Hello friends! Welcome to this week’s episode of the Empowered Together podcast and video show on InkandescentWomen.com — as well as InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv

Today, we are thrilled to talk with one of our new members: Meet strategic marketing consultant, content creator, and data analyst Kylene Ye

I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co.

Before we jump into our Q&A, here’s a little about this truly amazing woman.

Kylene Ye is a strategic marketing consultant, content creator, and data analyst with 7+ years of experience helping Fortune 500 brands optimize their digital presence. At LinkedIn, she advises top companies on B2B marketing, data storytelling, and campaign strategy. Today, she focuses on empowering women-led businesses to grow their impact through LinkedIn and social media. Outside of work, Kylene creates content on YouTube where she’s built an engaged audience with over 25K+ subscribers. She’s currently based in Maryland and enjoys green tea, long walks, video games, and yoga.

Be sure to listen to and watch our interview where we talk with Kylene about:

Don’t miss it!

Learn more about the Empowered Together Network on Inkandescent Women magazine. We invite you to join us! Find details about the benefits of membership here.

Hello friends! Welcome to this week’s episode of the Empowered Together podcast and video show on InkandescentWomen.com — as well as InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv

Today, we are thrilled to talk with one of our new members: Andrea Walton, MBA — the founder & CEO of the Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation based in Alexandria, VA, at Howard University, and in Cape Town, South Africa

I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of Inkandescent®.

Before we jump into our Q&A, here’s a little about this truly amazing woman.

Andrea Walton is a seasoned HR executive, published author, and purpose-driven philanthropist committed to building pathways to education for Black and Brown girls around the world. As Founder and CEO of The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, Andrea leads with a deeply personal mission-having once been a teen mom who earned her GED before climbing the ranks to become a Chief People Officer in the biotech and education sectors.

Since 2020 Andrea has awarded nearly a dozen scholarships under the banner “From GED to MBA,” and recently formalized the Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. With global partnerships spanning the University of Cape Town and Howard University the foundation is scaling a bold vision: to eliminate systemic barriers to higher education-one student one scholarship and one opportunity at a time. Andrea also leads Concrete Strategies LLC her HR consulting firm and hosts the podcast The Table I Built where she shares unfiltered conversations on leadership resilience and equity.”My work is rooted in the belief that education saves lives. It is true for me, and it is my life’s mission to help others write their own stories. Where we came from creates a foundation. What we do next is up to us.”

Be sure to listen to and watch our interview where we talk with Andrea about:

Listen to Andrea’s Podcast, The Table I Built: A bite-sized podcast on real-life resilience purpose and leadership in Season 1 of Andrea’s show you’ll find episodes under 10 minutes for builders who are short on time but big on vision. “Each episode offers raw, reflective insight on grit, healing, and building something meaningful after life turns sideways,” says the woman who went from teen mom to executive. “I am happy to share hard-earned lessons, true stories, and bold encouragement for anyone who’s ever had to start again.” In Season 2 Andrea will interview leaders who have also gone from pain to purpose and want to share their hard-earned wisdom. Click here to listen.

Check out Andrea’s books:

From GED to MBA: Defying the odds to win! As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who became a teen mom, the odds were stacked against Andrea. “Through my faith, family, and resilience, I fought through,” she explains, and hopes her story motivates readers when the odds are stacked against them. “Today, choose to look doubt square in the eyes and say, I will not quit!” Click here to buy the book.

All the Smoke: From Pain to Purpose Author Andrea Walton has shared her life and educational journey in From GED to MBA. Now, “All the Smoke” details Divorce, Depression, and ultimately Destiny. The native of Pasadena, CA grew up with a single mom, sister, and brother. Like many teens that become pregnant, she was on welfare and dropped out of high school to raise her daughter. At 19, she took the GED and passed, but it took several years before she was ready to apply to college. The first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, she forged on to complete her MBA two years later. She then spent decades as a human resources expert with positions at Nestle, Target, biotech companies, and more. She now mom to three children, all of whom are thriving in Northern VA.

Contact this truly amazing woman: Email: [email protected] • Cell: 626-233-1409

Hello friends! Welcome to this week’s episode of the Empowered Together podcast and video show on InkandescentWomen.com — as well as InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv

Today, we are thrilled to talk with one of our new members: Philanthropy advocate and podcast host Megan Bell.

I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of Inkandescent, where the work of the professionals we have the privilege of working with never ceases to amaze us.

Before we jump into our Q&A, here’s a little about this truly amazing woman.

Meg Bell is the Director of Engagement at Daylight, a professional learning platform for philanthropic advisors. With over 15 years of experience building mission-driven partnerships, Meg is passionate about making philanthropy more accessible and integrating giving into everyday wealth conversations.

She hosts Illuminate Philanthropy, a podcast that spotlights everyday practitioners who are advancing generosity and innovation across the sector. She also created My Aunt Is a Nun, a storytelling project inspired by the women religious who were, in many ways, among the first philanthropists—committed to serving those most vulnerable and shaping a more just world. That same spirit of generosity and solidarity continues to inform Meg’s work and her belief in the power of community and giving to drive systemic change.

A proud graduate of Seattle University and former Jesuit Volunteer Corps member, Meg currently sits on the advisory boards of Vitanya—an organization that advances brain health and emotional resilience for those on the frontlines of service, helping caregivers, veterans, and mission-driven professionals sustain their impact and strengthen the communities they serve.

Be sure to listen to and watch our interview where we talk with Megan about:

Check out Megan’s podcast here: myauntisanun.podbean.com

Hello friends! Welcome to this week’s episode of The Empowered Together podcast and video show on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv.

Today we are thrilled to talk with one of our new members, Rúna Bouius, founder of the TRUE Power Institute.

About Rúna: A serial entrepreneur and visionary thinker who grew up in Iceland, Rúna’s life of adventure and exploration has unfolded in wildly different settings – Reykjavik, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles. For 20 years, Rúna was a trailblazer and the industry leader in Iceland’s beauty and wellness industry. After her husband’s death, at the height of her commercial success, Runa moved with her sons to Santa Fe and embarked on a no-holds-barred soul journey. Today, the published author and international bestseller co-author resides in LA, where she co-founded the Conscious Leader Network, the Conscious Capitalism LA Chapter, the Together Network, and her firm, True Power Institute. She serves as a mentor to CEOs and other visionary professionals who are hungry for a more purpose-driven world. “I am often referred to as a futurist and conscious leadership influencer,” shares Runa, who uses her keynote speaking, coaching, and social impact initiatives to promote the evolution of the human spirit. “I invite leaders on a journey toward a thriving world.” Learn more: truepowerinstitute.com

Today, we ask this truly amazing woman about:

Don’t miss it! 

Learn more here: truepowerinstitute.com

Hello friends! Welcome to this week’s episode The Empowered Together podcast and video show on InkandescentWomen.com — as well as InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv

Today, we are thrilled to talk with one of our new members: journalist, author, and activist Natalie Jacobsen.

I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of Inkandescent where we never cease to be amazing by the work of the professionals, we have the privilege of working with.

Before we jump into our Q&A here’s a little about this truly amazing woman.

Who she is: Natalie is an award-winning journalist, writer and marketer who devotes her time and talent to the nonprofit sector, inspiring others to take action and change the world.

What she does: Natalie has reported on civil rights in Virginia and defended journalists’ rights in court. One of her passions is filmmaking; she has shown three projects at film festivals. In her spare time, she can be found at cultural festivals, boarding planes, volunteering, and in greenhouses. Natalie is also the author of the 2024 book, “Ghost Train.”

Why she does it: “I grew up in a global-minded, aviation family hailing from the Pacific Northwest, and spent her summers creatively writing in my backyard. After graduating college, I lived in Japan for years as a magazine writer and a photographer for television stations, fostering my love of untold stories.”

 Let’s get started with our questions:

Thank you, Natalie, for a great interview! We are so happy to be featuring you on www.InkandescentRadio.com and www.Inkandescent.tv and can’t wait to see what you will accomplish! We’ll talk with you all again soon!

Hello friends! Welcome to this week’s episode The Empowered Together podcast and video show on InkandescentWomen.com — as well as InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv

Today we are thrilled to talk with one of our new members, Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro.

A longtime Inkandescent client who started working with us in 2012, it is amazing to see what this award-winning financial planner has accomplished in the decade since we met. You’ll learn all about it at the website we created to share all of her work and insights, www.MargueritaCheng.com and to date we have published two of her book, www.WealthManagementRules.com and www.DiaryofaCFPPro.com. Plus, last year we finished episode 105 of her podcast/video series, Margaritas with Marguerita. Amazing!

I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of Inkandescent, where the work of the professionals we have the privilege of working with never ceases to amaze us.

On today’s episode, you’ll learn:

Thank you, Rita, for a great interview! We are so happy to be featuring you on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv and can’t wait to see what you will accomplish! We’ll talk with you all again soon!

Hello friends! Today we are thrilled to talk with one of our new members, award-winning photographer Kimberly Brundage. A longtime friend, Kim and I met in Richmond, VA shortly after I moved there in 2014. It was a women’s group that connected us, but it’s our passion for the arts and creativity that has kept our friendship growing over the years.

I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of Inkandescent where we never cease to be amazing by the work of the professionals, we have the privilege of working with.

We’ll get into some of the big life changes Kim has made since the pandemic, all of which are fascinating and awe-inspiring.

First, let me share that Kim’s passion is as a personal branding photographer. At her famous monthly Headshot Parties, Kim creates powerful  portraits that brand corporate and entrepreneurial women — and men —  in a fashion that brings out that internal sparkle we all want the world to see. In 2018, she launched a video and photo series entitled, IdentityRVA!

Kim has also filled galleries with her art, including the Crossroads Art Center where bold, beautiful portraits of 11 women — along with inspiring videos of each (filmed and produced by the Richmond firm Memories Videography) were featured. While helping women look amazing in their pics, Kim is also a champion of young girls about body image and what makes them beautiful from the inside out.

And that’s just a bit about this truly amazing woman that you’ll learn today! Welcome Kim!

On today’s episode, we’ll talk to Kim about:

Thank you, Kim, for a great interview! We are so happy to be featuring you on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv and can’t wait to see where your travels will take you. We’ll talk with you all again soon!

What she does: Helps people become their own life leaders.

Why she does it: “My experiences include 23 years in a corporate setting, conducting research in a K-12 environment, teaching as an educator in higher education, working as an education consultant, and a full-time doctoral student in an educational leadership program. Because of this varied cross-organizational background, coupled with a lifetime of reflection, learning, and integrating experiences, I am able to use my coaching expertise and skills to collaborate with you to gain clarity about your life path and address those obstacles that may threaten to pull you off that path. I am committed to your development—mind, body, and spirit.

“I believe we all have stories of courage, potential to develop, and obstacles to overcome. My interest is in working with people who are seeking, who want to know and learn more, live more, be more, and authentically move forward with increased clarity and focus, purpose, and joy. I want to work with seekers to know their life story, own it, and proactively live that story with joy and abundance. I bring to the table knowledge of motivational and positive psychology, leadership principles, cross-organizational knowledge, and mindfulness strategies, among others, and a wealth of life experience.”

Learn with Eva and the Empowered Together Network: Coming this year, you’ll have the opportunity to explore coaching sessions with Eva Ross: “My goal is to increase awareness of participants by having them leave with a sense of agency and also strategies they might consider using to address their challenges now and in the future. And we certainly have those!”

Classes include:

A discussion of Viktor Frankl’s 1946 book, Man’s in Search of Meaning:

This profound book chronicles Dr. Frankl’s experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. He goes on to describe his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose to each person’s life through one of three ways: the completion of tasks, caring for another person, or finding meaning by facing suffering with dignity.

Living Room Conversations:

In the tradition of gathering in parlors to talk (parlor or parlour comes from the French and means a “place for speaking”), these onversations bring people together to generate understanding and connection.

In our March interview, we ask Eva: 

Click here to learn more about Eva on Inkandescent Women magazine, and read her essay, “One Woman’s Thoughts on Moving Forward After the Election.”

Hello friends! You are watching another great episode of the Empowered Together Network series on Truly Amazing Women show here on Inkandescent Radio and Inkandescent TV. I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of the organization that shines a light on women who are making strides and changing lives!

Today’s guess is a perfect example of that mission. Please meet executive coach, podcaster, and world-class athlete Susanne Mueller. She is the author of several books, including “50 Shades of Lipstick Leadership,” and the star of a TEDx talk called “Running and Life: The 5K Formula for your Success,” and so much more!

Behind the scenes: Originally from Switzerland, now based in New York, Susanne’s career started in an airline company’s sales and marketing department. “It was there that I had my eyes opened to the world,” she shares, and has worked across numerous sectors and geographies ever since. She went on to get a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College, New York. Susanne’s Executive Coaching Certificate comes from her work at Columbia University in New York and is a Professional Certified Coach of the International Coaching Federation (PCC). She has industry experience in government, working for organizations ranging from the Swiss Mission to the United Nations. She has led the global SAP implementation in the international human resources department for Nestlé and has been involved in many consulting projects.

In our Q&A with Susanne, a new member of the Empowered Together Network, we learn: 

Don’t miss this interview! And be sure to stay tuned for information about the classes Susanne will be teaching to the Empowered Together Network.

Alina says: The world is shifting in ways many astrologers have long predicted—an era of transformation, upheaval, and rebirth. The old structures are crumbling, exposing deep-seated wounds in our society and forcing us to confront the shadows we’ve ignored for too long. We are in the darkness before the dawn, the chaotic in-between where fear and uncertainty thrive. But this is not the end—this is the threshold of a new way of being. It is okay to feel scared, but we must not be still. Fear can paralyze or fuel action; the choice is ours.

In times of great change, we must turn inward to care for ourselves: 

Which archetype are you? More than ever, this is a time to embody your true nature—to step into your archetype with intention. The world is not changed by waiting—it is changed by those who step forward, despite their fear, and claim their place in the new world. Find yourself:

This is your invitation: To nourish yourself. To know yourself. To move forward, even in uncertainty. The tides are shifting, and you are part of what comes next. Step into who you are meant to be. The world needs you now.

In our February 2025 interview, we ask Alina:

Bonus: Alina will share an exercise she created so you can find your archetype on your own. She’s also available for personal sessions.

Watch our video interview here!

Click here to learn more about LifeChef Alina on Inkandescent Women magazine.