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

• “When life feels heavy, I lean into my quiet time with God, trusting that what happens in private prepares me for what’s ahead.”
  — Noelle Schnacky, Founder of Hope for Heart Kids
• “When women collaborate instead of compete, entire communities grow stronger together.”
  — Christi Ashby, Co-Founder of Orange Appeal Magazine
• “Leadership isn’t about recognition — it’s about responsibility.”
  — Paris Richardson, Miss Florida 2025 & Founder of C.R.O.W.N. of Health
• “When organizations listen first and act with empathy, entire communities change for the better.”
  — Jaeann Ashton, Executive Director of Community Engagement, AdventHealth Central Florida
• “People don’t connect with perfection — they connect with authenticity.”
  — Keesha Scott, Founder of Cake for Dinner & Co-Founder of Guardian Recovery
• “Resilience is built one act of courage at a time.”
  — Karen Keene, Advocate & Mentor, Athena Next Gen Orlando
• “Confidence isn’t arrogance — it’s trusting the vision God has placed on your heart.”
  — Dr. Karwanna Irving, Founder of She’s Got Goals
• “One conversation can change — and even save — a life.”
  — Jessica Galo, Director of Specialty Care, AdventHealth for Children & Be a Mind Leader
• “When you turn your pain into purpose, your story becomes a lifeline for someone else.”
  — Johanna Kandel, Founder & CEO of The Alliance for Eating Disorders
• “Making a difference doesn’t always start big — it starts with one brave decision to say yes to the whisper inside that says, I can do something.”
  — Allison Walsh

• Additional Resources & Links
  • Connect with Allison: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/newsletter
  • Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Thank you to our sponsors!
  • Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
  • Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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:

• How Johanna turned her personal recovery into the National Alliance for Eating Disorders at age 21 and built it into a global lifeline.
• The Alliance’s real-world impact: therapist-led helplines (~8,000 calls/year), 21 free support groups, ~30,000 participants annually, and 290,000 searches on findedhelp.com.
• Why eating disorders are serious biopsychosocial brain illnesses (not vanity) and the importance of getting care from trained, specialty providers.
• How free, clinician-led support groups and peer connection (“healed people heal people”) close the access gap for people who can’t get traditional treatment.
• The role of social media, weight stigma, and emerging trends (including GLP-1 conversations) in shaping public understanding and care needs.
• Johanna’s innovation roadmap: partnering with social platforms and AI (OpenAI, Cloud, Gemini) to meet people where they are and expand reach.
• What’s next for the Alliance — an ambitious goal to scale the helpline to 7 days a week, increase funding and partnerships, and keep driving down stigma.
• How listeners can take action: share resources, support the Alliance, or find help via findedhelp.com.

Additional Resources & Links

• Connect with Allison: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Thank you to our sponsors!
  • Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
  • Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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:

• The rising pediatric mental health crisis and the importance of early action.
  
   
• How Be a Mindleader is reducing stigma and creating safe spaces for conversations at home, in schools, and across communities.
  
   
• The importance of community collaboration in making resources accessible for families.
  
   
• The growth of the Mindleader Ambassador Program and why peer leadership is so powerful.
  
   
• Expanding support through multilingual resources and grassroots partnerships across Central Florida.
  
   

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.

• On starting the movement: “This idea to have a stigma reduction campaign—or destigmatization campaign—which is what the Be a Mindleader movement is, really bubbled up… If you can have conversations when things are not in crisis, when they’re maybe littler feelings, then that allows you to have those bigger conversations later when the feelings are bigger and the stakes are higher.”
   
• On pandemic lessons: “The pandemic really shone a light on the impact to not only adults and mental health, but kids and mental health and well-being… that kind of was a spark to really get the attention of people that needed to be paying attention, including the healthcare world, but also donors, people in the community.”
   
• On community reach: “This is the first time in AdventHealth history where we have had a campaign in three different languages out in our community, and really targeted and meant to support the community.”
   
• On everyday parenting: “Car rides are a great time for us to connect with our kids. All of a sudden, they start opening up… And so it’s really just being intentional about providing that time, providing that space.”
   
• On empowering youth: “Being a part of the ambassador program, it allows a kiddo to say, ‘I am a Mindleader’… And kids are so excited to do this work.”

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: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/LifeAtAdventHealthCFL/
• https://www.instagram.com/lifeatadventhealthcfl/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventhealthcfl/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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.

Why 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

• Connect with Allison: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Goal Setting Mini Course 
• Impact Brand Accelerator

Learn more about our sponsors!

• AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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:

• How Karwanna went from struggling entrepreneur to winning her first $70,000 government contract in just 28 days.
• The Small Business Act and why trillions of dollars are set aside every year for women-owned businesses.
• Success stories from her clients, including multi-million-dollar wins in industries ranging from leadership training to wigs and video production.
• Why you don’t need a big team to win — just resourcefulness, strategy, and the right guidance.
• Her book Don’t Duck the Government, They’ve Got Your Money and how she’s helping women shift their mindset to wealth and possibility.
   

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

• (3:22) “I landed a contract for 28 days for $70,000. That was the first experience in contracting that I had.”
• (4:51) “The U.S. government is the number one biggest purchaser in the world, and they are obligated to do business with small businesses and women-owned businesses.”
• (7:05) “One of my clients, she was a nurse, landed a $2.7 million contract in nursing.”
• (9:44) “The government literally buys everything… One of my clients, she actually sells wigs, and these are prosthetic wigs that are $5,000 apiece.”
• (11:57) “You don’t need a team. You just need to be resourceful.”
• (13:32) “My book Don’t Duck the Government, They’ve Got Your Money is about how to pitch and win government contracts and make millions doing it.”
• (19:48) “To be confident is having faith that you know something is going to happen even if you haven’t seen the result yet. It’s a walk of faith.”

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

• Connect with Allison: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about our sponsors!
  • AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
  • Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/
• Connect with Karwanna Irving:
  • Instagram: @Karwannadspeaks
  • Facebook: @Karwannadspeaks
  • www.Youtube.com/KarwannaD
• Don't Duck The Government, They've Got Your Money 

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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:

• How Athena Next Gen became a life-changing program for women leaders
• The story of survival that reshaped Karen’s mission and purpose
• Lessons on resilience, courage, and advocacy after unthinkable tragedy
• Why women’s mentorship, connection, and leadership matter more than ever
• How Karen continues to create impact and inspire the next generation of women

This is not just a story of survival — it’s a story of leadership, courage, and turning tragedy into transformation.

Memorable Moments

• “We knew women wanted a safe space to pass the baton to the next generation — and that’s how Athena Next Gen was born.”
• “When somebody can hold up the mirror and help you see how incredible you are, that’s transformative.”
• “I was shot four times — and somehow, I lived. My survival became my purpose.”
• “Mental health and gun violence are intertwined. These conversations must happen in the same space.”
• “Resilience is built when you take your hardest battles and turn them into fuel to help others.”

Resources & Links

• Connect with Karen: https://athenaleadershiporlando.org/
• LinkedIn: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/karen-keene-profile2023/
• Follow Allison on Instagram: www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

👉 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:

• The origin story of Guardian Recovery and its mission to support families through substance use and mental health challenges.
• The reality of parenting in today’s world—and why authenticity matters more than perfection.
• The inspiration behind Cake for Dinner, a podcast and book dedicated to real conversations about motherhood, recovery, and resilience.
• Lessons Keesha learned raising twins as a single mom and navigating unexpected twists in life.
• Why community, vulnerability, and support systems are essential.

✨ 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:

• “People don’t connect with perfection. They connect with real.”
• “Being sober since 2002 shaped the way I parent and the way I show up in the world.”
• “Single moms are the toughest humans on the planet.”
• “Freedom is confidence—being free to be exactly who you are.”
• “Life isn’t linear. Twists don’t mean you’re failing—they’re just part of the story.”

Resources & Links

• Connect with Keesha: https://cakefordinnerpod.com/
• Instagram: @keeshawscott
• Guardian Recovery: www.guardianrecovery.com
• Follow Allison on Instagram: www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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:

• Mental health access for children, families, and underserved populations.
• Pregnancy and childbrith care, including expanded prenatal education, care navigation, and postpartum support.
• Social determinants of health like transportation, housing, and food security, where AdventHealth partners with 200+ nonprofits annually.

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

• On the importance of CHNA: “Every three years, we ask our community what they need—by zip code—so we can build a plan that actually moves the needle.”
• On mental health access: “We built an urgent care model for kids in crisis because the ER isn’t where they belong.”
• On maternal care: “We’ve made all of our prenatal education classes free because access to education changes outcomes for moms and babies.”
• On community partnerships: “We don’t just write checks—we serve on boards, volunteer, and solve real problems alongside nonprofits.”
• On leadership and family: “I love bringing my kids into this work. I want them to grow up knowing the importance of giving back.”

🌟 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: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/LifeAtAdventHealthCFL/
• https://www.instagram.com/lifeatadventhealthcfl/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventhealthcfl/
• https//www.linkedin.com/in/jaeann-ashton

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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

• Attend the Orlando Women's Conference
• Read Orange Appeal Magazine
• Follow Allison on Instagram: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves! 

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

• “Health equity isn’t just an ideal—it’s actionable, one community at a time.”
• On starting GetRaw: “It failed the first time, but we came back stronger—and that’s how C.R.O.W.N. of Health was born.”
• “Exposure is everything—put yourself in rooms where you feel like you don’t belong. That’s where you grow.”
• On confidence: “Confidence is showing up even when you don’t feel ready—smile on your face, 110% effort.”
• “I showed up as Miss Florida before I was crowned Miss Florida. That made all the difference.”

📌 Resources & Links

• Connect with Paris: https://www.parisrichardson.com/
• Follow Allison on Instagram: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand
• Access The Impact Brand Accelerator
• Access From Podcast to Platform
• Beauty Must-Haves!