In this episode of Her Money Moves, host Staci LaToison sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Lauren Brooks, founder and CEO of Bakery Bling. Lauren takes us on a raw and inspiring journey—one that started with financial struggles and food stamps and has grown into a multimillion-dollar cookie empire stocked in major retailers like Walmart and Target.

Through vulnerability and bold storytelling, Lauren shares how a combination of grit, creativity, and unshakable belief in herself helped her overcome domestic violence, rebuild her life, and create a brand that celebrates beauty, joy, and financial empowerment. This is a must-listen for any Money Mover ready to turn pain into purpose and passion into profit.

In this energizing episode of Her Money Moves, Staci LaToison sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Merrilee Kick, the founder and CEO of BuzzBallz. From her early days as a high school teacher to launching one of the most recognizable brands in ready-to-drink cocktails, Merrilee shares the gutsy journey of turning a business school project into a beverage empire.

Together, Staci and Merrilee talk about business risk, resilience, and raising capital as a woman in a male-dominated industry. You’ll hear candid reflections on overcoming challenges, innovating through adversity, and how BuzzBallz became a household name—all with a Texas-sized dose of humor and heart. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just love a good underdog story, this episode will leave you buzzing with inspiration.

In this powerful episode of Her Money Moves, host Staci LaToison sits down with the trailblazing Monika Mantilla—CEO of Altura Capital and the first Latina to lead the largest private equity firm in the U.S. From her journey immigrating from Colombia to managing millions in strategic capital, Monika shares how she built a career around equity, purpose, and impact. She walks us through the founding of Altura, how she raised capital against all odds, and why investing in overlooked communities creates long-term generational wealth.

This conversation is a masterclass in purpose-driven finance. Monika talks candidly about being underestimated, pivoting through recessions, and how “killing them with competence” opens doors for Latina leaders in male-dominated industries. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for funding or a professional hoping to transition into investment and private equity, Monika’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to act.

In this inspiring episode of Her Money Moves, host Staci LaToison sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and real estate mogul Nancy Almodovar, CEO of Nan & Company Properties. With over a billion dollars in sales and a reputation that spans internationally, Nancy opens up about her journey from selling homes to selling a lifestyle—beginning from humble roots and a leap of faith.

Nancy shares what it really takes to break into the luxury market, how to build client trust through service, and why betting on yourself is the biggest—and best—investment you can make. From mastering high-stakes negotiations to the daily habits that keep her grounded, this conversation is full of real estate wisdom, business gems, and big dream energy.

In this episode of Her Money Moves, Staci LaToison sits down with the one and only Jade Simmons, a powerhouse known as Classical Music’s #1 Maverick. Jade isn’t just a world-class concert pianist, she’s a transformational speaker, best-selling author, and a master of reinvention.

Jade shares how she broke free from the traditional path to create a career that fuses music, storytelling, and purpose-driven impact. She gets real about what it takes to step into your true calling, the power of audacity, and why blending your passions can unlock doors you never imagined.

In this episode of Her Money Moves, we sit down with Elyse Estrada, Vice President of Client Experience and Performance at Yahoo, to talk about the intersection of tech, media, and marketing. Elyse shares her career journey, insights on AI-driven personalization, and the role of networking in career growth. She also discusses the evolution of Yahoo, the importance of women in leadership, and how AI can enhance—not replace—human connections.

In this episode of Her Money Moves, we sit down with the incredible Shama Hyder, a visionary entrepreneur, best-selling author, and CEO of Zen Media. We dive into the evolution of digital marketing, personal branding, and the impact of AI on business growth. Shama shares her journey from launching a company in her early 20s to becoming one of the top voices in marketing today.

Through personal stories and actionable advice, she reveals how women can build influence, scale businesses, and stay ahead in a constantly shifting digital world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or a content creator, this conversation is packed with gems you won’t want to miss.

In this groundbreaking episode of Her Money Moves, we welcome our first-ever female race car driver, Maite Cáceres, live from Miami! Maite shares her inspiring journey from Uruguay to the world of motorsports, overcoming family resistance, breaking into a male-dominated industry, and proving that women belong on the track. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the mental and physical endurance required to compete, and the rituals that help her stay focused before a big race. Tune in to hear how Maite is paving the way for future generations of women in racing!

Maite Cáceres is a professional race car driver from Uruguay who has broken barriers in motorsports. Coming from a family of racers, she fought against traditional expectations to pursue her dream. Now competing internationally, Maite is an advocate for women in racing and encourages young girls to explore opportunities in motorsports beyond just driving, including engineering, logistics, and strategy.

 "Being a female driver means proving yourself every day, but I’ve learned that talent and hard work speak louder than anything else."

"People don’t realize how intense racing is—you have to be in top physical and mental shape to compete at this level."

 "Music is a big part of my pre-race routine. It helps me focus and get into the right mindset before hitting the track."

 "My toughest race taught me that even when things don’t go as planned, you have to stay in the moment and keep pushing."

Website: www.maitecaceresracing.com

Instagram: @maitecaceres_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maite-cáceres-025ab7222/ 

Produced by: Speakerbox Media. Visit youtube.com/@HerMoneyMoves for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources.

●Connect with Staci LaToison on LinkedIn and www.stacilatoison.com  

●Check out Dream Big Ventures on LinkedIn and www.dreambigventuresllc.com   

At the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum in Colorado Springs, Staci meets cybersecurity expert and Dobbs Defense CEO Erica Dobbs. A former Naval officer and recently inducted into Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Erica is a successful business owner, a technology innovator, and an inspiring mentor for female entrepreneurs seeking government contracts. Talking points include educating herself in the cybersecurity space, pulling up a seat at the table in male-dominated fields, and uplifting other women in business through acquisition and mentorship.  

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

Guest Spotlight: 

Erica Dobbs, President & CEO at Dobbs Defense Solutions 

Erica Dobbs boasts a distinguished 36-year career marked by exceptional leadership, policy expertise, and management acumen. Her extensive background spans both the military and the private sector, positioning her as an outstanding candidate for board directorships. As a former Naval Officer, she occupied pivotal roles in communication, cybersecurity, combat systems, space, spectrum & network management, human resources, training, education, and strategic planning. Her leadership on Nuclear Aircraft Carriers and support for key Federal, Services, and Intelligence agencies underscore her mastery of critical IT and satellite communication systems. 

Erica's unwavering commitment to national security extends to her role as the founder and CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions. In this capacity, she drives the company's growth, overseeing daily domestic and global business operations, including IT and supply chain management, as well as human capital. 

Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Erica serves as a national spokesman, fervently advocating for national security and technological innovation. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her dedication to diversity and innovation, positions her as an ideal candidate for board directorships. 

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned: 

Dobbs Defense Solutions | thinkd2s.com 

Connect with Erica: 

For More Information: 

Produced by Speakerbox Media. Visit youtube.com/@StaciLaToison for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources. 

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Recording live from the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum, Money Movers hear from Diedre Windsor, President and CEO of Windsor Group, LLC, one of the 50 fastest-growing women-led companies at WPO. Based in Maryland, Windsor Group is an award-winning professional services company that provides services to public and private-sector clients. Talking points include what a career in the Army taught her about entrepreneurship, supporting her community and uplifting other women of color, and how to find success with public sector and government contracts.  

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

Guest Spotlight: 

Diedre Windsor, President and CEO of Windsor Group LLC 

Diedre L. Windsor is the founder of Windsor Group LLC. Ms. Windsor, a native of Detroit, enlisted in the US Army in October 1986. As a military officer, Diedre’s assignments spanned from Kunsan, South Korea to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and back to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where she served in a myriad of leadership roles until she retired from active service in September 2009 as a Major. 

Upon retiring from the Military, Diedre continued along her public service path by joining the federal government. She assumed roles at the U.S. Department of Education first as Chief of Staff to the Federal Student Aid Chief Information Officer and Technology Office and later as Executive Officer and Director of Resources for the Officer for Civil Rights. After five years at Education, Diedre joined the career Senior Executive Service (SES) with the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

Diedre left the federal government in late 2016 to pursue entrepreneurship full time. Her company, Windsor Group, LLC, provides a host of professional services and business solutions to public and private sectors. The company’s core services include, Staffing, Training, IT Support and Project Management. 

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned: 

Windsor Group LLC | windsorgroup-llc.com, The BOW Collective | thebowcollective.org, WPO | women-presidents.com 

Connect with Diedre: 

For More Information: 

Produced by Speakerbox Media. Visit youtube.com/@StaciLaToison for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: