Our unique essence in this world is our true superpower. Our unique skills, talents, abilities, experiences, and even struggles all encompass our story. We are writing our story each day chapter by chapter. We need to intentionally write the story that we want to live because no two of us are the same. Each of us is unique. Each of us is different.

In this week’s episode, we will listen to Denisa Lambert — Vice President of Regulatory and Compliance with TRIMEDX — as she tells us a story of differences, struggles, love, and ultimately, empathy and unity. In her talk, Denisa was vulnerable and courageous. She decided to share a story that she has been hiding behind for 14 years.

Throughout her adult life, Denisa has contemplated what is normal. Her life and family have been anything but normal for the past 14 years. Unexpectedly, Denisa met her best friend and the love of her life at work — Susan. Unfortunately, their company didn't embrace them as a couple and within a year they both lost their job. Throughout their life together, Denisa and Susan have faced some major challenges and some wonderful joys. It is not at all what they expected, but they figured out how to make it work, and couldn’t imagine it any other way. They now have a house of six children, and in Denisa’s words, “it’s always going to be complicated, but we're not the ordinary family. And I think that's what keeps us going. This ordinary family is extraordinary together.”

When Denisa came to Rise and Thrive, she never thought she would tell the women — let alone the crowd — about her story. But they brought out the most vulnerable moments in her and inspired her to share her journey. After 14 years, Denisa decided to stand up and be courageous, so that she can empower others to not try to be normal.

Listen in to learn more about how she found the courage to tell her unique, authentic story and how Rise and Thrive brought out her most vulnerable moments.

And tune in each week to hear from another speaker about how to stand tall in your story and rise and thrive during these difficult times.