Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The VOW

What happens when the little girl who was always hoping to be picked finally realizes she doesn’t need to be?

In this deeply personal episode of The VOW, Tanya opens up about a moment in a coaching session that brought childhood memories of rejection, disappointment, and the desire to feel valued rushing back. From being the last to be chosen on the playground to navigating years of rejection in real estate, she reflects on how those experiences shaped the woman she is today.

Through coaching, personal growth, and the support of the people around her, Tanya shares how she learned to navigate disappointment, build confidence, and understand that not being chosen doesn’t define your worth.

Because life won’t always go the way we hope. We won’t always be picked, and not every door will open. But sometimes, the greatest growth comes from learning to let go, trust the process, and know that we are enough either way.

A heartfelt conversation about rejection, resilience, and learning to discipline the disappointment.

For years, Sue Campanella believed she needed to fix herself—to become better, stronger, different. Then she discovered a truth that changed everything: she wasn’t broken. She had simply been living from beliefs and patterns that were never truly hers. Shaped by childhood trauma, addiction, and generational dysfunction, Sue eventually found the courage to break the cycles she had inherited and choose a different path. Today, as the creator of the Soul Mirror™ Method, Sue helps women uncover who they are beneath everything they were taught to believe they should be—and find the courage to live from that truth. Her message is simple: you don’t have to become someone new. You may just need to remember who you were all along.

Can women really have it all? A career, a family, meaningful relationships, time for ourselves, and an identity beyond the roles we play?

This week, Tanya reflects on the different seasons of her life and the reminder that we don’t have to do it all at once. Life evolves, priorities shift, relationships change, and sometimes we have to learn to give ourselves a little more grace.

Her biggest takeaway? Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Be intentional with your time, be present in the moments that matter, and remember that you’re allowed to grow and change along the way.

You can have a full, beautiful life without having every piece perfectly balanced at the same time. 🤍

Listen to this week’s Mini Monday with Tanya on The VOW Podcast.

Tonia Evans is rebuilding her life — and finding her voice in the process. After 27 years of marriage, a devastating betrayal changed everything. What followed was divorce, heartbreak, motherhood, and the difficult work of rediscovering the woman she had lost along the way. A classically trained singer, psychotherapist, author, and advocate for women, Tonia has spent much of her life helping others navigate difficult transitions. Now, she’s navigating one of her own — turning pain into music and reclaiming her identity in the process. Her latest release, a deeply personal cover of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill, captures that journey: a story of loss, healing, self-trust, and finding the courage to become fully yourself.

No one is coming to save you. And that might be the most freeing thing you ever realize.

In this week’s Mini Monday, Tanya Eklund gets real about one of the hardest lessons she’s learned: no one is going to build your life for you.

The career change. The difficult decision. The new beginning. The routine you keep putting off. At some point, you have to stop waiting for permission and start taking ownership of the life you want.

It can be daunting. It can be uncomfortable. But there is incredible freedom in realizing that you are in charge of your own destiny.

Tanya shares what it was like leaving home at eighteen, starting out in real estate with no leads and no one coming to hand her opportunities, and learning firsthand that resilience, tenacity and taking responsibility can change everything.

You don’t have to do it all alone. But you do have to show up for yourself.

Jackie Ducci is a philanthropist, filmmaker, and founder of The Human-Animal Alliance, where she has helped direct nearly $500,000 in grants to organizations harnessing the human-animal bond to transform lives. After years of witnessing the powerful stories of children, veterans, trauma survivors, and families impacted by these programs, Jackie stepped far outside her comfort zone and became a first-time filmmaker, creating the award-winning documentary Unspoken Bond. Her work is rooted in a simple belief: sometimes the greatest impact we can make isn’t building something ourselves—it’s using our voice, resources, and platform to help extraordinary people be seen. Through philanthropy, storytelling, and advocacy, Jackie is creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond her own work.

What if getting older isn’t something to fear, but something to be grateful for?

In this Mini Monday episode of The VOW Podcast, Tanya Eklund gets candid about aging, wrinkles, motherhood, changing friendships, aging parents, and the reality of time moving faster than ever.

Her 40s have brought more confidence, less concern about what others think, deeper friendships, and a greater appreciation for the life she’s built. But they’ve also made mortality feel more real—and reminded her just how precious our time truly is.

A raw and reflective conversation about embracing age, finding beauty in every season, and becoming more comfortable with the woman you’re becoming.

Listen to this Mini Monday on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Marie-Pier Dionne arrived with $100 in her pocket, couldn’t speak the language, and had no roadmap for the life she was about to build. Today, at 43, she has built four businesses, a real estate portfolio, a wellness brand, and a life entirely of her own making. But behind the businesses is a story most people never see. Abuse. Miscarriage. Loss. Burnout. Starting over. And the deeply personal question of whether she still has time to build the family and future she once imagined. Marie-Pier didn’t inherit a platform. She built her own. This is not just a story about success. It’s about survival, reinvention, motherhood, healing, and the courage to choose yourself after spending years taking care of everyone else.

A toast to the exes. Because sometimes the wrong relationships teach you exactly what you deserve from the right one.

On this week’s Mini Monday, Tanya Eklund gets real about dating, the men who came before her husband, the lessons she learned along the way, and the moments that taught her to stand up for herself and never settle for less than respect.

Some were great. Some were questionable. And all of them were part of the story.

Keep dating. Keep learning. Keep growing. You never know who’s waiting around the corner.

Listen to this week’s Mini Monday with Tanya Eklund.

What if the stories you learned about yourself as a child are still shaping who you love, how you show up, and what you believe you deserve? Stacey N. Greer is a Relationship Repair Coach, speaker, and founder of The Upstream Method™ and The Family Peace Project. After confronting her own struggles with sobriety, faith, relationships, and self-worth, Stacey discovered that our past can explain us without having to define us. Now, she’s on a mission to help one million families create emotionally safer homes—and she’s asking a powerful question: What if you could change the story you’ve been living from?

Friendships can be complicated, beautiful, challenging, deeply loving — and sometimes, they simply change.

In this Mini Monday, Tanya reflects on the friendships that have shaped her life: the ones that grew with her, the ones she had to let go of, and the ones that taught her something along the way.

She opens up about friendship breakups, growing apart, and one particularly meaningful friendship that ended with a beautifully honest goodbye. A reminder that not every friendship is meant to last forever — and that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

Sometimes people are in our lives for a reason, a season, or a time. And instead of mourning what ended, we can be grateful for what that friendship brought into our lives.

Tanya also shares how friendships evolve as we grow, why our closest relationships often reflect the work we’re doing on ourselves, and why — as we get older — time becomes one of the most valuable things we have.

Here’s to the friendships that shaped us, the ones we cherish today, and the people we haven’t met yet.

Blending Pop, R&B, Blues, and Soul with heartfelt storytelling, Alicia Kayley is an emerging Indigenous artist from the Algonquin and Tahltan Nations whose music is rooted in authenticity, identity, and emotional connection.

Based in Ottawa, Alicia combines her classical vocal training with deeply personal songwriting to create music that resonates long after the final note. Her warm, powerful voice has already taken her to some of Canada's most celebrated stages, including Parliament Hill and major national festivals.

Now entering her debut era with New Sun Music, Alicia Kayley is carving out her place as one of Canada's most exciting new voices in contemporary music. Her songs explore vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery, offering listeners an experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

If you're looking for the next Indigenous artist to add to your playlist, Alicia Kayley is one to watch.

If you're in sales, real estate, or building a business, this episode is for you.

Success isn't just about the wins you share—it's about the rejection you overcome, the sacrifices no one sees, and the resilience you build when things don't go as planned.

In this Mini Monday, you'll hear a candid conversation about navigating rejection, earning every client, balancing entrepreneurship with family, and learning how to discipline disappointment instead of letting it define you.

If you've ever questioned yourself after losing a client, missing an opportunity, or wondering if all the hard work is worth it, press play. This episode is your reminder to keep going—because the next opportunity is often closer than you think.

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the year. In this Mini Monday episode, Tanya shares three mid-year reflections shaped by real life changes, from downsizing and decluttering to intentionally running a small but powerful real estate team. She explores the freedom that comes from letting go of what no longer serves you, why bigger isn’t always better in business or life, and how travel—recently a trip to Iceland—can deeply shift perspective and spark gratitude. A grounded, honest reset for anyone looking to simplify, refocus, and move forward with intention.

A widow, physician, and mother of two, Dr. Julie Hong turned personal loss into a powerful mission to help others heal deeply and live fully. As a family physician, educator, and expert in functional medicine, brain optimization, chronic pain, and men’s health, she bridges science and soul in modern healthcare. Her work focuses on uncovering root causes, restoring balance, and helping people reclaim their most vibrant, energized lives.

Outside of medicine, she finds grounding in tennis, travel, and embracing life’s beautifully imperfect, ever-changing nature.

Choosing a life partner is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make—but have you ever considered how that choice impacts your future children?

In this heartfelt episode, Tanya shares her journey through dating, relationships, and ultimately finding her husband, Chad. From navigating the challenges of modern dating to discovering that the qualities that matter most aren't always on your "perfect partner" checklist, Tanya reflects on the lessons she learned along the way.

Together, we explore what makes a great partner, why character matters more than chemistry alone, and the importance of choosing someone who will not only love you well but also become a strong, supportive parent. Whether you're dating, engaged, married, divorced, or co-parenting, this episode offers meaningful insight into relationships, family, marriage, parenting, and building a life with the right person.

A powerful conversation about love, partnership, fatherhood, marriage, dating, co-parenting, and creating a strong foundation for your family.

There are so many things I had to unlearn to become who I am today.

One of the biggest was believing that life is always fair and that people will always act with kindness and integrity. I grew up seeing the world through a lens of innocence, but adulthood showed me that fairness is subjective and everyone operates from their own perspective.

I also had to unlearn that everyone will like you, that putting yourself first is selfish, and that everything you were raised with has to define your future.

These shifts didn’t come easily, but they created something better: clarity, boundaries, and self-trust.

If this resonated with you, leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or share in the comments what you’ve had to unlearn in your own life.

After 15 years trapped in the cycle of smoking addiction, Jessi discovered a powerful truth: smoking was never the real problem. Beneath the habit were unhealed wounds, unmet emotional needs, and a disconnect from her authentic self.

In this inspiring conversation, Jessi shares her personal journey of overcoming addiction through self-awareness, emotional healing, and inner transformation. Rather than focusing on willpower alone, she reveals how addressing the root cause of addiction can create lasting freedom and profound personal growth.

Today, Jessi is the author of Honour Your Heart, host of the You Can Quit Smoking Podcast, and a transformational coach helping people break free from smoking, self-sabotage, and limiting patterns. Her approach empowers others to reconnect with themselves, heal from within, and create meaningful, lasting change.

If you're struggling with smoking addiction, seeking emotional healing, or looking to transform your life from the inside out, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and a powerful reminder that true healing begins at the root.

Topics discussed: smoking cessation, addiction recovery, emotional healing, self-awareness, personal growth, mindset transformation, holistic wellness, trauma healing, self-discovery, and living authentically.

Tresa Halbrooks spent over a decade breaking barriers in one of America's most male-dominated industries — the NFL — before stepping into her next chapter as a CEO, advocate, and survivor. In this episode, Tresa opens up about navigating domestic violence, rebuilding her identity, and turning personal trauma into a multimillion-dollar mission. As the founder of LEGACY Consulting, PR & Events, she has helped raise over $20 million for her community while working alongside luxury brands and high-profile clients. If you've ever questioned your worth or wondered how to rewrite your own story, this conversation is for you.

Leah Yard’s path into fashion was anything but traditional. Raised on a remote lighthouse island and leaving high school early, she spent years in entry-level jobs, feeling like she didn’t belong. It was through jewelry and personal style that she discovered a powerful shift—not just in how others perceived her, but in how she saw herself. Without formal training or industry connections, Leah built her Vancouver-based brand from the ground up, embracing slow fashion and creating timeless pieces using recycled materials. Today, she uses her journey to challenge the idea of a “right” path, advocating for confidence, individuality, and showing up—even when you feel like the least likely person in the room.

In this episode of Tanya’s Mini Monday, Calgary real estate professional Tanya shares an honest reflection on one of the hardest truths in real estate: loyalty doesn’t always guarantee repeat business, and past relationships don’t always lead to future decisions.

With over 25 years in the industry, she opens up about the emotional side of losing clients she expected to work with again, and the reality that every client decision is based on present value, timing, and fit—not just history.

This conversation is a reminder that every listing and every buyer must be treated as a fresh opportunity to re-earn trust through service, strategy, and results. In real estate and beyond, past relationships may open doors, but present value is what keeps them open.

Laverne McKinnon is a coach and mentor who helps women navigate the moments when work becomes deeply personal—when careers shift, identities crack open, and life no longer looks the way it once did. After being fired early in her career, Laverne experienced firsthand the quiet grief that follows professional loss and reinvention. That experience, along with her own journey through infertility, adoption, single motherhood, and major life disruptions, shaped her understanding of what women often carry in silence. Today, she helps women process loss without shame, rebuild self-trust, and move forward with clarity and courage—without being defined by what they’ve been through. Her work is rooted in a simple truth: what we survive is not who we are, but it can shape who we become.

In this heartfelt Mini Monday episode, Tanya shares an honest look into the realities of raising a tween daughter in today’s beauty-driven culture. As her 12-year-old begins experimenting with makeup and skincare, Tanya opens up about the challenges of navigating sensitive skin, social pressures, and the influence of expensive beauty trends targeted at young girls.

Set during Mother’s Day week, this episode highlights the powerful role mothers play in shaping their daughters’ self-worth, confidence, and body image. Through personal stories, Tanya reflects on teaching healthy skincare habits, setting boundaries around beauty products, and having meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about appearance, social media, and the pressure to look a certain way.

This conversation is a reminder that while we can’t shield our daughters from the world, we can guide them with strong values, honesty, and love. Tanya also shares her own journey with body image and how, with age and perspective, she’s learned to embrace confidence—hoping to pass that mindset down to her daughters.

A must-listen for moms raising daughters, especially during the formative pre-teen and teenage years, this episode speaks to the importance of leading by example and reinforcing the message that they are already enough.

Listen now and reflect on the lessons that matter most this Mother’s Day week.

Jenna Ghisolfo rebuilt her life from the ground up—and turned survival into purpose. A domestic violence survivor who once relied on Section 8 housing, she is now the CEO of Housing Consultants of America, a national speaker, and United States of America Mrs. Arizona 2026. Through her journey, Jenna transforms lived experience into leadership, helping housing communities stay compliant, fill units faster, and move people off the streets. She uses her platform to advocate for safe housing, strong communities, and second chances—showing that even the darkest chapters can become the foundation for extraordinary impact.

Monday Mini with Tanya dives into a topic every professional in the public eye needs to hear: personal safety, online harassment, and protecting yourself in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, Tanya shares real-life experiences with scams, cyber harassment, fake client inquiries, AI-generated abuse, and the hidden risks that come with being a visible business owner—especially in real estate. From suspicious Google Meet requests to fraudulent luxury buyer leads, she breaks down the red flags every realtor, entrepreneur, and public-facing professional should know.

This conversation is more than a cautionary tale—it’s a guide to staying vigilant, trusting your instincts, and setting boundaries that protect both your business and your personal well-being.

If you work in real estate, sales, entrepreneurship, or any industry where your information is public, this episode offers practical advice on client verification, online safety, scam prevention, and handling harassment with strength and wisdom.

Your safety is not optional—it’s part of your success.

Listen now to Monday Mini with Tanya and learn how to protect yourself in business and beyond.

Heather Hendrie is an award-winning storyteller and clinical counsellor who believes truth is most powerful when it’s told with both courage and laughter. Blending raw honesty, sharp humor, and deep compassion, she transforms lived experience into connection — the kind that makes people feel instantly seen and deeply understood.

As the visionary behind the Awfully Hilarious anthology series — including the Amazon #1 bestseller Awfully Hilarious Period Pieces — Heather has helped thousands of women reclaim their voices through stories that are bold, messy, and beautifully real. A two-time Canadian Book Club Award winner, her work invites vulnerability without shame and laughter without apology.

In recognition of Premenstrual Disorders Awareness Month, Heather’s work around PMDD is especially impactful. Her memoir, Where the Eff Is My Red Tent?, offers a deeply personal and validating look into the realities of living with PMDD — bringing language, relief, and visibility to an often misunderstood experience. You can explore it here: https://www.amazon.ca/Where-Eff-My-Red-Tent/dp/1773861859/

Whether on the page or in practice, Heather creates brave spaces where women are reminded they are not alone — and that the stories they were taught to hide may be the very ones that set them free.

In today’s solo episode, Tanya shares an honest reflection on alcohol, aging, and what really shifts in the body and mind when drinking is no longer part of your lifestyle.

This isn’t a judgement on drinking, but a deeper look at awareness, habits, and how our choices shape our energy, clarity, sleep, and overall wellbeing over time. Tanya also shares personal stories and observations from people close to her who have made the decision to stop drinking and the changes they’ve experienced in their health, focus, and daily life.

We explore what alcohol can do as we age, the difference between social drinking and habitual drinking, and what it might look like to take a break or reassess your relationship with it. Tanya also talks about simple, realistic ways to experiment with reducing alcohol if you’re curious, without pressure or extremes.

At its core, this episode is about tuning into your body and asking what actually supports the life you want now. Sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest change.

Manmeet Rattu helps high performers and purpose-driven women break free from trauma, self-doubt, and survival patterns living in their nervous system. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, somatics, Polyvagal Theory, and yogic wisdom, she guides women from burnout to clarity, emotional freedom, and embodied leadership. A survivor of cultural expectations and an abusive arranged marriage, Manmeet rebuilt her life by reconnecting with her body, reclaiming her voice, and rewriting the stories she was told she had to live. Today, she teaches, writes, and leads workshops that empower women to trust themselves, honour their truth, and rise into the lives they were always meant to live.

In this Monday Mini, Tanya shares a lighthearted but honest reflection on the things she’s officially left behind in her 20s and 30s — and the habits she’s embraced in her 40s.

From tube tops and mini skirts (and the nickname “Tube Top Tanya”) to chasing fashion trends, tanning beds, saying yes to everything, and traveling uncomfortably just to get somewhere — Tanya talks about how priorities naturally shift with age.

She also shares lessons around skincare, learning to say no, protecting your time, advocating for your health, and becoming less defensive in conversations.

This short solo episode is about growth, perspective, and the quiet confidence that often comes with getting older.

A relatable reflection on how life evolves — and why that’s actually a beautiful thing.

Dr. Katherine Kovachik is a clinical psychologist and founder of Ursa Psychology in Winnipeg, specializing in women’s mental health, trauma, and resilience. After leaving an abusive relationship at 18, she turned her lived experience into research and practice, exploring how women rebuild their lives on their own terms. Katherine challenges the idea that recovery is linear or solitary, creating spaces where women can reclaim their stories and agency. In this episode, she shares her journey of survival, growth, and the true meaning of strength.

This week’s solo episode is all about a topic many women face—but few talk about: incontinence, especially after vaginal birth. Whether you’re in your 20s or over 40, it can affect your workouts, daily life, and confidence. I share my personal journey—from trampoline jumps I couldn’t do with my daughters, to HIIT workouts at Barry’s Bootcamp, to discovering tools, tips, and medical options that actually work. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There are options—from supportive wear to innovative treatments like the high-intensity pelvic floor chair I’m trying at Revive Laser & Skin Clinic. Tune in for encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Kimberly Conte is a memoirist, storyteller, and advocate for women reclaiming their voices. In her powerful book, Who Am I Really, Do You Know?, she takes readers on an intimate journey through trauma, silence, and survival, showing how even the darkest chapters of life can become sources of strength. Kimberly’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation, offering a roadmap for anyone seeking to reclaim their identity and voice. Through her writing, she creates a safe space for women to confront their own truths, embrace vulnerability as strength, and realize that healing is not only possible—it can be profoundly empowering.

In this Monday Mini, Tanya shares an honest reflection on the unexpected perks of getting older—especially the quiet confidence that starts to show up in your 40s. From wrinkles vs. wisdom to learning the power of silence, restraint, and emotional intelligence, this episode is about how life experience changes the way we show up in conversations, relationships, and even negotiations.

Tanya opens up about caring less about outside noise, trusting your inner circle, and finding peace in not needing to be liked by everyone. If you’re navigating your 40s (or approaching them) and struggling with aging, hormones, confidence, or people-pleasing—this one’s for you.

Dr. Tanisha King, Ph.D. is the founder of Dr. King Speaks, LLC and the creator of Sovereign: Heal. Lead. Rise. A survivor of childhood trauma and domestic violence, she has transformed adversity into purpose.

Raised on Chicago’s South Side as a first-generation college student, Dr. King combines her lived experience with more than 15 years of expertise in culture transformation and leadership development. She has dedicated her career to coaching women of color into positions of leadership, empowering them to reclaim their power, navigate systemic barriers, and rise into their fullest potential.

Dr. King’s mission is rooted in the belief that healing and leadership can coexist—turning pain into purpose and inspiring women to lead with courage, authenticity, and impact.

Morgana Lakatos-Hayward is a bestselling author and founder of This Isn’t a Diet, helping high-achieving women in midlife master their hormones, metabolism, and energy. A former 2x world champion Latin dancer, Morgana’s own struggles with body scrutiny, disordered eating, and hormonal conditions inspired her mission to help women reclaim vitality. Through her signature Fat Burn Protocol™ and Hack Your Body Method™, she empowers women to turn midlife changes into their greatest advantage—proving that understanding your biology isn’t slowing down, it’s rising higher than ever.

Tracy DeTomasi is the CEO of Callisto, a national nonprofit that uses technology to empower survivors of sexual violence. With over 25 years of experience in the gender-based violence field, she leads efforts that help survivors safely identify others harmed by the same person, reclaim control, and pursue accountability. Under her leadership, Callisto has supported millions of college students and continues to break down systemic barriers despite funding challenges and societal obstacles. Driven by resilience and hope, Tracy remains deeply committed to creating a safer world and transforming how institutions respond to survivors.

Katie Winchenbach is the reigning National United States Mrs. 2025, a Fortune 500 corporate attorney, fashion designer, and host of the Lead Fearlessly podcast. Her path from small-town Maine to negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts and standing on a national stage with a crown is anything but traditional. Guided by her “why not?” philosophy, Katie proves that courage and curiosity can open doors logic never would.

She has faced self-doubt, juggled multiple passions, and learned to set boundaries while protecting her well-being — lessons that shaped her resilience and leadership. As President of Women Standing Together, she leads initiatives that empower women across Maine, mentors young leaders, and was recognized with the Diamond Crowns Making an Impact Award for her dedication to service.

At her core, Katie is passionate about inspiring women to trust their intuition, embrace the pivots of life, and refuse to play small.

Justina Lynn Pembleton is a Canadian author, former journalist, and survivor-advocate whose writing is defined by its raw honesty and emotional depth. A graduate of Sheridan College’s Journalism program, she spent years telling other people’s stories before turning to her own—a deeply personal journey shaped by her lived experience with sexual assault.

Her debut memoir, Shades of Shame: A Memoir of Survival, Healing, and Rising From the Darkness, explores the silence, shame, and resilience that so many survivors carry. Written like a novel but rooted in truth, the book gives voice to the unspoken realities of trauma while illuminating the strength it takes to heal and reclaim one’s voice.

Beyond the page, Justina is committed to breaking the silence around sexual assault and creating space for survivors to be seen, heard, and validated. When she isn’t writing or speaking, she finds grounding in the forests of Western Ontario, where she often hikes with her golden retriever, Piper.

In this episode, Tanya Eklund shares her inspiring journey to becoming a published children’s book author with her debut story, I’m More Than Just a Warthog.

Written from the heart, Tanya’s book explores the important themes of bullying, belonging, and the power of kindness. Through a heartfelt and relatable story, she encourages young readers to embrace who they are and to lead with compassion and courage—even in the face of adversity.

I’m More Than Just a Warthog invites meaningful conversations between children, parents, and educators about empathy, inclusion, and standing up for what’s right.

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible partnership and guidance of Denise Summers, whose support helped bring Tanya’s vision to life in the most meaningful way.

Tanya’s inspiring debut is available now on Amazon.

Ray Epstein is a survivor, student activist, and legislative advocate reshaping how institutions respond to sexual violence. After experiencing abuse at 13 and being silenced by her school, she turned her pain into purpose—founding Student Activists Against Sexual Assault (SAASA) at Temple University, now over 500 members strong. She co-authored Pennsylvania’s Every Voice Bill, written by student survivors for student survivors, and has secured nearly $400,000 to fund prevention initiatives, including a groundbreaking partnership with Uber Social Impact. Through testimony, keynote speeches, and national publications, Ray continues to ensure no survivor ever feels unheard, disbelieved, or alone.

Jewel Waara is a Calgary-based advocate and recent graduate in Addiction Studies, passionately using her voice to raise awareness about MRKH syndrome — a rare congenital condition she was diagnosed with at the age of 17.

Born without a uterus, vaginal canal, and one kidney, Jewel has transformed her personal journey through grief, identity, and resilience into a mission of empowerment. Drawing from her lived experience and her work in community support, she is breaking the silence around invisible diagnoses, infertility, and mental health.

Jewel's advocacy reminds others that they are not alone — and that their stories matter.

Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned and sustainability-driven cosmetics brand that’s changing the face of beauty—literally. A proud Anishinaabe woman from Northwest Angle #33 First Nation, Jenn is known for weaving Indigenous wisdom, sustainability, and bold innovation into every aspect of her business. Since her groundbreaking appearance on CBC’s Dragon’s Den in 2019, she has become a powerful voice for Indigenous youth and representation in beauty. From launching the first Indigenous Innovation Lab to formulating clean products that honour both people and the planet, Jenn’s mission is clear: to inspire future generations by showing what’s possible when you lead with purpose and identity.

Violeta Rangel is a resilient force of nature, a woman who’s turned adversity into purpose. From experiencing poverty and homelessness in Mexico as a child to rebuilding her life as a single mother across three countries, her journey is one of reinvention, courage, and unwavering determination. After leaving behind a life she built in Amsterdam, Violeta started over in Canada with her two-year-old and no safety net — just hope and grit. Today, she empowers women to rise above their circumstances, believe in their inner strength, and boldly rewrite their stories.

Vicki Tyler is a fearless leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for bold living. Surviving two near-death experiences, she defied the odds—transforming from a backpacker to President of Flight Centre USA and later building a thriving real estate development company in LA. Drawing from corporate leadership, behavioral science, and her own resilience, she created the .045% Mindset, a powerful framework to help ambitious women break self-doubt and take fearless action. Passionate about impact, Vicki has led initiatives from building homes in Mexico to empowering women in surf communities. She believes life is short, connections matter, and bold goals are meant to be chased.

oumana Moallem is the devoted mother of Mariam, who lives with a chronic case of Sickle Cell Disease. As her primary caregiver, Joumana has dedicated her life to ensuring her daughter’s health and happiness while navigating the daily challenges of this complex illness. Together, Joumana and her daughter are passionate about raising awareness of Sickle Cell Disease. By sharing their journey, Mariam hopes to inspire others with her resilience, while Joumana highlights the strength and sacrifices of caregiving. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy and love in overcoming life’s obstacles.

After 30 years as a Wall Street analyst, Ellen Silverman traded finance for real estate, bringing her sharp analytical skills and passion for people to the competitive NYC market. For the past eight years, she has helped buyers, sellers, and renters navigate Manhattan’s fast-paced landscape with a strategic yet personal approach. Ellen understands that real estate is more than transactions—it’s about life’s biggest decisions. Whether negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal or guiding first-time buyers, she makes the process seamless and rewarding. A true New Yorker, she finds energy in the city’s hidden gems, Central Park strolls, and the thrill of helping clients find their perfect home.

Holly Carroll is a #1 Best-Selling Author, Luxury Realtor, and Mentor dedicated to empowering women to unlock their full potential. As Managing Director of The Agency Muskoka, she’s built a thriving real estate career fueled by confidence, resilience, and personal transformation. A former Miss Canada, Holly leverages her platform to champion philanthropy and mentorship, helping others overcome self-sabotage and step into their power. She’s the founder of Women Empower Women Co. and Finding The Beauty Within, which helps young women build self-worth and confidence. Her book, Closing Deals in Heels, reveals the untold story of her rise in real estate, sharing powerful insights on overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing vulnerability. Holly’s mission is to inspire others to discover their true calling, embrace their highest selves, and shine brightly for all to see.

Karen Gosbee is a courageous advocate, author, and survivor who turned her personal tragedy into a powerful mission to raise awareness around domestic abuse, mental health, and addiction. Once trapped in a seemingly perfect life with a successful husband, Karen's world shattered when she realized the psychological and emotional abuse she had endured. After the tragic suicide of her husband, she found her voice and began sharing her story to help others break free from the silence of abuse.

Through her book, My Perfect Nightmare, and her advocacy work, Karen is leading the charge for systemic change, gender equity, and better support for survivors of abuse. Today, Karen is not only healing but empowering others, using her lived experience to spark a broader conversation on the importance of mental health, personal growth, and resilience.

In 1997, a routine skydive turned into a nightmare for Carol Murray when her parachute malfunctioned, sending her plummeting to the ground at 55 mph. Miraculously, she survived—but with life-altering injuries, including multiple fractures, a punctured lung, and years of gruelling rehabilitation. Despite enduring over 25 surgeries and chronic pain, Carol refused to let tragedy define her. A professional fundraiser and adventurer at heart, she continues to embrace life—though skydiving is off the table. Her story is one of survival, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to rise after the fall.

Linda Faye Campbell McLean is a storyteller, podcast host, and author of Route 1-75: Memoir & Musings from My 75-Year Road Trip. Through her memoir and My 75-Year Road Trip podcast, she shares raw, honest, and often humorous reflections on resilience, loss, love, and the power of sisterhood.

A trailblazer in her community, Linda was the first female Rotary President in her Valley, a longtime volunteer, and the founder of the Comox Valley Women’s Business Network. From surviving breast cancer to navigating profound grief and unexpected detours, she inspires women to embrace their strength, share their stories, and step boldly into new chapters—no matter their age.