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    Best of the WWEST

    Welcome to Best of the WWEST (Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology), where we believe providing role models for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) can change the world. Come along with us as we talk to incredible women in STEM about their lives, careers, and everything in between.
    enWestcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology134 Episodes

    Episodes (134)

    Episode 2: Women in STEM w/Dr. Michelle Kunimoto, Karine Poliquin & Nancy Darling

    Episode 2: Women in STEM w/Dr. Michelle Kunimoto, Karine Poliquin & Nancy Darling

    This episode explores the career progression of women in STEM from university, to industry, and leadership. Dr. Michelle Kunimoto is a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. During her undergraduate degree, Michelle discovered 4 new exoplanets and she has carried that interest forward to now improving techniques for finding exoplanets. Michelle is also dedicated to inspiring young women and exciting individuals about astronomy. Karine Poliquin is a Civil Engineer with 7 years’ experience in the consulting engineering industry. She started her career as a structural engineer, but halfway through switched her focus to transportation design. Most of her projects involve low-volume road design and ice road engineering in northern Canada. During her spare time, Karine volunteers for the ACEC-BC EDI committee, and for Women in Consulting Engineering. Nancy Darling is the creator and project administrator for the Women in Trades Training (WITT) Project at Okanagan College. The program introduces women to the building trades and supports women to step into a career in the trades. Nancy received a BA in Community Rehabilitation from the University of Calgary, and was motivated to develop the WITT program after noticing the underrepresentation of women in trades and the systemic barriers to their participation. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox

    Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

    Best of the WWEST
    enMarch 08, 2022

    Episode 1: Intro to the New WWEST Chair w/Dr. Jennifer Jakobi

    Episode 1: Intro to the New WWEST Chair w/Dr. Jennifer Jakobi

    Welcome to the first episode of WWEST UBCO's continuation of the Best of the WWEST Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jakobi will outline the goals of the WWEST program and highlight the exciting projects to come. 

    Jennifer (Jenn) Jakobi, is a Professor in Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She was the Associate Chair Westcoast Women in Engineering Science and Technology (WWEST; 2018-2020), and founding director of the integrative STEM Team Advancing networks of Diversity (iSTAND) Program. Through these programs she worked towards increasing diversity across STEM fields through engaging, mentoring and supporting youth and women in STEM activities that facilitate self-awareness, and professional understanding to empower organizational change through independent contributions. Most recently, Dr. Jakobi was named the new NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) program for BC and the Yukon.  We would like to thank WWEST SFU for the outstanding precedent they have set with the Best of the WWEST podcast. We are excited to take on this project and continue the wonderful work they have done! Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

    Best of the WWEST
    enMarch 02, 2022

    Episode 111: Marg Lathan P.Eng, WinSETT Chair and President of Aqua Libra Consulting

    Episode 111: Marg Lathan P.Eng, WinSETT Chair and President of Aqua Libra Consulting
    Marg Latham P.Eng has been around the scene for a long time. She’s a pioneer for women and intersectionality in STEM, she’s a leader, and she loves to build things! Listen to this episode for some real gems of wisdom and advice and an all-around fun conversation between Marg and WWEST podcast producer and host Vanessa. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

    Marg Latham was the only woman to graduate in civil engineering from Queen’s University in 1974. Since then, she has continued to be a pioneer and trailblazer. Marg is a professional engineer and certified management consultant. She is President of Aqua Libra Consulting Ltd., a management consulting firm. Since starting her business in 2010, she has helped public and private engineering organizations improve professional practice and quality management.

    For five decades, Marg has also been a champion for women in engineering and construction across Canada. She is currently the Chair of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT), an organization committed to fostering opportunities for women to enter, stay, grow and lead at all levels in science, engineering, trades and technology careers.

    Marg is the 2021 recipient of the RA McLachlin Award, one of the Presidents Awards presented annually by EGBC.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/HAjtZe

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enDecember 28, 2021

    Episode 110: Janet Phan, Founder & Executive Director, Thriving Elements

    Episode 110: Janet Phan, Founder & Executive Director, Thriving Elements
    Janet Phan is busy, but she's also working on changing the landscape for girls and women in STEM. In this episode, she tells us all about moving across an ocean to another country for a job, finding internal peace with past challenges, and how technology drives everything we do. Plus, she gives the inside scoop into her new book, "Boldly You!"

    (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

    Janet T. Phan is the Founder and Executive Director of Thriving Elements, a nonprofit dedicated to creating access and opportunities for underserved, underrepresented girls with long-term, 1:1 mentorship in STEM fields. 

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/yNLlGg

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enDecember 14, 2021

    Episode 109: Sadé Akinbami P.Eng, Civil Engineer & Artist

    Episode 109: Sadé Akinbami P.Eng, Civil Engineer & Artist
    We're talking STEAM in this episode - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - with Sadé Akinbami. She joins host and producer Vanessa to talk about how music and STEM intertwine, how to survive university, and how we have come a long way when it comes to equity among all people in STEM, but we still have a long way to go.

    (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

    Sadé Akinbami is a multifaceted Nigerian-Canadian artist and practicing civil engineer. Sadé’s heritage has played a major role in the carving of her path thus far; a path which intertwines both the sciences and the arts. Having graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering - Concentration in Management, Sadé has since then followed an unconventional path by being a Project Engineer, Project Manager and also a singer, song-writer, and producer.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/hnGxyv

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enNovember 30, 2021

    Episode 108: Jasmine Shaw P.Eng, Entrepreneur, and Changemaker

    Episode 108: Jasmine Shaw P.Eng, Entrepreneur, and Changemaker
    Jasmine Shaw, P.Eng is joining us to talk about mentoring, coaching, engineering, and...drones? Yes, drones! Hear about the cool work she's doing in the Aerospace realm with Amazon and their Prime Air  program. Plus, Jasmine talks about the other cool project she's worked on: the Ontario Sick Day Relief Project, which raised over $60,000 in paid sick days for Ontario’s essential workers through the third wave of COVID-19.

    (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

    Jasmine Shaw is a professional engineer, entrepreneur, and changemaker. She has over 5 years experience of systems engineering and project management in the aerospace industry. Her journey to transform STEM began nearly 10 years ago during her undergraduate degree at Carleton University where she implemented a local youth outreach program, and has since grown to include a business that helps women in STEM achieve their full career potential. She also founded the Ontario Sick Day Relief Project, which raised over $60,000 in paid sick days for Ontario’s essential workers through the third wave of COVID-19.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/MajTDF

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enNovember 23, 2021

    Episode 107: Pride in STEM with Dr. Ben Britton

    Episode 107: Pride in STEM with Dr. Ben Britton
    Dr. Ben Britton joins host and producer Vanessa just in time for LGBT STEM Day. The conversation about 2SLGBTQ+ people's participation in STEM is ramping up more and more, and we're talking about what employers and those in academia can do to create a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We also cover what kinds of unique circumstances this community experiences, with some harrowing statistics that show how much work needs to be done to be inclusive to 2SLGBTQ+ people working in and studying STEM.

    (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

    Ben Britton is an Associate Professor in Materials Engineering at UBC, teaches on the Manufacturing Engineering programme and holds a visiting Readership at Imperial College London. Ben leads a research group looking at characterising the performance and manufacturing of materials used in high risk high value applications, as well as materials used to support us achieving a low carbon future. In addition to his technical work, Ben works to agitate for improved equity in STEM, including a focus on LGBTQ+ issues.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/BuhvRT

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enNovember 09, 2021

    Episode 106: Deyanira Mendoza Dominguez, P.Eng, Certified Project Manager, and Woman of Action

    Episode 106: Deyanira Mendoza Dominguez, P.Eng, Certified Project Manager, and Woman of Action
    Deyanira Mendoza Dominguez, a self-described non-boring engineer, has been to 16 countries, which she visited with her husband on their motorcycles to conduct research! You'll hear all about it in this episode. She also lets us in on what kind of challenges are presented to someone immigrating to Canada who is also a woman in STEM, and how those challenges helped her stand on her own two feet and build an empire around her. 

    Deyanira was made in Mexico, but she is purely Canadian. Deyanira Mendoza Dominguez is an experienced Professional Engineer, Certified Project Manager, and Woman of Action. Her motto is “making the impossible possible”. She is a non-boring Engineer and the first published Mexican woman to complete a continuous two-year return motorcycle journey through the Americas, doing research in 16 countries. She is motivated to support underprivileged girls and to be an equity advocate for women and immigrants.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/tzOITn

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enOctober 19, 2021

    Episode 105: Major Jessica Ross, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Officer

    Episode 105: Major Jessica Ross, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Officer
    In this episode, Major Jessica Ross gives us a glimpse into the Canadian Armed Forces and her life therein - how she joined, how it was to train to get to where she is today, and where she's going. She tells us all about her experience at the Royal Military College of Canada, how the work she did during her master's studies in applied science is bettering the world and Canada, and how Dungeons & Dragons can be applied to team dynamics. Plus, you'll hear just how important hockey is in the military.

    Major Jessica Ross was born in Vancouver and graduated from Vancouver Technical Secondary School. She joined the Canadian Army and graduated from the Royal Military College with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2007. After being posted to Maintenance Company of 2 Service Battalion in Petawawa, Ontario, employed as the Maintenance Officer of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, and deployed to Kuwait on Operation IMPACT, Major Ross earned a Masters in Applied Science (Chemical Engineering) with a specialization in Science, Society, and Policy. She deployed to Latvia on Operation REASSURANCE in 2020 as the Officer Commanding Technical Services Company, and will be a student on the Joint Command and Staff Program for the upcoming academic year.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/dIEykT

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enOctober 06, 2021

    Episode 104: Dr. Britt Drögemöller, Canada Research Chair, Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, Univ. of Manitoba

    Episode 104: Dr. Britt Drögemöller, Canada Research Chair, Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, Univ. of Manitoba
    Dr. Britt Drögemöller moved halfway across the world to pursue a new life in Canada as the Canada Research Chair of Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine - during a pandemic. If that doesn't say "strong, independent woman in STEM," we don't know what does! In this interview with Best of the WWEST producer and host Vanessa, you'll hear about that journey, as well as many other things, including (but not limited to) learning to pivot when opening a lab during a pandemic and really cool research that can avoid horrific medication side effects. 

    Dr. Britt Drögemöller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba and holds a Canada Research Chair in Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine. Dr. Drögemöller’s research uses genomic and computational analyses to guide the development of novel treatment strategies that offer maximum benefit and minimal harm.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/uAsETZ

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enSeptember 21, 2021

    Episode 103: Aadita Chaudhury, Doctoral Student, Science and Technology Studies, York University

    Episode 103: Aadita Chaudhury, Doctoral Student, Science and Technology Studies, York University
    This week, the conversation is a candid one about breaking out of the mould shaped by a professional program into an interdisciplinary community. Aadita Chaudhury, doctoral student, tells her story of her journey to realizing that technology can be a tool for liberation, and how she's using the tools and skills she learned in industry to break down prescriptive ways of knowing and critically examine STEM-exceptionalist narratives. Plus, she gives practical advice on how new STEM professionals can begin to change the world for the better.

    Aadita Chaudhury is a doctoral student in the Science and Technology Studies at York University. Her doctoral dissertation project explores the multifaceted cultural, material and environmental meaning-making, building on her ethnographic research on fire ecology and wildfire management in California. Her research further investigates the practices surrounding both ecosystem and built environment fires around the world to situate how themes of coloniality, valuation and race emerge in the context of fire management.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/LFJUzu

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enSeptember 07, 2021

    Episode 102: Capt(N) Seana Routledge, Deputy Project Manager, Canadian Forces

    Episode 102: Capt(N) Seana Routledge, Deputy Project Manager, Canadian Forces
    In this episode, Captain(N) Seana Routledge is telling us all about her work in the Canadian Armed Forces! How does diversity and inclusion play a role in the organization? What was it like going to the Royal Canadian Military College to study engineering, compared to other post-secondary education? And just what does the Forces do to support the citizens of Canada? You’ll learn all about that and more!

    Captain (Navy) Seana Routledge enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in Fredericton, NB in 1996 in the Regular Officer Training Program. She graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston with a baccalaureate in Computer Engineering in 2000. She is currently Deputy Project Manager – Transition in the Canadian Surface Combatant Project Management Office.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/wcuaAj

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enAugust 24, 2021

    Episode 101: Dr. Kimberly Arcand, Visualization Scientist, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, NASA

    Episode 101: Dr. Kimberly Arcand, Visualization Scientist, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, NASA
    Have you ever held an exploded star in your hand? How about a 3D printed one? Doing precisely that launched Dr. Kimberly Arcand down her windy “Candyland” path to where she is today as a data visualizer and science communicator at NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory. In this episode, you’ll also hear about her passion for creating materials that are accessible for all, how important coding is for students and professionals in STEM, and how failing a class can teach you a ton about yourself.

    Dr. Kimberly Arcand is a leading expert in astronomy visualization and has been a pioneer in 3D imaging, printing, and extended reality applications with astrophysics data. Kim began her career in molecular biology and public health before moving to NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1998. Her current projects include sonification of spatial data, screen-based holograms and other intersections of emerging technology and astrophysics. She has co-written seven non-fiction science books including her first two science-related children’s books that came out last year.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/eKlXft

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enAugust 10, 2021

    Episode 100: Maggie MacPhee, Grades 7-12 Math Teacher & Educator

    Episode 100: Maggie MacPhee, Grades 7-12 Math Teacher & Educator
    Maggie MacPhee is passionate about math - not just learning and teaching it, but also examining it through a social justice lens and changing the narrative around its history. She joins Best of the WWEST producer Vanessa to get nerdy about math and board games, but also to talk about how she as a busy math teacher early in her career deals with stress, what books she’s reading, and what her favourite part of teaching math is, punctuated with lots of laughter.

    Maggie MacPhee is a grade 7-12 mathematics teacher in Nova Scotia. Maggie studied Mathematics at Mount Allison University before completing her Education degree at St Francis Xavier. Maggie’s favourite math topics are graph theory, board games, and social justice through mathematics. 

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/OcXpdQ

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enJuly 27, 2021

    Episode 99: Cassy Weber, CEO, MindFuel

    Episode 99: Cassy Weber, CEO, MindFuel
    Cassy Weber and MindFuel, the organization she runs as CEO, are very busy - from studying when girls are losing interest in STEM in their schooling journey, to figuring out how to deliver quality programming to communities with limited technology, to consulting on curriculum development initiatives and more. Cassy tells us all about these projects in this episode, and lets us in on some of her personal and professional life as a busy CEO of a nonprofit organization that is truly making a positive impact.

    Cassy Weber is the CEO of MindFuel. Cassy lives and breathes innovation, progress and inclusion. After a successful tenure in the for-profit industry, working with an array of companies over a 20-year period from Fortune 500s to start ups in order to develop strategic and operational plans, Cassy transitioned to the nonprofit industry to lead MindFuel's sustainability initiative in 2012.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/dSnCKM

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enJuly 09, 2021

    Episode 98: Indigenous Ways of Knowing in STEM with Desiree Marshall-Peer, Cree-Ojibway Educator

    Episode 98: Indigenous Ways of Knowing in STEM with Desiree Marshall-Peer, Cree-Ojibway Educator
    In this time of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, the discussion of Indigenous participation in STEM is extremely important. Desiree Marshall-Peer, a Cree-Ojibway educator at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, joins Best of the WWEST producer Vanessa to explore decolonizing STEM and education. We cover how Indigenous ways of knowing are being incorporated in and changing mainstream school, what the barriers to Indigenous students going into STEM fields are, and what can be done to bring them more into the STEM fields. Plus, we discuss how oral traditions are valid and important within STEM and even are being incorporated into recent STEM research.

    For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/CDJmQu

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enJuly 02, 2021

    Episode 97: Indigenous Voices on Best of the WWEST

    Episode 97: Indigenous Voices on Best of the WWEST
    June here in Canada is National Indigenous History Month, and the team here at Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology would like to honour the fabulous Indigenous guests we have had on the podcast over the years. In this episode, we highlight some of the main points from their individual episodes, to celebrate their words of wisdom, to thank them for telling us about their struggles, and for teaching us about their lives and cultures.

    Featured in this episode are:

    Deanna Burgart P.Eng, Indigeneer

    Denise Williams, CEO, First Nations Technology Council

    Desiree Marshall-Peer, Professor, University of British Columbia Okanagan

    Shaylene Dekock-Kruger, Engineer in Training, BC Hydro

    Leigh Joseph (Styawat), Ethnobotanist

    Jocelyn Joe-Strack, Indigenous Knowledge Research Chair, Yukon University

    For full shownotes and a transcription of this episode, click here.

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enJune 08, 2021

    Episode 96: Dr. Kaylee Byers, Deputy Director, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, BC node

    Episode 96: Dr. Kaylee Byers, Deputy Director, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, BC node
    Science communication, podcasting, rats, and parasites - these are all things that Dr. Kaylee Byers is passionate about, and she tells us all about it in this episode. You’ll also hear about the van she equipped for research on rats during her graduate studies, building community even during a pandemic, and the concept of one health with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes while recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. 

    Dr. Kaylee Byers is the Deputy Director of the British Columbia node of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative and a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. Kaylee is the co-founder of Nerd Nite Vancouver and co-hosts the Nerdin’ About podcast.

    For full shownotes and a transcription of this episode, click here.

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enMay 25, 2021

    Episode 95: Creating Inclusive Networks to Launch Careers

    Episode 95: Creating Inclusive Networks to Launch Careers
    Imagine having to think about your gender nonstop. Imagine it getting in the way of the work you set out to do. Imagine feeling ignored, devalued, and dismissed even by the subtlest of actions or comments. This is something women and non-binary folks constantly face in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Project SINC (Shaping Inclusive Network Cultures) is getting to the root of it as part of Engendering Success in STEM (ESS), a Consortium devoted to testing the long-term efficacy of interventions that harness the power of positive social interactions to mitigate subtle gender bias. Dr. Sonia Kang and Dr. Elizabeth Page-Gould, project leads, get into the nitty gritty of their exciting research, their findings, and how their studies are helping them to understand the importance of interpersonal aspects of professional success. Get in touch with Project RISE here! Find our other episode about Engendering Success in STEM here! (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

    For full shownotes, guest bios, and a transcription of this episode, visit http://i.sfu.ca/iepcmJ

    Relevant Links:

    Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
    Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
    Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey

    Best of the WWEST
    enMay 11, 2021