An Interview with Rachel Zimmerman: Us, After
September 25, 2024
Hosted by Cecilia Zapata-Harms
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Guest Information
Episode Description
When a state trooper arrived at Rachel Zimmerman's doorstep to inform her that her husband had leaped to his death from a nearby bridge, she collapsed to the ground, struggling to comprehend the shocking news. How could her husband—a devoted father and an MIT robotics professor with no history of mental illness—commit such an act? How would she explain this tragedy to their young daughters? And could she have done anything to prevent it? As a seasoned journalist, Rachel delved deeply into her investigation, convinced that finding answers would help her endure. She interviewed doctors and suicide experts. She even spoke with a man who had survived a jump from the same bridge. While she uncovered many insights, the ultimate question of why her husband took his own life remained unanswered. Thus began her journey of learning to find peace with uncertainty. Us, After is a book that explores domestic turmoil and recovery, the tension between our public and private selves, the evolving nature of life, the challenges of motherhood, and the secrets we harbor. It confronts the unimaginable and finds solace in what remains.
Women, Life and Science
Wednesday at 7 AM Pacific on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
We are women, living a full life, have a professional career in science or in some form or another have been involved in the industry. We have stories to tell and knowledge to impart. We overcame challenges, uncertainties and continue to navigate the ever evolving professional and personal balance. We share in kindness and we share openly. We are grateful for many things. We have little regrets but easily forgive ourselves for our missteps. Women, Life and Science is the open forum for dialogue, knowledge presentations and story-telling.
Cecilia Zapata-Harms
Cecilia has held leadership positions in strategy, joint venture startup and program administration. Her career spans more than 30+ years in life science/biotechnology and healthcare industry. Cecilia started her tenure as a strategic planning manager at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research in the early 1990s, as Program Administrator for the Molecular Pharmacology, Clinical Research Division held a Project Officer role for the National Cancer Institute. She has led the development of clinical research network and oversaw all operational functions for the program. Cecilia was also involved in many status biotechnology startups. In the summer of 2017, Cecilia returned to her life science and biotechnology roots as Chief Executive Officer for 3rdEyeBio, LLC. Cecilia has been known to say that she is like the Jill of all Trades. In my toolbox are a multitude of different sets of skills and expertise that can be applied to almost all industries. Passionate about global health access, innovative approaches to access novel treatments especially for our rural communities, military and developing countries. The joy for me in my work is to find an outside of the box solutions, connect the dots, and see innovators realize the vision, their road map accomplish them and are successful.
