Cindra Stiff’s story is one of steady strength and lasting impact. From becoming a teen mom in a small town to building a 42-year career in higher education in finance, she navigated life with resilience, wisdom, and grace. A leader in a male-dominated field, she helped guide seasons of growth, rebuild after disaster, and shape campus communities…all while staying deeply connected to the students and people around her.

Along the way, she quietly faced her own battles, including a serious health scare in the that required surgery and radiation. After her career, she devoted herself to caring for her mother, and now pours her time into philanthropic efforts that empower others.

Grounded in truth, numbers, and compassion, Cindra has always led without needing the spotlight. This episode is about perseverance, partnership, and the quiet kind of leadership that holds everything together.

In this episode, Kristin Whitney takes us behind the scenes of her career in law…from public defender to prosecutor to corporate counsel for Southern Star. She shares what it was like meeting clients in the jail, earning trust in tense, high-stakes situations, and navigating a male-dominated field. Kristin also reflects on the lessons she’s carried from her upbringing, the challenges and joys of motherhood, and how she continues to push herself to learn new things. Kristin is the definition of what it means to “command a room” with her big personality, confidence, intelligence, kindness, and wit. 

This is Kristin…

and this is Commanding the Room...

From cheerleader to tattoo shop owner, Gabriele Wright has never followed a straight line and that’s exactly what makes her story compelling. A 2009 Owensboro Catholic graduate, Gabriele began in cosmetology (thanks to her mom signing her up), fell in love with the art, and eventually carved her own path into the male-dominated tattoo industry. Now the owner of False Idols Tattoo, she shares how mentors shaped her journey, what it took to earn her apprenticeship, and why doing things her waymatters. Beyond the ink, Gabriele opens up about identity, proving people wrong, and who she is outside of her craft…Scrabble boards, antique hunts, and all.

This is Gabriele..

and this is Written in ink…

Lauren Layson’s life is a testament to intentional change. A wife, mother of three girls, and speech-language pathologist, she chose to step away from practicing to build a life centered around her family. Her story isn’t defined by what she experienced as a young girl, but by what she chose to do differently. By breaking generational cycles, Lauren has built a home rooted in safety and love. Drawing from both her professional background and lived experience, she models a new way forward for her daughters, one shaped by grace, resilience, and purpose. This episode is about change in its truest form: choosing differently and creating a life that reflects what matters most.

This is Lauren…

and this is Speaking of Change…

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Janae Kittinger, a plastic surgeon at Owensboro Health. From a childhood dream inspired by doctors who help others, Janae carved a path for herself in a male-dominated field. She’s navigated becoming pregnant during residency, infertility, and building a blended family.

She shares what it’s like working alongside her husband, also a surgeon, and her humanitarian trips providing free reconstructive surgeries abroad.

A conversation about resilience, purpose, and following your calling.

That’s a wrap on Season 3! 🎉 This year we shared stories from 17 incredible women, added a brand-new voice to the mic with our cohost Allyson Sanders (who crushed it, by the way), and celebrated all things Broad. In this wrap-up, we look back on the laughs, lessons, and moments that made Season 3 so special. And don’t forget, our Broad of the Year event is happening September 18th at 11:30am. You won’t want to miss it!

Tickets available here: https://www.jackiebluehandmade.com/product-page/broad-of-the-year-2025-event-tickets

It’s our final guest episode of Season 3. Stay tuned for a final wrap up. In this episode, we sit down with Vicki Quisenberry, a woman whose life has been guided by one powerful question…What if? Born in Daviess County, Vicki’s passion for education and community runs deep. From earning her MBA to raising four children with her husband of 40 years, she’s lived out her belief that if you’re going to do something, do it 100%. Vicki helped launch the Empowerment Academy, which provides housing for at-risk and homeless high school students, and led the Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools, raising over $1.6 million for local youth. She recently took on the title of general contractor to renovate one of the most infamous buildings in Owensboro, the JDQ building, of which she is also the proud owner. Tune in to hear how one woman’s determination and heart for education is changing lives in big ways.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with a woman who has worn many hats…wife of 35 years, mom to eight, caregiver to both parents, and the heart behind Nona’s Catering…a business built on connection, celebration, and good food. While Maria Kelly pours into her family, friends, and community, she also navigates life with Multiple Sclerosis. From her childhood as a military brat overseas to decades of life and love in Owensboro, her story is one of quiet strength, deep joy, and finding purpose in serving others.