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As The Make a Difference Series comes to a close, we're taking time to reflect on the incredible women whose stories have inspired all of us to lead with purpose and serve with heart. This episode is a celebration of how faith, courage, and authenticity can create ripple effects of change that touch countless lives.
We revisit some of our favorite moments from the series — including Noelle Schnacky, Miss Florida’s Teen 2025, whose Hope for Heart Kids Foundation was born out of love and loss, supporting families impacted by congenital heart defects. We also highlight Christy Ashby and Kate Slentz, the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind Orange Appeal Magazine and The Orlando Women’s Conference, who have built platforms that celebrate women and strengthen our community.
Paris Richardson, Miss Florida 2025, continues to inspire us through her C.R.O.W.N. of Health initiative, bringing wellness and education to children and families across Florida. Jaeann Ashton, Executive Director of Community Engagement at AdventHealth Central Florida, reminds us how compassion-driven leadership and listening first can transform the way we care for our communities We also share updates from Keesha Scott, whose honesty and courage around motherhood and recovery continue to inspire; Karen Keene, whose strength and advocacy following tragedy uplift women through mentorship; and Dr. Karwanna Irving, whose passion for helping women create wealth with purpose is transforming the entrepreneurial space.
Finally, we spotlight the continued work of Jessica Galo with Be a MindLeader and Johanna Kandel with The National Alliance for Eating Disorders, two women who continue to make monumental strides in mental health awareness and healing.
Each of these stories reflects the heart of what The Make a Difference Series stands for — women using their voices, their gifts, and their experiences to create lasting impact. We hope this finale reminds you that your light, your story, and your purpose truly have the power to make a difference.
…And because this series was such a success, we will be doing it again! Stay tuned for more information!
💖 Memorable Moments
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This episode is a celebration of courage, compassion, and the power of purpose. Host Allison Walsh welcomes back her dear friend and changemaker Johanna Kandel, founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, as they honor the organization’s 25th anniversary. What began as Johanna’s deeply personal mission to ensure no one felt as alone as she once did has evolved into one of the nation’s leading nonprofits—offering a free, therapist-led helpline and life-saving support groups that reach more than 30,000 people annually across 88 countries.
In this heartfelt conversation, Johanna opens up about transforming pain into purpose, leading with resilience, and creating a movement that has changed the landscape of eating disorder recovery. She shares lessons on courage, collaboration, and hope, revealing how her 21-year-old self’s determination became a global force for good. Listeners will walk away feeling inspired to believe in their own ability to create impact — and reminded that when we heal together, we rise together.
Together, they discuss:
Additional Resources & Links
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On today’s episode of She Believed She Could™, host Allison Walsh welcomes Jessica Galo, Director of Specialty Care at AdventHealth for Children. With over 16 years of experience in pediatric care and a background in social work, Jessica has dedicated her career to supporting families facing the challenges of both physical and mental health.
Jessica oversees the Be a Mindleader initiative, a community-wide effort powered by AdventHealth for Children and Heart of Florida United Way. This movement encourages open conversations about mental health, equips parents and educators with actionable tools, and empowers kids to step into leadership roles as advocates for themselves and their peers. Together, Allison and Jessica discuss:
Listeners will also hear about real success stories, such as how AdventHealth’s embedded mental health counselors in primary care practices are helping families uncover the root causes of children’s struggles—including bullying and anxiety—and connecting them with the right support. This episode delivers inspiration, practical resources, and a reminder that one conversation can change, or even save, a life.
Memorable Moments
About Jessica Galo
Jessica Galo serves as the Director of Specialty Care at AdventHealth for Children, where she has spent more than 16 years leading efforts to support children with complex healthcare needs and their families. Trained as a social worker, Jessica has a passion for addressing the ripple effects of both physical and mental health challenges.
She leads the Be a Mindleader initiative, a groundbreaking campaign in partnership with Heart of Florida United Way that equips parents, educators, and kids with resources to strengthen mental wellness and remove the stigma around asking for help.
Jessica is also a proud mom of two and is passionate about teaching parents how to create intentional moments of connection with their children, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
Resources & Links
✨Connect with Allison✨
The last three months of the year can make or break your momentum heading into the new one. Instead of waiting for January to set resolutions, what if you used this season to take aligned action, reset your focus, and create the foundation for your best year yet?
In this powerful solo episode, Allison dives deep into why the final 90 days of the year are a hidden opportunity for ambitious women who want to elevate their goals, stay consistent, and step into 2026 with confidence and clarity. You’ll walk away feeling inspired, intentional, and ready to show up for yourself in ways your future self will thank you for.
✨ Memorable MomentsWhy October is the perfect month to reset and refocus your goals.
The importance of clarity and alignment in the final stretch of the year.
How small, consistent actions compound into unstoppable momentum.
Why waiting until January slows you down—and what to do instead.
The mindset shift that turns the last 90 days into your launchpad for 2026.
Resources & Links
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In this inspiring episode of She Believed She Could™ Make a Difference Series, Allison Walsh welcomes Dr. Karwanna D. Irving, a powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, and coach who has helped more than 6,000 business owners grow through government contracting opportunities. As the founder of She’s Got Goals, LLC, she’s making a difference by teaching women how to leverage federal, state, and local contracts to create sustainable, scalable, seven-figure businesses.
Together, they discuss:
Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to get started with government contracts, build wealth through service, and step confidently into the role of change-maker in their businesses and communities.
🌟 Memorable Moments
About Dr. Karwanna D. Irving: Dr. Karwanna D. Irving is a transformational speaker, author, and government contracts expert with more than 20 years of experience in business and leadership. She is the founder of She’s Got Goals, LLC, where she has helped over 6,000 entrepreneurs grow by teaching them how to secure government contracts. Her clients have generated over $32 million in contracting opportunities in just the last two years.
Karwanna is the author of Don’t Duck the Government, They’ve Got Your Money and the upcoming book A Journey to Millions, which helps women align their mindset and strategies to achieve millionaire success. She is on a mission to empower women to step boldly into wealth creation, leadership, and impact through entrepreneurship.
Resources & Links
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This week, Allison Walsh welcomes the extraordinary Karen Keene, a visionary leader, advocate, and survivor whose story is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring.
💡 As the founder of Athena Next Gen Orlando, Karen has empowered more than 500 women through leadership development, mentorship, and a powerful professional network. With 30 years of experience as a senior marketing executive, Karen has been recognized as Woman of the Year by both Orlando Magazine and Orange Appeal, while continuing to shape the future of women in leadership across Central Florida.
But Karen’s story goes far deeper than professional achievement. In 2020, she survived being shot four times in a devastating act of gun violence that tragically claimed the life of her husband. Through years of recovery, therapy, and advocacy, she has transformed her trauma into a movement. Today, she serves as a national fellow for Everytown for Gun Safety, raising awareness about the intersection of mental health and gun violence prevention across the country.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:
This is not just a story of survival — it’s a story of leadership, courage, and turning tragedy into transformation.
Memorable Moments
Resources & Links
✨Connect with Allison✨
👉 Are you juggling parenting, perfectionism, and the pressure to “do it all”? In this inspiring episode, Keesha Scott—mom of three, co-founder of Guardian Recovery, certified parenting coach, and host of Cake for Dinner—shares how sobriety, authenticity, and resilience shaped her journey through motherhood and mental health advocacy.
Keesha's story is one of grit, grace, and growth. From navigating early sobriety to raising twins as a single mom, she found her calling in creating resources for families struggling with mental health and substance use. As co-founder of Guardian Recovery, she’s built programs that meet families where they are, ensuring individuals and families alike get the support they need. Now, with her book and podcast Cake for Dinner, Keesha is amplifying conversations around parenting, resilience, and authenticity, reminding us that perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. Her wisdom will inspire parents, professionals, and anyone who loves a comeback story.
Together, they dive into:
✨ Whether you’re a parent navigating tough seasons, a professional in behavioral health, or someone who loves comeback stories—you’ll walk away inspired by Keesha’s resilience, humor, and authenticity.
Memorable Moments:
Resources & Links
✨Connect with Allison✨
In this powerful episode of She Believed She Could, host Allison Walsh welcomes Jaeann Ashton, Executive Director of Community Engagement for AdventHealth Central Florida. With 20 years of experience across healthcare, education, media, and nonprofit sectors, Jaeann leads efforts to connect with community partners and create sustainable programs that improve whole-person health.
Together, they discuss the findings from AdventHealth’s latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and the three major priorities for the coming years:
Listeners will also hear about innovative initiatives such as the Be A Mindleader campaign, youth-focused mental health access, free prenatal classes, community baby showers, and hands-on workforce development programs like Cristo Rey Orlando. This conversation is packed with lessons on community leadership, strategic partnerships, and how healthcare organizations can go beyond clinical care to truly transform lives.
🌟 Memorable Moments
🌟 About Jaenne Ashton:
Jaeann Ashton is a strategic community and marketing leader with 20 years of experience spanning the healthcare, media, transportation, and education industries.
She is the Executive Director of Community Engagement for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division, connecting with local nonprofit organizations and community leaders to improve the health of our community. She loves building meaningful relationships and creating new programs and partnerships that help our community feel whole.
Jaeann graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations and a master’s degree in communication.
Jaeann resides in College Park with her husband and two young children who keep her busy with all their school and extracurricular activities, but she wouldn’t have it any other way!
📌 Resources & Links
✨Connect with Allison✨
Few women have made as profound an impact on Central Florida as Christi Ashby and Kate Slentz. As the founders of Orange Appeal Magazine and the Orlando Women’s Conference, this inspiring mother-daughter powerhouse team has spent years shining a spotlight on women leaders, local businesses, and organizations doing incredible work in the community. Their mission has always been clear: to create space where women are celebrated, supported, and seen.
In this full episode, Christi and Kate reflect on their entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind launching their magazine, and how the Orlando Women’s Conference has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. Beyond publishing and event production, they’ve embraced a bigger calling—empowering women to find their voices, grow their confidence, and step fully into leadership roles.
💡 Key Takeaways
→ How Christi and Kate built platforms that amplify women’s stories and elevate local organizations
→ The lasting impact of Orange Appeal Magazine on Central Florida’s business and philanthropic communities
→ The inspiration and mission behind the Orlando Women’s Conference
→ What it means to be legacy leaders creating ripple effects of empowerment
→ Why lifting others up is the most powerful way to lead and grow
✨ This series is proudly sponsored by AdventHealth for Women and Be a Mindleader.
💬 Memorable Moments & Quotes
🗣️ “Our goal has always been to shine a light on women and organizations making a difference.” – Christi Ashby
🗣️ “When you create a platform for women’s voices, you create change that impacts generations.” – Kate Slentz
🗣️ “The Orlando Women’s Conference is about connection, empowerment, and celebrating community.” – Christi Ashby
🗣️ “We’ve always believed that impact isn’t about us—it’s about who we can lift up.” – Kate Slentz
📌 Resources & Links
✨Connect with Allison✨
In this Make a Difference series episode of the She Believed She Could Podcast, Allison Walsh welcomes Paris Richardson, Miss Florida 2025 and the visionary founder of C.R.O.W.N. of Health. What began as a high school project has grown into a prevention-focused initiative addressing social determinants of health through Community, Research, Outreach, Wellness, and Nutrition (C.R.O.W.N.).
Paris shares how growing up in Title I schools fueled her passion to close health gaps, how she scaled her impact through partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Blue Zones, PBS Kids, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, and why food access and health education are key to long-term equity. From authoring The Not-So-Perfect Garden Project to establishing the C.R.O.W.N. of Health Ambassador Program, her work blends evidence-based research with grassroots advocacy to create healthier communities across Florida—and soon, nationwide.
This conversation is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of showing up fully for your community.
✨ This series is proudly sponsored by AdventHealth for Women and Be a Mindleader.
Memorable Moments
📌 Resources & Links
✨Connect with Allison✨
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