Empowering Youth Through Space and Environmental Stewardship

In this episode of Beyond Her Campus, Julianne engages in an inspiring conversation with Kim Macharia, who is transitioning from her role as Executive Director to an Advisor at the Space Prize Foundation to launching her nonprofit, Brave Leap. Kim elaborates on Brave Leap's mission of fostering environmental stewardship through programs in space exploration, agriculture, and ocean advocacy. 

She recounts her unconventional path into the space industry, highlighting the critical role of community and passion in her journey. Kim shares her experiences with the NASA Space Apps Hackathon, the US ambassador to the UN, and her philosophy background, offering valuable advice for young graduates. She discusses her approach to a balanced, fulfilling life and her upcoming plans, including obtaining a captain's license. Kim also reflects on her enriching experience with Her Campus and the lasting impact of mission-driven work.

Creators and Guests

Julianne Skrivan
Host
Julianne Skrivan
Julianne Skrivan is a community builder and storyteller, with a passion for bringing people together to learn and grow. Currently, Julianne is the Director of Community at Her Campus Media where she oversees exclusive weekly newsletters, social media accounts, and launches innovative education efforts. She has worked on award-winning events and has appeared on multiple panels and podcasts relating to influencing, writing, and emphasizing how to create content in a way that feels genuine. Julianne holds a Masters in Communications from Johns Hopkins University, certificates in Women’s Leadership and Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell, and Political Science, Communications and Film & Media Arts degrees from the University of Utah. She lives in Salt Lake City with her dog and future-husband.
Allison Piwowarski
Producer
Allison Piwowarski
Allison Piwowarski is a seasoned media professional with over a decade of experience in digital content and brand strategy. She has driven significant audience growth and brand engagement by overseeing high-impact partnerships, special projects with A-list talent, and editorial initiatives across leading women's media brands. Allison has led teams in producing award-winning content and pioneered innovative approaches to storytelling through web, social, and audio platforms. As Director of Content Strategy at Her Campus Media, she currently spearheads audience growth and editorial initiatives, including events and partnerships with impactful social-first organizations. She is passionate about mentoring young content creators and specifically spotlighting and amplifying women's stories in new and emerging ways.
Cara Chiaramonte Johnson
Producer
Cara Chiaramonte Johnson
As Vice President of Community and Strategic Initiatives at Her Campus Media, the number one media and marketing ecosystem for college women, Cara Chiaramonte has spent the last near-decade scaling, developing, and managing HCM's campus and influencer communities and supporting its 50,000+ members plus tens of thousands of alumni launch their careers, find their confidence, build their personal brands, and more. Chiaramonte has produced award-winning, large-scale event programming both in-person and virtually, has secured and worked directly with A-list talent, and has partnered with major consumer brands to create one-of-a-kind brand ambassadorship and campus/influencer marketing campaigns. She is passionate about growing communities and businesses with impactful missions that strive to help push women's leadership forward and make the next generation more successful, safer, and smarter than the generations before them. Cara received her undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Florida with minors in Women's Studies and Leadership. She currently resides in Tampa with her husband and their two dogs.
Kayla Goldman
Producer
Kayla Goldman
Kayla Goldman is an emerging event programming specialist and talent lead with a focus on curating digital and IRL experiences that resonate with Gen Z audiences. Since graduating from UMass Boston with a degree in Women's Studies, she has worked with high-profile talent, such as Hannah Berner, Tefi Pessoa, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Kelley O'Hara, Midori Francis, and more. Kayla is currently on the Events team at Her Campus Media, leading on programming and talent relations.
Kim Macharia
Guest
Kim Macharia
Kim Macharia is the Founder and Executive Director of Brave Leap, a nonprofit that uses the wonder of exploration to inspire engagement in environmental stewardship. Prior to launching Brave Leap, she served as Executive Director of Space Prize, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young women to participate in the growing space economy. She has worked on a range of projects driving the future of the space economy forward including projects related to space situational awareness and human spaceflight. Kim has also had the privilege of representing companies at international events including the UN World Space Forum. Throughout her career, she has made a concerted effort to advocate for marginalized communities and create pathways for nontraditional actors to engage in the growing space economy. Kim is deeply passionate about diversifying and democratizing industries that are vital to how our world operates. In addition to her work in the space sector, Kim also consults on grant programs and inclusion initiatives in the agriculture and maritime sector.
Empowering Youth Through Space and Environmental Stewardship
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