Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM
Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM is hosted by Kathy Nelson, an electrical engineer, and Linda LaTourelle, a retired technology leader — two women passionate about elevating the voices of those doing meaningful, innovative, and often overlooked work in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Through open, honest conversations with women at every stage of their STEM journeys, we dive into the real experiences of navigating traditionally male-dominated fields — the hurdles, the achievements, the lessons learned, and the personal moments that shape a career.
From research labs and field sites to classrooms and corporate offices, our guests share how they got started, what they’ve overcome, and what motivates them to keep going. Whether you're building your own path in STEM, mentoring the next generation, or simply curious about what a STEM career really looks like — this podcast is for you.
Our mission is to inform, inspire, and normalize the diverse exper
Recent Episodes
132. Fae Gaze, Mathematician, Data Scientist, and Machine Learning Researcher
131. Dr. Sandra Johnson, Entrepreneur, Global Technology Leader, Author
130. Sheila Buswell- CEO, Biomedical Engineer & Innovator
129. Sarah Garcia; Civil Engineer, Construction Industry
128. Kalpana Pot - Actor, Writer, Host, and Space Communicator
127. Dr. Audra Morse- Dean, Professor, Civil Environmental and Geospatial Engineering
About the Hosts
Kathy Nelson
Kathy Nelson is an electrical engineer with over 30 years of experience in the utility industry, specializing in wireless telecommunications.
A passionate advocate for women in STEM, Kathy launched Ordinarily Extraordinary to share the authentic stories of women in science, technology, engineering, and math—creating a space for connection, inspiration, and community.
Outside of work and podcasting, Kathy enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures, and photography. She lives with her husband in the lakes area of Minnesota and is the proud mom of three adult children and one lively sheepadoodle.
Inspired by the podcast, Kathy has also begun writing picture book manuscripts to spark curiosity about STEM in young girls. She’s currently collaborating with her daughter on a Women in STEM coloring book featuring many of the remarkable women who have appeared on the show.
Linda LaTourelle
Linda LaTourelle is happily retired after a successful career in the electric utility industry, where she was a respected leader in Information Technology. Throughout her career, she played a key role in advancing technology initiatives that supported utility operations and innovation.
Now fully enjoying retirement, Linda spends as much time as possible outdoors—camping, hunting, fishing, and embracing the peace and beauty of nature. She’s also a proud and passionate grandma who treasures time with her grandchildren.
Linda is excited to join the Ordinarily Extraordinary podcast as a co-host and contributor, helping to elevate the voices of women in STEM and be part of meaningful, inspiring conversations.