On this week's episode, I & I speak with another I - Inginia Jackson - about her program Camino Al Éxito. Camino Al Éxito is dedicated to uplifting youth and families across the Hudson Valley through education, support, and opportunity. Together, they’re building a brighter future—one student, one family, one step at a time. 

Camino Al Éxito empowers low-income youth and families in the Hudson Valley with bilingual access to education, health, and legal resources. We build stronger communities by removing barriers and providing real pathways to success.

Camino Al Éxito is focused on creating real, lasting change by offering bilingual access to education, wellness, and legal resources. Whether through youth mentorship, adult workshops, or community programs, we believe every person should have the tools and support to succeed, regardless of background.

https://caminoalexitopfa.org/

This episode of "The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is Sponsored by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

On this week's episode, which was previously recorded back in June of this year, Iris and Ivette dive into the concept of "trust," which takes them down many roads in this episode. First of all, they describe trust in their partners, father figures, and other male role models being that June was Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Beyond that, Iris and Ivette go into the trust that they have for themselves and for each other as they recount their prior businesses before creating The Vital Women of Washington Heights Podcast.

This episode of "The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is Sponsored by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

On this week's episode, Iris & Ivette speak with Yvette Sanchez, co-owner of Your CBD Store, which she co-owns with her husband Jose. Iris, Ivette and Yvette discuss the misconceptions and the benefits from CBD-based products and the variety of ways that it helps people.

About Yvette Sanchez/ Jose Sanchez: Thirteen years ago, during the recovery journey from breast cancer, our exploration into the therapeutic benefits of CBD began. As advocates of holistic living, we naturally became consumers ourselves. When we discovered SUNMED | Your CBD Store, we were deeply impressed by the exceptional quality of their products and their commitment to plant-based, science-driven wellness. CBD was first introduced to us by our holistic practitioner, and it has since played a significant role in improving our physical and mental well-being, as well as that of our loved ones. Over time, we've become a trusted resource in our community for those seeking a holistic approach to health. We’ve created a safe, welcoming, and educational space where individuals can learn about the powerful benefits of CBD and take steps toward a healthier, more balanced life.

http://tinyurl.com/CBD-Store-Wapp - Ordering site for you to share with your listeners! Please keep in mind that if you go to our website (using this link) there is no way for then to enter “your” code to get the 10% discount. However, I believe that if they go thru our site, 1st time purchase gets 20% off

Your CBD Store Lenscard Final.mp4 - Google Drive – this is our 90 sec info-mercial https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ixfMlErdJFi2uhWil_HE91bziKZ-Nlag/view

This episode of "The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is Sponsored by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

Toni Llanos is a professional dancer, choreographer, and fitness instructor whose experience spans over two decades.  She began her specialty aerobic/fitness class featuring Afro-Caribbean music in 1996.  After receiving her degree in Dance Education from New York University, she added the modern techniques of Jazz and African Caribbean dance to her repertoire. 

She eventually became a Certified Fitness Trainer and developed an exciting African Caribbean Aerobics & Fitness class which she has taught for over 19 years.  Her training, an exhilarating combination of African, Latin, and Caribbean movement has been experienced and enjoyed by hundreds of participants throughout the Hudson Valley, Brewster, Westchester, New Jersey and New York City.  As an Adjunct Professor of Black & African Dance Studies at SUNY New Paltz, Ms. Llanos has continued to use her talents and skills to connect and communicate her passion for the art of dance and the importance of utilizing it as a means to release stress and gain a balanced lifestyle.

Ms. Toni Llanos is a director and choreographer who instructs & guides students to increase their physical abilities, strengthen their dance skills & develop and maintain respect for themselves and others.  In creating dances, maintaining integrity and value of self within the music that is used as well as their dance movements is highly stressed.  They are encouraged to become leaders instead of followers of society's mainstream music, dance videos and performances that are so often imitated by our youth.  

http://www.mpowercfcf.com/

The Vital Women are back! Iris and Ivette discuss what the second wave of The Vital Women Podcast will entail, including upcoming live events, programs, and an emphasis on highlighting local entrepreneurs and women in business. This production centers on two women, Ivette and Iris, who were raised in Washington Heights in the 1980s. Now years later, and having relocated from the Heights, they contemplate the lessons they have acquired, their personal growth, the journey of self-love, menopause, and a multitude of other experiences.

This episode of "The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is Sponsored by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

Laura Stinziano is a retired grandmother who’s life mission is helping others with their challenges with trauma and mental health disorders. Laura, whom is a trauma survivor, will become the voice to others tackling these debilitating issues. Currently, Laura wants to purse her dream of becoming a trauma coach. ____________________________________________________________

This production centers on two women, Ivette and Iris, who were raised in Washington Heights in the 1980s. Now years later, and having relocated from the Heights, they contemplate the lessons they have acquired, their personal growth, the journey of self-love, menopause, and a multitude of other experiences.

This week on the pod, we’re joined by the incredible Delilah Martinez, Associate Center Director of the Poughkeepsie Behavioral Center, to talk all things mental health—especially within the Latino communities. From cultural stigma to the power of open conversations, Delilah gets real about why seeking help is not a weakness, but a step toward healing. ❤️‍

We dive into:✨ The effects of social media on self-esteem✨ Cultural Barriers to Seeking Help
✨ Why access and awareness to services matter
✨ How COVID-19 reshaped our mental wellness
✨ The role of family and community support

Because let’s be honest—there is no health without mental health.

Tune in now! Link in bio. #MentalHealthMatters #LatinxVoices #DominicanDiaspora #BreakingTheStigma #PodcastEpisode #WellnessTalk #CommunityCare

New Episode: Spring and Menopause

Spring is a time of renewal—but for women navigating menopause, it can bring both fresh energy and unexpected challenges. In this episode, we explore how this season affects mind and body, and why self-care, nourishment, and mental well-being are more important than ever.

Key topics:

Embracing change and reinventing yourself

The power of silence, gratitude, and mindful living

Supporting mental health during a season of highs and lows

How to listen deeply and support loved ones

Reclaiming vitality and taking control of your health

✨ Remember: There is no health without mental health.

Tune in and join us on a journey of renewal, resilience, and self-love.

#MenopauseWellness #SpringRenewal #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCareSeason #WomensHealth

This episode Iris and Ivette discusses the intersection of women in the workplace and mental health, featuring insights from Dutchess County Executive and former State Senator, Sue Serino.

The three women have a conversation regarding women in entry-level leadership roles and women over the age of 40 pursuing entrepreneurship. There were also conversations around the importance of mental health awareness, the impact of personal stories, and the need for more women in leadership roles.

They also highlight the challenges faced by children and families, the significance of community support, and the empowerment of women and young girls. The episode concludes with a call to action for increased mental health resources and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.

On this episode of The Vital Women of Washington Heights, I & I, are joined with Michele Tomasicchio, who is a trained grief recovery method specialist, certified empowerment coach, and has a background of 23 years healing and helping people through massage therapy, energy healing and more. 

Michele brings insight on how we can grieve and process the feelings of grief in a healthier way. The three have an inspiring conversation about mind, body and spirit connection, navigating the menopausal changes, rebirth and self discovery and much more.

If you’d like to contact Michele, email her at  

Thank you to Michele for being a guest this week.

A special thank you to Mental Health America of Dutchess County for sponsoring this podcast.

Have a topic you want us to cover? Let us know! 

#grief #griefrecovery #mentalhealth #menopause #womenshealth #selfcare #empowerment #coach #mindbodyspirit #healing #transformation #rebirth #loss #processingloss #medicalcare #womenscare #menopausecare #embracethechange #diet ##emotionalhealing #hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #ny #washingtonheights #dutchesscountyny #poughkeepsie #vitalwomen #vital #women #mentalhealthamericaofdutchesscounty #mentalhealthamerica