In this episode of Path Found, Monica sits down with Katie Drexhage, a senior environmental scientist whose career spans federal wildlife regulation, county public works, and California State Parks.

Katie traces her path from a sheltered high school student fascinated by insects and biology to a leader managing conservation programs across 20,000 acres of coastline, forests, and public lands. Along the way, she shares what college fieldwork really looks like, how burnout shaped her career decisions, and why understanding why we do the work matters just as much as the work itself.

This conversation explores the realities of environmental careers—from permits and regulations to restoration and stewardship—along with practical advice for young professionals navigating competitive job markets. Katie also reflects on mentorship, leadership, and how small moments can completely change how you see your work.

If you’re figuring out your path, questioning whether you’re “doing it right,” or wondering what conservation work actually looks like day to day, this episode offers clarity, honesty, and perspective.

🎧 Listen to “Path Found Podcast”
Real stories of pivots, side quests, and scenic routes that inspire new possibilities.

📅 New episodes drop every Thursday, starting October 2, 2025.

👉 Subscribe & Listen: https://www.youtube.com/@PathFoundPodcast

★ Follow, rate, and share if you’ve ever taken the scenic route.

Get Involved:
🌐 See the work we’re doing at Keystone Network - Web: https://keystonenetwork.org
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This week on Path Found, Monica speaks with Vikki Yaller Radow—a tech leader who built a career by jumping in, speaking up, and tearing down barriers long before diversity in tech was a conversation.

Raised by hardworking parents who never attended college, Vikki began her journey rolling out personal computers at Northrop Grumman. She learned to troubleshoot hardware, embraced early‑era startup chaos, helped build GeoCities and FrontBridge, and ultimately contributed to the technology that would become Microsoft’s Office 365.

Today, she leads the largest business unit at Upland Software, overseeing customer success, engineering teams, and strategic growth.

Vikki shares her three foundational principles:

• Find what interests you and what you're good at.

• Work harder than anyone around you.

• Be a positive influence.

She speaks candidly about navigating male‑dominated spaces, building confidence, raising daughters with resilience, and why your worth depends on the rooms you choose to be in.

It’s an inspiring conversation about grit, curiosity, and creating opportunities—especially when none are handed to you.

🎧 Listen to “Path Found Podcast”
Real stories of pivots, side quests, and scenic routes that inspire new possibilities.

📅 New episodes drop every Thursday, starting October 2, 2025.

👉 Subscribe & Listen: https://www.youtube.com/@PathFoundPodcast

★ Follow, rate, and share if you’ve ever taken the scenic route.

Get Involved:
🌐 See the work we’re doing at Keystone Network - Web: https://keystonenetwork.org
💬 Submit your comments, questions for guests, or suggest new guests you’d love to hear from!
📷Instagram: @pathfoundpodcast

Sierra Emrick’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and rediscovering what “success” really means. From studying marine biology to working in Sri Lanka and Panama, Sierra chased meaning across the world—only to realize her purpose was right where she started. Today, as Executive Director of the Central Coast State Parks Association, she shares how failure, sensitivity, and persistence shaped her path toward leadership and peace.

🎧 Listen to “Path Found Podcast”
Real stories of pivots, side quests, and scenic routes that inspire new possibilities.

📅 New episodes drop every Thursday, starting October 2, 2025.

👉 Subscribe & Listen: https://www.youtube.com/@PathFoundPodcast

★ Follow, rate, and share if you’ve ever taken the scenic route.

Get Involved:
🌐 See the work we’re doing at Keystone Network - Web: https://keystonenetwork.org
💬 Submit your comments, questions for guests, or suggest new guests you’d love to hear from!
📷Instagram: @pathfoundpodcast