Herstories

Discover the beauty and resilience of Iranian culture beyond what appears in the headlines. In this episode, Elaine Benfield and Sherean Malekzadeh explore the history, traditions, and human stories shaping Iran today. Through personal reflections and lived experience, Sherean shares what it means to navigate dual identities as bothAmerican and Iranian, and how those roots shape her perspective on...

Most companies believe they're delivering a great customer experience. Their customers disagree. In this episode of the Herstories Executive Series, Elaine Benfield sits down with Jeannie Walters, founder of Experience Investigators and author of Experience Is Everything, to talk about the gap between what brands promise and what customers actually feel. Jeannie breaks down why good intentions...

Most women struggle to see their own worth until someone helps them recognize it. Brad Walsh, founder of Empowerography and an incredible community builder, shares how storytelling and authentic connection can unlock powerful confidence in women. In this inspiring episode, Brad reflectson his journey from black-and-white photography to building a global platform that amplifies women’s voices, one...

Join Elaine Benfield in this inspiring episode of Her Stories as she welcomes Kenita Smith, the founder of HOPE Inc. Kenita shares her remarkable journey from being a single parent in college to establishing an organization that empowers other single parents pursuing higher education. Discover the challenges she overcame, the impact of community support, and her vision for the future of HOPE Inc....

Elaine Benfield interviews Christie Garton about her inspiring work with the 1000 Dreams Fund, focusing on empowering young women through financial resources, mentorship, and visibility, especially in underrepresented fields like gaming and STEM.

In this deeply personal episode of Herstories, we honor the life and legacy of my close friend Margaret. Her radiant spirit and the love she shared remind us of the importance of connection — and the hidden struggles many face with mental health, addiction, and depression. This episode is both a tribute and a call to action: to cherish every moment, to reach out, and to remember that no one should...

Navigating the real estate world can be overwhelming, especially during tough times in life. During my search for a new home, I realized the significant impact a dedicated real estate agent can have. Kalie Williams, through her company AgentShip, was more than just an agent; she became a trusted partner who guided me with care and expertise. This experience showed me that finding the right agent i...

Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Elaine Benfield, a seasoned software leader and advocate for resilience. In this episode, Elaine shares her transformative experiences, from navigating personal challenges to founding "Her Stories," a platform celebrating the strength of women. Discover how Elaine's story of rising from the ashes can inspire you to embrace your resil...

In this episode of Herstories, Elaine Benfield interviews Sherean Malekzadeh Allen, a marketing expert with extensive experience in political campaigns. They explore Sherean's work in supporting local candidates and delve into the branding and marketing strategies that fueled the Biden-Harris campaign. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity and joy in political messaging, t...

This conversation explores the various life transitions and challenges faced by Paula Lowe. Paula reflects on her resilience and the impact of her choices on her life and her children. The conversation highlights the strength and determination required to navigate difficult times and build a new life. #education   #career   #choices   #marriage ,  #financialstruggles   #infidelity   #loss   #start...

In this episode of Herstories, Elaine Benfield interviews Vicki Paris Goodman, an inspiring woman who has reinvented herself after the loss of her husband. Vicki shares her journey of finding optimism and embracing new opportunities after her husband's passing. She discusses her book, 'To Sam with Love,' which tells her story of inspired grief and offers insights. Vicki emphasizes the...

In this episode of Herstories, Elaine Benfield interviews her son Alexander Benfield. They discuss various topics including Alexander's transition into adulthood, and his decision to take a gap year before college. The conversation explores the impact of elections and its potential consequences. Despite the concerns and uncertainties, they discuss the hope for the future and the potential for...

In this episode, Elaine interviews her daughter Hannah Benfield about her journey of self-discovery, including coming out as a trans woman and being on the autism spectrum. They also explore the importance of communication and finding a passion for music. #herstories #passion #music #musiccareer #communication #path #journey #trans #transdaughter #support #LGBTQ+ #ally #singlemom #parenting

In this episode, you will learn how to commit to yourself, showing up to live a curious, authentic, and courageous life post-divorce. #herstories #divorce #frommrstome #postmarriage #authentic #courageous #authenticlife #newbeginnings #happiness #love #loss 

In this episode of Herstories, you'll hear from Gale Daikoku, as she shares how her cultural background ignited her dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives, fostering mutual support and striving to create a lasting legacy for her children. #herstories #DEIB #D&I #support #help #diversity #equality #inclusion #belonging #initiatives #passion

Patsy Sanders has been a master hairstylist for 5+ decades. Seven years she made an experiment that changed herself and her clients. Patsy says “fashion is a look not an age, size, name brand or price tag.” On this episode of learning more about an image stylist and how your first impression means everything. www.herstories.com #herstories #empoweringwomen #confidence #approachability #attractiven...

Listen to Dr. Lulu, a Queer, Nigerian-born pediatrician, educator, coach, corporate consultant, and CEO of Dr. Lulu's Coaching & Consulting Lounge. We will discuss creating safe and inclusive environments for supporting LGBTQ+ children and their families. www.herstories.com #advocacy#love #parenting #antiracism #support #safe #Igbtqinclusion #herstories #lgbtq

On this episode of Herstories, you will hear from Vanessa Renee about her overcoming heartbreak, finding a new journey with yoga, and finding new love. #heartbreak #loss #divorce #newlove #love #yoga #movingon #emotions #happiness #newjourney #herstories #health #wellness #transformativewisdom

In this episode, Amanda Kernahan discusses how she found a way to take grief and loss and learn not to waste one moment. She created a company, RememberGrams, with blogs, personalized sympathy cards, and gifts to help others while grieving. #grief #loss #family #nature #healing #hiking #remembergrams #grieftrails #herstories #surviving  

On this episode of Herstories, you will hear from Jenn Bartolo, who not only survived during some of life's most challenges but found a way to thrive. Jenn discusses finding the strength to go through the journey, learn from it, and prove you can succeed afterward. She discusses how life is an ongoing journey you will go through; whatever it is, good or bad, you will go through it, and it will...

On this episode of Herstories, you will hear from Cynthia Smith, who has been studying genealogy for years and has found a passion for helping people find their lost relatives. Cynthia discusses how one can start looking into one's ancestors and learn more about your family history.

Could you imagine meeting JFK, burning your bra with Gloria Steinem, going to Woodstock, and being in a parade with John Lewis? Well, Mariclare Scott did all of those things and more. Come and listen to Mariclare, an inspiring woman who has led an inspiring life. She is truly one of a kind, with so much energy left to inspire all of us. #herstories #inspiringherstories #inspiringlife #jfk #burning...

Listen to an incredible journey from a true survivor, Laurre Ostrofsky, who was scared but did it anyway. She changed her life and now is helping others make changes to make them happier in their personal and professional lives.

In this episode of Herstories, you will hear from Ursula Ringham about how her networking helped her create her high-tech career.

Listen to Rhonda Haller discuss how changing from working at a non-profit organization helped her passion for giving back while giving her a whole new career. Rhonda is a certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist at Future In Sight. Future In Sight helps individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have functional visual limitations. To learn more, check out  https://futureinsight.org/ .