Keeping It Real with Sharon

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Patricia Young, Executive Director of the HIVE, located in the beautifully restored  Armory Building and part of Shenandoah University.

Patricia shares the incredible story behind this historic building—once an old Armory, now thoughtfully renovated into a one-of-a-kind space for learning, innovation, and connection. Today, the HIVE serves as a hub for innovators, veterans, and entrepreneurs, bringing new energy and opportunity to our community.

We also talk about how this space is already making an impact. In fact, TEDx Handley Blvd Women was one of the very first community events hosted there, something especially meaningful to me and such a powerful example of what this space was designed to do.

What really stands out is Patricia’s passion. She is deeply committed to connecting people, bridging Shenandoah University with the broader community and creating opportunities for collaboration, growth, and innovation.

This conversation is all about vision, transformation, and the power of bringing people together in meaningful ways.

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Today, I’m sitting down with Tammy LaCroix and Mike Turpin, the visionaries behind Winchester’s new PklPlex. What started as a simple recognition, our community needed an indoor place to play pickleball, turned into something much bigger.

Tammy and Mike didn’t just talk about the idea… they took action. From building a business plan to searching tirelessly for the right space, they stayed committed every step of the way. As business partners, they faced challenges, made tough decisions, and refused to give up until they found the perfect fit.

In January 2026, their vision officially became a reality and it’s already exceeded expectations. PklPlex has quickly grown into more than just a place to play… it’s become a place to connect. Friendships are forming, community is growing, and the energy around this sport is something special.

This episode is all about vision, perseverance, partnership, and what can happen when you create something that truly brings people together.

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There’s something powerful about saying “yes” to something that feels big… and a little scary.

In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Julia Healey as she shares her journey to delivering her very first TEDx talk, Called to Act: One Small Thing. Julia is the CEO of United Charitable and a passionate leader in the nonprofit space, but her path didn’t start there.

With a background in finance and a heart for making a difference, Julia made a bold shift into mission-driven work after seeing the gaps in access and opportunity. That decision led her to a bigger purpose… and ultimately, onto the TEDx stage.

We talk about what it really takes to step into something new, the courage behind sharing your voice, and how small actions can create meaningful change in our communities.

If you’ve ever felt called to do something more, or wondered if one small step could really matter, this conversation will inspire you to take that step.

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Steven Shafran, a man with a big heart and a powerful vision for serving others in our community.

Steven is bringing a brand-new event to our area called Cast for Kids, an inspiring day designed to connect special needs adults and Veterans with people who simply love to fish. Each participant will be paired with a fishing buddy for a memorable experience on the water and every guest will receive a brand-new fishing pole and tackle box to take home.

For Steven, this event is about much more than fishing. It’s about connection, dignity, and creating moments of joy for people who don’t always get opportunities like this.

We talk about Steven’s lifelong passion for helping those who may feel overlooked, how this event came to life, and his hope of making Cast for Kids an annual spring tradition that brings our community together.

This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful change begins with one person who simply cares enough to act.

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sarah Fishel, the new Executive Director of the Youth Development Center, for an inspiring conversation about vision, leadership, and investing in the next generation.

Sarah shares why the move to a new building in the heart of the City of Winchester wasn’t just about location, it was about purpose. By creating a space that is more accessible and welcoming, the Youth Development Center is redefining its mission to better serve the youth of our community.

We talk about her passion for getting kids off the streets and off their phones and into real, meaningful connection with one another. From expanded programs to intentional mentorship, Sarah’s goal is to create an environment that inspires growth, confidence, and belonging.

But it doesn’t stop with the kids. Sarah also believes deeply in educating and equipping the adults who interact with our youth every day. When the whole community steps up, young people begin to see that being a productive part of their city doesn’t just change their future, it strengthens Winchester for all of us.

If you care about our community, our schools, and the next generation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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What if your pharmacy felt more like family than a number in line?

In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Corey Boxwell, founder of Boxwell Pharmacy, to talk about his bold decision to open a locally owned pharmacy built on relationships, not transactions.

Corey shares why he believes medicine should be personal, why knowing patients by name matters, and how he’s building a culture where every person who walks through the door feels seen and valued. His vision goes beyond prescriptions — he’s creating a community hub that will offer health workshops, collaborative events, and even a thoughtfully curated gift shop inside the pharmacy.

This conversation is about courage, community, and reimagining what healthcare can look like when people come first.

If you believe business should feel human, you’re going to love this one.

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What if healthcare felt more personal, more supportive, and truly centered on relationships?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brianna Berry, who recently opened a Direct Primary Care medical practice, The Village Family Medicine,  which offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional, transactional healthcare system.

Dr. Berry shares why she’s so passionate about relationship-based primary care for individuals and families, and how her model allows her to truly know her patients, spend meaningful time with them, and focus on whole-person care. We talk about her specialized focus areas, including breastfeeding medicine, mental health services, and her plans to soon add postpartum support services.

She also opens up about her personal journey balancing motherhood with the demanding path to earning her medical degree and the vital role her husband played in supporting her every step of the way.

This conversation is thoughtful, inspiring, and eye-opening for anyone who has ever felt like healthcare should feel more human. If you’re curious about a better way to care for yourself and your family, this episode is a must-listen.

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What does it really take to build a TEDx event and why does it matter?

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, I’m joined by my co-license holder Suzette Neff as we pull back the curtain on TEDxHandleyBlvd Women and look ahead to our upcoming 2026 event.

We share what we learned while attending the TED Next Conference in Atlanta, including powerful insights about storytelling, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with holding a TEDx license. We talk honestly about growth, challenges, and the intentional choices that shape an event designed to encourage conversations and ideas worth spreading in the community.

This conversation is part reflection, part vision-casting, and fully rooted in community. If you’ve ever wondered how ideas take shape, how leadership evolves, or what’s next for TEDxHandleyBlvd Women this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, for an inspiring conversation about the power of collaboration and community care.

Andy shares the heart behind the United Way’s mission, walking us through the many programs they support and the grants they offer to help strengthen our region. We talk about how local nonprofits don’t work in silos, but instead come together through the United Way to create real, lasting impact for individuals and families across our community.

What makes this conversation especially meaningful is Andy’s long-standing commitment to the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Long before stepping into his role as CEO, he carried a deep passion for service and truly understands that when organizations work together, everyone benefits.

This episode is a reminder that strong communities aren’t built alone, they’re built through partnership, compassion, and people who genuinely care. A must-listen for anyone who loves this area and wants to better understand how collaboration is shaping a brighter future for all.

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In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I’m joined by two amazing women—Sarah Abderrazzaq and Stephanie Ryall—for a fun, heart-filling conversation all about family holiday traditions.

Listen as we stroll down memory lane and share the traditions we grew up with, the ones that shaped our childhoods, and the little moments that still make our hearts glow today. From cherished rituals passed down through generations to the new customs we’ve blended into our own families, this episode is all about how traditions evolve as we do.

You’ll hear stories of honoring our roots, combining backgrounds, and creating fresh traditions that feel meaningful as adults, along with plenty of laughs and “me too!” moments.

If you love the magic of the holidays, the nostalgia of family memories, and the joy of building something new, this episode will make you feel right at home.

Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and celebrate the season with us. Let’s get moving into the holidays—together.