Daughters of Change

Today we’re kicking off a new collaboration with the Refugee Advocacy Lab, and the Refugee Storytellers Collective – The Women of Refuge Podcast Series!

Over the course of the year, we will bring you personalized, first-hand accounts from resilient women who have powerful and inspiring stories.  

Our goal is to introduce you to your refugee neighbors and build bridges, and community while combatting false narratives about refugees.

As we begin this journey, today’s guests are Basma Alawee, National Campaign Director for “We Are All America”, and Executive Director of Weavetales – and Kate Brick, the Director of the Refugee Advocacy Lab at Refugees International.

After introducing you to these two phenomenal Daughters of Change, we will discuss what their organizations do individually and collectively, why we are doing this series, the power of personalized stories - and how they foster healing and community.

Links to Check Out:

• Refugee Storytellers Collective website
• Refugee Storytellers Collective nomination form (we accept nominations year-round!)
• Refugee Advocacy Lab Website
• Refugee Advocacy Lab on Twitter: @RefugeeAdvcyLab
• Refugee Advocacy Lab on Instagram: @refugeeadvocacylab
• Refugee Advocacy Lab on Facebook - The Refugee Advocacy Lab
• Refugee Advocacy Lab LinkedIn
• Email the Refugee Advocacy Lab - @Kate Brick & @Sarah Sheffer

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Producer:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Today I’ll be speaking with two Daughters of Change who are sharing their stories to help other women unlock their voices. 

Megan Bruiners is a first-generation entrepreneur from Cape Town South Africa. She is also a best-selling author, coach, and TV Show host.

Vanessa Daniels – whom you may remember from our previous podcast “The Truth About Grief” -is the founder of Graves to Gardens Coaching, which focuses on helping people move forward with life and grief. 

We’ll discuss, among other things

•  A collaborative book project with the goal of healing mind, body, and soul while turning pain into purpose
• The power of like-minded women connecting
• The importance of reaching women whose voices are still silent
• How leaping into something that scares you can reap extraordinary rewards

Links to Check Out:

• Megan's Books on Amazon
• Megan's Facebook Page "Author Megan Bruiners"
• Megan's Instagram @author_meganbruiners
• Megan's LinkedIn
• Vanessa's Facebook Page "Vanessa J Daniels"
• Vanessa's Calendly
• Vanessa's LinkedIn
• Email Vanessa at [email protected]

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Producer:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Research shows that participating in Girl Scouts is a powerful factor for developing courage, confidence, and character, which in turn builds a foundation for success in education and careers, enables a lifetime of leadership, and provides high levels of life satisfaction. Alums say being Girl Scouts set them on a path to achievement, connected them to something bigger than themselves, and helped them develop their passions and interests.

That is definitely the case with today’s Daughter of Change, Rachel LeGloahec. Rachel is a Maine native, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, and a Food Networks Chopped Winner who has been cooking professionally for over 17 years! She is also a Girl Scout of Maine Alumn who currently owns and operates two successful businesses.

A leader in her industry, she attributes Girl Scouts with giving her opportunities she wouldn’t otherwise have had. Adaptable and resourceful, Rachel has learned to reinvent herself and redefine the meaning of success as she blazes her own trails in a career that is also her passion.

Links to Check Out:

• Rachel's personal chef website
• Rachel's Products at Weft and Warp
• Rachel's Instagram - @chefand.chef
• Weft and Warp Instagram - @weftandwarpme
• Girl Scouts of Maine Website
• Girl Scouts of Maine LinkedIn
• Girls Scouts of Maine Facebook
• Girl Scouts of Maine Instagram - @girlscoutsofmaine
• Girl Scouts

Donate to support Girl Scouts of Maine: www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/support

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

You are about to meet a very special young lady and Daughter of Change. Rosie - from Go Rosie Grow. Rosie is a gifted seven-year-old from Detroit Michigan. 

Rosie uses her talents to shine a light on historical black figures, particularly women.  Along with her mom Kenya, and sister Ablesyn, Rosie brings happiness and education to people all over the world.

Rosie’s mom, Kenya, told me that the family started doing this for fun, to teach Rosie about black history, and to have some family time. They never expected the response that Go Rosie Grow, has gotten. At the ripe old age of seven, Rosie has already been on Good Morning America, publicly thanked for her work by Governor Whitmer and Stacey Abrams (to name a few) - And - she was crowned Miss Juneteenth of 2021!

This young lady is a breath of fresh air with a big personality and a big talent. I have been following Rosie and her videos for several years now and have loved every minute of it. I was so excited when I reached out to her mom to ask if Rosie would be on the podcast and got a big old Yes back. 

Stand by for a joyous and fun podcast that will bring a smile to your face and your heart.

Links to Check Out:

• Go Rosie Grow on Instagram (go_rosie_grow)
• Rosie's Mom, Kenya, on Facebook

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Today I’ll be introducing you to a fearless, funny, and authentic daughter of change, Myrtha Jasmin, also known as MJ.

MJ is a standup comedian, the host and the creator of the popular DearSis Podcast and Facebook Community.  With a goal of elevating women so they can be the best version of themselves, MJ is a fierce believer that women should build each other up.

An advocate for living life with no regrets, MJ is a go-getter who puts herself out there and follows her passions. Be prepared for a lively and entertaining discussion. This lady knows who she is and is a catalyst for inspiration. Prepare yourself for a fun-filled podcast and a few good belly laughs.

Links to Check Out:

• DearSis Podcast Website
• Drop MJ a Message
• DearSis Facebook Page

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Daughter of Change, Amara, has been broadening her community since the age of five when she became a Girl Scout. From a small island community to traveling the world, Amara has already developed a global perspective and continues to expand her horizons.

Amara is involved in many aspects of Girl Scouts. One of her favorites is World Thinking Day. Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate WorldThinking Day. It’s a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. 

Observed by 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide, World Thinking Day has a different theme each year. In 2023, the theme is “Our World, Our Peaceful Future: The environment, peace, and security.” 

Amara shares her journey of growth as a global citizen, what she’s learned, and what it has meant for her.

Links to Check Out:

• Girl Scouts of Maine Website
• Girl Scouts of Maine LinkedIn
• Girls Scouts of Maine Facebook
• Girl Scouts of Maine Instagram - @girlscoutsofmaine
• Girl Scouts

Donate to support Girl Scouts of Maine: www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/support

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Today’s Daughter of Change, Reema Zaman, is an author, screenwriter, and speaker. Her books include the critically acclaimed memoir I Am Yours and Paramita: A Dystopian Matriarchy. She is the creator and writer of the TV show Snap. 

Her book, I Am Yours, was adopted into the curriculum of several high schools through an Innovation Grant from the Oregon Department of Education. The New York Times states that "Zaman writes beautifully of the pain and frustration of being a woman in a man's world, an immigrant in a world suspicious of outsiders." 

As noted by Forbes magazine, Reema's life, and career have been "A fabulous trajectory of powerful transformation." Reema’s work has appeared in Vogue, Ms. Magazine, The Guardian, Salon, and other leading outlets. A "spellbinding performer of exceptional presence," Reema is a renowned speaker and has been performing worldwide since she was six years old. She was the 2018 Oregon Literary Arts Writer of Color Fellow, a two-time RACC Award recipient, and has won multiple other grants and awards. She also facilitates the award-winning Become a Good Ancestor Book Club.

Born in Bangladesh and raised in Thailand, Reema graduated with degrees in Theater and Women's Studies from Skidmore College and currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with her rescue chihuahua, Fia the Fierce.

On top of this amazing bio, Reema is a beautiful human inside and out. The minute I met her, I knew that we were destined to connect. I’m excited to have all of you meet her too and learn how she has become the author of her destiny. 

Links to Check Out:

• Reema's Website (reemazaman.com)
• Reema's Instagram (@reemazaman)
• Reema's Facebook Page (Reema Zaman)
• Reema's Twitter Account (@ReemaZaman)
• Reema's LinkedIn
• Link to Reema's Memoir "I am Yours" on Amazon
• Link to On the Inside's Website

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Today’s Daughter of Change, Ekhlas Ahmed, is a force to be reckoned with. She is a trailblazer, a shining light, and a beautiful human. 

Forced to flee the outbreak of civil war in Sudan with her mother, father, and three younger brothers in 2004, Ekhlas and her family were resettled in Portland, Maine. Since then, Ekhlas has earned her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine with hopes of helping resettle other refugees – and she is doing just that.

Ekhlas is the Founder and Executive Director of Chance to Advance, also known as CTA, which is dedicated to uplifting the voices of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through storytelling to break down barriers for a more inclusive, connected, and educated world.

Links to Check Out:

• Chance to Advance Website
• To Order Your Calendar
• Chance to Advance Facebook Page
• Ekhlas's LinkedIn Profile

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Today’s Daughter of Change, Marilyn Laken, is a woman who was ahead of her time in a male-dominated world - and with grit, determination, and a strategic mind - rose through the ranks of medical academia.

After earning a BSN from the University of Md and a master’s degree from Boston University in Maternal/Child Health Nursing.Marilyn, who enjoyed asking questions and experimenting with more effective ways to provide health care, decided to get a doctorate in biological anthropology to pursue an academic career with an emphasis on research. 

Health equity has always been a passion for Marilyn, so most of her academic work focused on how to improve access to quality health care for vulnerable populations such as low-income pregnant women and children, and members of the AME Church.

This required working with state and national government agencies and Congress on laws and health policies to improve access to care and with professional organizations on changes in practice guidelines to better meet the needs of vulnerable women and children. 

Marilyn retired after working for 52 years and is now focused on learning more about the needs of aging people and identifying ways to reduce isolation and stimulate our brains.

I’m excited to have the opportunity to converse with this wise woman who has helped to pave the way for the women who came after her. 

Links to Check Out:

• Marilyn's LinkedIn

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile

Resilient, Ready, and Strong! These words describe today’s guest and Daughter of Change, Morgan.  Morgan is a member of the Girl Scouts of Maine.  At the ripe old age of 14, she is already honing her leadership skills and focusing in on her ambitions.

What I loved most about talking to Morgan was hearing how she has learned new things about herself and the world, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

When Juliette Gordon Low started the Girl Scouts in 1912, she brought girls together so they could explore new possibilities and the wonders of the world around them—and she wanted them to do it together. As I got to know Morgan, I realized that over a century later, these tenants still hold true. 

Thanks for joining us to learn more about this young woman and the incredible things she has already accomplished.

Links to Check Out:

• Girl Scouts of Maine Website
• Girl Scouts of Maine LinkedIn
• Girls Scouts of Maine Facebook
• Girl Scouts of Maine Instagram - @girlscoutsofmaine
• Girl Scouts

Donate to support Girl Scouts of Maine: www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/support

Follow Daughters of Change:

• Website:
• Facebook:
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Marie's LinkedIn:

Daughters of Change Podcast Editor:  Sarah Stacey

• Sarah's LinkedIn Profile