She Rocked It

For the final episode of our first season, we are thrilled to share an uplifting message of hope by way of the acclaimed children's musician and singer-songwriter Sonia De Los Santos. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Sonia moved to New York City with the dream of becoming a singer; within a few years, she was touring the world with Grammy Award-winning group Dan Zanes And Friends. In 2019, Sonia was nominated for a Latin Grammy for her family music album, ¡Alegría!. Her recent release, Esperanza, is a bilingual collection of vibrant, all-ages songs that explore hope, joy, community, togetherness, curiosity and celebration, written during a time of great change in all of our lives. In this heartfelt and candid interview, Sonia shares the behind-the-scenes stories of following her dream to the Big Apple; how a community of women supports her success; and how she transformed a hateful comment into the deeply personal song “This Land Is Also Mine.” And, after years of performing with her band in renowned venues and festivals (Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and more), she shares how she has pivoted to rocking it right at home. BONUS: Check our YouTube channel (link below) for Sonia's She Rocked It exclusive live performance of Esperanza.Links from the episode:Sonia De Los Santos website: https://www.soniadelossantosmusic.com/ She Rocked It EXCLUSIVE live performance of Esperanza: https://youtu.be/WkBDXJTb_I0 Join the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women at www.sherockedit.com Dig this episode? Please subscribe to the podcast and share a review!And be sure to join the conversation on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit

Jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon believes in following a “path of purpose,” and hers has led to multiple GRAMMY® Award nominations and performances at The Kennedy Center and The White House among other prestigious venues. Her path took a very different turn after the loss of her soulmate and husband, renowned architect Phil Freelon, which prompted her to question everything she thought she knew about living, dying, faith, healing, and her art. Nnenna's experiences led her to a new journey, down the path of grief. Today, she's sharing her voice once again through a heartfelt new album (Time Traveler) and a powerful, poignant podcast (Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon). In this honest, inspiring, and deeply moving conversation, Nnenna reveals how it has felt to rediscover and raise her voice anew, how she has balanced the life of a performing artist and mother, and why it's crucial to define your own vision of success.Links from the episode:Nnenna Freelon website: https://www.nnenna.com/ Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon podcast: https://www.wunc.org/podcast/great-grief Join the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women at www.sherockedit.com Dig this episode? Please subscribe to the podcast and share a review!And be sure to join the conversation on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit

Divinity Roxx has raised her voice -- and her bass -- as a Grammy-nominated recording artist, composer, and musician. She's rocked it onstage alongside Beyoncé as her bassist and musical director, and has appeared on countless television shows including The Grammys, Saturday Night Live, and Good Morning America. Divinity's career as a bass player skyrocketed after meeting the legendary bass virtuoso, Victor Wooten -- and in this revealing and rockin' interview, she shares (and sings) the song that first captured his attention! You'll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about Divinity's hip hop roots; how she abandoned journalism for a full-fledged music career; and why she's now focusing her talents on children's music. You'll no doubt be inspired by Divinity's courage, creativity, and pursuit of big, bold dreams -- and how she's committed to spreading light wherever she goes. EPISODE BONUS: A live performance of her latest single, “Ready, Set, Go!”Links from the episode:www.diviroxxkids.comyoutube.com/diviroxxkidsJoin the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women at www.sherockedit.com Dig this episode? Please subscribe to the podcast and share a review!And be sure to join the conversation on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit

Looking to unleash more creativity in your life and career? Then this conversation with Jennifer Blaine is sure to rock your world! Jennifer is an in-demand, multihyphenate actor-comedian-solo performer-voiceover artist who has shared the stage with comedians Chris Rock and Joe Piscopo and worked with distinguished actors including Laura Linney, Joanne Woodward, and Paul Newman. For the past 25 years, she has performed original one-woman shows that delve into social issues and, as a theater teaching artist in her hometown of Philadelphia, she has also worked with youth to create original plays on issues from bullying to civil rights. In addition to performing, Jennifer is a member of the American Counseling Association and has coached hundreds of people worldwide toward actively creating what they want in their lives. In this heartfelt, insightful, funny, and thought-provoking chat, Jennifer reveals how she rocks a creative life -- and how you can, too.In this episode, you'll hear about:[4:08] The teacher who inspired Jennifer to raise her voice, and other sources of inspiration and courage[6:54] Why Jennifer is willing to show up and stand in the unknown, and even fail onstage [13:44] How Jennifer helps others bring forth their talents and follow what's most exciting and heart-centered[19:07] Why artists' voices should be valued and financially rewarded [20:54] The sexist (and incorrect) assumption that Jennifer's husband supports her creative life[24:00] The reason Jennifer feels compelled to share women's stories in her work[26:21] Jennifer's one tip to rock itLinks from the episode:Jennifer Blaine (performer): http://www.jenniferblaine.com/ Jennifer Blaine (coaching): https://blainecoaching.com/Join the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at https://www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit

Bethany Lyons is a star of the yoga and fitness world, regularly sharing her insights in publications including Vogue, W Magazine and The Wall Street Journal; appearing on the cover of Yoga Journal magazine; and working as a Founding Master Instructor at SoulCycle. A courageous entrepreneur at heart, she opened two Lyons Den Power Yoga studios in New York City, and then quickly pivoted to launching the virtual yoga platform Lyons Den Digital during lockdown. In this candid, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation, Bethany reveals how she overcomes fear and owns her inner boss, what it was like to dance with Madonna (yes, THE Madonna), and why putting in the work really is the ticket to rocking it. In this episode, you'll hear:[4:07] How Bethany always has fear, but overcomes it through taking action [5:12] Why being dubbed a “bossy girl” is a good thing[6:54] The powerful lessons Bethany learned from her mom[8:37] Why Madonna has been her inspiration, and what it was like to work with her (!)[11:18] The importance of women celebrating each other's successes (and failures)[13:04] How Bethany pivoted to launching a digital yoga platform during lockdown[17:20] Bethany's one tip to rock itLinks from the episode:Lyons Den Digital: https://www.lyonsdendigital.com/ Join the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at https://www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit

Ashley Berke has used her communications savvy to elevate the profiles of world-renowned institutions. Currently, as VP of communications for The Philadelphia Orchestra, she is responsible for sharing the music and stories of this iconic Orchestra in innovative, inclusive ways. Previously, at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine (a.k.a. Penn Vet), she worked closely with the School's first woman Dean; prior to that, she served for several years as director of public relations for the National Constitution Center, where she rubbed elbows with political leaders, pundits, and celebrities. She's held all of these high-stakes, high-pressure positions before age 40. In this empowering episode, Ashley shares the secrets of her "joyful" career -- including how she follows her passions, leaves self-doubt in the dust (thanks to Sylvia Plath), and finds the courage to raises her voice (sometimes as the only woman in the room). Tune in to hear how Ashley rocks it.In this episode, you'll hear about:[4:22] How allergies (!) changed the course of Ashley's career path at Cornell University[4:45] How she aligned her career with her passions[10:26] What empowers Ashley to raise her voice, sometimes as the only woman in the room[12:16] The role of other women as champions and mentors[19:02] How Ashley draws upon her woman's perspective at work[24:00] Navigating work-life balance[26:02] Ashley's one tip to rock it (which may involve a tattoo) Links from the episode:The Philadelphia Orchestra: https://www.philorch.orgPenn Vet: https://www.vet.upenn.eduNational Constitution Center: https://constitutioncenter.orgJoin the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at https://www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit

On this special episode, SHE ROCKED IT founder and host Karen Gross shares the behind-the-scenes story of this new platform dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. A professional writer and singer for two decades, Karen Gross has a unique understanding of the power and impact of the voice. As a singer, she has performed everywhere from prestigious theaters, to HGTV, to intimate jazz and cabaret clubs. As a speechwriter and journalist, she has had the opportunity to write about and for some of the nation's most influential women. Karen speaks to consulting producer Tori Marchiony about how the SHE ROCKED IT podcast and virtual community came to life during lockdown, and why it's essential to elevate women's voices going forward.In this episode, you'll hear:[1:56] Why the SHE ROCKED IT vision took shape during lockdown, and why Karen thinks women's voices are essential to a healing, thriving world[4:58] How Karen's experience as a solopreneur writer, singer, and communications business owner informed her new direction[8:53] The lightbulb moment of marrying the dual trajectories of writing and singing under the banner of “Communication that Sings”[12:26] Why living an aligned, creatively fulfilling life doesn't preclude financial abundance[15:48] How it's key to take leaps of faith and follow your intuition as an entrepreneur[19:55] A behind-the-scenes “backstage pass” into the SHE ROCKED IT universe, including the podcast and Rockstar Network[23:19] Karen's one tip to ROCK IT (or really, two tips)Links from the episode: Karen's website: www.karengross.com Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenstuneKaren on YouTube: www.youtube.com/karengrossmusicSHE ROCKED IT website: www.sherockedit.com SHE ROCKED IT on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit Join the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our Rockstar Network of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit 

Ever wondered what it takes to rock it as an Instagram influencer? Mallory Hank-Johnson (also known as MJ) shares how she became a social media star by courageously sharing her voice as a millennial mother and military wife. As an influencer, blogger, and entrepreneur, she's now collaborated with over 100 brands including Coca-Cola, Costco, and Oreo. Through her podcast and online courses, MJ teaches others how to harness the power of social media -- so we can all raise our voices and live life on our own terms.In this episode, you'll hear:[3:11] How MJ's mindset shift helped her move from a 9-to-5 to full-time entrepreneurship[4:53] What it really means to be an “influencer” [6:39] How MJ found her voice on social media[7:51] How her IVF journey illuminated the power of an online community[10:29] The evolution from influencer to educator[12:53] Why people really connected with an honest blog post about Mother's Day[14:54] How inequalities among influencers inspired the launch of The Orange Collab with other female BIPOC entrepreneurs and content creators[22:20] Juggling daily life as a working mom[26:06] Building an empire and a legacy of generational wealth for her family[29:14] MJ's one tip to ROCK ITLinks from the episode: MJ's website: http://lifebymj.com/MJ's podcast A Life By You: https://lifebymj.com/category/podcast/MJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifebymj/ The Orange Collab website: https://theorangecollab.com/The Orange Collab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com › theorangecollabJoin the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit 

Mary Jelkovsky of Mary's Cup of Tea opens up about how she found the courage to raise her voice and rock it as an outspoken advocate for self-love and body confidence. After recovering from an eating disorder, Mary began sharing her self-love journey on her Instagram account @maryscupofteaa — which has nearly 300,000 followers to date. Mary is also a published author (The Gift of Self-Love, released in March 2021), a TEDx speaker, a popular podcast host, and an entrepreneur who runs retreats for women around the world. She exemplifies the power of one woman's voice to uplift countless others. In this heartfelt and often hysterical episode, she reveals the real story behind her self-love revolution—and how she summons the strength to share her most vulnerable truths. In this episode, you'll hear:[2:30] How Mary overcame doubt and Imposter Syndrome to courageously share her story [8:00] Why her younger sister inspires her[13:00] How showing up vulnerably on social media is vehicle for connection[15:30] How she's worked on communicating with confidence as a young woman, and how she prepared for her TED talk in the face of male detractors[24:30] The behind-the-scenes story of securing her book deal[26:00] Why “just ask” is her go-to mantra[31:00] Mary's one tip to ROCK ITLinks from the episode: Mary's website: https://maryscupoftea.com/Mary's Cup of Tea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryscupofteaaMary's Cup of Tea podcast: https://maryscupoftea.com/blog/The Gift of Self-Love book: https://maryscupoftea.com/gift-of-self-loveJoin the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit 

Michelle Saahene's life took a major turn in 2018, when she was one of the women responsible for the viral video of two Black men arrested in a Philadelphia Starbucks for not buying coffee. The incident inspired her to co-found From Privilege to Progress—a growing national movement to amplify Black voices, desegregate the public conversation about race, and inspire others to #showup against racism. More than 500,000 people now follow From Privilege to Progress on Instagram, and along with co-founder Melissa DePino, Michelle has spoken on Jada Pinkett Smith's Red Table Talk, The Today Show, and NPR's Radio Times among many other media outlets, major corporations, and universities. In this inspiring and intimate episode, Michelle reveals her secrets for creating a life driven by purpose and passion, and how she continues to rock it as a leading voice for racial justice.In this episode, you'll hear:[2:26] Why Michelle believes she manifested her life as an activist[3:17] How she overcame overwhelming terror to raise her voice while witnessing racial discrimination in a Philadelphia Starbucks[6:50] Michelle's family legacy of leadership in Ghana[7:36] Her experience as the only Black girl in her central Pennsylvania school[11:23] Why the explosive growth of From Privilege to Progress gives her hope[13:43] Her fateful “divine collaboration” with co-founder Melissa DePino[16:10] How she and Melissa bring uniquely feminine energy to the anti-racism conversation—and why she doesn't shy away from crying onstage[20:57] What it was like sitting next to Jada Pinkett Smith onstage[26:20] Michelle's one tip to ROCK ITLinks from the episode: Michelle's website: https://michellesaahene.com/ Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesaahene/ From Privilege to Progress website: https://fromprivilegetoprogress.org/From Privilege to Progress on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/privtoprog/ Join the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit 

From her hometown of Beijing, China, to the “live from New York” set of Saturday Night Live, Teng Chen continues to blaze a trail and rock it in the male-dominated field of audio engineering. Since earning a master's degree at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, Teng has collaborated with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and The Philadelphia Orchestra, and worked on major events including the Super Bowl, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, and the MTV Video Music Awards. And she's also the audio supervisor and engineer for the SHE ROCKED IT podcast! You will no doubt be inspired by how Teng has followed her creative calling with passion and persistence. In this episode, you'll hear:[2:15] How Teng held her own as one of very few women in her university music program and early engineering jobs[05:24] Why she wanted to come to the U.S. to pursue a career in the entertainment industry[13:51] A behind-the-scenes glimpse into Teng's current job on Saturday Night Live (SNL)[19:06] Why Teng is excited to elevate and amplify women's voices as SHE ROCKED IT's audio engineer[20:42] The importance of being a mentor to young women[25:47] Reflections on anti-Asian violence in NYC[29:32] Teng's one tip to ROCK ITLinks from the episode: Teng's website: https://www.tengchenaudio.com/ Teng on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tengfoodpanda Saturday Night Live: https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live Join the SHE ROCKED IT Rockstar Network:SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. We believe that when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can ALL soar to greater heights. We invite you to join our ROCKSTAR NETWORK of creative, courageous women:Subscribe to our podcast and leave a reviewSign up for our email list at www.sherockedit.com Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sherockedit 

Hey, rock star! Yeah, you! You've found the place you've been looking for.  SHE ROCKED IT is a podcast and virtual community dedicated to raising the volume on women's voices. On this podcast, writer/singer Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Karen pulls back the curtain on the lives of courageous women who are rocking it in various professional fields. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rock star in all of us! Ready to rock? Let's go. About the host: As a writer, singer, and speechwriter, Karen Gross brings a unique understanding of the power and impact of the voice. Over the past two decades, she's had the chance to write about and for some of the nation's most influential women. Now, on SHE ROCKED IT, she's inviting others into these intimate and inspiring conversations. Because when women listen to, learn from, and lift one another up, we can all reach new heights.Add your voice to the conversation:Join our Rockstar Network at www.sherockedit.comJoin us on Instagram at @sherockedit