Journeys to Leadership

In this episode, we feature Rachel Wilson '05, currently the Managing Partner at The BFM Fund, after her role as Principal and Head of Operations at Collab Capital. With over a decade of international experience spanning industries such as Food & Beverage, Automotive, Tech, Healthcare, Music, Fashion, and Media, Rachel is a seasoned professional. During her tenure at Collab Capital, a prominent VC Firm based in Atlanta, GA, she spearheaded VC operations and fund governance processes. This encompassed responsibilities like investor relations, fund reporting oversight, impact metrics strategy, and comprehensive governance, including legal and HR aspects.

Rachel is not only a business leader but also a passionate advocate for mental wellness. For more than seven years, she has chaired the Board of Omnis Health Life Wellness Center, her family's behavioral health treatment center. Her academic achievements include a B.A. in Economics & Business from Agnes Scott College and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, Rachel is actively involved in advancing opportunities for Black women in venture capital. She serves on the board of Black Women in Venture Capital (BWiVC), a nonprofit committed to supporting careers in venture capital and capital access networks for Black women. Additionally, she is recognized as a 2023 NAIC Women In Alternatives UP Fellow and Margaret Atwood Practical Utopias Fellow.

This recording reflects Rachel's tenure as the Principal and Head of Operations at Collab Capital. She now serves as Managing Partner at the The BFM Fund.

In this captivating episode of Journeys to Leadership, Mary Pat Matheson, CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, shares her incredible journey from her adventurous childhood to leading one of the nation's top botanical gardens. Discover how serendipity, resilience, and calculated risks led her to transform the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a world-class destination, spearheading a groundbreaking expansion with sustainability at its core. Mary Pat reveals the power of mentorship, the importance of connecting people to nature, and the essential role leadership plays in tackling global challenges like biodiversity and climate change. Tune in for an inspiring story of bold innovation and visionary leadership.

In this deeply moving episode of Journeys to Leadership, acclaimed poet Tina Chang opens up about the heartbreak of losing her father at a young age and how that profound loss became the foundation of her first poetry collection. With raw honesty, Tina recounts her struggles with language, being separated from her mother, and navigating life as an outsider—experiences that shaped her voice as a writer and a leader. Now the first female Poet Laureate of Brooklyn and Director of Creative Writing at Binghamton University, Tina shares her ongoing battle with self-doubt, the pressures of leadership, and how embracing vulnerability has been her greatest strength. Her journey is a testament to the power of art, resilience, and finding beauty in life’s darkest moments. This episode offers hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to turn pain into purpose.

On this episode of Journeys to Leadership, join President Zak as she delves into the remarkable leadership journey of Jennifer Grant Warner, the President and CEO of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Jennifer shares her unique path from a small-town upbringing to leading one of Atlanta's premier science institutions. Learn how she has transformed the museum’s programming, guided it through the pandemic, and spearheaded innovative STEM initiatives, all while staying rooted in empathy, curiosity, and community impact.

If you’re passionate about leadership, nonprofit management, or the intersection of science and education, this episode is for you. Jennifer’s insights on taking informed risks, evolving organizational strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation provide invaluable lessons for leaders at all levels.

Rickey Bevington is an Emmy award-winning journalist and the dynamic President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. Graduating magna cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University with a degree in Comparative Literature, Rickey has established herself as a distinguished personality in the media landscape.

Recognized as the "Best On-Air Personality" by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, Rickey was the acclaimed host of National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered" in Atlanta. Her extensive career includes interviews with icons ranging from filmmakers to singers and world ambassadors, earning her prestigious awards such as the Edward R. Murrow Awards, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast (EMMYS), and accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists and Public Radio News Directors, Inc.

Rickey Bevington was also featured for her impactful leadership in the "40 Under 40" lists by Georgia Trend Magazine and the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2015 and 2016. Beyond her role as a journalist and broadcaster, Rickey is a multifaceted individual— a public speaker, advocate, and so much more.