S3 Ep3: Resilience and Well-Being: An Overview of Skills and Practices for Building Resilience in the Workplace

12/19/23 • 41 min

with Megan Kennedy and Gina Topp

UW Resilience Lab director Megan Kennedy talks us through skills and practices for promoting resilience and well-being from the individual to the organizational level.

Megan Kennedy is the director of the UW Resilience Lab. As a leader and facilitator, Kennedy aims to build healthy and compassionate learning communities. From engaging stakeholders in vision-setting to partnering with students, staff and instructors, her approach to leadership centers on collaborative relationships. She believes that building high-quality wellness and educational programs requires teamwork at every level. Currently, Kennedy is developing and evaluating systems-based approaches to well-being that combines applied research, education and collaborative programming across three University of Washington campuses. This includes partnering with academic departments, student wellness groups and community-based organizations seeking to deepen their capacity for mindfulness and resilience. Kennedy earned her master’s degree in applied behavioral science from Bastyr University and is a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in public and private practice.

Gina Topp (she/her) is a proud alumna of the University of Washington, graduating in 2017, 2021 and 2023. She earned a B.S. in biology, a J.D. and an LLM Masters in tax law. During her time at the University of Washington, Gina particularly enjoyed participating in an externship with the Washington State Legislature, where she fell in love with public policy. Gina served the people of King County as the legal counsel and policy advisor to the King County Executive. She recently started her own law firm. Aside from work, Gina enjoys all sports, particularly tennis and cherishes her role as a new mom.

As a member of the UW alumni community, Gina is passionate about the idea that together, across campuses and across the globe, the University of Washington community can make this world a better place.

with Megan Kennedy and Gina Topp

UW Resilience Lab director Megan Kennedy talks us through skills and practices for promoting resilience and well-being from the individual to the organizational level.

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S3 Ep2: Honoring Your Heritage While Pursuing Entrepreneurship

with Salomé Valencia-Bohné and Karla Ciccia

Traditional corporate culture can foster spaces where BIPOC professionals don’t feel as if they can authentically be themselves. Social justice advocate and business owner Salomé Valencia-Bohné, MA, MSW, LSWAIC (she/her/ella) partners with you to explore how social entrepreneurship is a career move that can support you in honoring your cultural heritage and values while also increasing your wallet size.

Salomé Valencia-Bohné, MA, MSW, LSWAIC (she/her/ella) was born and raised in Yakima, WA. In 2019. She graduated from the University of Washington’s MSW program with a concentration in health and mental health. Dedicated to investing in the clinical social work field, Salomé is a member of many clinical social work and Latino societies, provides psychotherapy through an anti-oppression lens and is a strong activist within her community. She is the owner of The Rivers Wellness & Advocacy Foundation, host of the Clinically Growing Together podcast and owner of the Financial Peace & Prosperity program.

Originally from Peru, Karla Ciccia moved to the states as a kid but since then has lived in two other continents before returning to WA and setting down roots. Karla is a passionate traveler and community advocate. She was previously working at a local philanthropy where she led local and international teams to rapidly deliver functional prototypes across a wide spectrum of tech and conservation products. Currently, Karla is working as a product manager delivering quality donor tissue to those in need. Karla is a graduate from the UW and in her spare time loves to explore the PNW with her family, friends, and soon, first child.

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S4Ep3: Your financial wellbeing: Tips on owning your financial future

In a world where financial stress is common, the podcast emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and control. Hosted by Anders and featuring financial coach Karen Zukaitis, the discussion offers practical strategies to alleviate financial anxiety and improve well-being. Listeners are encouraged to understand their finances, budget effectively, and seek support from trusted individuals. The podcast highlights that everyone's financial journey is unique and that open conversations about money can reduce feelings of isolation. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their financial futures.