She Speaks | A Let Her Speak Podcast

As Women's History Month comes to an end this weekend, today we're sharing our final episode of Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast, and we’re closing it out with some real talk about how important supporting other women in your community is as a leader.In this final episode, we share a conversation between Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Kirby Deal, and her mentor, Erika Biddix. Both of these women are dynamic role models for other women leaders and have put so much into empowering others in their communities. Some of the topics they cover include remembering that you are more than just your title, taking ownership of your human-ness outside of work and family, and what it means to leave behind a legacy — especially embracing the fact that they are leaving legacies that don't need to be compared to others.At the end of this episode, Kirby shares her own personal legacy statement about how leaving a legacy is like “planting seeds in a garden you will never get to see.” She connects her favorite flowers to qualities that she wants to inspire in others in such a beautiful way. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode. This quote from her legacy statement was one of our favorites!About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Kirby:Connect with Kirby on LinkedInConnect with Erika:Connect with Erika on LinkedInMore About ErikaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong somewhere, and that you were out of your element?In today’s new episode of the She Speaks Podcast, we hear from Let Her Lead aspiring leader program graduate, Rachel Baker, and her mentor, Leslie Batchelor. When Rachel initially heard back that she had been chosen for the Let Her Lead program, she thought we had mistakenly chosen her — and our team can vouch that it was NOT a mistake!During their conversation, Rachel and Leslie discuss a lot of hard things on Rachel’s leadership journey, including understanding that we all have internal, inherent worth that external validation cannot touch, learning to believe in yourself, balancing a career and motherhood, and so much more. Rachel’s fire and passion for her community really comes through during this conversation, as well as her hope for what she wants to accomplish as a leader.At the end of the episode, Rachel shares her legacy statement, which honors the spirit of her mother and the way she was able to inspire Rachel’s leadership journey by encouraging her to always sparkle and shine, wherever life took her — and that experiencing loss also allows us to experience gratitude.About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Rachel:Connect with Rachel on LinkedInConnect with Leslie:Connect with Leslie on LinkedInHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

If you’re familiar with the saying “The best-laid plans are paved with good intentions” - then you know there is power in being able to handle changes and interruptions, even if you’re feeling uncertain about the future.In today’s drop on the She Speaks Podcast, we share a conversation with Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Emma Moran, and her coach, Alysia Bullock. They speak openly about how we react to change. Emma’s leadership journey has experienced many changes, and some of the topics that come up in this episode include what her journey has looked like, how she has evolved into the leader she’s always wanted to be, and how she shows up for others when she can’t physically be there with her community.At the end of the episode, Emma shares her legacy statement, which is a beautiful look into how chasing external validation from outside of her community wasn’t fulfilling her — and how focusing on individual relationships and the way she makes people around her feel gave her the fulfillment she needed.About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Emma:Connect with Emma on LinkedInConnect with Alysia:Connect with Alysia on LinkedInLearn More About AlysiaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

“To take care of others, you must take care of yourself first.” If you’ve not heard this saying before, today’s episode drop of the She Speaks Podcast is a good reminder of how important self-care truly is. Because you’re not showing up fully for yourself, how can you show up for others?In this episode, we hear from Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Porschia Pickett, and her coach, Booth Andrews.Throughout their conversation, they touch on subjects surrounding self-care, including the guilt that can come with taking the time to care for your own needs, juggling being a leader and a mother (and the pressure that women feel when they are sharing those roles), and breaking cycles to create a healthier environment for yourself and others.At the end of this emotional interview, Porschia shares her legacy statement with the world - speaking to a life of service and how important it is to show up for yourself as much as you do for others.About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Porschia:Connect with Porschia on LinkedInConnect with Booth:Connect with Booth on LinkedInFollow Booth on InstagramLearn More About BoothHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

Have you ever walked into a room and felt afraid to truly show up as yourself? Like you had to tone down your personality to fit in?When you listen to today’s new episode of the She Speaks Podcast, you’ll be reminded that you’re not the only one who feels they can't be their full-selves sometimes. In this episode, we hear from Let Her Lead aspiring leader graduate, Angelee Day, and her mentor, Bonnie Cassimassima. These women have a lot to say about what it’s like to feel like you’re too excited, too emotional, or too much of anything to fit into certain spaces, especially in the corporate world.Their conversation dives into how they worked through embracing their big personalities, the importance of nurturing a relationship with their passion and curiosity, connecting to and trusting your intuition, and the power that comes with giving yourself permission to be YOU.Be sure to listen to the very end of the episode, where Angelee shares her legacy statement about not making yourself smaller, for anyone or anything, and how important it is to dance to the beat of your own drum. *Sparkle, sparkle, jazz hands*About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Angelee:Connect with Angelee on LinkedInConnect with Bonnie:Connect with Bonnie on LinkedInLearn More About BonnieHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

When was the last time you took a moment to ground yourself when you found yourself in a challenging or triggering situation?In today’s episode, we hear from Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Rachel Dellinger Stallings, and her mentor, Jennifer Gamble. In their conversation, they speak about the ups and downs of leadership journeys, disconnecting our personal worth from our achievements, and the power of being in the present moment and observing what is happening in not only our minds — but also our bodies.This episode starts with a grounding practice that helped get Rachel focused and fully present for her episode recording — which started the conversation about how pausing and collecting ourselves mindfully can have a profound effect on our lives and how we show up for those around us.As you're listening to Rachel and Jennifer's conversation followed by Rachel's legacy talk, we encourage you to take the opportunity to emerge yourself in being fully present wherever you are in that moment. About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Rachel:Connect with Rachel on LinkedInConnect with Jennifer:Connect with Jennifer on LinkedInLearn More About JenniferHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

We're doing things a little differently in this episode. Abby Hassler is a graduate of the aspiring leader cohort of the Let Her Lead program and a brilliant storyteller. One goal that Abby set for herself coming out of the program was to start her own podcast where she shares the stories of people in the community who are overlooked and forgotten.As a way to help her make that dream a reality, we invited Abby to use her podcast episode as an opportunity to share her story, her way. You will hear first her legacy statement about the impact she sees storytelling can have on the world followed by the story of one of her neighbors she interviewed.Tune in to this incredible episode with Abby. ... And remember, we are all legacies in progress.About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Abby:Follow Abby on InstagramConnect with Abby on LinkedInHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

In this episode, you'll be hearing from Jaleria Rivera and Victoria Frankel.  Jaleria was a graduate of our aspiring leader cohort in the Let Her Speak program while Victoria was her mentor.  These two women are the definition of leading with purpose and passion in the work that they do.Throughout their conversation, they discuss that calling to entrepreneurship. They're both entrepreneurs in their own right. Jaleria is in the arts and the leader of a movement that celebrates and emphasizes the importance that the arts and creatives play in the culture and identity of a community. Victoria's work is in the science and STEM space where she helps scientists, engineers, and founders take their complicated technologies and inventions and translate them into a language anyone can understand.If you have been struggling with leaping into your passion and purpose or taking a risk and pursuing entrepreneurship - you're going to want to listen to this episode!Tune into this amazing conversation between Jaleria and Victoria. About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Jaleria:Follow Jaleria on InstagramConnect with SpaceCraft on InstagramLearn More About SpaceCraftConnect with Victoria:Connect with Victoria on LinkedInLearn More about VictoriaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

In this episode,  Rainey  Rawles, a recent graduate of our Let Her Lead program and incredible woodworker, has a conversation with her mentor and equally talented photographer, Jasmine  Newton. This episode is especially for those of you who are entrepreneurs or thinking about becoming an entrepreneur and what it really is like mentally and emotionally to be in that space.Both  Rainey and Jasmine are full-time entrepreneurs themselves.  They do some amazing work in the space of creativity,  photography, and woodworking. They have both felt like imposters since the beginning of their entrepreneurial journeys. They discuss feeling ill-equipped and underskilled when it comes to being an entrepreneur and working in the spaces that they do. Part of that issue is that they feel that they don't have a voice or the "right" to assert themselves as experts because there's no institution necessarily vouching for them. It's them vouching for themselves.Tune into this amazing conversation between Rainey and Jasmine. About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Rainey:Follow Rainey on InstagramConnect with Rainey on LinkedInLearn More About RaineyConnect with Jasmine:Follow Jasmine on InstagramConnect with Jasmine on LinkedInLearn More About JasmineHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

In this episode, you will meet Jaime Conry and Berta Medina, who were matched in our Let Her Lead program as an established leader participant and coach (respectively).Jaime is a whiz at all things numbers, finance, and wealth management.  And Berta is the coach that almost every single person could benefit from greatly.In their conversation, these two amazing women dive into the fact that Jaime has been working with her mother at a wealth management firm that her mom started decades ago. They dig into the dynamics that happen when you are working in a family business, the benefits of it, and the frustrations that come with it. Specifically, having to gain trust from the founder of the business, who happens to be a family member of yours, and ensuring they see you as a leader and not just a child that they've known since birth.There are a lot of nuances and complications that come with this dynamic they'll be diving into as well as talking about the importance of communication and different types of communication styles, especially across different generations.  These conversations all converge on the importance that meditation has played in Jaime's life, which becomes very apparent when you hear her legacy statement at the end of this episode.Now, tune into this amazing conversation between Jaime and Berta. About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Jaime: Connect with Jaime on LinkedInLearn More About JaimeConnect with Berta:Connect with Berta on LinkedInFollow Berta on InstagramFollow Berta on FacebookLearn More About BertaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

Do you make yourself a priority? For many, putting yourself as a priority can sometimes be an afterthought, a "nice to do" if you have the time and energy after doing all the other things and tending to everyone else.That's one of the topics that Dr. Dasha Lundy and Amy Moden dive into in this latest episode. Amy is a graduate of the  Let Her Lead program and  Dasha was her coach this year.  Not only do they dive into putting yourself as a priority, but they also discuss self-care, the need to have to pour into yourself, and the fact that taking care of yourself is not selfish whatsoever, especially when you need to show up as a leader and guide others. Amy also shares the journey she's been on of calling herself a leader and truly owning that title.If you are someone who has trouble putting yourself first, pouring back into yourself, caring for yourself, or looking at yourself in the mirror and recognizing the leader that you are - you're really going to love this conversation.  Tune into this amazing conversation between Dasha and Amy. About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Amy:Connect with Amy on LinkedInLearn More About YWCA of Knoxville & TN ValleyConnect with Dasha:Connect with Dasha on LinkedInLearn More About DashaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

In this episode,  you will be hearing from Coy Kindred and Lina Evans who were matched as an aspiring leader and a mentor in our Let Her Lead program.  In their conversation, they cover a lot of ground around leadership, motherhood, and having a strong friendship circle. They talk about the wisdom that comes with time and the falsehood that we all think we should have it all figured out at any given time.They talk about boundaries and being a full-time, working mom and all that entails, as well as how important it is to have the right people around you all the time that you can rely on and count on as friends.Tune into this amazing conversation between Coy and Lina. About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast: Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.__________Connect with Coy:Follow Coy on InstagramConnect with Coy on FacebookLearn More About CoyConnect with Lina:Connect with Lina on LinkedInHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

Welcome to Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast!Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.The outcomes and stories of each of these women are truly incredible to hear. We can't wait for you to hear each interview. In our first episode of the season, our founder, Catherine Porth, and Let Her Lead co-facilitator, Gina Lisenby, have a conversation about the things they learned while facilitating this first-of-its-kind program, some of the topics coming up for the rest of Season 2, and the complexities of women showing up as leaders in their communities, whether they see themselves as leaders or not.__________Connect with Gina:Follow Gina on InstagramConnect with Gina on LinkedInLearn More About GinaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens PhotographyHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

It's Our Final Episode of Season 1!Thank you so much for tuning in to the first season of the She Speaks Podcast. Throughout this season, we have been commemorating the journeys we have all been on over the last 2+ years by listening to interviews from women collected during the pandemic and checking in with them now. We've also brought in other leaders in our community to talk about topics like imposter syndrome and embracing a new path.One point of view we wanted to make sure we captured in this First Season is from an ally. While listening to these interviews you may not know it, but Travis Tench has been with us throughout this first season as our producer, sound mixer, and theme music composer. Every "Now" episode was recorded with Travis in the room and he remastered every interview collected for the "Then" episodes.As an organization dedicated to women, Let Her Speak has been very fortunate to have many male allies supporting our organization. If you have attended any of our in-person events recently, you may recognize Travis as the quiet guy in the corner running sound and selecting impeccable playlists in-between speakers. He is without a doubt one of the greatest ally supporters of our work.Travis is the owner of Oak Hill Audio, the frontman and creator of the band Tinca Tinca, and an active member of the music community in Knoxville. Considering Travis has had the opportunity to be in the room where these conversations were happening, we wanted to bring him in to get his perspective on allyship, equality, and intentional community building.Listen in as Catherine and Travis talk about his reflections on the stories shared throughout this season, his work in creating communities that support all artists, and his thoughts on the impact allies can have in building better opportunities for everyone. We also encourage you to share this season with the allies in your life. After all, it's through stories that we're able to gain new perspectives and empathize with those who have walked a much different path than us.Thank you for joining us on this journey. We can't wait to continue these conversations in Season 2!Connect with Travis:Follow Travis on InstagramLike  Travis on FacebookLearn More About TravisConnect with Tinca TincaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal MediaAnd if you are listening back to some of our previous episodes, make sure to share your homework with us that Catherine assigns during episodes 8 and 13! Shoot us a DM on Instagram or send us an email. We'd love to celebrate with you!

In our last episode, we interviewed a woman who whose life story and philosophy on living is something all of us need to hear. Berta Medina is an accountability coach for those who dream big and a powerful person to have in your corner. But where has life taken her since 2020?The answer is a journey of transformation. Two days before the world shut down in 2020, Berta asked her husband for a divorce. However, because of their love and mutual respect for eachother, they chose to put that aside during the pandemic to focus on the safety of their family.It was also during this time that Berta took the opportunity to look inward at herself and her business. She began looking at the ways she could help even more to ensure her clients not only survived that period of so many unknowns but actually leveled up in their businesses. The question of "What comes next?" was also something she dived into very intentionally to ensure whatever may happen in the world - she was doing the work that fulfilled her.Listen to her story of navigating the chaos, taking risks, and embracing her legacy. It is an inspiring story of no regrets, lots of travel, and abundant happiness.If you connect with Berta's work and want to hear from more big dreamers - check out her podcast "The Dreamers Succeed Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform.Connect with Berta:Follow Berta on InstagramLike  Berta on FacebookLearn More About BertaConnect with BertaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal MediaHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

In September 2020,  Catherine Porth sat down (virtually) with past Women's Summit Storyteller and dear friend, Berta Medina - Founder of Dreamers Succeed and the coach we all need in our lives. Any time spent with Berta is sure to be filled with laughter, motivation, support, and hugs. You also need to be careful about telling your dreams and passions to Berta because she will hold you accountable to go after them.Berta's story is truly inspiring and the way she lives her life is a constant reminder that age should never be a barrier to doing and being exactly what you want. Not only is Berta an incredible coach to dreamers and entrepreneurs everywhere, but she also has the most giving (and adventure-seeking) heart. Listen to her story of how she followed her purpose to become a professional coach and her vision of the legacy she wants to leave (it's AMAZING).In the 2+ years since we recorded this interview with Berta, A LOT has changed in her life including the end of a long marriage, a move to a new state, and a transformation into being her full self. We will dive more into that story next week when we catch back up with Berta, but to understand how far she has come - we must first learn where she's been.Thank you, Berta, for not only being an incredible friend and supporter but for all you give to inspire others to pursue their dreams! Connect with Berta:Follow Berta on InstagramLike  Berta on FacebookLearn More About BertaConnect with BertaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal MediaHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org

In our last episode, we interviewed a woman who isn't afraid to talk about the "embarrassing" stuff, Shannon Hamaker, who is a Sexual Health Educator and Relationship Coach. But where has life taken her since 2020?The answer is on a journey of intention and self-discovery. During the pandemic, Shannon found herself at a crossroads both in her business and her personal life. This crossroad led to many internal questions like "Is what I'm doing impactful?" and "Where is my time best spent?" - each question taking stock of the intentionality behind her actions and choices. At the time of this interview recording, the United States was also facing its own crossroads - a period during Roe v. Wade and the period that followed its ultimate overturn by the Supreme Court. Our interview happened to hit at a very timely and uncertain period for women across the nation - a period that we are all continuing to grapple with in our daily lives.Listen to her story of modeling her work with intention, placing a priority on her close relationships, and realizing the impact she can have to empower others to have a voice about their sexuality. It is an encouraging story of growth, expansion, and impact.If you have been searching for a safe space to talk about and learn about your own sexual health - check out her podcast "Sexually Speaking with Shannon Hamaker" on your favorite podcast platform.Connect with Shannon:Follow Shannon on InstagramLike  Shannon on FacebookLearn More About ShannonConnect with ShannonHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal MediaHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com

In September 2020, Catherine Porth sat down (virtually) with Sexual Health Educator (& sexual awakening advocate), Shannon Hamaker, to have a conversation about women's sexual health. A topic that many of us need to be talking about more but might be too ashamed to bring up. In their conversation, they cover all the things many of us often wonder about in our own sexuality and desires but may not feel comfortable enough to talk about out loud.To any woman who feels shame talking about pleasure - Shannon is here to help you in that journey. Listen to her story of how she found her calling for empowering women to step confidently into their own sexuality and educate them on the many benefits our sex life has for our health - both mentally and physically.In the 2+ years since we recorded this interview with Shannon, A LOT has changed in her life including many trials and tribulations both personally and professionally. We will dive more into that story next week when we catch back up with Shannon, but to understand how far she has come - we must first learn where she's been.Thank you, Shannon, for your honesty, openness, and care for helping more women understand and connect with their own sexual health!Check out these resources mentioned during the Interview:Sex with Emily Podcast"Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski Sexual Personality TestConnect with Shannon:Follow Shannon on InstagramLike  Shannon on FacebookLearn More About ShannonConnect with ShannonHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal MediaHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com

In our last episode, we interviewed the remarkable Drocella MugoreWera who at the time was the Executive Director of Bridge Refugee Services. But where has life taken her since 2021?The answer is one that may motivate many of you to chase your own dreams and answer a call to do something bigger. On June 10th, 2022, Drocella stepped down from her role as an executive director to pursue a bigger calling.  That calling included becoming a public speaker, coach, and trainer to help others overcome fear, trauma, and poverty. While her passion and advocacy for the refugee community will remain a large part of her life - Drocella realized that by stepping out on her own she is able to make an impact on a more global scale.Listen to her story of forging a new path for herself, taking action on her dreams, and leaving a lasting impact on the world. It is an amazing story of overcoming adversity, building a new legacy, and thriving.If you are wanting to hear more of Drocella's incredible story - check out her talk "Breaking Our Own Barriers" she delivered during our May 2020 workshop where we dived into imposter syndrome.Connect with Drocella:Follow Drocella on InstagramLike  Drocella on FacebookLearn More About DrocellaConnect with DrocellaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal MediaHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com

In February 2021, Catherine Porth sat down with (at the time) non-profit Executive Director, Storyteller, and Coach, Drocella MugoreWera. The two had been introduced almost a year prior as a mutual friend when Catherine was searching for a storyteller to talk about breaking down barriers for a virtual Let Her Speak event in the midst of the pandemic. During their conversation, they covered topics from Drocella's journey since arriving in the United States as a refugee, to how we can help more refugees, like herself, and the many legacies she wants to leave behind.Drocella is from Rwanda, a beautiful country with a painful history. During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, her country lost almost 1,000,000 people. She survived. Many did not. Rather than continuing life with bitterness, anger, and regret - Drocella chose to become a beacon of kindness and light.Her answer to the question "What legacy do you want to leave behind?" consisted of several amazing visions for the life she wants to live. One of our favorite quotes from her answer was: "I want people to love themselves more. And to appreciate who they are. This is why one of my missions is awakening [gifts]."Fast forward to 2022 and Drocella has made many changes in her life in pursuit of making her visions a reality. We will talk more about that next week when we share Drocella's follow-up interview, but to understand how far Drocella has come - it's important to first learn where she's been.Thank you, Drocella, for the warmth, kindness, and heart you bring to everything you do!If you enjoyed our conversation with Drocella, also checkout the story she shared at our May 2020 event, "Breaking Down Our Own Barriers", where she shares more about her story.Connect with Drocella:Follow Drocella on InstagramLike  Drocella on FacebookLearn More About DrocellaConnect with DrocellaHow to Connect with Let Her Speak:Follow us on InstagramConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelStay updated with our NewsletterThank You to:Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur CenterOur producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill AudioOur brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of VagabondaryOur photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal MediaHave any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com