As things heat up for the 2012 election, I am excited to bring more stories to Forbes that focus on women getting more elected seats. Following my interview with Mindy Finn, political consultant and campaign extraordinaire, I am excited to bring my first interview with an elected representative: Diane Russell.

This Saturday marks the one year anniversary of the first foursquare check-in from space. Not only did it knock Antarctica out of the running for the coolest check-in ever made, but it also made my personal list for the ‘coolest project I’ve worked on in my entire career… ever.’

Today, we take the issue of female-founded start-ups head on with Nestio’s CEO and Co-Founder, Caren Maio. On the heels of the much tweeted about and commented on article by Mark Suster (“Why Aren’t There More Female Entrepreneurs?”), Caren’s background and approach provide a window on the solution to the imbalance.

If ever there was a more important battle cry to hear in life and in work, it would be Cory’s own personal mantra: “[approach life as] passionate and always in beta.” Inherent in her words, and in her own background, is the idea that taking risks should be the rule and not the exception.