Advertise on podcast: A Journey with Women Who Boss Up

Welcome to “A Journey with Women Who Boss Up,” the podcast where we celebrate women who have faced challenges, taken risks, bet on themselves, and turned their experiences intopurpose and impact.Today, I am incredibly excited to introduce our guest, Madean Gilzene—a woman whose journey is truly a testament to resilience, faith, service, entrepreneurship, and the power of betting on yourself.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of A Journey with Women Who Boss Up! Today, we’re heading out to the beautiful countryside of Cassopolis, Michigan to meet a woman who’s redefining what it means to grow, teach, and lead from the ground up — literally! Our guest, Vanessa Frias, is a proud wife, mother, educator, and first-generation farmer who turned a dream into a thriving reality. As the owner of Willowbrook Farms, Vanessa has built a 35-acre agricultural haven where she raises pasture-raised poultry and meats, educates her community about sustainable farming, and inspires others to connect with the land. From the classroom to the farm fields, Vanessa’s journey is about faith, family, and following your vision — even when the road is uncertain. She’s proof that with passion, purpose, and persistence, you can plant seeds that grow into something extraordinary. Let’s welcome this incredible woman who’s nourishing both her community and the next generation — Vanessa Frias of Willowbrook Farms.

Today’s guest is a true visionary in the world of film and television—Christine Swanson. Born and raised in Detroit, Christine is an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter whose storytelling has captivated audiences across major networks and platforms. With an MFA from NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts and a legacy of work that includes The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, Love Under New Management, and Fannie, Christine’s name is synonymous with excellence, authenticity, and impact. She’s been called one of the most promising filmmakers of her generation—compared to legends like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee—and her powerful lens continues to shine a light on Black stories, Black women, and cultural truth. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired as we dive into the journey, passion, and purpose of a woman who truly bosses up in every frame—Christine Swanson.

Welcome back to “A Journey With Women Who Boss Up,” the podcast where we spotlight powerful women who rise above challenges and blaze their own trails. Today, I’m honored to introduce a truly inspiring woman—Elnora. Born in a small Mississippi town in 1943 and raised in a bustling Chicago neighborhood, Elnora’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and breaking barriers. From being the seventh child in a large family, navigating the hardships of losing her father young, to becoming the first Black woman to work in Michigan’s Department of Agriculture Dairy Division, she has continually defied the odds. Elnora’s story spans decades of hard work—from raising three children as a single mother to building a meaningful career and embracing new chapters in life after retirement. Through it all, her spirit, determination, and love for family have shone brightly. Get ready to hear wisdom, laughter, and life lessons as we dive deep into Elnora’s remarkable journey.

Meet the incredible Dr. Tanis — a true powerhouse in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. She’s an educator, consultant, and engineer who made her mark at Chevron, where she found herself as the only woman — and the only person of color — in the room. But that didn’t stop her. Dr. Tanis blazed her own trail, found mentors to sharpen her skills, and kept pushing forward. From growing up in the projects to designing and building her very own home — her story is one of resilience, brilliance, and unshakable drive. Take a listen to her powerful journey — right now — on this episode of A Journey with Women Who Boss Up.

Meet Nicole Scott—and welcome to A Journey with Women Who Boss Up! Today’s guest is a true rodeo trailblazer. Nicole is the founder of the Midwest Invitational Rodeo, launched in 2017 to spotlight Black cowboys and cowgirls and bring the excitement of rodeo to southeastern Michigan. With over 5,000 fans in attendance and top talent from across the country, Nicole’s event has become a powerful celebration of heritage, sport, and community. From barrel racing to bull riding, she’s built more than a rodeo—she’s built a movement. So grab your hat and get ready—Nicole Scott is here to share how she turned passion into purpose and made the arena roar.

Meet Akilah — a dynamic force who's rewriting the rules and redefining what it means to rise. She's a powerhouse mom, wife, entrepreneur, author, serial mentor, and a woman breaking glass ceilings in the world of construction. Early on, Akilah dreamed of becoming an architect. But as her journey unfolded, she discovered her true passion wasn’t just in designing buildings — it was in constructing them. She made the bold pivot into construction and never looked back. With a fierce work ethic, a heart for mentorship, and a belief that dreamers become believers, Akilah continues to rise — proving she’s always up for the challenge. Tune in as we dive into her inspiring story of grit, growth, and greatness — only on A Journey With Women Who Boss Up.

"Meet Stacie Johnson – a woman who turned her trials into triumphs. Once homeless and searching for direction, she found her passion and legacy in the art of beauty. Now known as ‘The Hair Whisperer,’ Stacie doesn’t just style hair—she restores confidence, dignity, and self-love through her craft." "In this episode, she opens up about her journey from struggle to success, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she’s using her gift to impact lives. So sit back, get inspired, and let’s dive into this incredible conversation with Stacie Johnson!"

Join us as we sit down with Jennifer Craig Brown, the powerhouse Executive Director of GreatNews.Life. Since 2013, she has been on a mission to amplify positive, community-focused news, leading daily operations, fostering business development, and building impactful marketing partnerships. Beyond her role at GreatNews.Life, Jennifer is the visionary behind All About the Girls, an annual event and podcast that shines a spotlight on the incredible women of Indiana. Her passion for uplifting voices and sharing inspiring stories makes this a conversation you won’t want to miss!

"Welcome to A Journey with Women Who Boss Up, the podcast where we celebrate fearless women rising above challenges and leading in their industries. This episode features the incredible Felicia Seals Buchanan, a powerhouse who has journeyed from engineering to grant writing with a passion for teaching and helping others grow. Felicia is deeply committed to promoting the well-being of disadvantaged communities and fostering greater understanding and inclusion. Her work is all about uplifting businesses and transforming communities for the better. Join us as we dive into her story, her mission, and the amazing ways she’s creating impact. Get ready to be inspired by Felicia’s journey to bossing up and building stronger, more inclusive communities."

Today, we’re honored to share the story of a woman whose unwavering strength and devotion to her calling are nothing short of inspiring. Meet Ambie Bell—a passionate advocate, community organizer, and change agent whose life’s mission is to uplift and empower others. Through her journey of overcoming a 16 year illness, Ambie found her purpose, guided by her faith and an unshakable belief in God’s plan. In this episode, Ambie opens her heart to share her powerful testimony—one of healing, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving her community. Prepare to be inspired as we dive into the remarkable story of a woman who turned adversity into a platform for change.

"Welcome to "A Journey With Women Who Boss Up," where we dive deep into the incredible stories of women making an impact. Today, we’re honored to have Kelli with us, whose journey to becoming a doula took her far beyond the traditional path. From supporting expectant mothers to empowering incarcerated women to become certified doulas themselves, Kelli’s work is a true testament to resilience and compassion. In this episode, Kelli shares her unique B.R.A.I.N. approach—encouraging women to explore and ask the right questions by considering Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and sometimes, the choice of Not Now. Join us as we explore her transformative story, the challenges she’s faced, and the lives she’s helped change along the way."

"Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the world of mental health and wellness in the Black community with a true trailblazer. Our guest is Valerie, the visionary founder of Synergi Health Center, where she’s dedicated to educating and empowering people on the vital impact of mental health. She’s also the force behind the Black Wellness Network, a pioneering directory designed to help minorities find providers who not only understand but also reflect their unique experiences and needs. Valerie is a woman on a mission, preparing people for purpose, living by her powerful motto: 'Master one thing, then add on.' Get ready to be inspired by her journey, her passion, and her unwavering commitment to mental health and wellness."

Meet Jalyn J4 Willis, a dynamic and inspiring young talent in the world of dance. At just 5 years old, Jalyn had a dream to dance for Lady Gaga—a dream that set the stage for an extraordinary journey. She began her dance career at age 9, and by 12, she was already choreographing her own routines. Fast forward to today, she's not only an award-winning dancer but also the founder of her own dance business. In this episode, we dive into Jalyn's remarkable journey, her passion for dance, and the steps she took to turn her dreams into reality. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation!

Jada tells her journey about being a first generation college student. She considers herself to be a trailblazer and her goal is to be a trailblazer for others. She believes barriers leads to breakthroughs