In this inspiring episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with community leader and visionary, Charise Stephens-Merriweather. From humble beginnings to becoming a catalyst for change, Charise shares her incredible journey of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making her community a better place.  

 

Charise takes us back to her childhood, where she grew up as a bright and active girl who earned a cheerleading scholarship to college. After navigating the challenges of being a single mom and immersing herself in the business world, she discovered a deep yearning to give back to her community—something she credits to her grandmother's influence.  

 

In this episode, Charise discusses how her passion for helping others led her to establish the Georgia Wellness & Fitness Festival, an annual event now in its 11th year with over 30 activities in a single week. But her story doesn’t stop there. When tragedy struck her community, Charise felt compelled to act. She turned a vacant building into a hub for UCreate Macon, a groundbreaking cycling program for kids.  

 

What started as a local effort to give kids an outlet beyond "foolishness" has grown into a national movement. With 25 certified coaches and 200 kids currently participating, UCreate Macon is giving young people life-changing opportunities. The program has expanded to include competitive cycling teams, with participants traveling across the U.S. and even Canada, staying on college campuses, and building confidence along the way.  

 

Charise shares heartwarming stories, including how she helped a once homeless child become a national award-winning cyclist, and how she’s empowering girls in the program to break barriers and redefine what it means to be an athlete. Now, UCreate Macon is sparking interest nationwide, with 13 new chapters in development across the country.  

 

This episode is a testament to what’s possible when we listen, take action, and lead with an open heart. Tune in to hear Charise's inspiring story and learn how you can start a cycling chapter or some other program in your community to transform lives, one bike ride at a time.  

 

**Don't miss this episode filled with hope, heart, and actionable insights to make a difference where you are!**  

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Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

**Connect with Charise Stephens-Merriweather:**  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15gTEuGpta/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌐 Website: https://u-create-macon.ueniweb.com

📧 Email: [email protected]