Storied Women

Are you the type of person who says, "I will be happy when I finish school...or get a new job...or move...or, or, or? Or do you find the joy in exactly where you are at the moment? Listen as Emma Wright, a RACC student shares with us the value of living in the moment so we are sure not to miss anything.

Get an annual mammogram. Period! A routine mammogram changed her life. Wendy Kershner shares her first-hand story about the benefit of early detection. And how her annual mammogram may just have saved her life.

As parents, we are destined to worry about our children. What challenges will they have to face? Will the world be kind and compassionate toward them? But what if your child is transgender, then what? How does a mother negotiate such a journey with her child? Listen as Melissa DeStefano learned to help herself so she could better help her child…and how she now offers to help others. This episode is brought to you in part Visions Federal Credit Union and Queen City Family Restaurant.

If sharing your painful story could help one other person, would you do it? Stacey Jordan tells us that even though it has not been easy for her to speak of her son Brandon’s loss of life due to a drug overdose, she is hoping what she has to say strengthens and supports another parent who is suffering. A truly courageous woman. This episode is brought to you in part Vision Federal Credit Union and Queen City Family Restaurant.

Are you the type of person who perseveres? No matter what happens, do you remind yourself to never, ever give up? Martha truly is that type of person. When faced with danger to her and her small child in her home country, she made a life-changing decision that shaped the future for her entire family. Listen to Martha as she tell her story.

From Stage 3 melanoma diagnosis, to cancer patient, to advocate. It's not a journey any of us want to take. But if it were the path, what would you do? Faye Parker shares her story of triumph and how she is able to make a difference for others.

A mother at 14. Widowed in her 20's. And yet she perseveres. Listen as Yoheli Ortiz tells us what (and who) sustains her and how, even with all the adversity in her life, she continues to move her life forward.

One adversity after another – unsafe living environment, health/accident issues, and loss of a daughter - and yet she triumphs. How? What is her inner resource that allows her to march on? Listen as Wanda Negron courageously shares with us her heart aches and her heartwarming, purposeful life.

Picture this. You have a rewarding and lucrative corporate career. You are good at it and you like it. And then one day, you decide to step out of your comfort zone into the nonprofit sector to follow your passion. How much courage would it take? Michelle Dech, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Greater Reading tells us how she put fear aside to follow a purposeful life.

Are you or do you know someone wrapped up in victimhood? If so, watch this. Henriette Alban, Doctor of Naturopathy shares her personal insights into the power of self-awareness – and the antidote to self-judgmental and negative feelings. #communitystorytelling #theartofengagement

She's a nurse, educator, model, author, and now a guest on The People Chronicles Storied Women. And she has a reminder for all of us - everyone has a purpose in life. Listen as Norma Tamayo shares her journey of how she found her direction and how she uses her life as an example to impact her patients, students, and readers... everyone with whom she comes in contact ..including us!

Have you ever explored your spirituality -- seeing yourself in a different light - a light of love, compassion, and peace? Dr. Sudha Allitt, co-founder of Kula Kamala Foundation, is my very special guest on Storied Woman. Listen to Sudha's inspirational words as she awakens us the to teachings of yoga and shares an uplifting message of enlightened living.

A baby takes a lot of our time and attention. No news there. But in giving time and attention to our child do we forget about giving ourselves some time and attention as well? New mom Katie Broskey learned early that in order to take care of her daughter, she must make self-care a priority. Listen to Katie share what she has learned in the last 13 months and meet Addison, the youngest guest ever on Storied Women (Addison not Katie).

She’s a family woman, businesswoman, and master networker always looking to help other women succeed. Liz Egner says that ‘life is all about relationships’ and she actively works at building relationships in her personal and professional life. Listen as Liz talks about realizing early in life that being part of a team, whether it is at home, in the office, or on the athletic field is what makes life worth living. And according to Liz, of course, it makes it all fun! Learn more about Storied Women with Annarose Ingarra-Milch.

We know life does not always go as planned. And yet when Plan A goes off course, it can initially throw us for a loop. Do we look at the change as a failure or do we see it as an opportunity to explore a whole new adventure? If you have courage, like Dr. Susan Looney, you realize that Plan B can be a confidence builder and a way to gain new experiences far beyond anything that you have ever imagined. Listen as Dr. Looney tells us how she went from a teenaged high school drop-out to a woman with multiple degrees living her dream as the new president of RACC where she looks to welcome others as she was appreciated.

Are you one who makes excuses? I don't have time. I am too tired. Or do you live a life of "no excuses, you make your own success?" Carmen White, public interest attorney, lives according to the latter and is convinced that if we make excuses, we miss out on a lot. Listen to how Carmen tells her story of rising above childhood poverty and divorce to become not only an attorney but Ms. PA International, 2018. Carmen reminds us not to judge a book by its cover - albeit a cliché' but in this case, you really need to look inside.

Do you think that our thoughts and emotions play a role in attracting what we want in life? Josephina Encarnacion shares her story of learning to open up her life to joy by opening up the way she thinks to embrace limitless possibilities. Listen as Josie tells us of her empowering message which led her on a trip, all by herself, to somewhere she has never been before.

What happens when a family models a life of service? In this case, the lesson is well learned and the succeeding generations continue to be fully engaged in the community. Listen as Stacey Taylor tells us about her life with the NAACP, Human Relations Commission, her church, etc. – all in service to her neighbors. As Stacey says, ‘if we are going to live here, we might as well help one another.” Update: The Juneteenth BBQ has been relocated to City Park on June 16th- starts at noon. Hope to see you there. The run/walk scheduled has been postponed.

Have you ever had a gut feeling that something is just not right? You don't know why but you just 'feel' it. Yvonne Stroman knows the feeling quite well. She confidently labels it, woman's intuition - a powerful force deserving of recognition and respect. In this interview, Yvonne reminds us that we need to listen to our inner self, accept it and follow its cues.

If you have ever met a woman who blends a ray of sunshine with a bit of tornado, then you must know Jackie Wenrich. She is the real deal. But understanding her authentic self-has taken time.  Listen as Jackie tells us how she learned to embrace herself, unmasked, and live life ‘her way.’ Learn more about Storied Women with Annarose Ingarra-Milch.

Does loss serve a purpose? What if you suffer multiple losses? How would you handle it? Listen to Linda Umstead and hear how this woman turns the energy of her tragic pain into meaningful purpose by offering a healing touch in another’s life at their time of need. Truly a remarkable woman.

You may have heard it many times, "Be Your Best Self." But what does that really mean? And how in the world do we do it? Today my "Storied Women" guest, author and coach Adrean Turner shares her insights on how to overcome obstacles to gain self-fulfillment and ultimately success. And simply put, how to be our best self. Take a listen.

As a woman, I bet it is easy for you to cheer for your girlfriends, your parents & siblings, your children, your church and even your employer. But is it difficult for you to cheer for #yourself? Learning to be our own cheerleader is so very important in both our personal and professional life, especially when we are surrounded by people who are not our cheerleaders. Listen as Lizette Epps tells us how she has learned that being her own cheerleader has led her to live a more fulfilling and content life. Rah! Rah! Go Liz!

Knock, knock – who's there? Opportunity? Opportunity who? You will never know unless you are brave enough to open the door. At least that is how Toni Reece operates. The wizard of the innovative, community story-telling platform The People Chronicles, comes from behind the curtain to share how she spots opportunity and then more importantly how she acts on the opportunity. It takes courage to step out of our comfort zone and do something different but to be successful we need to grab the door knob and walk through the door. Listen as Toni shares her story of bravery when opportunity comes ‘a’knockin ‘.

Do you know your purpose? It’s reported that only about 25% of Americans say that they have a clear sense of their purpose in life. Most feel neutral about the concept while others, like empty nesters, may feel they lost their purpose. It took a while to discover her purpose, but now Debbie Roman-Peers has a clear understanding of her mission and more importantly, is taking action to ensure that she lives a purposeful life. Listen to Debbie as she shares her story of discovery. I am confident it will get you thinking.

Do you have hope? How valuable is hope to your success? Listen as Ann Dybalski reminds us that no matter how things may appear, we must always have hope for a better tomorrow.

Franki Aitken - Do you think that anyone can make a difference in the world? Franki Aitken is convinced that each of us can leave the world a little better simply by giving of ourselves. Listen as Franki shares her insights into what it takes to make a meaningful mark on our community.

The world needs passionate people. But how do we find our passion? And once we found our passion, then what? Listen as Rosa Julia Parra tell us how her passion to help people has guided her to help others in her community.

What inspires you? Or should I ask, who inspires you? Author Maureen Banks found her inspiration in her autistic grandson. She has written a series of book with a successful autistic character reminding us that autistic people can be productive people. Listen to her inspiring words.

Whatever you do, do you do it with love? Do your actions show the love that you feel? Listen as Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz tells us about the valuable lesson of love she has learned from her her parents and how she now tries to do everything with love...especially when it comes to her family, business, and community.

When she feels unable, she is reminded that God is able. Through life’s traumas and challenges her faith is stabilizing, providing her comfort knowing that God will not disappoint. Listen to Tonya Butler as she shares her story of faith.

Kindness, courtesy, hospitality…simple acts. In today’s fast paced, whirlwind days are we not leaving time for simple acts? My guest, Catherine “Kitty” Preziosi is a woman who ensures everything she says and does is filled with the ease of kindness, the grace of courtesy and the warmth of hospitality. Listen as Kitty shares her roots and why she finds it vital for all of to focus on the ‘simple acts.’

She's an artist, speaker, coach and author. And in her spare time, she volunteers and sits on the Board of Directors of YWCA Tri-County. Lucretia Coleman left corporate America with over 30 years under her belt. Now she finds purpose in her life and brings joy to the all the women she touches. Watch this episode and catch her energy!

Shirley Karinch – Ms. PA Senior America 2001 She is an accomplished singer and goes dancing every week with her boyfriend. Shirley shares her zest for fun.

Eleanor Heller – Ms. PA Senior America, 1997 Even when the body is not always willing, the spirit continues. Ellie Heller tells of what she finds herself doing now that life is changing for her.

Merle is a retired school teacher – a retired music teacher. She knows a lot about learning and why it is important to never give up. Over the years, she has shared her talents so that others not only learn but excel. Listen as Merle tells us how her talent has helped others hit the big time.

Do you have the strength to love unconditionally? Is unconditional love something we have to learn and practice? Nannette opens up about how she has taken on the experience of learning how to love on another level, a much higher level – learning how to love unconditionally.

Meet Patti Kuhn – Ms. PA Senior America, 2006 Do you see opportunity everywhere? Patti Kuhn does. When she chose to leave a less than happy marriage and a very controlled life, she opened herself to a life filled with opportunity. It took her to 60 years old to discover her sense of adventure, but now, at the age of 70 she is a pilot, an actress, and an accomplished swing dancer. What she has done in the last 10 years is amazing. There is no stopping Patti.

Marie Tennant – Ms. PA Senior America, 2010 It’s been said, ‘change is the only constant.’ Some of us may despise change. Maybe even refuse to change. Others of us may adapt quickly to change, embrace it, and even look forward to it. So how does ‘change’ affect you? Marie Tennant shares her story of change and how it has opened her life to so many wonderful things.

Jacqueline Maxie – 1st runner up, Ms. PA Senior America, 2016 Many of us know we should listen to our mother. But sometimes, we forget and listen to others who may not have our best interest in mind. Jackie Maxie tells us why listening to her mother’s message has brought her back to doing her best so she ‘brightens the corner where she is.’ Check out Jackie’s story and see how she lightens the room.

What does dance mean to you? To Lynn Montemuro dance is her life line, her life saver, her life. You see, Lynn grew in an abusive family which flowed into a dysfunctional marriage. But thru all the ugliness that may have weakened her, the beauty of dance and her talent has kept her strong. Now happily married, dance simply adds to the joy of her life. Lynn is a beautiful woman with a beautiful story.

This Storied Women guest reminds us of “The Value of Friendship.” Carol King sings “You’ve Got a Friend.” And all of us probably has friends. My guest, Regina Ortenzi shares her fascinating life of world travel and designer for Gloria Vanderbilt company, all the time recognizing the value of friendship.