Your American Dream | Success Stories of Immigrant Women and Women of Color Entrepreneurs

Made to Sell: Ari Krzyzek on Turning Your Website Into a Conversion Machine

Is your website attracting visitors—but not converting them into clients?In this episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Ari Krzyzek, CEO and Head of Strategy at Chykalophia, an award-winning website design and brand strategy agency that helps businesses turn their online presence into a high-converting platform for growth.
With over 14 years of experience and more than 250 successful client projects, Ari brings deep expertise in UX design, conversion-driven strategy, and brand clarity. In this conversation, she shares how entrepreneurs and small business owners can stop treating their website like a digital headache and start using it as a strategic business asset. If you’re ready to elevate your brand, build trust online, and create a website that actually supports your growth goals, this episode is for you.
About the Guest
Ari Krzyzek is the CEO and Head of Strategy at Chykalophia (see-ka-lo-fia), an award-winning website design and brand strategy agency focused on helping businesses create websites that convert, build credibility, and drive long-term growth.
She is the co-author of the bestselling book Made to Sell: Creating Websites That Convert and has worked on over 250 website and branding projects over the past 14 years. Ari’s work and leadership have been recognized by Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Gold House Ventures, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses. Her approach blends thoughtful design, UX strategy, and business psychology to create websites that truly work.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why most websites fail to convert — and how strategic UX changes that
Ari’s approach to aligning brand clarity, design, and user experience
How to turn your website into a growth-focused business asset
Practical ways to build trust and credibility through your online presence
The importance of intentional website strategy for long-term business success
Episode Outline
Introduction to Ari K and Chykalophia (0:00)Ari's Journey from Bali to Chicago (1:22)The Passion Behind Branding and Web Strategy (4:14)Building a Business with a Partner (7:29)Setting Boundaries in a Business Partnership (9:22)Challenges of Being an Immigrant Entrepreneur (12:21)The Importance of Mentorship (14:27)Why You Need a Website (17:15)Common Website Mistakes (20:12)Improving User Experience for Conversions (23:21)Impact of Business Success (25:35)The Journey to Writing a Book (27:26)Setting Goals for Your Website (30:40)The Aesthetic vs. Functionality Debate (31:50)Supporting Female Entrepreneurs (34:41)Defining the American Dream (36:30)Advice for Scaling Your Business (38:00)
Connect with Ari Krzyzek
Want to learn more about Ari’s work or connect with her directly?
🌐 Website → https://chykalophia.com📘 Book → Made to Sell: Creating Websites That Convert    https://chykalophia.com/website-book/
Closing Inspiration
Your website shouldn’t just look good — it should clearly communicate your value and support your business goals.
If you’ve been frustrated by a website that feels confusing, outdated, or ineffective, this episode will inspire you to rethink your digital presence and turn it into a tool that truly works for you.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
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The G.A.M.E. of Life: Sophia Toh on Leadership, Legacy, and Lighting the Way for Others

Are you successful on paper but still questioning what “enough” really means?In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Sophia Toh, a CFO turned executive coach, leadership trainer, keynote speaker, and author. With decades of experience in corporate finance and global leadership at companies like Procter and Gamble and Kraft Heinz, Sophia shares her journey of reinvention and purpose-driven leadership.Sophia opens up about transitioning from the corporate boardroom to executive coaching, redefining wealth beyond money, and learning how to thrive through every season of life. This episode offers powerful insights on authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, work-life balance, and building a life that feels truly fulfilled, not just impressive.
About the GuestSophia Toh is an executive coach, leadership trainer, keynote speaker, and author of The G.A.M.E. of Life: Illuminated Leadership, Fulfilled Life. With over 30 years of experience, including two decades in corporate finance and strategic leadership, she served as a three-time Vice President and two-time Business Unit CFO at Procter and Gamble and Kraft Heinz.Today, Sophia empowers executives and organizations to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. She is the National Board Chair of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and a Director on the Global Professional Coaches Board of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Her work bridges performance with purpose, helping leaders flourish both professionally and personally.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why traditional definitions of success often leave high achievers feeling unfulfilled and how to redefine them
Sophia’s approach to leadership coaching rooted in emotional intelligence and self-awareness
How to balance ambition, family, and personal wellbeing without constant burnout
Practical steps to define your version of “enough” and create sustainable success
The importance of inner work, supportive relationships, and belonging in leadership and life
Episode OutlineGuest’s Journey: From restaurant ownership to executive leadership (0:00)Introduction to Sophia Toh’s journey (0:00)From restaurant owner to corporate leader (1:24)Transitioning to coaching and leadership training (4:24)Balancing life and leadershipBalancing family, work, and passion (6:40)The G.A.M.E. of Life principles for flourishing (8:22)The influence of inner child work and family support (11:37)Redefining success and wealthRedefining wealth beyond money (15:42)Defining “enough” and finding balance (20:03)Parenting, partnership, and the American DreamNavigating work-life balance as parents (20:53)The role of a supportive partner (23:04)The American Dream and the opportunities it creates (26:23)Coaching, empowerment, and belongingSophia’s coaching process and philosophy (28:42)Empowerment, leadership, and creating belonging (33:35)
Connect with Sophia TohWant to learn more about Sophia’s work or connect with her directly?🌐 Website → https://www.thegameoflifebook.net💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiatoh1/📺 YouTube → @coachsophiatoh📘 Book → The G.A.M.E. of Life: Illuminated Leadership, Fulfilled Life
Closing InspirationSuccess is not just about what you achieve, it’s about how fully you live while achieving it.If you’ve been chasing milestones but craving meaning, this episode will encourage you to pause, reflect, and redefine what fulfillment looks like for you.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
⭐ Loved this episode?Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing listeners. If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating and review. It truly means the world 💛

Andrea Schulze Ingram on Simplifying Business & Designing a Plan That Works for You

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your business, unsure where to focus, or stuck in constant catch-up mode?In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Andrea Schulze Ingram, a strategic business consultant and clarity-driven planning expert who helps entrepreneurs cut through the chaos and build intentional, sustainable systems. Andrea shares how her Strategic Business Plan Framework uncovers the real problems behind overwhelm, how structure creates freedom, and why clarity—not hustle—is the key to building a business that actually supports your life.If you’ve ever felt like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode offers grounded insight, doable steps, and a fresh perspective on what strategy really means.
About the Guest
Andrea Schulze Ingram is a business strategist and founder of ASI Dynamic Business Consulting. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs move out of overwhelm and into intentional action using her Strategic Business Plan Framework. Through her work, she guides business owners to diagnose root problems, streamline their operations, and design clear roadmaps that reduce stress while accelerating growth. Her blend of compassion, clarity, and structure helps leaders transform chaos into confidence and purpose.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why entrepreneur overwhelm happens and how to navigate it
Andrea’s strategies for simplifying your operations using intentional planning
How to shift from reactive mode to strategic, empowered decision-making
Practical steps to identify root problems and create focused solutions
The importance of clarity, structure, and aligned action in sustainable business growth
Episode Outline
Guest’s Journey: How Andrea became a clarity-driven business strategist (0:00)Cultural Influences and Early Life (2:31)Lessons from Diverse Entrepreneurial Experiences (4:56)Mindset Challenges for Entrepreneurs (6:53)Diagnosing Business Challenges (10:34)Creating Effective Business Plans (12:30)The Importance of Follow-Up (15:18)Time Management Strategies (17:16)Misconceptions About Business Coaching (18:41)Building Confidence in Clients (20:57)Working with Andrea: The Process (21:57)Living the American Dream (22:49)From Reactive to Proactive Mindset (23:41)Final Advice for Entrepreneurs (25:41)
Connect with Andrea Schulze Ingram
Want to learn more about Andrea’s work or connect with her directly?
🌐 Website → www.asidynamicbusiness.com💼 LinkedIn → Andrea Schulze Ingram📸 Instagram → @asidynamicbusinessClosing Inspiration
Strategy isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters most.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or unsure where your business is headed, this conversation will remind you that sustainable success comes from clarity, not chaos.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)
🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
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Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing listeners! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it truly means the world. 💛

FinanSIS & Faith: Dr. Darla Bishop on Affording Life, Balance, and Financial Freedom

Are you struggling to understand your relationship with money — or wondering why financial conversations feel so uncomfortable?In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Dr. Darla Bishop, a financial wellness educator and founder of My FinanSIS. Darla specializes in helping people rethink money, energy, and the currencies we use to build a meaningful life.Darla shares her transformative perspective on financial literacy, mindset, and designing a life aligned with your values — offering powerful takeaways on money beliefs, personal leadership, and intentional living.
About the Guest
Dr. Darla Bishop is a financial wellness educator, author, and creator of My FinanSIS. She is passionate about helping individuals and families reshape their financial narratives and build confidence around money. Through her work, she empowers people to understand their “three currencies” — money, time, and energy — so they can make aligned choices and design a life they love. Her unique background blends academic research, personal lived experience, and approachable storytelling that demystifies finances for real people.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why many of us hesitate to talk about money — and how to shift that mindset
Darla’s strategies for understanding the energy behind financial habits
How to reframe “affording anything” by evaluating your three currencies
Practical steps for navigating overwhelm and seeking meaningful support
The importance of designing a life rooted in values, faith, and intention
Episode Outline
Introduction to Dr. Darla Bishop (0:00)Darla’s Journey and Early Life (1:50)Understanding Money and Financial Literacy (4:55)Overcoming Hesitation to Discuss Money (8:46)The Connection Between Energy and Money (12:24)Affording Everything: A New Perspective (16:49)Financial Misconceptions and Realities (19:50)Managing Multiple Roles Effectively (25:27)Navigating Overwhelm and Finding Support (32:24)The Role of Faith in Leadership and Finances (36:24)Designing Your Ideal Life and Goals (38:38)How to Connect with Darla Bishop (time stamp)
Connect with Dr. Darla Bishop
Want to learn more about Darla’s work or connect with her directly?🌐 Website → https://www.darlabishop.com/💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/darlabishop📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/my_finansis/🎙 3 Currencies Worksheets → https://www.darlabishop.com/3currenciesdownloads✨ Year Compass → https://yearcompass.com/
Closing Inspiration
Money isn’t just a financial tool — it’s an energetic one. When you understand your currencies, you design a life that truly aligns with who you are.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, avoidant, or unsure where to begin with your finances, this episode will encourage you to approach money with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
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Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing listeners! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it means the world. 💛

Designing the Dream: Himgauri on Creativity, Courage, and Building a Global Career in Design

 
Are you curious what it really takes to build a creative career across borders and cultures? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Himgauri, a dynamic graphic designer and visual strategist whose journey spans continents, creativity, and courage. Based in the United States and formerly rooted in the UAE, Himgauri specializes in interactive visuals, animation, and digital storytelling.
Himgauri shares her inspiring leap from the Middle East to the U.S. and reveals how she built an international career fueled by passion, adaptability, and purpose — offering powerful takeaways on creative resilience, global branding, and redefining design as an extraordinary experience.
👩‍🎨 About the Guest
Himgauri is an accomplished graphic designer and visual strategist with over 13 years of experience working alongside leading global brands and government entities in the UAE. Now based in the U.S., she continues to push creative boundaries through interactive design, animation, and immersive digital storytelling. Through her work, she helps brands and entrepreneurs elevate their visual presence and communicate with clarity and impact. Her unique international journey reflects both bold courage and an unwavering belief that design should be an extraordinary affair.
🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why global transitions challenge creative identity and how to navigate them
Himgauri’s strategies for designing visuals that tell powerful stories
How to build an international creative career with intention
Practical steps to evolve as a designer in ever-changing digital landscapes
The importance of passion and authenticity in creative entrepreneurship
🧭 Episode Outline
Introduction to Gigi's Journey (0:00)Early Life and Career Beginnings (3:01)Navigating the Social Media Landscape (6:30)The Importance of Ads for Small Businesses (10:43)Adapting to Changing Social Media Strategies (13:42)Establishing Trust and Visibility (16:10)Transitioning to Entrepreneurship (20:24)Building Community and Collaboration (24:35)The Perks and Challenges of Entrepreneurship (28:47)Connecting with Gigi (29:39)
🔗 Connect with Himgauri
Want to learn more about Himgauri’s work or connect with her directly?
🌐 Website → http://www.tessellationsdesign.com💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/himgauri/🎙If I'm Being Honest Podcast links: Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1ZW6k2uBU4fEcjx5lOYD3b?si=8cc3703bd8a9470eYouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuiHLsucEuuA3xCeHCh9iHGQqPZ2fyxhm&si=08CbzTtt4fsRGKHiApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/if-i-am-being-honest/id1843172918
💫 Closing Inspiration
Design is not just about making things look beautiful — it's about creating meaning, emotion, and connection.
If you’ve been questioning your creative path or wondering how to take your vision globally, this episode will encourage you to embrace courage, trust your evolution, and pursue creativity with purpose.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)
🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
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Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing listeners! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it means the world. 💛

Behind the Lens: Kendall Fletcher on Inclusive Storytelling & Hollywood Representation

Are you a creative who’s been wondering how to break into the film industry — or whether inclusive storytelling can actually thrive in Hollywood?In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Kendall Fletcher, an independent film and television producer with credits at SNL, FX, ABC, Hillman Grad, and multiple award-winning festival projects.Kendall shares her journey from early life influences to Sundance and Tribeca success — revealing how perseverance, collaboration, and purpose-driven storytelling can open doors and change an entire industry.Expect powerful takeaways on representation, leadership, creative resilience, and carving your own path.
About the Guest
Kendall Fletcher is an independent film and TV producer passionate about telling stories that celebrate diversity, authenticity, and belonging. She’s contributed to acclaimed scripted, unscripted, and documentary projects, including DIDI (a 2024 Sundance standout) and All That We Love (premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival).Kendall is currently developing new work with Yoruba Saxon/David Oyelowo and producing the documentary Blacked Out Dreams, a 2024 Sundance Doc Fund Recipient.As a young Black woman in Hollywood, her mission centers on championing underrepresented voices and reshaping the narrative landscape of the entertainment industry.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Why so many creatives struggle to break into the industry and how Kendall navigated those early chapters• Kendall’s communication strategies for thriving on production teams• How to stay grounded in a turbulent, high-pressure industry• Practical steps for balancing creative passion with business demands• The importance of representation, purpose, and inclusive storytelling in modern filmmaking
Episode Outline
Introduction to Kendall Fletcher (0:00)Kendall's Early Life & Journey into Film (1:26)The Role of Communication in Film Production (6:25)Navigating Early Career Opportunities (9:39)Experiences at Sundance & Tribeca (14:35)Collaboration & Leadership in Film (15:54)Staying Grounded in a Turbulent Industry (17:35)Balancing Creative & Business Aspects (19:49)Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers (20:23)The American Dream for Creators (22:28)Connecting with Kendall Fletcher (23:14)
Connect with Kendall Fletcher
Want to learn more about Kendall’s work or connect with her directly?
💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-fletcher-130419107/
Closing Inspiration
Inclusive storytelling isn’t just possible in Hollywood — it’s essential.If you’ve been dreaming of creating meaningful work or carving out your place in a competitive industry, this episode will inspire you to stay committed, stay grounded, and keep telling the stories only you can tell.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)
🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
⭐ Loved this episode?Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more incredible listeners!If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it means the world. 💛

Faith, Purpose, and Digital Storytelling: Destiny Pierre on Using Social Media to Inspire and Empower Women

Are you a woman trying to find your purpose while navigating your career and faith journey? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Destiny Pierre, a digital marketer, strategist, and storyteller who helps women use social media with purpose, confidence, and faith.
Destiny shares how she bridges faith and marketing to build impactful personal brands, create genuine connection through storytelling, and inspire women to lead with confidence and conviction — offering powerful takeaways on authentic branding, walking in faith, and redefining success in today’s digital world.
About the Guest
Destiny Pierre is a digital marketing strategist passionate about helping women use social media intentionally — blending faith, creativity, and data-driven strategy to tell authentic stories that convert. Through her work and growing TikTok community, she empowers women to walk boldly in their purpose, align their careers with their values, and build meaningful influence online. As a first-generation college graduate and faith-based creator, Destiny’s story is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and divine timing.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why aligning your career with your personal values is essential for lasting fulfillment
Destiny’s strategies for merging faith and marketing to build authentic influence
How to navigate career pressures and expectations as a woman of color
Practical ways to integrate faith into your professional and digital life
The importance of trusting God’s timing and embracing your unique path
Episode Outline
Introduction to Destiny Pierre (0:00)Destiny's Journey as a First Generation College Grad (1:34)Navigating Corporate America and Building a Platform (2:48)Understanding Purpose in Faith and Career (6:44)Aligning Career with Personal Values (9:40)Experiencing Corporate America as a Woman of Color (12:28)Balancing Family Expectations with Personal Ambitions (15:52)The Journey Back to Faith (19:36)Building Confidence Through Faith (21:35)Integrating Faith in a Fast-Paced World (23:13)Finding Community and Purpose (25:53)Redefining the American Dream (29:23)Embracing Purpose and Trusting God's Timing (31:48)
🔗 Connect with Destiny Pierre
Want to learn more about Destiny’s work or connect with her directly?
📸 Instagram → @dessyxrose @thechristiancareergirl
🎵 TikTok → @dessyxrose
🎙 Services / Book a Call → https://tccg.setmore.com/
✨ FREE Career Coaching until 12/31/25: https://tccg.setmore.com/
Closing Inspiration
Your purpose and platform were never meant to compete — they were meant to connect. If you’ve been questioning how to merge your faith, purpose, and career, this episode will encourage you to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)
🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/ 📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings 📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com 📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
⭐ Loved this episode? Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing listeners! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it means the world. 💛

The Mindful Millionaire: Leisa Peterson on Redefining Wealth, Purpose, and Financial Freedom

Are you striving for financial success but still feeling stress, fear, or confusion around money? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Leisa Peterson — a money coach, wealth strategist, and bestselling author of The Mindful Millionaire and The Money Catalyst. Leisa reveals how integrating emotional intelligence, spiritual alignment, and smart strategy can transform your relationship with money — unlocking freedom, confidence, and true abundance.
About the Guest
Leisa Peterson is a globally recognized wealth strategist and founder of WealthClinic, where she guides entrepreneurs and high-achievers to elevate both their net worth and their wellbeing. With her signature three-pillar framework — Money Mindset, Strategic Financial Management, and Wealth Optimization — she empowers clients to build sustainable wealth without sacrificing purpose or peace of mind. Leisa has been acknowledged by Forbes as one of the “Top 10 Women Driving Growth in Wealth Management and Investing.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Why mindset blocks show up when building wealth — and how to break through them• Leisa’s strategies for negotiating your value with confidence• How shifting from “chasing” success to mindful wealth leads to more fulfillment and prosperity• A practical tool — Gap Analysis — to map your path to financial freedom• How aligning money decisions with your core values creates long-term abundance
Episode Outline
• Introduction to Wealth & Mindset (0:00)• Leisa's Journey & Early Influences (1:29)• Mindset Blocks to Wealth Building (5:37)• Negotiation Skills & Value Recognition (10:51)• Building Sustainable Wealth (20:16)• Exploring Leisa's Books (23:38)• Gap Analysis Tool for Financial Freedom (25:38)• Aligning Money Goals with Core Values (26:59)• Overcoming Limbo in Financial Decisions (29:41)• Teaching Healthy Money Values to Children (31:46)• Legacy of Mindful Wealth Management (34:06)
Connect with Leisa Peterson
Want to learn more about Leisa’s work or connect with her directly?
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/leisapeterson/📧 Email  →  lpeterson@wealthclinic.com📘 Mindful Millionaire Book → www.mindfulmillionairebook.com📗 The Money Catalyst → www.moneycatalystbook.com🎁 Free Gifts & Vision Resources → www.wealthclinic.com/vision🧮 Financial Planning Software (free option included!) → www.go.boldin.com/mindfulmillionaire
Closing Inspiration
Wealth isn’t something you chase — it’s something you embody through clarity, intention, and self-belief.
If you’ve been hustling for success yet still craving peace around money, this conversation will help you access a more meaningful and empowered path to wealth.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
⭐ Loved this episode?Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more listeners who need stories of perseverance and possibility. If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it means the world! 💛

Curating Courage & Culture: Monica O. Montgomery on Storytelling and Representation in the Arts

Are you passionate about representation, storytelling, and cultural transformation, but not sure where to begin? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Monica O. Montgomery, MA, a renowned cultural thought leader, curator, educator, and community engagement strategist shaping the future of public history, arts, and culture.
With over 20 years of experience consulting for organizations, museums, and civic entities, Monica shares her powerful insights on inclusive leadership, community engagement, and storytelling as a tool for empowerment.
About the GuestMonica O. Montgomery, MA is a dynamic curator and cultural strategist passionate about equity, storytelling, and social impact. As the Public Engagement Lead for PHILADELPHIA250, she’s helping steward the city’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary through inclusive dialogue and creative activation.
A TEDx and SXSW speaker, Oxford Fellow, and former Curator of Social Justice for the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, Monica is redefining how we experience culture and community. Through her upcoming DiasporaDNA Story Center, she’s transforming her family’s archive into a living “unmuseum” of global majority history and identity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode✨ Why representation in cultural spaces matters and how to build authentic inclusion✨ Monica’s approach to curating global majority stories through creative community activation✨ How storytelling can serve as a tool for education, equity, and belonging✨ Practical steps for engaging communities with intention and care✨ The power of turning ancestral history into a platform for empowerment
Episode Outline
Introduction to Monica (0:00)The Birth of Diaspora DNA Story Center (1:18)Ecologies of Promise in Leadership (4:05)Curating Global Majority Stories (5:39)Challenges and Opportunities in Cultural Spaces (10:04)The Role of Museums in Public Consciousness (12:22)Creating Inclusive Exhibits Beyond Tokenism (13:59)Best Practices in Community Engagement (16:25)Building Real Inclusion in Institutions (17:45)The Journey of a Public Speaker (19:25)Empowering Through Ancestral History (24:40)Rethinking Museums as Cultural Centers (28:09)The American Dream and Global Narratives (30:34)Call to Action: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (31:50)Connecting with Diaspora DNA Story Center (33:28)
Connect with Monica O. MontgomeryWant to learn more about Monica’s work or connect with her directly?💼 LinkedIn →https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamontgomery/🎙 Project → Diaspora DNA Story Center, https://www.diasporadna.org/📱Instagram → @diasporadnactr
Closing Inspiration
Storytelling isn’t just about remembering the past...it’s about reimagining the future.
If you’ve ever questioned your place in the narrative, this episode will inspire you to curate change, build community, and claim your story.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)🌐 Website → jenningstechcorner.com/packages📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Follow on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
⭐ Loved this episode?Your reviews help Your American Dream grow and reach more incredible listeners! If Monica’s story moved you, please leave a quick rating & review—it means the world. 💛

Psychological Safety, Courageous Leadership, and Amplifying Voices with Michal Tapia

Are you striving to lead with authenticity while creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Michal Tapia, a bilingual Latina consultant, coach, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience across nonprofit, healthcare, and corporate sectors.
As the founder of M. Tapia Consulting and creator of The Courage Connection, Michal shares how she helps leaders and organizations operationalize courage, amplify underrepresented voices, and cultivate psychological safety. Her insights reveal the transformative power of lived experience, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership in reshaping workplaces and empowering communities.
About the Guest
Michal Tapia is a bilingual Latina consultant, coach, and facilitator passionate about helping leaders and organizations embrace courageous leadership and create psychologically safe workplaces. Through her consulting practice, she guides teams in amplifying underrepresented voices, fostering belonging, and transforming leadership culture.
A proud Dominican-American, first-generation Latina, and mother, Michal is also pursuing her doctorate in Organizational Leadership, researching psychological safety for Latina professionals. Her personal and professional journey is rooted in courage, connection, and the belief that leadership is about transformation... not just titles.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why courage and psychological safety are essential for effective leadership
Michal’s approach to building inclusive workplaces that empower every voice
How to navigate leadership challenges as an immigrant or person of color
Practical strategies for operationalizing courage in organizations
The importance of visibility, balance, and authentic connection in leadership
Episode Outline
Introduction to Courage and Leadership (0:00)Michal's Journey and the Birth of Courage Connection (2:32)The Importance of Community and Visibility (5:15)Lessons from Diverse Work Environments (7:48)Understanding Psychological Safety (10:29)Advice for Immigrants and People of Color (13:08)Challenges for Leaders of Color (15:45)Operationalizing Courage in Leadership (18:03)Research on Psychological Safety for Latinas (20:54)Strategies for Unlocking Influence (23:43)Finding Balance and Integration (26:18)Final Thoughts on Leadership and Courage (29:13)How to Connect with Michal Tapia (31:00)
Connect with Michal Tapia
Want to learn more about Michal’s work or connect with her directly?📧 Email → m.tapiaconsulting@gmail.com💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michaltapia
Closing Inspiration
Courage isn’t the absence of fear... it’s the decision to show up, speak up, and lead anyway.
If you’ve been navigating leadership challenges or searching for ways to lead with authenticity, this episode will inspire you to embrace courage, connection, and visibility as your greatest tools for impact.
✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com📸 Follow on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner
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