Karen Uhlenbeck became the first woman to receive the Abel Prize in 2019, making her a tremendous inspiration not just for mathematicians everywhere but for anyone with a pioneering spirit. For the Virtual HLF, two alumnae had the unique opportunity to interview Uhlenbeck about professional obstacles specifically facing women and how to overcome them. They also discuss Uhlenbeck’s background, how to define success, nurturing motivation and the importance of the scientific environment.