The Empowered Money Girl

Financial independence starts with education—and it starts with you. In this empowering episode of The Empowered Money Girl Podcast, host Josette Mandela sits down with Beka (Becca) Kohmescher, a passionate voice in financial literacy and women’s empowerment. Together, they break down the essential steps women need to take to gain control of their money—especially for those who have previously rel...

What if saving—even a small amount—could completely change your future? On this episode of The Empowered Money Girl Podcast, host Josette Mandela sits down with Shari Dingle Costantini, a passionate advocate for proactive financial planning and mindset shifts around money. Together, they explore how saving, future planning, and intentional action can help you turn dreams into reality—no matter you...

In this inspiring episode of The Empowered Money Girl, host Josette Mandela sits down with Blima Ehrentreu, the dynamic Founder and CEO of The Designers Group. Blima shares her fascinating journey from being captivated by construction to scaling her interior design firm organically across multiple locations. This conversation transcends blueprints and fabrics, diving deep into the intersection of...

Join host Josette Mandela as she sits down with Shelly Tisius, founder of MT & Associates (MT&A), the nation’s premier accessibility firm specializing in UX, sign language, and captioning services. In this episode, Shelly shares how setting intentions and staying aligned with her mission led MT&A to achieve a seven-figure business, breaking barriers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing com...

In this insightful episode of The Empowered Money Girl, host Josette sits down with Carla D. Tillery to discuss the vital importance of financial literacy, money management, and the powerful family lessons that shape how we view and handle money. Carla opens up about her personal journey — from learning the value of a dollar at a young age to making empowered financial decisions as an adult. Toget...

In this inspiring episode of The Empowered Money Girl, we sit down with Nancy Marshall, a trailblazing public relations entrepreneur and founder of her own successful PR agency. Nancy shares her incredible journey from a young entrepreneur with a frugal mindset to becoming one of the most respected voices in public relations, financial empowerment, and women in business. Together, we explore the f...

In this episode, host Josette Mandela sits down with Jessica Loomis, CEO of Infinity Insurance Partners, to talk about building financial confidence and achieving financial independence. Learn how insurance, smart risk management, and entrepreneurship can empower you and your team. What you’ll learn: 💼 Jessica’s journey from the insurance world to CEO 🚀 Tips for entrepreneurs to grow their busin...

In this episode of The Empowered Money Girl Podcast, Josette sits down with Dr. Beverly Browning, bestselling author, educator, and trailblazing consultant, to explore her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a nationally recognized expert in grant writing and training. Dr. Bev shares candid stories about: ✨ Growing up with limited means and finding escape in books ✨ Hitting the...

In this inspiring episode of The Empowered Money Girl Podcast, Josette sits down with Amy Power, founder of The Power Group, to share her incredible journey from a $5/hour internship to running a thriving PR agency for over two decades. Amy opens up about: ✨ Taking bold chances—like saying “yes” to her first client while in the hospital delivering her son. ✨ Building a business as a woman in a m...

What happens when leadership and energy align? 🌟 In this episode of The Empowered Money Girl, I sit down with Rosemary Bova—executive leadership consultant and strategist—who has spent decades transforming organizations through integrity, engagement, and courageous leadership. And here’s the kicker: we recorded this conversation in the middle of a bad Florida rainstorm that knocked out my power—s...

💡 What does it really take to thrive in business, build lasting wealth, and create meaningful change? In this episode of The Empowered Money Girl podcast, Josette Mandela sits down with Paula Pingel—a visionary business development executive, global leader, and startup advisor with over 30 years of experience guiding organizations to new heights. Paula shares her journey from growing up in Jamaic...

In this episode of The Empowered Money Girl, Josette Mandela sits down with Gina Zimmer — Senior VP of NYC Operations at the New York State Restaurant Association — to unpack her rise through fast-paced industries, her bold approach to negotiating salaries, and why women must own their financial independence. Gina gets real about: ✨ Starting in the worst recession and still finding her way to the...

In this episode, you’ll discover: How Albana pivoted her career through major life changes, including the 2008 crisis and the pandemic Her approach to financial independence, smart saving, and investing for the future The importance of diversification in money—and life! Strategies for women to take ownership of their finances, no matter their starting point Why open communication and authenticity...

Unlock Your Financial Confidence with Dr. Argie Nell Nichols! 🌟 In this inspiring episode of Empowered Money Girl, host Josette Mandela sits down with visionary speaker, educator, and legacy mentor, Dr. Argie Nell Nichols. With over 45 years of experience in education and leadership, Argie shares her powerful journey from growing up on a cattle ranch in Arkansas to transforming the lives of count...

Join host Josette Mandela on the Empowered Money Girl podcast as she sits down with Irina Dymarsky, visionary tech executive and CIO, for an inspiring conversation about financial independence, leadership, and living boldly. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Irina’s non-linear career path led her to become a leader in technology and operations The real meaning of financial independence—and why...

Join host Josette Mandela as she sits down with Dr. Kristine McKenzie Gentry, a cultural architect and founder of Culture Grove, for an inspiring conversation about financial independence, workplace culture, and the power of mindset. With over 25 years of experience decoding human behavior and transforming organizations, Dr. Gentry shares her personal journey from academia to entrepreneurship, rev...

What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Maura’s journey from math major and coder to business advisor and advocate for women’s empowerment. How personal loss led to her “awakening” and a new approach to leadership rooted in vulnerability, authenticity, and servant leadership. The role of spirituality, meditation, and slow mornings in Maura’s decision-making and creativity. Real talk about financial inde...

In this episode of Empowered Money Girl, host Josette Mandela speaks with Melissa Jurkoic, a powerhouse executive and advocate for women in tech. Melissa shares her journey from engineering to leadership, discussing the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. The conversation delves into the concept of financial independence, the importance of understanding one's money story, an...

Join host Josette Mandela as she sits down with Nio Queiro—visionary leader, founder of The Cairo Group, and award-winning author—for a candid conversation about money, leadership, and living boldly. In this episode, you'll discover: How Nio rose from health information management to executive leadership, shaping strategy at major healthcare organizations like Tufts Medicine and Nashville General...

In This Episode: Annette shares her unique journey from corporate America to becoming a trusted resource for women navigating career transitions, job hopping, and workplace challenges. Discover practical tips for: Breaking free from traditional career paths and leveraging company benefits like tuition reimbursement and 401(k) matches Navigating job hopping in today’s market—when it makes sense, ho...

In this episode of Empowered Money Girl, host Josette Mandela speaks with Amber Gage, a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing expert. Amber shares her journey from growing up in a family business to leading her own marketing firm. The conversation explores themes of financial independence, the importance of viewing money as a tool, and the unique challenges women face in entrepreneurship. Amber emph...

In This Episode: Nikki’s Journey: Hear how Nikki’s struggles with gut health and chronic illness led her to become an expert in nutrition and digestive wellness. Why Gut Health Matters: Discover why your digestion affects everything—from your mood and energy to your finances and career success. Breaking Taboos: Nikki shares why it’s time to talk openly about poop, busting myths and encouraging eve...

Join host Josette Mandela as she welcomes Sarah Confessore, Senior Director of Packaging and Vendor Relations at Canopy USA, for a candid conversation at the intersection of creativity and financial empowerment. Discover how Sarah’s journey from aspiring fashion designer to industry leader in cannabis and apparel shaped her approach to money, leadership, and resilience. Whether you’re building you...