompanied by soulful melodies, LaToria aims to offer hope, light, and truth through her music while providing an unforgettable experience. She writes about...

Polished Podcast #43: Justice Sue Walker

In episode 43, you'll get to listen to an exclusive interview with Justice Sue Walker from the 2018 Ft. Worth February Luncheon. Coming from the educational halls of the University of Texas in Austin (undergrad) and Texas Tech University (no big deal, just her Law Degree here), Justice Sue Walker is an amazing woman in every way. She has worn (read: mastered) many hats in her career - adjunct professor of law for Texas Wesleyan School of Law, solo practitioner, briefing and staffing attorn...

Polished Podcast #42: Angie Gilikin

Angie is a Manager in the Career Readiness Department at Houston ISD. She focuses on high school CTE programming and developing business partnerships to support CTE programs; with a goal to expose students to careers and opportunities in their CTE pathways. In her role, she organizes Houston ISD's annual When I Grow Up Career Expo and bi-monthly Chamber meetings with active business partners. Angie is passionate about #equippingeducation and as a teacher used her 16 years of previous corpo...

Polished Podcast #41: Christal West Atkinson

Christal West Atkinson grew up a small town gal before transitioning to big city living, moving from Clifton, TX, to Frisco during high school.  Receiving her degree in International Relations and History from Salem College, she graduated, moved to Capitol Hill, and launched a 10 year career in Washington, D.C.  After working in the Office of Legislative Affairs/Chief of Staff (The White House, y’all) and the Treasury department – as Director of Scheduling and Executive Assistant to Secretar...

Polished Podcast #40: Ashley Freer

Ashley Freer didn't start out as a Texan, but 10 years here have taught her to appreciate the big and the small differentiators of this great state, breakfast tacos and gorgeous sunsets included. As group director and PR specialist at Fort Worth-based Balcom Agency, Ashley drives strategy and client projects for national, regional and local clients with 18 years of experience behind her. And while her job is one of her favorite things in life, she's eager to talk about other passions, includ...

Polished Podcast #39: Amanda Hill

Amanda Hill is a native Texan, an attorney, mother, and writer.  She has her own law firm representing physicians and medical groups in Texas, as well as speaking to medical groups and practices across the state.  She was a contestant on “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart” and had a fabulous time interviewing for a job with Martha on national television.  She is a blogger and writer of articles on essay regarding faith, humor, and motherhood. Her writing has appeared on sites like Scary Mommy, ...

Polished Podcast #38: Houston Business Leader Panel

Polished Podcast #37: Sharla Langston

Sharla Langston currently serves as the Minister of Generous Living at Northwest Bible Church, where she walks alongside God’s faithful stewards to encourage whole life generosity. This woman is all about giving! In addition, Sharla serves the national ministry of Generous Giving, whose mission is to spread the biblical message of generosity in order to grow generous givers among those entrusted with much. Sharla is a founder of Women Doing Well, an organization created to help Christian w...

Polished Podcast #36: Jasmine Turner

Jasmine Turner is a native Houstonian and works at LyondellBasell as a Cost Analyst, where she is responsible for budgeting and forecasting spending for capital projects at Lyondell’s Houston Refinery. Jasmine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Corporate Communication from Baylor University and serves on the Baylor Business Network Advisory Board. She is the President of the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals (HAULYP) and board member of the Ho...

Polished Podcast #35: Suzanne Taylor

Suzanne Taylor is serving as the City Director for Polished Fort Worth. She works as an associate attorney at Pope, Hardwicke, Christie, Schell, Kelly & Taplett, LLP practicing Estate Planning, Probate & Trust law. She spends most of her day drafting Wills and Trusts and meeting with clients on how to best plan for their future. Through her work and specifically meeting with young parents planning for their children’s future, she saw a theme in conversations about how the role of women is co...

Polished Podcast #34: Melissa Wickham

In episode 34 you'll join us at our October 2017 Polished North Dallas Luncheon. Today's guest is Melissa Wickham. Melissa serves on the Polished Board of Directors as the Special Events Chair. Naturally, we are excited to introduce you to her! Her education was in finance and leadership studies and she has spent 19 years in the business world, specifically in financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing and wholesale distribution. She currently serves as the Director of Finance, As...

Polished Podcast #33: Austin Dinner Panel

Polished Podcast #32: Ft. Worth Business Women's Panel

Join our September 2017 Ft. Worth luncheon for a fascinating panel including Katey McFarlan Hellman, Kara Stout, and Samantha Stewart. Hosted by Suzanne Taylor, you won't want to miss this insightful group of ladies who are rocking their businesses. 

Polished Podcast #31: Erica Mollet

As Erica navigates her personal and professional journey, she asks God daily for one thing: "Lord, please use me as a tool to build your kingdom, leading me to the people, communities, and businesses that I can serve in your name." Erica's winding road to professional "success" is evidence that God can use you in the most unexpected and amazing ways, when you just say "yes" to every assignment he presents.  Erica spent the first 10 years of her career in the financial industry, including i...

Polished Podcast #30: Tasha Morrison

Tasha is a bridge-builder, reconciler and a compelling voice in the fight for racial justice. When she speaks, she expresses a passion for social justice issues across the globe. She has taken this message to audiences across the country at events that include:  IF: Gathering, the Justice Conference, Youth Specialties, Catalyst, Barna's Pastor's Conference, the Orange Conference and many others.  A native of North Carolina, Tasha attended East Carolina University, earned a Masters in Bus...

Polished Podcast #29: Amy Collins

Amy Collins is the CEO & Co-Founder of RoRo’s Baking Company, located right here in Dallas, TX. They have a team of 8 female bakers who hand make thousands of Cinnamon rolls daily. All of their rolls are sold frozen in specialty grocery stores throughout Texas, surrounding states, and online. Haven't tried RoRo's yet? GET TO SHOPPING! You can thank us later. With a big dream and lot’s of determination, RoRo’s has grown to gain national exposure.  Loved by Oprah & Good Morning America, RoRo...

Polished Podcast #28: Sabrina Harrison

Sabrina Martinez Harrison, 35 years old from Laredo, TX is an ambitious business-woman who balances career, ministry, and family. Sabrina takes pride in being a wife and mom first. Sabrina is the co-owner, marketing director, and interior designer of Mint Dentistry, founder of Equipped by Faith Ministries and executive director of the Keep Smiling Promise and Mint Gear. Sabrina has been integral in the success of many major initiatives at Mint Enterprises and Camila Rose Interior Design Firm...

Polished Podcast #27: Haley Robison

Haley Robison is the chief executive officer at Kammok, an outdoor gear company based in Austin, Texas. Kammok designs performance gear for elevated camping, and their team is on mission to get people outside! Prior to joining the Kammok team, Haley worked as a curriculum designer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she designed and implemented “Career Design,” a new career methodology to help incoming MBAs assess their personal and professional priorities. She also spent thre...

Polished Podcast #26 Dawn Stephens

Listen in as our Executive Director, Kat Armstrong, interviews our August 2017 Polished Dallas luncheon guest, Dawn Stephens. Dawn graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physics, from Rice University with a Master’s of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, and from the University of Georgia with a Juris Doctorate (say what?!) After working for a few years as an Associate for Needle & Rosenberg, she joined Texas Instruments as Patent Counsel. Then she took on...

Polished Podcast #25: Heather Humphrey

Heather Humphrey brings over 30 years of team leadership, information services and financial experience within the homebuilding industry to her role as Chief Financial Officer for David Weekley Homes. Humphrey joined Weekley in 1993 and during her tenure has also served as the Company's Chief Information Officer leveraging technology to increase operational efficiencies. As CFO, Humphrey manages the capital structure of the company to meet current needs and support future growth. She is resp...

Polished Podcast #24: Morgan Eseke

Morgan Eseke is passionate about helping all ages of women experience a deep, meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ and to fall in love with God’s Word. She writes regularly about faith, relationships, and career at morganeseke.com. In 2009, Morgan founded CoffeeTalk in Norman, Oklahoma, a multigenerational mentorship ministry focused on providing biblical wisdom and leadership development for all ages of women— from middle schoolers to moms. She and her husband, David, live in Dallas, ...

Polished Podcast #23: Jennifer Sarver

Jenifer Sarver has nearly two decades of experience in media relations, crisis communications, speechwriting, coalition building, and media and presentation skills training. Her career has spanned the corporate, nonprofit and political worlds, helping clients develop messages that will resonate with their core audiences and create strategies for effectively delivering those messages through the appropriate channels. In 2014, she launched Sarver Strategies, a communications consultancy, focus...

Polished Podcast #22: Jensy Maier

Jensy earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook 'Em!).  Her professional journey has been a bit non-traditional as she spent time in business risk consulting and internal audit when she stumbled upon a very interesting career – forensic accounting and fraud investigations – and loves it!  Jensy is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and is curre...

Polished Podcast #21: Lauren King

Lauren King is a 20-something, Jesus-loving, born and raised Texan. Lauren is the director of Polished North Dallas and desires for all women to believe they are fully known and unconditionally loved. Because of her personal battle with anxiety, she is passionate about helping others know and feel true peace, satisfaction and joy, only found in Christ. Lauren graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. As a marketing professional, she gets to strategically and creatively tell brand s...

Polished Podcast #19: Rocio Lopez

In episode 19, we listen in to Rocio Lopez at our June 2017 Polished Dallas luncheon.  Rocio works at Buckner International, a global, social service-based non-profit headquartered in Dallas, Texas. She leads and facilitates operations for international programs that serve some of the most vulnerable children and families in Latin America and Africa. Rocio graduated from Baylor University with her undergraduate degree in International Business and Marketing and will complete her MBA in Dec...

Polished Podcast #20: Austin Dinner Panel

In episode 20, we get to sit in on our April 2017 Polished Austin Dinner Event. During this event, we get to list to a panel of women social entrepreneurs in Austin, moderated by Austin Woman's Melinda Garvey!

Polished Podcast #18: Angie Gillikin

In episode 18, we listen in to our May 2017 Polished Houston Luncheon featuring Angie Gillikin.  Angie is a Manager in the Career Readiness Department at Houston ISD. She focuses on high school CTE programming and developing business partnerships to support CTE programs; with a goal to expose students to careers and opportunities in their CTE pathways. In her role, she organizes Houston ISD's annual When I Grow Up Career Expo and bi-monthly Chamber meetings with active business partners. ...

Polished Podcast #17: Women in Business Panel

In Episode 17, we get to join in on the April 2017 Polished Ft. Worth Business Leader panel. Featuring three incredible women, Melissa Kates, Zena Jackson, and Karen Williams. We hope that listening in on the wisdom of these ladies will encourage and inspire you. As an advocate, Melissa Kates has an extensive history as an attorney representing school districts as general counsel and as board counsel. Prior to joining Duncanville ISD, she helped Underwood Law Firm establish its DFW presence...

Polished Podcast #16: Tiffany Fulcher

In episode 16, we get to hear from Tiffany Fulcher at our April 2017 Polished Dallas luncheon.Tiffany is the ultimate mompreneur, speaker, and business coach. She is devoted to encouraging women to build profitable businesses while leading purposeful lives. She is the CEO and founder of Tiffany Fulcher Enterprise and Momspace - an online business community created to educate, train, and inspire entrepreneurial moms and their kids. As a mompreneur, Tiffany dedicates her time to encouraging ot...

Polished Podcast #15: Hallie Graves

In episode 15, we hear from Hallie Graves. Hallie is a 30-year-old, energetic Jesus follower living the single gal life in Austin, Texas. She is the director of Polished Austin and is passionate about encouraging women to live the fullest, most free lives that Jesus has called them to live. As a lawyer and passion-collector, Hallie’s advocated for budding entrepreneurs and Fortune 50 companies and for children and families in child protection cases. Hallie is obsessed with Broadway shows, La...

Polished Podcast #14: Courtney Gilmore

In episode 14 we listen to Courtney Gilmore at our March 2017 Polished Ft. Worth Luncheon. Courtney is currently a weekday morning reporter at NBC 5 and she began her career reporting in Houston, where she spent nine years reporting and anchoring for KPRC Channel 2. Courtney graduated from Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and degree in Classical Theatre. She has performed and trained around the world from Shanghai and Beijing, China to London, England. And now she is ...

Polished Podcast #13: Stephanie Giddens

In episode 13 we hear from Stephanie Giddens at our March 2017 Polished Dallas luncheon. Stephanie has a passion for empowering women. In 2009, she co-founded Polished to address the need she saw for young professional women to connect faith with real life. Over time, her passion for social justice grew, and she and her husband planned to move to East Africa to pursue business as missions in order to empower marginalized women. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the move fell through, but it...

Polished Podcast #12: Heather Reynolds

In episode 12 we listen in on our February 2017 Polished Ft. Worth luncheon featuring Heather Reynolds. Heather is the President and CEO at Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW). She oversees the strategic direction for the Fort Worth based, $30 million non-profit. With nearly 400 employees and four locations throughout the 28-county diocese, CCFW serves tens of thousands each year through its diverse services, poverty solutions, and income-generating social enterprises.Today's episode is spo...

Polished Podcast #11: Sabrina Harrison

In episode 11 we hear from Sabrina Harrison at our Polished Dallas February 2017 luncheon. Sabrina is an ambitious business-woman who balances career, ministry, and family. She takes pride in being a wife and mom first. She is the co-owner, marketing director, and interior designer of Mint Dentistry, founder of Equipped by Faith Ministries and executive director of the Keep Smiling Promise and Mint Gear. Sabrina has been integral in the success of many major initiatives at Mint Enterprises a...

Polished Podcast #10: Ashley Goudeau

In Episode 9 we get to hear from guest speaker Ashley Goudeau at our February 2017 Polished Austin Luncheon. Ashley is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who currently reports on news from City Hall in Austin, Texas. Her work has been honored by the Texas Associated Press, and she’s been named an Emerging Business Leader by the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce. When she’s not chasing news, Ashley enjoys volunteering with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, cooking, ...

Polished Podcast #09: Happy Hour Live with Jamie Ivey

In this episode, we get to go inside of Jamie Ivey’s Happy Hour Live for Polished Austin. Jamie hosts Hallie Graves, director of Polished Austin, and friend of Polished, Jenn Sprinkle. This episode of the podcast is sponsored by LoweCo. LoweCo. is all about fun messages with a crisp and elegant delivery. Because our paper is embossed for texture, you can truly "feel the Lowe". Whether you want to remind a loved one that you care or only worry about signing your name and letting the cards s...

Polished Podcast #08: Catherine Lowe

In episode 8, we hear from Catherine Low at our November Polished North Dallas Luncheon. Catherine won Sean Lowe's heart (and ours!) on ABC's The Bachelor; now they're married with a beautiful baby boy. If you're anything like us, you've been following her and her precious family on Instagram! Before The Bachelor, Catherine was a graphic designer; she has since launched several lifestyle brands and, most recently, a luxury paper company, LoweCo.  This episode of the podcast is sponsored by...

Polished Podcast #07: Melissa Ice

In episode 7, we hear from Melissa Ice at our November 2016 Polished Ft. Worth Luncheon. Melissa is the current Founder and Executive Director of The Net, a non profit in Fort Worth Texas that restores dignity to people in poverty through community and relationships. As a graduate from Dallas Baptist University, Melissa has been involved in and employed by different Christian organizations and churches for the past 12 years. Prior to the NET, she served on church staff as a Missional Directo...