The SheFactor Podcast

SheFactor is built to empower and equip young women, and be a positive place where women can turn to for support and encouragement. We are heartbroken for our country, but especially our community, surrounding the death of George Floyd. We acknowledge the brokenness so many of us feel and hope we can use our platform to positively inspire change.

On today's podcast, we have special guest Amber Crossen, a Communication and Content Manager for a human rights organization in Chicago. We take a walk back through the history of the Civil Rights Movement and talk about how we can prevent history from repeating itself. She shares her passion for amplifying black voices and gives her advice on how to support the POC in your life and educate yourself on the current state of the world. We also dive into how to be an advocate and activist in society today.

We hope this episode educates our community on the severity of this week's events and how we can best move forward to not only support each other but empower and equip each other to do better. If you need support during this time, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram. We are here for you. 💜

Our Fave Moment: Amber gives her perspective on the protests happening across our country and shares her favorite quote from poet Lindsay Young: "Resistance is NOT a one-lane highway. Maybe your lane is protesting, maybe your lane is organizing, maybe your lane is counseling, maybe your lane is art activism, maybe your lane is surviving the day. Do NOT feel guilty for not occupying every lane. We need them all."

Resources Mentioned:

The Crossen Creative

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown

Adrienne Maree Brown

Eve L. Ewing

Indya Moore

Tarana J. Burke

SheFactor

SheGrad Party Podcast

SheGrad Party on SheFactor TV

Today’s guest is Cassie Little, founder of Her Sorority Journey. She is on the podcast today to share her own sorority story, and how she got to where she is today. They talk about the goals of Her Sorority Journey, and what they hope to do for that community in college, and even beyond. If you weren’t part of a sorority in college, this episode is still for you! There are many different communities in college and after that these ideas apply to.

Key Takeaways: 

[2:45] - Cassie joined Sigma Kappa at Arizona State in 2014. She talks about her full immersion and involvement. Her sorority opportunity opened the door for her to become a leadership consultant. 

[5:29] - Cassie talks about the dichotomy between what the sorority community is known for and what they truly provide. While there is truth to their reputation, Cassie talks about changing the stigma to focus on the intentional community and tools and resources for women to grow. She now does this professionally with her company.

[7:40] - While she didn’t have a desire for “leadership” growing her up, her desire had been to find ways to do more, particularly for others. She talks about the moment she knew she would become chapter president, and how she was captivated by the opportunity to serve and give to people that she loves.

[11:15] - We are not meant to journey alone. Other people feel the same feelings, maybe in the same way. The other women who come alongside you can enhance your sorority journey, and will probably be the ones to support you through difficult times post-grad. 

[14:43] - Her Sorority Journey is an online community for women to find tools, resources, and other women in similar seasons of their journey to be reminded that they are not alone. Cassie talks about where this idea came from, and what aspects she wanted to focus on to provide value to the sorority experience. 

[19:15] - Cassie and Tori talk about the lasting impact many of their mentors and advisors have made on their personal lives. They provide an example of what kind of friends and sisters we should be for each other. 

[25:05] - Vulnerability is essential, but not always praised or received well. Don’t let the people who take your vulnerability prevent you from being vulnerable with others in the future. Being vulnerable is how we connect with each other; people connect when we are real and authentic.

[28:43] - Accountability is a form of friendship. You need people in your circle who are going to keep you on track with your goals. They will be the ones to help move you forward in life.

[31:05] - Cassie talks about her long-term goals for Her Sorority Journey. In the future, she hopes to extend the support to women in their young adult and professional lives beyond their collegiate years. We don’t encourage women enough to take risks and pursue spaces that they’re passionate about, and Cassie wants to help women understand their worth.

[35:32] - Every day we choose to be present, whether that’s in a sorority or in our career. You choose to follow through on the promise of the experience, and choose to deliver on what you said you could do. 

[37:10] - Cassie shares her advice for recent grads going out into the world. One of the biggest things is how easy it is to make friends in college - you don’t necessarily have to keep that mean friend when you leave college. You don’t owe it to anyone to keep up with everyone.

[40:15] - With the people that matter, you’ll pick up where you left off when y

The topic of today’s episode focuses on the top 20 things Tori wishes she had known in her 20’s, dedicated to the class of 2020. She shares her list and some of her best advice on each topic. Your 20’s are some of the most important times as you begin to define the path of your life. 

Key Takeaways: 

[0:55] - HUGE NEWS! The SheFactor will be hosting the ultimate virtual graduation party for the women of the class of 2020. There will be workshops focused on launching your life post-grad, a Keynote speech by Bethany Hamilton, and Caitlin Bristow as the emcee. 

[3:20] - Tori shares her list of the 20 things she wishes she had known in her 20’s, starting with #1: Finding friends — Finding people who will support you in this life is so important — find people who are passionate about the same things you are. Be open, be vulnerable, and be picky.

[6:20] - #2: Keeping your friends — As you enter your 20’s, the pace of people’s lives really starts to change. Keeping your friends can be difficult when you’re on different paths, but the relationships worth keeping should be easy. Set up times to check-in and stay connected.

[9:52] - #3: Letting go of toxic relationships — start looking at your friends, who they are, how they work, and what their intentions are in your relationships. Tori made a list of her important relationships and answered these questions. Focus your time and energy on relationships that aid your well-being.

[14:27] - #4: Finding your passion — Just because you got a degree in a certain thing, doesn’t mean you have to stick with that in your career. Find things that get you excited and make you feel passionate, so you can take the first steps in finding the right career path for you. Tori shares how you can use mind mapping to help with this.

[18:58] - #5: Conquering fear — There are a lot of unknowns in our 20’s. The feelings of uncertainty and discomfort is a sign of growth. Working through this fear is where you learn the most about what your limits are and what brings you the most joy. 

[23:15] - #6: It’s okay to not have something that you’re super passionate about — if you don’t have it all figured out now, that’s okay! Creating a life of passion is about knowing who you are and doing what you love, without holding on to other expectations. Advocate for yourself and the life you want.

[25:51] - #7: Your dream job — your early job choices affect your future career. Your first jobs can define you and may end up boxing you into a job you don’t love. It’s also important to find a company that aligns with your values. 

[29:07] - #8: Work-Life balance — the thinner we spread ourselves, the more we’re sacrificing. The SheFactor spheres help you determine where you can focus your energies to get a more holistic balance in your life. 

[32:58] - #9: Finding the one — giving and spending your time with the right person is precious. Make a list of what you want in a relationship, and if someone doesn’t measure up, don’t waste your time. Everything shifts when you make a list and you hold yourself accountable to it.

[35:50] - #10: Starting a family — everything changes when you decide to start a family. Kids become your top priority, so prepare yourself for that reality now. Give yourself time to make clear decisions about family planning. 

Today’s guest is Liv Schreiber, who has been Tori’s personal coach for the last couple of months. She is a power of positivity and bright light in this world. She shares her perspective on life, and the journey she took to get to this point. Liv and Tori talk about what faith means for them and what it means at SheFactor, and how we can be our own best advocates for leaning into fear and moving forward. 

How do you pay of $36,000 worth of debt in 6 months? Ask Chloe Elise, Founder & CEO of Deeper Than Money and coach to thousands of millennials paying off debt by the minute preparing to live in financial freedom! In today’s episode, Chloe Elise joins the podcast (again... check out episode #38 to hear her featured on our fireside panel during this month's finance-focused event) to give us the deets on becoming millionaire status ASAP. She shares some of her practical tips for taking control of your financial journey, staying clear of credit cards, how to control your spending to crush your debt, your goals, and MAKE MOOLAH!

Did you miss this month's virtual event all about finance? Don't worry, today's episode is a LIVE recording guaranteed to get you pumped to make #MoneyMoves and crush your financial goals! Author of Rich B*tch Nicole Lapin talks about some of the tips from her book series to get your financial life together. We also have a fireside chat you CAN'T miss featuring Canadian money expert Jessica Moorhouse, Founder of Smart Cookies Sandra Grahame, and Millennial Money Coach Chloe Elise! Tune in for a night of unbelievable journeys to financial freedom and endless tips on how to make financial success happen in your life. Just because we’re in quarantine doesn't mean there isn’t an opportunity to own your finances!

Kelly Nash is the woman behind wellness blog Lipstick & Ink, a blog motivating corporate women & side hustlers to own their power and make their mark in their work & life. She features incredible tips for career planning, work-life balance, and navigating your way through the corporate world. She joins Tori #onthepod to talk about how she manages her full-time job along with her blog, and how both of these things have helped to shape her goals for finance!

Today’s guest is truly a Jane-of-all-trades and a bada$$ stereotype breaker... Masha is currently living the life of a digital nomad, keeping up with her blog Coding Blonde and traveling the world with her boyfriend. In today’s episode, she talks about her career in start-ups, how she’s advocating for women in the field, and the transition into her current lifestyle. Tune in for everything you need to know about imposter syndrome, and what things we can do as women to feel confident in our own journeys.

Camille Bergin is not only one of SheFactor’s amazing Brand Ambassadors, but she's changing the game for Women in STEM by blogging about her experience and knowledge of Aerospace Engineering. In today's episode, she shares her journey of navigating an extremely male-dominated industry and the lessons she's learned along the way, especially related to her femininity. She talks about her love of space from a young age, growing up and succeeding in male-dominated fields, and some of her current work with the Orion Project.

Samantha and Lauren of S&L Trends are on the podcast today for an episode you don't want to miss! These two boss babes met in beauty school and realized the lack of education and comradery in the hair industry. So they set out to change that and started S&L Trends, your DREAM hair team here to inspire you with the latest hair trends and style you for next big night out. In this episode, we talk all about their journeys as young entrepreneurs and growing their own brand, how hair is a crucial and overlooked way to express yourself, and how they're working together to break down the barriers when it comes to consumer education and helping women gain confidence in styling their hair without a stylist.