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Climb Higher with Her

Climb Higher with Her is a podcast about women in leadership, career growth and professional development.

Hosted by Darlene Repollet, First Lady of Kean University and a former corporate HR executive with 25 years of experience, the podcast features conversations with women leaders in business, government, higher education and public service.

Each episode includes real-world lessons and actionable insights for emerging and established women leaders navigating today’s workplace, executive roles and leadership careers.

Climb Higher with Her podcast with Darlene Repollet. A woman with glasses dressed in navy blue seated in front of a window.

Episode 3: From Chemistry to C-Suite - Felicia Bourke’s Career Evolution

Felicia Bourke shares lessons of her journey from chemist to award-winning senior executive at Quest Diagnostics. She reflects on how courage, clarity and confidence have shaped her leadership style and offers practical advice for emerging professionals.

Episode 2: Former NJ Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter on Leadership and Legacy

Former NJ State Assemblywoman and Kean alumna Shavonda E. Sumter ’96 joins Darlene Repollet, First Lady of Kean University, to discuss her bold path from student government to the state legislature. She reflects on the early experiences that shaped her commitment to public service, the importance of advocacy in women’s health, voting rights, and mental health access, as well as what it means to “bring your own folding chair.” 

Episode 1: Sara Peña on Grit, Faith, and Leadership

Kean alumna Sara Peña ’96 reflects on her path from being a first-generation college student to serving in Governor Phil Murphy’s administration. In this candid conversation with Darlene Repollet, First Lady of Kean University, Sara opens up about the early challenges of navigating higher education, the mentors and communities that helped her find her voice, and how founding the Boys to Leaders Foundation helped her create opportunities for young Latino men. Her story is a powerful testament to grit, faith and the importance of showing up for yourself and others.