Today on HERstory in the Making, we’re joined by Denise G. Lee—Healing and Leadership Coach, speaker, and host of Introverted Entrepreneur. Denise is passionate about helping ambitious women, especially moms and entrepreneurs, break through personal barriers to live more fulfilled lives. Her journey of overcoming trauma and addiction recovery has taught her the power of emotional resilience and inner strength. Denise is here to share her insights on growth, courage, and pursuing purpose despite life’s challenges. You can learn more about Denise through her website https://deniseglee.com/

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Shukla Bose, the founder and CEO of Parikrma Humanity Foundation, a nonprofit that provides English-medium education to underprivileged kids in Bangalore. She started with just 165 students, and today Parikrma serves nearly 2,000 students across 4 schools and a junior college, with a 96% attendance rate. Shukla shares her journey from being a teacher to leading in the hospitality industry for 26 years. Despite her success, she left the corporate world in 2003 to follow her passion for education. She was also deeply influenced by volunteering for 7 years with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. As a TED speaker and advocate, Shukla has made an impact on educational policy. Her story is one of courage, compassion, and making a difference. Tune in to hear her inspiring story, and if you feel moved, consider supporting Parikrma at parikrmafoundation.org.

Today's guest is Susan, a woman who has turned her unimaginable pain into a mission to help others heal. She’s the author of The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency, a memoir born from the devastating loss of her father, Los Angeles Detective Thomas C. Williams, who was tragically ambushed and killed while picking up her younger brother from school. Susan and her mother were there to witness the aftermath, an experience that profoundly shaped her life. Susan joins us to share her powerful story and discuss how she found strength in the face of unimaginable trauma.

Sarah is the host of "Everything's Messy" podcast and a certified wellness coach specializing in autoimmune diseases. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 15, Sarah faced years of unregulated blood sugar and diabulimia, which eventually led to a heart attack just before her 43rd birthday. Now two years into her recovery, Sarah has become her own health advocate, healed herself naturally, and is on a mission to help others do the same. In this episode she shares her journey of overcoming mom guilt, recognizing silent health warning signs, and managing stress effectively. Tune in for Sarah’s inspiring story and valuable insights!

Anna Maria DiDio is an adoptive mother and children's author dedicated to promoting open conversations about adoption. Through her L.I.F.E.* Adventures series, Anna Maria addresses themes of adoption trauma, grief, and loss. She shares her personal journey, from struggling with infertility to meeting her daughter at an orphanage in Mexico, and how these experiences shaped her mission to support adoptive parents and blended families. Join us as Anna Maria discusses her insights on navigating family challenges and fostering thriving relationships.  You can get more information through Anna's website https://www.amdidio.com/

Michelle Choairy, founder of Wisdom4ComplexKids, shares her journey as a mom raising a 10-year-old with a rare genetic disorder. She discusses becoming her son's strongest advocate, balancing a full-time career, and building a support community for moms with children who have disabilities. Michelle's passion for helping families find clarity and support shines through in her inspiring story. More about Michelle on https://wisdom4complexkids.com/

In this episode of the Svee Show: HERstory in the Making, we talk with Emily Cleghorn, a Holistic Trauma Recovery Coach. Emily opens up about her journey from childhood abandonment and abuse to healing and empowerment. She shares how she overcame health issues caused by trauma and now helps other moms navigate their own triggers to break free and become the mothers they aspire to be. Tune in for her inspiring story of resilience and recovery. Resource: https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/press

Dr. Munira Zahabi's journey began at the age of 15 in a challenging marriage, where societal expectations and family control shaped much of her early life. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Zahabi took a bold leap 30 years ago, moving from Kenya to the USA with her four children. Since then, she has flourished as a speaker, Amazon Best Seller, business coach, and corporate trainer. For more information, visit her at https://munira.link/ or www.thenichenavigator.com.

Kim’s journey is truly remarkable—after being diagnosed with MS in 2013, she didn’t let it hold her back. Instead, she literally muscled her way out of illness, culminating in winning a European Masters Weightlifting Championship in 2023. She believes that focusing on muscle isn't just about training and eating—it’s a powerful driver of health, confidence, and a fulfilled life. Kim is on a mission to help women in midlife claim their place, their strength, and their happiness. More about Kim on https://kimrahir.com/

Dr. Angela Colistra has an incredible story of courage and hard work. She paused her career to take care of her mental health and help her mom leave an abusive marriage. Now, she runs a business called Aligned Consulting and Coaching LLC, works full-time, and looks after her two boys. With more than 20 years of experience, she’s passionate about teaching others about addiction and mental health. She’s also writing her first textbook, coming out in November 2024. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.  Resources: https://angelacolistra.com/website ACT ➤ Aligned Career Trajectory 

In today's episode, we meet Minister Alma, a woman of incredible strength and resilience. After losing her only son in 2009, Alma turned her pain into purpose, writing two books: "Dream Killers" and "From the Waiting Room to the Recovery Room." Her journey includes surviving a fire that left her homeless, enduring a difficult divorce, and overcoming a stroke that paralyzed her right side. Despite these hardships, Alma remains determined to inspire others. Tune in as she shares her story of never giving up, no matter what life brings.

Karina Smith-Reyes is a marketer, nutritional therapist, and alchemical wellness coach with . With a passion for holistic health, Karina helps clients achieve balance through personalized nutrition and transformative wellness practices. As a dedicated wife, mother, and advocate for ADHD awareness, she brings empathy and real-life experience to her work, offering unique insights into managing life’s complexities. Karina’s multifaceted career and personal journey reflect her commitment to helping others thrive in both their personal and professional lives.   Karinasmithreyes.co.uk

Born with Spina Bifida and without sensation from the waist down, Marlee was told she would never walk, go to school, or hold a job. But she defied all odds. Marlee learned the ropes of running a business by working with her father and found inspiration in her childhood doctor’s belief that anything is possible. Now living independently, Marlee has been with Pampered Chef for nine years. She earned the prestigious "Excellence Award for Personal Sales" for 2020-2021 and ranked 12th overall in personal sales on her Executive Director’s team in 2020. Marlee's story is a powerful testament to what can be achieved with determination and the right support.

Mia is a survivor of narcissistic abuse, having been married to a covert narcissist for 29 years. She has recently published a memoir titled Bride-Made. Mia talks about narcissistic personality disorder, coercive control, gaslighting, divorcing a narcissist, and healing from trauma. She hopes her book and her story will raise awareness about narcissistic abuse and help other victims find their voices. In our discussion, Mia shared what it’s like to live in an abusive marriage and the day-to-day reality of being with a narcissistic individual, offering eye-opening insights into what covert narcissism actually looks like. Her hope is to raise awareness about narcissistic abuse and the effects it has on its victims.

Michelle is a paraeducator, photographer, writer, and speaker who has faced and overcome many challenges. Diagnosed with a learning disability, Michelle was often told she couldn’t go to college, earn a bachelor’s degree, or get the job she wanted. But she did all of these things and more. Michelle is here to share her journey and offer hope and encouragement to others. Her story shows that success doesn’t always come in the way you expect, but it can be even better. She aims to educate, empower, and inspire everyone she meets.

Our guest is Nakia Fleming, the founder of Wildflower Lifestyle Coaching. Starting as a teen mom, Nakia faced numerous challenges, but through sheer perseverance and determination, she transformed her life. A nurse by profession, Nakia is now venturing into coaching to help individuals learn to care for themselves while caring for others. Married with four children and five grandchildren, she aims to leave a legacy of healthy and joyful people.

Thiripurasundari is  a holistic educator and counselor with 17 years of experience who has helped over 300 parents, educators, and children become self-reliant through her child-focused learning methods. After being paralyzed overnight and told she would never walk again, she defied medical expectations through mental strength and the power of the subconscious mind, now inspiring others with her story of determination and recovery.     4o

Rafia is an immigrant from Pakistan who has faced and overcome numerous challenges. As a single parent, she understands the necessity of taking care of herself before she can care for her three children, especially her youngest who has Down syndrome. Their presence in her life drives her to achieve a harmonious balance between work and home. This is Rafia's journey, her insights on self-care and her strategies for maintaining a balanced life.  

Lindsey is the founder and Head of Learning at Schoolio, where she is changing education with new and inclusive ideas. As a certified K-10 teacher, author, and homeschooling parent, she creates customized learning programs for every child and supports making education accessible and diverse. Outside of work, Lindsey coaches horseback riding and runs a hobby farm and honeybee apiary, showing her dedication and resilience in everything she does.

Najla is a refugee from Palestine and a mother of five. Discover how she has given back to her community and supports refugees from all over the world. Plus, learn how her career as a real estate agent helps other find suitable housing. Tune in for an uplifting and empowering conversation.