Introducing Rock Star Millennials Podcast

When Samantha Dong took a break from the financial world to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, she had no idea her journey would lead her to new heights as a global shoe designer -one who works with a podiatrist to create women’s shoes that are beautiful… and comfortable.

When Caitlin, Brittney & Hannah came together as friends from 3 different careers they had one vision: creating a space where people could share joy and create memories. Together they’ve done just that through Bloom Wine Bar & Florals—a place where they love working, having fun and giving back to their community.

As Savvy Sauce Charities President, podcast host, wife and mom to 4 girls, Laura Dugger wears a lot of hats. Her secret to managing it all? A singular purpose: Love God. Love others. Share joy.

A self-proclaimed career chameleon, Stacy Brooks’ current role as CEO of SKB Cyber brings together her theater, speech, acting and teaching roles into one where she leads a security technology business, is an expert in AI and helps her customers use technology to become more efficient…safely.

Since Varinka Ensminger liked to drive fast cars, shoot guns, tackle bad guys and protect victims, she started her career as a police officer, before becoming a detective & Special Operations Command Leader. Her job? “Support special operators around the world who protect our national security mission and keep us safe.”

If you were raised in Italy, had parents from Bangladesh and had a heart for women in South Africa, where would you begin? If you’re Urmi Hossain you bloom where you’re planted—Quebec, Canada. Although she works her 9-5 job in the financial industry, Urmi’s most important work happens from 5-9 when she mentors, blogs and leads workshops to empower women around the world.

Can you believe we’re in Season 5 of Rock Star Millennials podcasts? To celebrate that milestone we’re visiting with 5 past podcast guests to remember where they started and see where they’re going. Join us for this special 1-hour episode taped in front of a live studio audience!

Wendy Callupe started her fashion career in LA and NY before founding Minted Media Productions in Chicago. Her large-scale fashion events include entertainment and feature people of color and indigenous designers. Her counsel to others? “You’re never too young or too old and no dream is ever too big.”

When Amy Suprunowski describes her work of supporting the development of adults with disabilities she says it’s simply “people embracing people.” As the Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Community Workshop & Training Center her purpose is simple: helping her clients be the most independent person they can be.

When Dierdre Barnes started her self-love journey as a young Mom with 2 littles, she didn’t know it would lead her to open a candle-making business, become a facilitator of self-love candle-making workshops or be a leader who inspires other women to FLY-First Love Yourself.

What does Renae Kerrigan hope to accomplish in her role as the Curator of Science & Planetarium Director at the Peoria Riverfront Museum? It’s simple. Educate people on the rarity of our planet, inspire them to protect it and in turn… make life better for the people in her orbit.

When she started a school newspaper in fifth grade, Jennifer Kyulule knew she was destined to share others' stories. As the CEO of Marketing Blueprint she does just that, using websites and social media to promote her clients’ brands, tell their stories... and grow their businesses.

Danielle Scarzello didn’t just step into a world of entrepreneurs—she jumped! As a project manager for the gener8tor venture capital firm, Danielle is a coach, an encourager and most of all a connector among entrepreneurs and investors. Her favorite part of the job? Being an advocate for people with passion and purpose… who are changing the world.

When you're the founder & CEO of a smart irrigation company at 17, what's next? For Khushi Shah it's being a student at Harvard, MIT and Northeastern while running her business, pitching investors, working on a book and a movie and exploring global applications of a technology she created to reduce cost, preserve water and most importantly… inspire other young minds.

As you enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season, I hope you make lots of new memories and share some memories from days gone by that you cherish the most. Whoever you're celebrating with today here's a little gift to pass on that will fill someone's heart...and fill yours.

RSML-The.2nd. Thank. You-121224 by kathryn spitznagle

As a military veteran and someone who grew up in a family of 15, Elonda Whitfield was no stranger to hard work. This mother of 4 started her own specialty concrete contracting company to provide for her family and make beautiful things for others. What's next? Teaching other women around the world how they can do their own work…and run their own business.

When Malaya Curtis decided to move her hair braiding and make up artistry business from Atlanta to Peoria, she also made a choice to put her health and family first. Her love for entrepreneurs led her to a new role as the Community Concierge for Distillery Labs--a place where she can grow her business... and help other entrepreneurs grow theirs.

When Krystal Stegmaier published her book "Captivating Creations: Seasons," she had one goal in mind--helping women find freedom and purpose within their faith and life struggles. Through her personal coaching and book study groups she helps women discover their own path forward and understand how they are uniquely qualified for the journey.

Whether she's working with a client who imports high-end chocolate and wants to keep it from melting in transport or working with a German travel accessory company that wants to distribute through retailers in the U.S., Paola LaManna has found her purpose and passion in solving business issues by managing logistics. Her discovery? One company’s problem is another company’s puzzle…just waiting to b...

If you're the 4th generation owner of the family's electrical contracting company with a degree in business and construction management, what else do you need? Well if you're Emily Jacob Rudesill, you add a 5-year electrical apprentice program to understand the people and the business… from the ground up.

As a life and business coach, author, podcast host and serial entrepreneur, Kisha Woods supports others on their transformation journey as they become the best version of themselves. Along the way she reminds us, "It's never too late to elevate."

Dr. Shaleigh approaches her practice every day with a singular focus: Expect Miracles. When you do you will see them every day. Whether she's caring for a patient who is one day old or 96 years old she knows that helping them live happier, healthier lives is really impacting generations...one person at a time.

Of all the businesses to start, why choose catering? For Gabi Thompson it was simple. If food is your love language, hustle is your game and serving is your passion… then hospitality is your industry. Whether she’s cooking for local school children, the national guard or families in the community, Gabi’s work provides more than a hot meal. It brings joy…and comfort…and hope.

From intensive care to neonatal to family practice Cori Jahns was a nurse who wanted to do more. So she became a nurse practitioner, opened her own clinic and focused on wellness- helping patients prevent illness instead of treating it. Her greatest joy? Watching her patients transform physically and emotionally. Priceless.