Fearless, Inspired and Free

Our guest for this episode is Lakysha Laing. Her story begins with her earliest memories in foster care, through surviving breast cancer and ultimately finding her voice and truly living her purpose as she completes her Doctorate studies and endeavors to create space for foster care youth who will soon age out of the system. Lakysha is powerful. She is resilient and she is a woman of God on a mission! You won't want to miss this chat.

Lakysha is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in contact centers, specializing in employee engagement, strategy development, and process improvement for large teams. She holds a bachelor's degree in information systems management and an MBA in business administration, and she is currently pursuing her doctoral journey in business administration. Known as the Positivity Expert and Diversity & Inclusion champion, Lakysha is dedicated to creating inclusive environments and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Her motto, "The Authentic Self is the Soul Made Visible," reflects her commitment to authenticity and value-driven leadership.

Lakysha's journey has been marked by resilience and advocacy. As a survivor of breast cancer and a former foster child, she uses her experiences to advocate for cancer awareness and support foster care initiatives. She volunteers with organizations like the American Cancer Society: Reach to Recovery program as a listening ear to newly diagnosed women. She has been a featured breast cancer survivor speaker and model for the Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Foundation, in addition to serving on the board of directors for various non-profits, including the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) and the Tidewater Friends of Foster Care.

An award-winning author of "The Strength of Silk - Living a Life of Grace & Gratitude," Lakysha shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding resilience. In her free time, she enjoys giving back to her community, supporting her husband's art endeavors, and spending quality time with her children and beloved dog. 

You can find her on LinkedIn or Instagram @l_laing

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support, one story at a time. By listening to these stories of women in our communities, we learn and we grow. We also learn how we can support women. When we support women, we support our communities!

Our guest for this episode is the Village of Broadview Mayor, Katrina Thompson. The Village of Broadview and surrounding towns hold a special place in our hearts over here at Fearless, Inspired and Free, so it was a pleasure to speak to the Mayor and hear about Broadview's growth and all of the great initiatives.

Mayor Thompson was the first African American Female Mayor of Broadview when first elected in 2017. She is in her second term and she walks us through her life and familial influences...mainly her mother who influenced her love of service due to her mother's unconditional love and consistent acts of kindness and support.

Early in her life, and as a new mother, Mayor Thompson found that her town (Broadview) did not have programs for children that she felt were acceptable, and instead of complaining, she did something about it and ran for the Board of the Park District...won the seat and her journey to becoming Mayor began.

**If you are sensitive to hearing the truths about segregation, discrimination and historical inequities be forewarned**

Mayor Thompson speaks unapologetically about advocating for the Black community, but also feels like embracing diversity of culture, race, differently-abled, etc. is what makes Broadview a strong and thriving community. Her goal is to create a town where everyone is accepted, there are resources and families can thrive.

Mayor Thompson has come in and has elevated a small village, bringing increased focus to Broadview, garnishing National attention. She has also leveraged relationships and has partnered with 2 other local women Mayors to work on collaborative environmental and grant focused initiatives like C4. Listen in to hear what that is about. She budgets, plans and implements and that is how she continues to ensure her village grows.

Mayor Thompson does her days work, but also understands balance, self-care and the power of "no". She is in a stage of life where she knows what she wants and understands she has to be firm about boundaries. Therapy has been a gift and she encourages having someone to trust and bounce things off of.

Tune in today to @fearlessinspiredandfreepodcast. Mayor Thompson has some nuggets for you.

If you are looking for organizations to support, Mayor Thompson has supported Polished Pebbles, Best of Proviso Township, Westchester Food Pantry and The Answer Inc.

Like, Subscribe and Share this episode. Let's build community together!!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support, one story at a time. By listening to these stories of women in our communities, we learn and we grow. We also learn how we can support women. When we support women, we support our communities!

In this episode we speak with Attorney Shanita Straw...again. We last spoke with Shanita in an episode called "If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Try Again" in April of 2021. Her journey and story of resilience, PERSISTENCE and determination to be who and what she wanted to be since she could remember despite "life happening" was admirable.

We learned about Shanita's life and journey the first time we spoke, but she came back recently to update us on how she continues to work towards her goals AND this time she also wanted to share how important it is for us all to get our affairs together and what things we can do to protect our assets and our families as we prepare for end of life.

Shanita practices law in the areas of Real Estate, Probate/Estate Planning, Labor and Employment, Corporate and Business Formations, Family Law and Bankruptcy. As she expands her practice, future endeavors will include both Criminal and Civil Rights Law

When we talk, Shanita wants to have the hard conversation about all of us not being here one day because when we don't, our families are left here unprepared to deal with the hardships of probate and potential court battles. We discuss things like Estate Plans, power of attorney for property and health, wills, trusts, beneficiary designations and why it's important to review your plan regularly.

You will not want to miss this episode. The information is vitally important.

You can reach Shanita at 708-613-4433, sstraw@goldenlawpc.com or book a consult on her website at goldenlawpc.com.

Listen, Like, Comment and Subscribe to Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast today! Follow @fearlessinspiredandfreepodcast on Instagram and Facebook for episode updates.

Hey there everyone!! It has been a while since we have connected and I am missing you ALL.

I wanted to drop in to let you know new episodes are on the horizon for what we will call Season 3. Life happens and sometimes we veer off the beaten path, but you know what....we jump back in and create a new path. So here we are.

This is a short episode with some updates about where I have been and what I have been up to. Also some lessons I have learned in our time away from each other. Time Management, Self-Love/Self-Care, Transitions in life, Circle Training and starting my own, Vulnerability and the Gift of Sharing...all things I'm discussing.

Also, don't miss my shout out to Vanetta Roy as she prepares to open her new brunch spot in East Point Georgia in August 2023!! Check her out @eat_mybiscuits on Instagram.

So...until we chat again. Take a listen to my check-in. Remember to Subscribe, Follow and Share. More to come!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support, one story at a time. By listening to these stories of women in our communities, we learn and we grow. We also learn how we can support women. When we support women, we support our communities!

Sherri S. Wick has over a decade of service as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in addition to her experience in community counseling, non-profit, higher education - career development/counseling and entrepreneurship. 

Sherri is the owner/founder of the following organizations: Holistically Divine Counseling, Moments of Mindfulness, TGOC, LLC and Simply Divine Consultant. She describes her mission as an assignment to provide a safe space where faith and mental health are explored freely and openly expressed; where unconditional love is demonstrated through listening and being present, and where clients leave with a new level of confidence and authority to change any unhealthy behaviors that are hindering their lives. 

Sherri strives to empower and ignite rising and seasoned therapists, students and humans as they become the healthiest version of themselves, ensuring a successful personal and professional life trajectory. 

Sherri is a mental health clinician, holistic wellness coach and as she has stated, an “overall dope hype-woman!” 

Tune in this week and hear about how Sherri came to be motivated to become a licensed counselor, and why she feels counseling and therapy is so important. It is something she believes should be accessible to everyone. Sherri shares that there is power in being  seen, being present and having someone actively listen and work with you as you do the work that you've chosen to do, and who works with you on the areas you feel you need the support. These beliefs were instilled in her early in life as her mother and grandfather were her earliest examples of dedication, determination and service to others.

Sherri is not only passionate about the "gift of counseling" and serving others, she is equally as dedicated to helping other clinicians on their path and paying it forward.

For more information check out her business portfolio: https://sherriswick.com/ 

Sherri can also be found on Instagram @ssw22 and @holisticallydivineorg

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support, one story at a time. By listening to these stories of women in our communities, we learn and we grow. We also learn how we can support women. When we support women, we support our communities!

This week’s guest is Auristela Nunez, also known in the hip hop community as “Lady Champ”. She truly does have the heart of a Champion! She is a mother of 2 beautiful young adults and has done it all from dancing around the world, large scale performances, public speaking, event planning and fundraising for her community, music videos and magazine shoots.

Break dancing since the early 90’s, Lady Champ was one of few women in a male dominated arena. She has been the subject of many publications, including a documentary called “All The Ladies Say”. After years of dancing, traveling and teaching, in 2007, Lady Champ found herself paralyzed suddenly from the waist down and doctors told her she would never walk again. Lady Champ having the Champion spirit she did, defied the odds, fought hard and overcame paralysis. She has gone on to continue to teach and organize events for youth to give them a safe space to express themselves and their creativity. You can also find Lady Champ co-hosting on Windy City Wednesdays with Miguel Arteaga on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Listen now to hear how a young woman who says she found her way out of anger as a teen and poured her energy into becoming a pioneer for women and girls in the world of break dancing and how it saved her. Listen to her story of strength and resilience as she willed herself to walk again after a mysterious illness so she could continue to do what she loves true to the Champ she is. Auristela wants everyone to know “you can make the impossible, possible”. She can be found on Instagram at @ladychampion1 and Auristela Nunez(Lady Champ) on Facebook.

You won’t want to miss this episode of Fearless, Inspired and Free!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support, one story at a time. By listening to these stories of women in our communities, we learn and we grow. We also learn how we can support women. When we support women, we support our communities!

This week we circle back with Connie B. Tate, inventor of the all new 3-in-1 hairstyling finger comb, Kwik Fingers. Last episode we spoke with Connie and heard her amazing life's story and how important it was for her to always persevere, listen to that inner voice and finish what she started. Although she had experienced quite a bit, she worked through it all and became a successful executive in her field. But she didn't stop there. She recently brought a product to market that she felt solved a problem for her when doing her own hair and soon found out she solved a problem...or should we say found a need for many women and men with just one small 3-in-1 comb that can assist with more than a few hairstyling needs.

Connie has been able to again turn her innovative invention into a teaching tool and was now willing to sit with us for a second time to tell us about her journey of creating her comb and bringing it to life. Connie walks us through the steps she says, as a "solopreneur" she took to bring her product to market.

When asked about her "why", Connie says she recognized that she is a problem solver. She saw a need, and she "had the answer". She also wanted to create generational wealth for her family. Connie says, "when I see a problem, I research and I execute". She also says "no problem or solution is too small, but you have to be willing to do the work".

For those of you with a dream, or a vision in your mind about a product, listen as Connie takes us on her journey from the vision, to the drawings she made and the prototypes she created at home, all the way through to marketing and launching her product. Building a foundation, finding people she could discuss her idea with leading to NDA's. Terms like Non-Provisional Patents versus Provisional Patents, securing LLCs, creating logos, Trademarking, marketing, distribution, Connie discusses it all!

This episode is full of valuable information. Connie believes that sharing all she knows plants seeds, and for her that is immensely gratifying. Listen today as she encourages everyone to "see, seek and seize the moment".

Find Connie B. Tate on both Instagram and Facebook @cb_tate and @kwikfingerscomb

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support one story at a time. By listening to these stories of women in our communities, we learn and we grow. We also learn how we can support women. When we support women, we support our communities!

This week's guest, Connie B. Tate is a Chicago native and the inventor of the all new 3-n-1 hairstyling finger comb, Kwik Fingers. 

Connie attended South Suburban College and graduated from Governors State University, in Illinois, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration. She currently directs the State of Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Program, one of the largest in the nation with 7.2 million people registered.

In her life, Connie overcame many challenges before coming to be in her current roles as director and inventor. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, she was impacted early in life by the effects of her parents’ divorce and separation. Split custody meant living part-time with her father and mother. Connie lived with her father on Chicago’s South Side and with her mother and seven siblings in Cabrini-Green, a housing project on the city’s near north side.

Trying to find stability, Connie started hanging out with the wrong crowd, became pregnant at the age of 15 and dropped out of high school. While raising her son, with the help of her parents, she began to pursue her love of music, touring with a musical group. After two failed recording contracts, Connie decided to go back to school and pursue a career in health care. She obtained her General Education Diploma and subsequently received two full academic scholarships to college and university.

Connie continues to build her brand while creating opportunities to pay it forward through community service initiatives and public speaking engagements. She enjoys the work she does in helping others realize a better quality of life. Connie is married and has one son.

Listen as Connie discusses trying to figure out where she belonged when she was younger. Listening to her inner voice. Her life of “divine interventions”. Being a lifelong learner and how if opportunities have presented themselves, you are ready…you must take the chance!

Connie can be found on Instagram @cb_tate and @kwikfingerscomb and on Facebook @kwikfingers

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week’s guest, Jeaneen Sica is a first time published author of the novel, The Walls Begin to Crumble. She is a former English and television production teacher; and after ten years of teaching at Curie High School, she left the profession to stay home and raise her three children. However, she knew deep in her soul, she wanted to be a writer. So while home, she wrote whenever she could find the time, which was not very often. Jeaneen discusses how she used her free time to write scenes and how her process of "thoughts becoming sentences and sentences becoming pages" became her first novel.

When discussing how she came to decide to write the book, Jeaneen takes us back to when she first fell in love with reading and books herself and how she had to establish her mantra of "I AM a writer". Jeaneen talks about her book's inspiration, her former students at Curie High School being just like her and how in her writing process she looked to "evoke emotion" and create an experience. Many times, quiet devoted time with music as her motivation got her through her writing sessions. Jeaneen shares tidbits about her journey to become an author and how her hard work has paid off. She reminds us all to "never give up" and to follow our passions and our paths.

Jeaneen's book can be found on Amazon, and she can be reach by email: jeaneenw@yahoo.com / Phone: 630-302-2546 / Instagram: @jeaneensicaauthor / Website: jeaneensicaauthor.com

Welcome back! It has been a minute, but Fearless, Inspired and Free is back with host Dana Wright to connect with more phenomenal women and to continue to build a community of learning, support, resilience and GROWTH one story at a time. By listening to these stories of women in our communities, we learn and we grow. We also learn how we can support women. When we support women, we support our communities!

This episode's guest, Wey-ni Langdon, has been in the field of law enforcement for over 10 years, after a woman saw her potential and referred her to apply to her first police department. She currently serves as a police officer with the Chicago Police Department. She started her career in 2007 at the Northern Illinois University Police Department. In her career, she has served in several different capacities including Patrol, Investigations, Crime Analysis & Planning and much more. She also had the opportunity to serve as an undercover officer on a federal task force with the United States Postal Inspection Service and is also a Medal of Valor recipient from the NIU Police Department and the DeKalb Police Department.

Wey-ni was instrumental in developing positive relationships between the community and the NIU police department where she contributed to creating the Community Policing Unit...all while working to implement the first NIU Citizens Police Academy. 

Throughout her career, Wey-ni has been blessed with many mentors who have provided her with a wealth of knowledge and guidance. Because of these positive influences, one of which was her father, she was led to a career she loves and to start an organization to support women in law enforcement. Women in law enforcement represent a fraction of the numbers who serve in police departments across the U.S. (approx. 13%). Her passion for creating Women of the Shield was to create an event and space where women in law enforcement can be celebrated among their peers while offering support and encouragement. She also wanted to provide an opportunity for people to be educated on the struggles women have faced in the criminal justice system and celebrate their determination to overcome obstacles. Her desire to “pay it forward” constantly keeps her motivated to work with the community and encourage young women to pursue careers in law enforcement. 

In her spare time, Wey-ni loves spending time with her family including her fur baby, Sir Duke Mix-a-Lot and traveling.

Listen in to hear about how strongly influenced Wey-ni has been by her father as a self-proclaimed "Daddy's Girl". Her parents, a law enforcement officer and a teacher, both laid the foundation of service and were positive role models leading to her strong work ethic and desire to give back. Wey-ni created a space for women in law enforcement so that they could be supported and educated by other women. It is her desire to insure the numbers of women in law enforcement increase because she knows their value and that if women in law enforcement are strongly represented, communities can thrive.

Wey-ni can be reached at wlangdon@womenoftheshield.org  You can also call her at 708-261-6119. To get more information about Women of the Shield email info@womenoftheshield.org or go to www.womenoftheshield.org / Wey-ni can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles...both triumphs and loss, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week may be a difficult story for our listeners as a mother tells the story of losing her daughter after she died from suicide. But with this being the last day of Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought the discussion was important and we wanted to support her as she continues to find her way to healing and as she becomes the voice and "fulfilled wish" for her daughter Neyla, who always chose to put others first and wanted to, as her mother says, "help the world".

Our guest this week is Lisa Vargas. She is a mother of 3, a law enforcement professional and a survivor. She is a fighter and her mission is help others however she can and to bring awareness to Suicide Awareness and Prevention...pushing this difficult topic out of the darkness and into a space where it can be discussed and so that those struggling in silence can get the help they need.

Lisa discusses the day she found her daughter and how her life changed from that moment forward. She talks about the process she has gone through to work on her continued healing, the reasons she had to forgive and the flood of emotions that sometimes take over. Lisa reminisces about getting to know her daughter more intimately through her beautiful art, poetry and journaling, the signs she gets from Neyla letting her know that she is near and how after getting the help she says she needed..she "picked up where Neyla left off".

Tune in today to hear Lisa's story of loss and how she works everyday to keep herself moving forward and keeping strong for her two sons. She works tirelessly to continue with her healing and she has become a strong advocate for mental health awareness....ultimately becoming the voice of her daughter's "fulfilled wish". 

Lisa supports organizations like The Compassionate Friends (TCF) on Facebook, Crisis Text Hotline...of which you can text 741-741 from your phone to get immediate help and someone to talk to...and she participates in the Out of the Darkness Walk each year organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Lisa can be reached at LVargas3131@comcast.net. If you'd like to donate to the walk this year or participate, her team page is called "Neyla's Wallflowers" and can be found at:

https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=2413913#donate 

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest is Jennifer Matthews. She is a single mother of one son and a life-long learner. She has worked hard to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Masters of Management w/Specialization in Law Enforcement Administration, Masters of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and is a current PhD candidate in Criminal Justice with specialization in Criminal Justice Administration.

While Jennifer's work, son and educational endeavors have kept her busy, she seems to have been able to always keep them in balance. What had plagued her most in her life was her weight. "It was generational" she explains. "my bar, and the reason I didn't feel like it was an issue, was because I was not bedridden like I saw my aunt was growing up". Because she explains she didn't see her weight as too much of a problem because most if not all of her family was overweight, she didn't really register it until doctors began to use words like "obese" and make alarming remarks about her weight.

Jennifer then began to take notice after hearing from doctors, but also decided she wanted to look and feel better in her clothes and wanted to be here for her son. After Jennifer tried, as she says "every diet there is out there", she gave it one last try when her friend told her about a doctor that could help her. Jennifer agreed cautiously to try one last thing and she says it changed her life. This doctor analyzed her bloodwork and started her on the Keto diet.

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast does not endorse any diet or program and encourages all listeners to go to their own doctors for medical advice and guidance on weight loss and health. No one diet is good for everyone, everyone is different. BUT what FIF Podcast does endorse is women doing what they feel they need to do for them and to give themselves the best chances in life...taking control of their health and any other circumstance that may be holding them back.

Tune in to hear how Jennifer lost 72 lbs in 2019 and today, in 2021, she has maintained that loss; but also has improved her relationship with food and exercise. Jennifer has found the balance, better health and a new love of fitness! She has learned how to balance her diet and knows when to "go hard" on her prescribed diet and when to give her body a rest and a treat. She doesn't stress about food and strives to live life to the fullest and to be here for her son long-term. Jennifer has also created a new and supportive community on Instagram where she helps others daily. She has built a community of over 5,000 followers and can be found at @ChiFabFit

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing...overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest, Dr. Carletta E. Griffin, is the CEO of Dominion Disability Advocates, LLC. She serves the greater Detroit area as well as Nationally, advocating for clients seeking Social Security Disability benefits. She is also an Adjunct Faculty with the University of Detroit Mercy. She was most recently awarded the National Association of Disability Representatives "Member of the Year" honor for 2020-2021.

As a native Detroiter, Carletta is passionate about giving back to the community that has given so much to her. So much so, that as an extension of her doctoral dissertation, "The Role of the African American Church Leadership within the City of Detroit", Carletta has launched a foundation. The One Conscious Detroit Church Foundation (OCDCF) is dedicated to uniting the citizens of Detroit of varying Christian faith- based groups in serving community and the challenges presented therein.

Carletta is married to her high school sweetheart, a story she speaks so fondly of regarding the power of prayer, and they have one son Joshua. Carletta is passionate about her values of Faith, Family, Freedom, Fun, and Fitness. She enjoys long hikes and exploring a few of her passions in the area of esthetics and real estate in her spare time.

Tune in to hear how her parents planted seeds of faith and service early in her life and how her father's illness and subsequent death early in her life, and the lessons learned from his life, are showing up today in her life's work.

Although in Carletta's life she has experienced a series of trials and tribulations, including the tragic loss of a dear friend in college, she has never given up and has always been dedicated to self-improvement, education, her community and living as an example of her Faith. In doing so, she has also experienced beautiful moments of joy, success and the realization of God's promise and faithfulness.

You don't want to miss this episode as Dr. Carletta realizes that she has been called to remain "faithful and consistent".

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest is Michelle Wells. She is a self-described "fighter, mom and survivor of life!". Michelle has put her hard earned Bachelor degree in Business Administration Management to good use as a successful Program Manager, but adds that she is an entrepreneur and dreamer at heart! If anyone can realize their dreams it will be Michelle. She came into this world fighting to be here after she's been told she was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, making it here with barley a minute left before she may not have survived the birth. Ever since then, Michelle has fought to be here and she has done it with positivity, determination, grace and God's guidance.

Listen in as Michelle discusses leaving home young and living on her own after her childhood experiences in her home left her with bouts of depression and diagnosed anxiety. She then worked to build a life she dreamed of. Married to her high school sweetheart, she suffered the loss of her first child, only to become a mother to her beautiful daughter Jocelyn a short time later. Jocelyn came early, and as a preemie was fighter just like her mother! Michelle's marriage ended in divorce some years later. Just after the divorce, when she thought life was looking up and that her and Jocelyn were on their way, Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer. The fight of her life began as she battled a cancer that was both "aggressive and invasive". A single mom, newly divorced, Michelle was determined with God and Jocelyn on her side to make it through.

Tune in this week to hear this amazing story of resilience and determination. Although Michelle has experienced tough things, she says "no matter what curve ball life has thrown my way or has yet to come, it is up to me and what I can do in those situations that make all the difference. It does not matter how many times I get knocked down, what does matter is that I get back up and not let the world defeat me."

If you want to hear how making herself a priority saved her life on many occasions, why managing stress is so very important and why May 24th and Disney World hold such a significance in Michelle and her daughter's lives, listen today! You don't want to miss this conversation.

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest on the Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast is Aprill Edwards. Aprill is a Transformational Coach who helps women lose the physical, mental and emotional weight she feels is holding them back from living their best, most bold, most intentional life. She is SHE.E.O. of Because She Matters. The mission is to equip and empower women and girls, primarily of color, by helping them get healthy, happy, healed and whole--from a whole person's perspective.

Aprill helps women identify and overcome the obstacles in their life holding them back from living their most fulfilled life—a life that is soulfully aligned, full of power and purpose. Aprill helps them break generational curses, broken mindsets and learned patterns and behaviors that keep them playing small in some areas of life instead of fully launching into a life that they may only dream about today.

Aprill uses not only her education, professional certifications and experience, but also considers herself most qualified because she is a certified overcomer of the very issues that she serves and supports other women in today. From attempted suicide, teen pregnancy, emotional and physical abuse, toxic relationships, bankruptcy, and the death of her mother when she was only 13 years old, Aprill’s resilience, determination and life experience allow her to serve others in a way uncommon to most transformational leaders.

Aprill holds a MBA. She is a Certified Life/Success Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, has multiple certifications in Nutrition, Certified Transformation Coach, Certified Diversity & Inclusion Specialist and Certified Program Manager.

Tune in to hear why Aprill says "I AM my client. I AM the women I serve". She goes on to discuss her own life of repressed trauma after the death of her mother and never hearing her father verbalize the love he had for her, although his love language was through action. Aprill knew it was time to begin her journey of self-discovery when she "hit rock bottom". She says, "It's not that I didn't like what I saw, I just didn't know her".

Aprill's powerful story of releasing trauma, facing her own toxicity, setting "strong boundaries" and challenging then overcoming generational curses to become the best version of herself and the coach women could relate, learn and grow from is transparent and projects the authenticity we all can appreciate.

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest, Shanita Straw is the epitome of PERSISTENCE. She overcame many obstacles early in life within her family and in her academic studies, but through it all, she NEVER gave up her dream of becoming an Attorney. Just wait until you hear about her applications to law school!

Shanita learned how to be a woman of faith from her grandmother at an early age, which was ultimately the foundation she needed to navigate life's journey, realize the strength she needed to keep going and to discern what decisions would be best for her and her children.

Shanita discusses how she never let the unexpected, no matter how bad, deter her because she says, "life happens and it happens to everyone". "Life is not easy" she goes on to say, but you "have to have faith in yourself".

Tune in and listen as Shanita encourages those who are listening to trust God, be persistent, believe in yourself and to have people in your life who will tell you the truth. She says that she has learned that "delay is never deny" and to "trust the process".

Shanita gives the listeners some areas in life they definitely need to prepare for and how she can help them accomplish those needs.

Shanita is the founder of Golden Law, a general practice firm in Oak Park, Illinois. She practices in the areas of Real Estate, Probate/Estate Planning, Administration, Labor and Employment Law, Corporate and Business formation, Family Law and Bankruptcy.

Shanita is admitted to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, United States District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District ofIllinois Eastern Division. She is also a member of the Federal Trial Bar. In addition to practicing law, Shanita is an adjunct professor with the City Colleges of Chicago where she teaches Sociology courses in the Social Science Department.

We will definitely need a part 2 with Shanita. Tune in for some inspiration!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week Dana hosts and it is a solo conversation. After a week of high stress, anger and continued divide in the country, Dana wanted to take a moment of pause to allow for her guests to reflect and work through their grief, anger and feelings of anxiety. She talks about it being ok to be sad, but that ultimately the sadness does not define us. We must make space for grief and all of the feelings that come with it...not resist...but accept and work through it. 

Dana plays a healing and self-comforting clip she found on Instagram that got her through some tough times this past week on a page of a woman named @ElizaBoquin. Please tune into this episode and try this exercise as she plays it during her talk! 

Dana also discusses self-care and it's importance at different stages of life, but most importantly in the present day.

Dana has come to realize that "No" is a real word and she firmly believes it one of the most important words you can learn. Also, a lesson learned and one that has helped her is that what someone thinks of you is none of your business. Finally, she encourages all who are listening to remember that when things get tough, remember to tap into your support system of friends and family...and if not them then a counselor/mental health provider. Saying you need help and then getting that help is the best thing you can do to work towards healing and getting mentally healthy and strong. Ultimately Dana wants you to know you are loved!

This episode ends with a recap of her 5 past guests, Carmen Gercone, Carmen Teague, Tajuana Hill, Vanetta Roy and Nicole Jackson-Hopkins. She gives the community of listeners a few highlights of each episode and the nuggets and lessons each has to offer. Please go back and take a listen to those episodes. And then next week, you won't want to miss Attorney, Shanita Straw of Golden Law. What an amazing story of persistence!

At the episode's conclusion Dana gives the listening community 3 Affirmations to repeat and believe as we all make this journey through life and work to make it the best it can be...full of passion and purpose. 

Tune in today, subscribe, share and listen up!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest, Nicole Jackson-Hopkins has been Designating Managing Broker-Owner & Founder of 3G Realty Inc since 2006.
She grew up in Bellwood, IL and has a lived a life where she has reinvented herself many times, beginning with graduating from high school and heading to college, majoring in Computer Science for a short time before deciding to obtain her cosmetology license. From there, she learned about logistics and trucking services at Sears, utilizing her skills as an account specialist while also working as a hair dresser; before meeting my husband. She eventually utilized those skills to help run his business.

Shortly after getting married, and a couple of weeks after her first daughter's 1st birthday, her mother fell ill and slipped into a comatose state in which she remained for 19 years. Her mother went to live with Nicole's aunt who was an LPN and provided care for several years, while Nicole assisted in her care as she juggled work, motherhood and being a wife. The stress of managing so many things left Nicole ill several times throughout the years as well, with her eventually developing symptoms of anxiety which she discusses candidly in this episode.

Eventually, Nicole began her career as a real estate agent and within a year obtained her Managing Broker license and opened her own Brokerage, known today as 3G Realty Inc. The market crash of 2008 motivated her to go back to school and obtain her Bachelors of Science and her MBA. In addition, she and her family purchased a disability accessible home to accommodate her mother's care and her mother remained in her home until she passed away in 2017.

3G Realty now has 2 office locations and 3 full-time agents. Nicole says, "my mother’s journey has taught me to relinquish my fears & doubts in life while my father’s encouragement and support has helped me developed a great sense of courage, spiritual freedom & a humbling appreciation for life".

Tune in today as Nicole discusses life not being a straight line and how there will be many curves and winding roads, but that we should keep going and not be afraid to fail. She says, we must always do things the right way so no-one can take an accomplishment from us. Nicole emphasizes that we must listen to our OWN voices and cancel the noise of others opinions, otherwise we may let fear paralyze us and we can't let it! She urges the listeners to know their worth and to not let others minimize that worth. "Balance is essential" she says, and "it is ok to say you need help and acknowledge when you are not in a good space mentally". In the end, life throws many things at you, but it's how you carry that load that makes the difference.

You can google Nicole Jackson-Hopkins. She is also on Instagram (@njacksonhop_3grceo), Facebook and Youtube.

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest, Vanetta Denise Roy is a self-described mother, grandmother, employee and boss! She has a Masters in Education and is employed as an educator in public schools with a specialty in special education. She is also the owner of Surfs Up South Shore and Surf's Up Old Town in Chicago.  Vanetta is a genuine lover of life and humanity.  She is free spirited, always rooting for happiness and what that means to you! Vanetta, LOVES people and watching scary movies. She believes in love and hates when people judge! Vanetta encourages people to be "fearless enough" to challenge the “norms” and what society tells us to be. Vanetta says she was "once a young mother who has finally become a grown ass woman!" (this made me chuckle).

Vanetta delves into why she feels we have to be fearless and challenge what society tells us to be. She also talks about how genuine love restores and brings you joy and that we are responsible for our happiness. 

We discuss the fact that we don't always believe that we are enough! Social media has somewhat distorted images and makes it harder for the youth today to accept that they are good enough and being themselves is the true goal.

When talking about her journey from young single mother and student to employee to business owner, Vanetta illustrates her walk and how "sacrifice and struggle comes before success", and that "God lines up everything you need when it is the right decision".

In the end Vanetta stresses that the Laws of Attraction are real and how the positive energy you put into the universe is reciprocal!

You don't want to miss this very honest and open conversation about motherhood, running a business, why she loves her students so much, parents who sometimes encourage you to deter dreams thinking they are protecting you and how in the end you have to be true to yourself. 

Find Vanetta on Instagram @vlive_baby and follow her restaurants @surfs_oldtown (1143 N Wells, Chicago) Surfs Up South Shore (2236 E 71st St)

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose! 

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

Today's guest is Tajuana L. Hill. She has continued to reinvent herself as she journeys through life. We discuss what she has learned about herself and the importance of doing things that bring you joy while exhibiting kindness in all that you do.

In our discussion she stresses that you must always be yourself, and that to get something going you just have to BEGIN. Tajuana says if you aren't changing you aren't growing and that it's ok to evolve and trust yourself.

She describes herself as a "Masterpiece Maker and a Creator of all things" and utilizes her natural talent of creativity to bring a painting twist to conferences, team building events and the painting parties.

As an entrepreneur, she successfully started the Essence of Green Soy Candle Company and Essence of Green Publishing Company.  She wrote and self-published “Mind Your Green Business (2011), Ten-aciously Green (2008), Paint Your Vision (2018) and Creating the Masterpiece in You Gratitude Journal (2018).  Ten-aciously Green has been featured in two nationally published magazines; Sista-2-Sista and Upscale.

As a visionary, in 2011, she started Mimosa and a Masterpiece, a paint and sip art studio in downtown Indianapolis.  Mimosa and a Masterpiece was featured locally in the Indy Star, Indianapolis Recorder, WISH TV, and Indianapolis Monthly. She continues to run Mimosa and a Masterpiece online today.

In 2013, Tajuana completed the Coach Training Intensive from the CAPP Institute of Coaching and Positive Psychology and is a Certified Personal and Executive Coach. 

In 2015, Tajuana was featured in an article in the nationally published Money Magazine, “What You Can Learn From 401(k) Millionaires in the Making.”  In it she talked about the value of saving with compounding interest and why everyone needs several streams of revenue!

In March 2016, Mimosa and a Masterpiece in a Box was launched.

In 2018, Tajuana continued to increase her brand awareness by developing, “Creating the Masterpiece in You” which is an e-Course and speaking platform that she delivers.  

Tajuana values personal development and in 2019 enrolled in a 2 year personal development program further investing in herself.

Deciding that it was imperative to use her voice, she developed and created “What the Quote Podcast”. WTQ podcast launched in July of 2020 and discusses the favorite quotes of her guests and encourages all to be create Kind Humans!

Tajuana has a Bachelors of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Development from Indiana State University.  In addition to all of her accomplishments, she has been employed at Rolls-Royce Corporation for the past 23 years, and has been a UAW Trainer for the past 25 years.

Follow Tajuana on Instagram at @wtq.podcast and @tajuanahill

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with women in their life's journey, doing great things, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating life, work and personal business; becoming Fearless in their action, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose! The goal is to build a community of appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support in this space!

The host, Dana Wright served the public in law enforcement for 20 years before she retired in 2019. In that time she held multiple leadership positions within an agency that was one of the largest in the nation. After retirement, she entered into the private sector as a Corporate Security Professional. In addition, she is a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, and has been successful for many years working with people to get them where they desire to be in both their careers and personal lives. Dana has a been able to amass a wealth of education and certifications in her life's journey, including a Master of Science in Leadership, Certified Personal and Executive Coach and FBINA graduate, but her most valuable lessons came from her experiences throughout the years and the people she has been and continues to be able to engage with in various aspects of her life.

Today's guest is Carmen Teague. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has practiced school social work in a variety of educational settings for over 10 years. Carmen is extremely passionate about working with adolescents, especially young African American women. Currently she is a school social worker for the Glenbard School District. She also has a private practice in Oak Park where she specializes in working with individuals who are managing anxiety and depression.

In today's conversation, Carmen discusses her feelings about being a victim versus a survivor. She walks us through acceptance that something occurred, accepting support and tapping into your strength. Also, she gives us some tools for managing stress, anxiety and depression and how COVID may have made us more open to talking and seeking the help we may need. 

Tune in as we learn how to practice Mindfulness, being grateful and some grounding activities as well...just in time to get us through this coming week!

You can find Carmen on the Psychology Today website. 

Hey there everyone! Today is a new year for me and a wonderful day to launch my podcast, Fearless, Inspired and Free. It will be a platform for building community and uplifting women in our daily lives doing great things. 

A little about me...I served the public in law enforcement for 20 years before retiring in 2019. In that time I held multiple leadership positions within an agency that was one of the largest in the nation. After retiring, I entered into the private sector as a Corporate Security Professional.

During all of my time in both the public and private sector, I have remained passionate about self-growth and the growth and success of all of my teams. Although women have always been my passion, as a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, I have been successful for many years working with people to get them where they desire to be in both their careers and personal lives. 

In this space I will interview women and learn about their life's story and the things that made them who they are today. In our time together we will support, embrace and lift ALL of the guests. All points of view shared will be welcome with mutual respect as we build a movement of love and kindness.

We will have casual conversations from a place of love and kindness. Coffee, wine or your favorite flavored water is always welcome in this space! It will be therapeutic in a way that we will begin to see a bit of ourselves in each guest and we will learn that we are not alone, we are resilient and we ALL have a story that needs to be heard. 

My goal is to tell stories, share in a community of safety...laugh, cry, learn and grow. I will rely on my community each week to provide feedback to make this space more informative and inspiring. Also, nominate a woman you want to hear from!! 

We are here to hear the stories of women being Fearless, Inspired and Free.....Free to grow. Free to be their authentic selves. Inspired to motivate themselves and others. Fearless in the acceptance of who they are and in their journey through life to live a life THEY choose.

Join me on weekly on Mondays to meet the newest guest who will help me build an amazing community of kindness. See you there!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with women in their life's journey, doing great things, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating life, work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their action, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose! The goal is to build a community of appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support in this space!

The host, Dana Wright served the public in law enforcement for 20 years before she retired in 2019. In that time she held multiple leadership positions within an agency that was one of the largest in the nation. After retirement, she entered into the private sector as a Corporate Security Professional. In addition, she is a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, and has been successful for many years working with people to get them where they desire to be in both their careers and personal lives. Dana has a been able to amass a wealth of education and certifications in her life's journey, including a Master of Science in Leadership, Certified Personal and Executive Coach and FBINA graduate, but her most valuable lessons came from her experiences throughout the years and the people she has been and continues to be able to engage with in various aspects of her life.

Today's guest is Carmen Gercone. In their conversation, Carmen and Dana discuss: The supportive women in Carmen's life, her perceived lack of her father's support only to find the gift that his words and actions were, the desire for growth after feeling stagnate, listening to God's voice and how it will guide you, the reason you don't close doors, how others see your gifts and how it is not always evident to you, why you should make YOU a priority and how important it is to "stay OPEN to it all".

When asked, Carmen says....

I am a wife, mother, and a grandmother. I  have never chosen the "easy road",  but I have always owned the road I chose.
As a teenage mother, EASY was not an option. As a single mother on Public Aid, with 2 young sons, EASY was not an option.  As a 21yr old, newly appointed Deputy Sheriff, EASY was not an option, and after 26 years and a feeling that I was no longer being my authentic self, FEAR was not the option.
In 2020, I was forced to examine myself by putting together my very 1st resume.  I was surprised to see the abilities, and capabilities, that others saw in me slowly coming to life as I continued to look back at my career. Yes, at 48 years old, and 26 years in Law Enforcement, I was full of FEAR and thought about taking the EASY road, and staying in a place where I would have to continue to wait for permission to be FEARLESS, INSPIRED, and FREE.  After many conversations,  with others as well as myself, the decision was made and I am owning the road I chose.