The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer, Founder & CEO of the Universal Womens Network™, shines the spotlight on inspiring female CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and visionaries making an impact locally, nationally, and globally who lead, inspire and motivate.
Today’s guest is The Honorable Judge Rosemarie Aquilina — an active Michigan Circuit Court Judge serving on the 30th Judicial Circuit Court in Ingham County, and one of a small number of female judges in the United States who have made history from the bench. Judge Aquilina is a woman whose name is synonymous with courage and justice.
She gained international recognition for her landmark sentencing of Larry Nassar, where she gave a voice to hundreds of women who had been silenced for far too long. Her words — “I just signed your death warrant” — echoed around the world and became a defining moment in the fight for accountability, advocacy, and women’s empowerment.
Beyond the headlines, Judge Aquilina is a single mother, author, advocate, and mentor whose leadership continues to inspire women in law and beyond. Her new book, Speak Up, is a rallying cry for women to find their voice, claim their power, and own their success. This episode is personal.
When I met Judge Aquilina a year ago, our conversation was raw and real. When I shared my own story — 22 days of trial and over 4,800 hours of litigation — she was stunned, but deeply understanding. As a judge who once practiced and presided over Family Law, she knows firsthand how the system impacts women and families. We both agreed — we need more female voices on the bench, especially in cases that require empathy, lived experience, and emotional intelligence.
Today, we’ll dive into her remarkable career, the lasting impact of her sentencing in the Nassar case, her advocacy for women’s confidence and truth, and her perspective on why representation in justice — particularly in family law — should be a requirement, not an exception.
Get ready to be inspired!
Learn more: https://www.inghambar.org/member/raquilinaingham-org/
Learn More: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer, Founder & CEO of the Universal Womens Network™, shines the spotlight on inspiring female CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and visionaries making an impact locally, nationally, and globally who lead, inspire and motivate.
Today’s guest is Michelle Fine-Smith, Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Partnerships at Variety, one of the most iconic and influential brands in entertainment media. With the largest entertainment news-gathering team in the world, Variety is the industry’s link between every showbiz center across the globe, representing 84 countries.
Michelle oversees partnerships across digital, social, print, and live events, leading innovative campaigns for some of the world’s most powerful brands — including Google, Chanel, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Delta, and United Airlines. With a career spanning Forbes, Billboard, and Variety, she has spent over two decades shaping the connection between media, culture, and commerce.
This is also an incredibly exciting time for women in entertainment. From Taylor Swift redefining the music economy, to Jamie Lee Curtis, Jodie Foster, and Scarlett Johansson stepping behind the lens as directors and producers — women are influencing culture, reshaping the economy, and shifting the power dynamic. While progress has been made, there is still much to do to see women consistently in positions of power.
Michelle joins us today to share her journey, her perspective on the trends and innovations reshaping global entertainment, and why celebrating women in leadership and media is not only essential — it’s the future.
Get ready to be inspired!
Learn More: https://www.variety.com Connect with Michelle - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-fine-smith-419353
Learn More & Connect: www.universalwomensnetwork.com Instagram: @UWomensNetwork | Women of Inspiration™ is a registered trademark in the USA and Canada.
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer, Founder & CEO of the Universal Womens Network™, shines the spotlight on inspiring female CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and visionaries making an impact locally, nationally, and globally. These are real, raw, and authentic stories from women who have pushed through challenges, overcome barriers, lead by example, and achieved success in business and in life.
Today’s guest on the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is a creative powerhouse who has been shaping the way we connect with brands, ideas, and stories for over two decades. Vida Cornelious is the Senior Vice President, Creative for New York Times Advertising, where she leads T Brand Studio — the award-winning creative team that develops bespoke branded content infused with the unmatched storytelling of The New York Times.
Her career is a masterclass in cross-industry creative leadership, with experience spanning the world’s most respected publishers, global brands, and top advertising agencies. She has held leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, DDB Chicago, and served as Chief Creative Officer at Fake Love and Hello Society, expanding T Brand’s reach and redefining brand experiences in the process.
Vida’s work has not only moved brands forward — it has deepened emotional connections with audiences, won international recognition from Cannes Lions to The Effies, and set new creative standards across industries. She is also a sought-after mentor, speaker, and thought leader who uses her platform to inspire the next generation of creative visionaries.
This is a conversation about creativity at the highest level, leading with purpose, the power of storytelling and putting women into the spotlight. Get ready to be inspired!
Learn more: @vida.c IG | LinkedIn - Vida Cornelious
Learn More & Connect:
www.universalwomensnetwork.com
Instagram: @UWomensNetwork | @WomenofInspirationAwards
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer, Founder & CEO of the Universal Womens Network™, shines the spotlight on inspiring female CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and visionaries making an impact locally, nationally, and globally. These are real, raw, and authentic stories from women who have pushed through challenges, overcome barriers, lead by example, and achieved success in business and in life.
Today’s guest on the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is a creative powerhouse who has been shaping the way we connect with brands, ideas, and stories for over two decades.
Vida Cornelious is the Senior Vice President, Creative for New York Times Advertising, where she leads T Brand Studio — the award-winning creative team that develops bespoke branded content infused with the unmatched storytelling of The New York Times.
Her career is a masterclass in cross-industry creative leadership, with experience spanning the world’s most respected publishers, global brands, and top advertising agencies. She has held leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, DDB Chicago, and served as Chief Creative Officer at Fake Love and Hello Society, expanding T Brand’s reach and redefining brand experiences in the process.
Vida’s work has not only moved brands forward — it has deepened emotional connections with audiences, won international recognition from Cannes Lions to The Effies, and set new creative standards across industries.
She is also a sought-after mentor, speaker, and thought leader who uses her platform to inspire the next generation of creative visionaries.
This is a conversation about creativity at the highest level, leading with purpose, and the power of storytelling to shape culture.
Get ready to be inspired!
Learn more about Carole Feureman: www.carolefeueramn.com
Learn More & Connect:
www.universalwomensnetwork.com
Instagram: @UWomensNetwork | @WomenofInspirationAwards
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
Today’s guest is a trailblazer in digital marketing, a master of global brand building, and one of the most authentic voices in modern leadership. Avery Akkineni spearheads growth, innovation, and global impact as Chief Marketing Officer of VaynerX — a collection of modern-communication companies founded by Gary Vaynerchuk (@GaryVee) — where she leads global brand strategy, content, events, and communications.
In her seven years at Vayner, Avery has redefined what’s possible in digital and growth marketing — launching new companies, expanding VaynerMedia internationally, and leading key Fortune 500 client partnerships with brands like Google, Diageo, Anheuser-Busch, and PepsiCo.
As former Managing Director of VaynerMedia APAC & LatAm, she built the APAC region from the ground up, scaling to 150+ employees across Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, and Tokyo in just two years, and earning Marketing Interactive’s Agency of the Year recognition.
In 2021, Avery became the founding President of Vayner3, an innovation consultancy helping global brands navigate emerging technologies like AI and Web3. Her groundbreaking work has earned her recognition as Ad Age’s Web3 Trailblazer and AI Thought Leader by Business Insider.
Today, we’re talking about the power of brand voice, authenticity, and the future of leadership in the digital age — including lessons from working alongside Gary Vee, why “unpolished leadership” is the new superpower.
Get ready — this is a conversation that will change how you think about leadership, influence, and how you show up in the world.
Follow @vaynermedia @vaynerX @garyvee @avery.akkineni
Learn More & Connect: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
Instagram: @UWomensNetwork | @WomenofInspirationAwards
Women of Inspiration™ Podcast – Dr Vonda Wright - UNBREAKABLE -A Woman's Guide to Ageing with Power Hosted by Monica Kretschmer The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer, Founder & CEO of the Universal Women's Network™, shines the spotlight on inspiring female CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, change-makers who lead, inspire and motivate. Get ready to be inspired.
Today’s guest is a fierce advocate for women’s health, longevity, and human performance. Dr. Vonda Wright, MD, is a pioneering orthopedic sports surgeon, researcher, and thought leader who is redefining aging. With over 25 years of clinical experience, she has cared for more than 100,000 patients, blending medical expertise with innovative strategies to help people go strong, live long, and age with power.
Her award-winning research in Musculoskeletal aging has shifted the conversation around longevity, menopause, and bone health— turning the focus from decline to possibility. She’s been featured on The Today Show, CBS, NBC, Dr. Oz, and on top podcasts including Diary of a CEO, Jay Shetty, and Mel Robbins.
Her upcoming book, Unbreakable: A Women’s Guide to Aging with Power is a rallying cry to empower 1 million women with the tools to protect their bone health, embrace strength, and thrive at every stage of life.
This conversation is personal for me — Dr. Wright inspired me to finally book and complete my own bone density scan after putting it off for over a year. That one decision changed how I think about my health, and I know the information in Unbreakable will change countless lives. Every woman needs to hear this conversation. Your health, your mobility, your bone density, and your ability to live fully at every stage of life depend on the choices you make today.
Get ready — this is more than a conversation. It’s an invitation to take charge of your health, your strength, and your future… and to live an unbreakable life.
Visit: www.drvondawright.com to purchase your copy of UNBREAKABLE - A Woman’s Guide to Aging With Power
Follow on IG @drvondawright
Learn More & Connect: www.universalwomensnetwork.com Instagram: @UWomensNetwork | @WomenofInspirationAwards
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
Today on the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we’re joined by Loretta Soffe — a bold voice challenging one of the most persistent myths in our culture: that we can “have it all.” Loretta built a high-powered career in fashion, leading at the executive level for global brands while raising three kids and flipping the traditional parenting script with her husband.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges — including being fired at the height of her career, a moment that became a defining pivot rather than a breaking point.
Now, as an executive coach, speaker, and author of her new book Balance is Bullshit, Loretta is on a mission to help high-achievers ditch unrealistic expectations and find alignment that actually works. Her book blends memoir with practical tools for cutting through the noise, living by clear values, and redefining success on your own terms.
In this episode, we’ll chat about:
• Her career journey and defining moments as a leader
• The SupportHER™ allies who shaped her path
• The biggest myths about “having it all” in career and family
• How to turn setbacks into springboards • What “alignment” really looks like day-to-day
• Practical mindset shifts from her book that anyone can apply right nowThis episode is a must-listen for leaders who believe we can have it all. Learn More & Connect: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
Instagram: @UWomensNetwork | @WomenofInspirationAwards .
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The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this episode of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we speak with Dr. Jila Senemar is a board-certified OB/GYN and founder of JilaMD, a concierge practice transforming midlife care for women.
After seeing too many patients suffer through symptoms that were ignored or misdiagnosed, she set out to find real answers. With over 20 years of experience, she blends hormone therapy, metabolic health, and longevity science to offer personalized, root-cause care. Based in Miami, Dr. Jila is also a speaker, educator, board member of BRCA Strong and The Fuchsia Tent, and medical advisor for MindBodyGreen and Womaness—amplifying the movement to make women’s midlife health a priority.
She has dedicated her career to helping women navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife with confidence, clarity, and evidence-based care. As the daughter of immigrants and a woman who’s lived through the gaps in our healthcare system, her journey has been both personal and professional.
She is here to challenge outdated narratives, restore trust in hormone therapy, and advocate for a more holistic, empowered approach to women’s health—one that honors science, story, and sisterhood.
Learn more about Dr. Jila Senemar - https://www.jilamd.com/Learn More: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
Women of Inspiration™ Podcast – Hosted by Monica Kretschmer shines the spotlight on inspiring female CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and visionaries making an impact locally, nationally, and globally. Listen to the stories of women who have pushed through challenges, overcome barriers, and lead by example to achieve success in business and in life.
Today’s guest is Erin Gallagher, CEO and Founder of Hype Women, author of Hype Women: Breaking Free from Mean Girls, Patriarchy and Systems Silencing You, host of the Hype Women Podcast, and creator of the global Hype Women Movement. Erin has spent over 20 years creating movements, leading global marketing and communications, and advising leaders at The White House, Fortune 100 companies, and some of the world’s most recognized brands.
Her viral post on LinkedIn — featuring actress Jamie Lee Curtis unapologetically hyping Michelle Yeoh's Golden Globes Best Actress win) turned a moment into a movement—and sparked a global conversation.
This conversation dives into how hype is more than applause — it’s a radical shift in how we champion women, rewrite systems, and own who we truly are.
Get ready to be inspired!
Connect with Erin: www.hypewomen.com
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The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this episode of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we speak with Cristina Howorun is an award-winning investigative journalist and documentary producer with CityTV in Toronto.
In 2018, Cristina went from being live, on-air, to near death on an IV. See the Kidney Living Donor Link below to donate.
Diagnosed with end stage kidney disease after routine blood work, and after a few frantic voicemails from her doctor urging her to go to ER, Cristina and her camera man rushed to a nearby hospital. She had 8 percent kidney function. The diagnosis was grim- she needed to start dialysis and pray for a transplant. She didn't miss a beat- and did peritoneal dialysis at home everyday for 9-11 hours, coming home from her newscasting job and plugging in. every night. Outside of work, her life was focused on staying alive. But her cousin Christine was a living angel- the mother of five, selflessly courageous donated one her kidneys to Cristina in June 2019. Both were thriving. She spent the next five years doing investigative journalism and producing, writing and hosting eight documentaries for CityTV- examining issues as broad as the true source of crime guns ("The Gun Chase"), sex trafficking in the suburbs ("Fighting Traffick") and exploring motherhood from behind bars ("Prison Moms"), the latter two earning awards. Cristina tried to seize every day and devoted her time to making meaningful connections, travelling, really engaging with friends and family and trying to make the world just a little bit better. She joined a board of directosr for a group that works hard to end intimate partner violence and sex trafficking and used her platform to continue to advocate for organ donation, and acts as an ambassador for the Kidney Foundation- never knowing she would need their help again.
But she does.
In 2024 doctors determined that her new kidney had failed- their best diagnosis is that when she contracted COVID a few years earlier , it ate away at the vulnerable organ. She was gutted. She started doing hemodialysis at home (a much more involved and difficult dialysis) so that she could continue to work- and she has. She's since produced and hosted several specials for CItyTV and even directed her first documentary "Debt to Society", while undergoing dialysis- travelling back and forth from Alberta and Ontario to do so, no small feat. But she needs another transplant- and after several potential donors were ruled out- she had to go public. The wait time for a deceased donor can be 7-10 years- and the odds are, her clock will run out before then.
Learn more about Cristina Howorun IG - https://instagram.com/howorun
Website - https://toronto.citynews.ca/author/cristina-howorun/Learn More: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this episode of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we speak with Sandra Filopoulos - Co-Founder, Filo Import Inc | Women of Inspiration Authentic™ Leader Award
In a few years of activity, she led her company to sign partnerships with the largest corporations in Canada and the world (Disney, Mattel / Fisher-Price, Crayola, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon / Paw Patrol, Marvel) while succeeding in giving back to her community.
A philanthropic entrepreneur from the creation of her business, she succeeded where those around her advised her not to go. From the start, she has financially supported the medical community and Pediatric causes. By putting in time, ingenuity and determination, she demonstrated to everyone that every company, regardless of its size, turnover or life cycle, can give back to the community by getting involved on committees for the good. communities, in fundraising, by participating in social activities or charity dinners or by giving financially.
A young entrepreneur with a promising future, Sandra was winner of the Gala Vision prize in 2019 (Women's Business category – Les Moulins Chamber of Commerce), finalist of the Quebec Business Women Prize in 2019 (New Entrepreneur category – Women's Network business of Quebec), winner of the TOP 100 in 2020 (BMO Entrepreneur – WXN Network category), and winner of the Gala Vision prize in 2021 and 2023 (Women's Business and Business Personality of the Year categories).
She is a source of inspiration within her own company, in her industry, but also in all the communities in which she is tirelessly involved.
Learn more about Sandra IG - https://www.instagram.com/filopoulos.sandra/
Website - https://www.filoimport.com
Learn More: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this episode of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we speak with guest Emma May, the founder and CEO of the women’s workwear brand SophieGrace
Emma May is the Founder and CEO of Sophie Grace. As an entrepreneur, activist, mom, and real estate business leader, not to mention a former lawyer and political staffer, Emma understands the challenges of wanting to look good while short on time. Standing in her closet in 2018, she wondered why there wasn't a brand that focused on creating streamlined, elegant, mix-and-match staples. So she made one.
Emma was a lawyer, political staffer, and real estate brokerage owner before deciding to launch a clothing brand dedicated to making getting ready for work incredibly simple.
Learn more about Emma IG - https://www.instagram.com/emmamaymma/
Website - https://sophiegrace.ca
Learn More: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this episode of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we speak with guest Katie Phipps, Founder and Managing Partner, Versa Causa, 2024 Women of Inspiration™ Rising Leader.
Katie is the founder and Managing Partner of Vera Causa, a full-service marketing and communications agency based in Calgary, with a North American footprint. She is responsible for articulating and guiding the company vision and then building and integrating the business operations systems to achieve it. Vera Causa is one of Western Canada’s fastest-growing agencies with year-on-year growth exceeding 90 percent over three years.
Her career in the marketing world has spanned nearly 20 years, touching many diverse brands along the way including Bayer, Nutrien, Alberta Beef, Heartland Polymers, FMC, Vestaron, ARBI, and Edo.
She’s a believer in big ideas, high-performance teams, and delivering incredible and unexpected work for her clients. In 2024 Katie is launching The Lennox Project, a non-profit working to match donors with little girls who need access to extracurricular programming, helping build lifelong confidence. Katie is a member of TEC and the WPO.
Learn more about Katie IG - https://www.instagram.com/veracausastrategy/
Website - https://www.veracausa.ca/
Learn More: www.universalwomensnetwork.com
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this episode of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we have a conversation with Elizabeth Blake Thomas about her journey towards living with intention.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas is an award-winning director, keynote speaker, creativity coach, and philanthropist, celebrated for her diverse contributions to film and personal development. As the founder of "Medicine with Words," she offers a distinctive style of creative coaching aimed at helping individuals clear mental clutter, uncover their purpose, and live intentionally. Her method intertwines mindfulness with creative activities like writing and drawing, enabling clients to embark on transformative personal growth journeys.
With over 20 years of theater direction experience and 8 years in film, Elizabeth’s creative insights and personal experiences have influenced her role as a “personal trainer for the mind,” guiding others through their creative and emotional landscapes. Beyond coaching, she co-founded "Mother & Daughter Entertainment," a production company she runs alongside her daughter, Isabella Blake-Thomas. This company focuses on creating empowering films that amplify diverse voices, with notable projects including “Just Swipe” (Pluto), “Hunt Club” (Tubi), and “Caralique” (Roku).
Elizabeth’s directorial work encompasses over 20 films, ranging from romantic comedies to psychological thrillers, all centered on themes of personal growth and human connection. Her films have been recognized at esteemed festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, and the Toronto International Film Festival. In addition to her directing and coaching, Elizabeth is a prolific author with three published books. One of her notable works, “Arabella,” is a fictional novel that highlights her talent for crafting engaging narratives for younger readers, blending humor with important life lessons. Her book, "Filmmaking Without Fear," serves as a comprehensive resource for aspiring filmmakers, providing insights into the creative and logistical challenges of directing and producing films. It encourages readers to confront their fears and take courageous steps toward realizing their visions, aligning with Elizabeth's philosophy of mindful, fearless creativity.
Her latest release, "Living with Intention," presents readers with a toolkit for personal growth, integrating her "Medicine with Words" practices. It includes exercises and reflections designed to help individuals live with purpose and clarity. Through her writings, Elizabeth continues to inspire a broad audience, promoting creativity and intentional living. Balancing her filmmaking career with her dedication to personal development, she utilizes both "Mother & Daughter Entertainment" and "Medicine with Words" to uplift and motivate, fostering creativity and purposeful living in all her pursuits.
Learn more about Elizabeth – https://www.motheranddaughterentertainment.com
Be Inspired !!!
Learn about Universal Womens Network™ | Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™ and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com
#UniversalWomenNetwork
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this Women of Inspiration™ Podcast episode, we speak with Julissa Soto | CEO of Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting.
Twenty-five years ago, I tried to get health care support for myself and my sick kids. I struggled with roadblock after roadblock to access care. I was very new to the country, undocumented, a single mom seriously injured by domestic violence. I didn’t know English nor anything about our health systems.”
Julissa courageously shares her journey of overcoming adversity as she escaped an abusive and violent marriage, crossing the border hidden in the trunk of a car to forge a new life. Her narrative is a blend of heartbreak and triumph. Julissa Soto is a leading figure in the fight for Latino health equity, serving as a beacon of empowerment and change focused on positive visibility.
Through her consulting firm, Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting, she radiates her influence from Colorado to a national and global audience. Soto has trained over 5,000 health providers and has presented to 10,000 healthcare professionals across 117 countries on the "Power of Cultural Validation." She has been a catalyst for change, advocating for Latino immigrant equality, inclusion, and health equity in Colorado and around the world. From her beginnings in teen parent programs to her vital involvement in the Colorado Vaccine Equity Task Force and her advocacy efforts with the American Diabetes Association, Soto has tirelessly developed programs aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
Julissa Soto's journey exemplifies the strength of advocacy and the transformative power of challenging the status quo.
Learn more about Julissa - https://www.julissasotoconsulting.com/
Be Inspired !!!
Learn about Universal Womens Network™ | Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™ and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com
#UniversalWomenNetwork
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this Women of Inspiration™ Podcast episode, we speak with the CEO of VENUS
Laura Bollier is a visionary leader who drove VENUS into a new era as its first female CEO, a position she assumed in 2021.
With a 25-year career in the retail industry, Bollier brings a wealth of experience to her role as she spearheads the company’s modernization. Placing a resolute focus on product quality and fit while ushering the organization through a digital transformation, she aims to redefine the VENUS brand for modern women.
Before joining VENUS, Bollier spent a decade at Spanx where she served as VP of Global Merchandising and played a pivotal role in developing merchandising strategies to grow sales, leading to the $1 billion valuation of the brand and its acquisition by the Blackstone Group. Prior to that tenure, she was at VF Corporation where she left her mark on the distinguished Nautica and Kipling brands, in addition to roles at Coach, Lord & Taylor and Macy’s early on in her career.A native of NYC, Bollier graduated from the University of Central Florida with a business degree.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in her passion for empowering women and fostering collaboration. She believes in positive change and values learning from the past without letting it limit the endless possibilities of the future.
Today, she is dedicated to empowering the VENUS team and leading with her strategic vision to offer inclusively-sized apparel that emphasizes unmatched quality through luxurious fabrics without the luxury price tag —all while upholding a commitment to socially- and environmentally-responsible business practices.
Be Inspired !!!
Learn about Universal Womens Network™ | Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™ and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com
#UniversalWomenNetwork
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this Women of Inspiration™ Podcast episode, we speak with Lani Kane-Hanan - CEO, Open Network Exchange, Inc. (ONE).
Open Network Exchange, Inc (ONE), a global leader in digital business solutions amongst the travel, hospitality, retail and financial sectors, has tapped Lani Kane-Hanan as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Lani assumed the CEO role at ONE in late June 2023. As a full-service solution provider, ONE offers its partners customized software solutions, tech-enabled marketing and sales products, programs and a global muti-lingual sales force, an online marketplace and global contact center servicing. Prior to her role at ONE, Lani served as Executive Vice President and Chief Product and Development Officer for Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE:VAC).
In her global role at MVW, she was responsible for architecting growth and driving innovation through the development of new and reimagined club products, resorts, brands, experiences, and partnerships.
Be Inspired !!!
Learn about Universal Womens Network™ | Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™ and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com
#UniversalWomenNetwork
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this Women of Inspiration™ Podcast episode, we speak with Dr Suhayya (Sue) Abu-Hakima | Co-founder/CEO of Alstari Corporation | Women of Inspiration™ Alumni.
Dr. Suhayya (Sue) Abu-Hakima is the co-founder/CEO of Alstari Corporation, her third and most recent tech start-up in AI. She is an entrepreneur, innovator, inventor, and author. Her 35-plus years in tech have included running an AI lab at NRC, and start-ups AmikaNow! and Amika Mobile. She has served on the National and Ontario Centers of Excellence. She has been granted 48 international patents in AI, messaging, security, and emergency communications authored in her two successful AI startups. She has published over 100 papers in AI and has given hundreds of invited speeches on entrepreneurship, AI, and tech. She has won numerous awards for innovation and entrepreneurship was vested into the Order of Ontario and holds the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for her contributions to public safety and Canada.
During her 39 years in technology, she has established an exemplary record as an innovator, Industry leader, employer, and technology pioneer. As many as 40 Global Companies have cited her pioneering patents over 2400 times including Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Cisco, Motorola, IBM, Ford, Blackberry, Xerox, Yahoo!, etc. Amika Mobile under Sue's leadership won 24 International awards including the Top 10 companies to watch by IDC, ASIS Accolades for Critical and Emergency communications, and situational awareness. Amika Mobile also won the US GOVIES 6 times from 2015 to 2020 both Platinum and Gold Awards for outstanding products in Emergency Communications.
Be Inspired !!!
Learn about Universal Womens Network™ | Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™ and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com
#UniversalWomenNetwork
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and life.
In this Women of Inspiration™ Podcast episode, we speak with Sherry Holmes - Contractor | TV Host on HGTV & CTV | Social media Influencer | Ambassador for Women in Trades.
Sherry Holmes is a contractor, TV Host, keynote speaker, DIY enthusiast, brand ambassador, social media influencer, and ambassador for women in the trades.
She started behind the scenes on Mike Holmes’s breakout series, Holmes on Homes®, and became a permanent crew member on Holmes in New Orleans.
Sherry's style, personality, and talent continue to shine as co-host on Holmes Family Effect, Holmes Family Rescue, and the newest series Homes on Homes: Building a Legacy which will air on Cottage Life and HomefulTV later in 2024.
Sherry Holmes is also an official Meagan Bedernek Foundation ambassador and spokesperson, dedicated to raising awareness and funding pediatric brain tumor research.
Sherry's commitment to the industry extends beyond her professional projects. She actively supports and promotes youth and young women in the trades through organizations like Skills Canada, World Skills, Conestoga College's Jill of All Trades, and Women in Skilled Trades
Be Inspired !!!
Learn about Universal Womens Network™ | Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™ and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com
#UniversalWomenNetwork
The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast is hosted by Monica Kretschmer, CEO, of the Universal Womens Network™. Monica interviews inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries who lead, inspire, and motivate. Learn from women who share their career journeys, the path to success, and leadership wisdom in business and in life.
In this episode of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, we speak with Tatiana Calderon | Racing Driver
TATIANA CALDERÓN is a woman who breaks the mould. At the age of just nine, she found her passion in the world of motorsport and decided to adopt it as her lifestyle and pursue a professional career as a racing driver.
Moving from her native Colombia to Europe in order to race her way up through the single-seater ladder with the dream of reaching the pinnacle of motorsport, Tatiana raced in the F1 support GP3 Series from 2016 to 2018, becoming the most successful woman in the history of the championship.
In 2018 Tatiana came closer to reaching her dream, as she was promoted as Alfa Romeo Formula 1 Test Driver– combining her appearances in the F1 paddock with her racing programme in the GP3 Series.
In October 2018, the Colombian driver sat behind the wheel of a contemporary Formula One car at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, for the first time in her career. She quickly adapted to the demands of driving at the highest level in motorsport and demonstrated her focus and skills, impressing the team with her professionalism and dedication.
She became the first Latin American female driver ever to drive a Formula One car, setting a milestone in female presence at the pinnacle of motorsport.
In 2019 she moved one step closer to F1 and competed in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, where she became the first woman to enter this ultra-competitive series.
In 2021 Tatiana faced new challenges, embarking on an endurance series for the first time, together with the luxury watches brand Richard Mille and the super competitive team Signatech, entering the European Le Mans Series and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Besides that, Tatiana continued her single/seater career, racing in the Japanese Super Formula.
Be Inspired !!!
Learn about Universal Womens Network™ | Nominate a Woman of Inspiration™ and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com
#UniversalWomenNetwork
