This powerful episode of Full Circle brings together voices from Sierra Donor Services to explore the life-saving impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation—and why this work matters now more than ever.

Through a blend of facts, lived experiences, and heartfelt storytelling, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink legacy, community responsibility, and the power of a single decision.

Featured Guests:

Alex Vaiz, External Affairs Director, Sierra Donor ServicesMelissa Lane, Organ Recovery Coordinator and donor motherMichael Coleman, Communications Director, DCI Donor Services

The Urgent Need

Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently waiting for a transplantNearly 20,000 are in California alone

16 people die each day waiting for a life-saving organ

Communities of color are disproportionately impacted, especially in kidney transplant waitlists

The Power of One Decision

One organ donor can save up to 8 livesTissue donation can improve up to 75 lives

Donations can restore sight, support burn recovery, and help cancer survivors heal

Kidney Health Month Spotlight
March serves as a critical reminder of the need for kidney donors, with nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a kidney transplant

A Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Melissa Lane shared the story of her daughter, Sakeita, whose legacy lives on through organ donation—offering others more time, more memories, and more tomorrows. Her story grounded the conversation in what this work truly means for families.

Donate Life Month (April)
A national movement to:

Raise awarenessHonor donor heroes and their familiesInspire new donor registrations

Light Up Sacramento
March 31 | 7:00–8:30 PM
Mount Vernon Memorial Park, Fair Oaks
A moving visual tribute honoring donors and their life-saving legacy.

Donor Dash & Health Fair
April 18 | 7:30–10:00 AM
Crocker Park, Sacramento
A community gathering to honor donor heroes, celebrate recipients, and support those still waiting.

Sierra Donor Services serves 2.8 million people across 13 counties, providing life-saving organ recovery and ongoing family support.

Recent impact includes:

170 donors leading to 422 organ transplants

855 tissue donors improving countless livesOver 1,200 families supported through grief and aftercare services

This is more than awareness. This is about action.

Here’s how you can make a difference today:

Register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor at sierradonor.org or registerme.orgHave a conversation with your loved ones about your decisionAttend and support upcoming Sierra Donor Services eventsShare this episode to spread awareness

Your decision could save lives. Your legacy could change generations.

Follow or Subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss an episode.

The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming for many students and families. Navigating course requirements, financial aid, academic planning, and transfer pathways often leaves students unsure of how to move forward.

In this episode of Full Circle, Ms. Wanda sits down with Dr. Camille Wise, Director of the City Scholars Program at Sacramento City College, to discuss a new initiative designed to simplify that journey and help students reach their goal of transferring to a four-year university.

City Scholars is a two-year, cohort-based program designed to help students complete a Degree for Transfer while receiving structured guidance, academic planning, and community support along the way.

The program was developed after campus leaders analyzed student data and discovered a significant gap between students who intended to transfer and those who were actually able to do so within two years. City Scholars was created to close that gap by removing common barriers and providing students with a clear academic roadmap.

Dr. Wise shares how the program supports students academically, socially, and personally while preparing them for transfer to universities across California and beyond.

• How cohort-based learning creates community and accountability
• How preset course schedules help students graduate on time
• The role of dedicated counselors and student support specialists
• How the program connects students to campus resources and services
• Transfer opportunities to CSU, UC, and other universities
• The three majors currently offered through the program
• How students can apply and what the enrollment process looks like

City Scholars is designed to remove many of the obstacles students face when navigating community college independently.

Students in the program may pursue a Degree for Transfer in one of the following fields:

Psychology
Business
Administration of Justice

These majors were selected because they are among the most popular pathways for students and offer broad transfer opportunities to universities.

This program may be a great fit for students who:

• Are graduating high school this year
• Plan to attend Sacramento City College in Fall 2026
• Plan to enroll full-time (12–16 units per semester)
• Want to transfer to a four-year university
• Want structured guidance and a supportive student community

Students interested in the City Scholars Program should:

1. Visit the Sacramento City College City Scholars webpage

2. Complete the City Scholars Student Interest Form

3. Apply to Sacramento City College through the California Community College application system

4. Submit financial aid applications if needed

5. Connect with program staff who will guide them through the next steps

Because the program has limited space, early interest is encouraged.

For many community college students, the dream of transferring to a four-year university can feel unclear or difficult to achieve.

City Scholars was created to make that path more accessible by combining academic structure, personal guidance, and a strong sense of community.

By helping students stay on track and connected to the support they need, the program aims to help more students achieve their goal of earning a bachelor’s degree.

Listen to this episode of Full Circle to learn how the City Scholars Program is helping students move from high school to community college and ultimately to a four-year university with confidence and support.

If you are a high school senior, parent, counselor, or mentor supporting a student preparing for college, take the next step today.

Learn more about the City Scholars Program and complete the student interest form to get connected with program staff.

Share this episode with students and families who may benefit from a structured pathway to college

Have a business idea but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve launched your business but need support building a stronger foundation.

On this episode of Full Circle, host Ms. Wanda talks with Shayla Walker, founder and CEO of Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer, about the Venture Soul Entrepreneurship Program—a new initiative designed to support early-stage Black entrepreneurs.

This hands-on program is designed for individuals who are in the ideation phase or within their first one to two years of business and are ready to strengthen their strategy, skills, and network.

Running March through July, Venture Soul brings entrepreneurs together for nine interactive workshops covering essential business topics including:

• Branding and marketing strategy
• Leveraging technology and AI
• Accessing business loans and funding opportunities
• Building sustainable business systems
By learning directly from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, participants will also gain valuable networking opportunities and mentorship while building relationships with other entrepreneurs on a similar journey.

The program culminates in a Business Showcase & Mixer, where participants will pitch their businesses and compete for support in their next stage of growth.

Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their businesses at the 4th Annual Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer this summer, gaining exposure to potential clients, collaborators, and community supporters.

If you’re ready to move your business idea forward, this program was created with you in mind.

Applications are open now, but space is limited.

Apply today:
sistahsoulbrunch.org

We’re kicking off Women’s History Month with an inspiring conversation featuring Sisters in Success (S.I.S.) at San Joaquin Delta College.

S.I.S. is a mentorship and cultural enrichment program dedicated to supporting Black/African/African American female students through intentional programming, sisterhood, and culturally responsive engagement. Led by Program Director Dr. Malika Hollinside, the initiative was created to increase academic success rates while strengthening mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

In this episode, we explore:

• The vision and founding purpose behind Sisters in Success
• The importance of culturally affirming spaces for Black women in higher education
• How mentorship and sisterhood improve academic outcomes
• The power of accountability partnerships
• Community involvement and leadership development
• Mental health awareness and holistic wellness practices
• The life-changing impact of the annual HBCU tour
You’ll hear directly from S.I.S. participants about their lived experiences — how the program has helped them find their voice, build confidence, and strengthen bonds with other Black women on campus.

This episode is a reminder that when Black women are nurtured, supported, and seen, they create excellence not only for themselves — but for generations to come.

Share this episode with a student, mentor, educator, or parent invested in the success of young Black women.

Women’s History Month is about honoring legacy — and investing in the future.

As we kick off American Heart Month, this powerful first-hour conversation on Full Circle centers on a story that is both deeply personal and profoundly instructive. Susan and Don Leonard join the show to share how a sudden cardiac arrest changed their lives—and how quick thinking, preparation, and love made survival possible.

Susan experienced sudden cardiac arrest at home, a moment that came without warning and demanded immediate action. Don did not hesitate. Because he knew Hands-Only CPR, he was able to begin chest compressions immediately, keeping blood circulating to Susan’s brain and vital organs during the most critical minutes of her life. His swift response sustained her until first responders arrived and were able to take over advanced medical care. Those first few minutes—before sirens, before the ambulance—made all the difference.

Susan had experienced symptoms prior to her cardiac event but did not take them seriously. Like many women, she dismissed the warning signs, not realizing they could signal something life-threatening. Their story underscores a critical truth: women’s cardiac symptoms can present differently and are often minimized or misunderstood. Ignoring or downplaying symptoms can delay lifesaving treatment.

During this moving conversation, Susan and Don reflect on the emotional weight of that day—the fear, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming gratitude that followed. They also speak about how surviving cardiac arrest reshaped their perspective on health, preparedness, and the fragility of life.

• A firsthand account of sudden cardiac arrest from both perspectives

• How Don’s immediate use of Hands-Only CPR sustained Susan’s life

• Why the first few minutes before emergency responders arrive are critical

• The importance of recognizing and acting on heart-related symptoms, especially in women

• How survival strengthened their commitment to educating others

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. When it does, survival often depends on the people nearby. Hands-Only CPR—hard and fast chest compressions in the center of the chest—keeps oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and heart until professional help arrives. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

Don’s knowledge did not require medical training—just preparation. His willingness to act without hesitation became the bridge between collapse and recovery.

Episode Highlights

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, and women are often underrecognized and undertreated during cardiac emergencies. Susan and Don’s story is a reminder to:

• Take symptoms seriously

• Trust your instincts when something feels wrong

• Learn Hands-Only CPR

• Have open conversations about heart health with loved ones

This is a touching story of love, courage, and survival. It is also a call to action. Because when seconds matter, knowing what to do can mean everything.

In this episode of Full Circle, we turn our focus to a critical and often overlooked reality: menopause is a major turning point in a woman’s heart health.

Dr. Roshni Khatiwala, cardiologist and volunteer with the American Heart Association, joins the conversation to unpack why a woman’s risk for heart disease increases during and after menopause — and why so many women are unaware of that shift.

Many associate menopause with hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep changes. Few connect it to cardiovascular risk. As estrogen levels decline, the protective effects it once provided to the heart begin to diminish. Blood pressure may rise. Cholesterol can change. Weight distribution shifts. Metabolism slows.

Even more concerning, heart symptoms can mimic menopause symptoms. Palpitations may be dismissed as anxiety. Fatigue may be blamed on hormones. Shortness of breath may go unchecked.

Dr. Khatiwala explains how women can recognize warning signs, why family history matters, and what questions every woman should ask her doctor — especially during her 40s and 50s.

This episode also addresses disparities, including why women of color often experience higher rates of hypertension and diabetes, and the importance of culturally responsive care and early prevention.

The message is clear: menopause is not just a hormonal transition. It is a cardiovascular checkpoint.

Small, consistent steps — regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, heart-healthy nutrition, movement, and stress management — can significantly reduce long-term risk.

Call to Action

If you are approaching or experiencing menopause, schedule a heart health conversation with your doctor. Know your numbers. Discuss your family history. Share this episode with the women in your life — mothers, sisters, daughters, friends. And support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association through volunteering, advocacy, or community education. Awareness is protection.

As we close out American Heart Month on Full Circle, this episode centers on a story that is both heartbreaking and life-affirming.

Marvale Young has always been a caregiver. A devoted mother, she fostered more than 30 children, opening her home and heart to young people who needed stability, love, and safety. She was the strong one — the one who carried others through their storms.

But over time, life carried its own weight. After losing her husband and navigating years of emotional stress, Marvale began noticing subtle shifts in her health. Fatigue. Changes in her body. Signals that were easy to overlook when you are used to putting everyone else first.

Then came the diagnosis: heart failure.

In this intimate conversation, Marvale reflects on what it felt like to hear those words and whether prolonged stress and unresolved grief contributed to her declining health. Caregivers often ignore their own needs. Women, especially, push through discomfort. Marvale’s story challenges us to reconsider that pattern.

And then — in the midst of unimaginable grief, just days after losing her son — she received a call that would change everything. A donor heart was available.

Her journey from heart failure to transplant is a powerful reminder of the lifesaving impact of advanced cardiac care, organ donation, and medical research. It is also a testament to resilience, faith, and the gift of second chances.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Symptoms are often subtle. Stress is not “just stress.” Fatigue is not always “just being tired.”

This episode is about listening to your body before it whispers become emergencies.

Call to Action:

Make your heart health a priority. Schedule a physical. Monitor your blood pressure. Have honest conversations about stress, grief, and self-care. Learn how you can support heart health education and survivor advocacy through the American Heart Association. Share Marvale’s story — it could inspire someone to seek care sooner.

In this powerful American Heart Month episode, Full Circle continues its commitment to heart health awareness with guest Ann Koeing — a former registered nurse, stroke survivor, mother of three, author, and volunteer with the American Heart Association.

More than 20 years ago, shortly after giving birth to her third child, Ann suffered a life-altering stroke. As a medical professional, she understood the seriousness of what was happening — but nothing could fully prepare her for the journey ahead.

Survival was only the beginning.

Ann had to relearn how to walk, how to write, and how to perform everyday tasks many of us take for granted. Recovery was not just physical — it was emotional, mental, and deeply personal. As she navigated rehabilitation, she was also raising three young children. Rather than allowing that responsibility to overwhelm her, Ann chose to let her children become her inspiration. They became her reason to push forward on the hardest days, her motivation to heal, and her reminder that purpose still awaited her.

During this episode, Ann shares:

• What it was like to experience a stroke shortly after childbirth
• How her background as a registered nurse shaped her understanding of her condition
• The realities of stroke recovery — relearning mobility, handwriting, and independence
• The emotional toll of recovering while parenting young children
• The role of resilience, faith, and family support in long-term healing
• Why heart disease and stroke awareness must be part of every woman’s health conversation

Ann’s journey did not stop at recovery. She transformed her experience into advocacy, becoming a Go Red for Women Ambassador with the American Heart Association. She has shared her story at the Sacramento Go Red Luncheon and throughout the region, using her voice to educate others about the warning signs of heart disease and stroke in women.

She also authored a book about her journey titled The Story I Wanted to Hear. In it, Ann shares the honest, unfiltered account of her stroke, rehabilitation, motherhood, and ultimate transformation. The book offers encouragement, practical insight, and hope for survivors and families navigating similar health crises.

You can purchase Ann’s book on Amazon here

This episode reminds us that heart disease and stroke do not discriminate — even healthcare professionals are not immune. But with awareness, early action, community support, and resilience, survival can lead to purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Stroke and heart disease can impact women at any stage of life, including postpartum
• Knowing the warning signs can save lives
• Rehabilitation requires patience, persistence, and support
• Family can be a powerful motivator in recovery
• Sharing your story can turn pain into purpose

Call to Action:

This American Heart Month, prioritize your heart health. Schedule your annual checkup. Know your numbers — blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and family history. Learn the warning signs of heart attack and stroke. If you are a new mother or supporting one, remember that postpartum health includes heart and stroke awareness.

Purchase Ann’s book, share this episode with someone you love, and consider supporting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign in your community.

Subscribe to Ms. Wanda's Full Circle Radio on your favorite podcast platform and continue the conversation. When we share stories, we save lives.

Full Circle’s kickoff to American Heart Month, features an informative and empowering conversation with Dr. Amardeep Singh, cardiologist and volunteer with the American Heart Association.

Dr. Singh works at the intersection of clinical care and community education, helping patients and the public better understand heart disease, cardiac arrest, and lifesaving interventions such as Hands-Only CPR.

This episode builds on the real-life survival story shared earlier in the show and provides the medical and public health context behind why CPR education, early action, and prevention are critical—especially for women and underserved communities.

• What happens in the body during cardiac arrest

• Why bystander intervention is essential before emergency responders arrive

• How Hands-Only CPR works and why it is effective

• Common misconceptions about heart disease and cardiac emergencies

• The role of the American Heart Association in education, prevention, and advocacy

Heart disease is the leading cause of death, yet many cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals. Immediate bystander CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Education and awareness—especially during American Heart Month—play a vital role in saving lives.

• Learn Hands-Only CPR through the American Heart Association

• Talk openly about heart health with your family and community

• Wear red on February 6 to support women’s heart health

• Share this episode to help spread lifesaving knowledge

This episode reinforces a simple but powerful message: informed communities save lives.

In this timely episode of Full Circle, we focus on the importance of enrolling in health coverage through Covered California and what Californians need to know before the January 31, 2026 open enrollment deadline.

Dr. Monica Soni, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Deputy Executive Director at Covered California, joins the show to explain:

• What Covered California is and how it serves as California’s official health insurance marketplace

• How Covered California helps individuals and families connect to quality, affordable health plans

• Why nearly 92% of enrollees receive financial assistance

• The role and impact of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) and what their expiration means for Californians

• How California has stepped in with $190 million in state-funded tax credits for individuals earning up to 165% of the federal poverty level

• Why preventive care should be viewed as an essential, everyday practice—not just something we seek during emergencies

In the second hour, we slow things down and simplify what can often feel overwhelming:

• A recap of the key takeaways from the conversation with Dr. Soni

• A clear explanation of the penalty for not having health insurance and how to weigh it against the risks of being uninsured

• Why reviewing your coverage annually matters—even if you already have a plan

• Encouragement for families to prioritize preventive care, wellness visits, and early intervention

• Empowering listeners to make informed, confident decisions about their health and finances

This episode is about demystifying health coverage, reducing fear, and helping our community understand that access to care is both possible and necessary.

Open Enrollment Deadline: January 31, 2026

Here’s what you can do today:
✔️ To explore your options, visit Covered California or call them at 1-800-300-1506

✔️ Check if you qualify for financial assistance or state-funded tax credits
✔️ Compare plans and costs—don’t assume you can’t afford coverage
✔️ Consider the penalty for being uninsured and weigh it against the cost of coverage and preventive care

Health insurance is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting your future, your family, and your peace of mind.

Listen. Learn. Enroll. Because informed choices lead to healthier lives.