Together We Rise Podcast

(Trigger Warning: Loss by suicide is mentioned in this episode)

Welcome to the Together We Rise podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table – and where we affirm, equip, and amplify women's voices globally.

This week, we're excited for this powerful conversation with Karrie Scott Garcia. She joins Cheryl Nembhard and Aubrey Sampson to encourage women to live integrated lives. Karrie offers hard fought insight in this conversation, and shares a bit of her own journey toward integration and God’s transformative power in our lives, when we allow Him to lead us in this journey.

As a pastor, life coach, author, and CEO, Karrie Scott Garcia inspires change by boldly sharing her journey to freedom. She believes true redemption doesn’t begin after pain, it’s born from it. Through her nonprofit, Freedom Movement, Karrie helps people process and heal through tours, workshops, coaching, and community. Since 2014, she’s been redefining what it means to live free and fully alive. Currently pursuing a master’s in Neuroscience and Trauma, Karrie continues to equip others to find healing and purpose in their stories.

Connect with Karrie and Freedom Movement

Karrie’s Website

Karrie’s Instagram

Karrie’s Facebook

Freedom Movement Website

Freedom Movement Instagram

Book: Free and Fully Alive: Reclaiming the Story of Who You Were Created to Be

WSC Woman to Watch: Jennifer Edwards

With over 20 years of experience in ministry and advocacy, Jen has dedicated her life to serving children and women through leadership, systems building, and coaching. Passionate about the connection between Kids Ministry and Women in Ministry, she equips women to advocate for themselves and the communities they lead. When she’s not speaking, writing, or coaching, Jen enjoys coffee, walks by the water, and time with her husband and three sons.

Jennifer’s Website

Jennifer’s Instagram 

Welcome to the Together We Rise podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table – and where we affirm, equip, and amplify women's voices globally.

This week, we're excited for this powerful conversation with Latasha Morrison. She joins Cheryl Nembhard and Aubrey Sampson to encourage our listeners about what it looks like to follow the way of Jesus in lifting up our marginalized brothers and sisters in Christ, and the collective act of lament and roles that each of us have to take up in order to be a part of racial reconciliation.

Latasha Morrison is a distinguished author renowned for her transformative work in fostering racial reconciliation and unity. She is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the nonprofit Be the Bridge, which encourages racial reconciliation among all ethnicities, to promote racial unity in America, and to equip others to do the same.

Her insights and expertise have been featured in outlets such as Oprah Daily and USA Today, where she inspires readers to engage in meaningful conversations about race, justice, and equality.

Connect with Latasha and Be The Bridge

Be The Bridge’s Website and Latasha’s Website

Be The Bridge’s Instagram and Latasha’s Instagram

Be the Bridge Podcast

Books: Be the Bridge and Brown Faces, White Spaces

Made with

Welcome to the Together We Rise podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table – and where we affirm, equip, and amplify women's voices globally.

This week, we're excited to speak with Tammy Melchien. She joins Cheryl Nembhard and Aubrey Sampson to unpack what it truly means to be a counter-cultural participant in the Kingdom of God, based on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Tammy Melchien is a teaching pastor and writer. With over 30 years of experience in ministry, she currently leads the teaching team at a large, multi-site church in the Chicago area. She is passionate about the study of Scripture and has earned an M.A. from Lincoln Christian Seminary. 

Connect with Tammy

Website

Book: Choosing the Opposite

WSC Woman to Watch: Jeannette Cochran

Jeannette Cochran is a leadership coach, pastor, and veteran ministry leader with 30 years’ experience. She equips women in ministry and faith-based nonprofits to lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction, uniting theological depth with practical wisdom. 

Connect with Jeanette

Website 

Instagram 

Podcast: Empowered to Lead

Made with

Welcome to the Together We Rise podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table – and where we affirm, equip, and amplify women's voices globally.

This week, we're excited to speak with Olivia Munn-Shirsath. She joins Cheryl Nembhard and Aubrey Sampson to discuss the nuances of leading pastorally as a woman in the church, encouraging listeners to step into their humble, God-given authority.

Olivia unpacks Jesus’ example of humble authority through His being the Alpha and Omega and offers practical advice on how the Church – and its leaders – can continue moving forward in the purposes Jesus set for them.

Olivia Munn-Shirsath is a passionate communicator of the Word, currently serving as Teaching Pastor at Wellspring Church in Queens, NY. With over a decade of frontline urban pastoral experience through the Salvation Army amidst the homelessness and recovery communities, she is well equipped to address a wide range of issues, and is convinced the Bride of Christ is the solution. Olivia is a mentor, a worship leader, and a co-author. She resides in NYC with her husband Pratik, and her two sons, Romey and Shalom.

Connect with Olivia

Website | https://www.oliviamunnshirsath.com

Instagram | @oliviamunnshirsath

Book | The Uprising: A Holy Revolution? https://satradecentral.org/The-Uprising-A-Holy-Revolution 

WSC Woman to Watch: Christine Saffold

Christine is an award-winning entrepreneur, business advisor, and community economic development professional. She holds a BA in Psychology from Yale University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she received concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management, interned in venture capital as an Investment Fellow at VestedWorld, and was a Toigo Fellow and Forté Fellow.

Christine has advised businesses and investors on three continents. After graduating from Chicago Booth, she founded Chama Capital, a financial technology company on a mission to increase access to capital for women-owned businesses. 

A native Chicagoan, Christine started her career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Barclays in New York. She is a 2021 Herman Family Fellow and has been honored as a Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Featured Member, an Immerse Founder in Residence, and a Toigo Foundation Top 35 Rising Leader and Vision Award Winner.

Connect with Christine

LinkedIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinesaffold/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/christinesaffold

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinesaffold/

Welcome to Together We Rise Podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table, and where we can affirm, equip and amplify women's voices globally. This week, we're excited to speak with Vaneetha Rendall Risner. She shares with Cheryl Nembhard and Aubrey Sampson (the new co-host of this podcast) about her testimony that involves a lot of suffering and a lot of God showing up in the midst of her pain – giving her gifts of learnings and wisdom for herself and other leaders who are also in the midst of trials.

Vaneetha is the author of several books and Bible studies, some of which you can find below and the rest can be found on her website below. She and her husband, Joel, live in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she writes about Christ’s unwavering presence in suffering.

Connect with Vaneetha Rendall Risner

Website | vaneetha.com

Devotional | Watching for Morning https://amzn.to/4amEhey 

Memoir | Walking Through Fire https://amzn.to/41qDRgZ 

Instagram | @vaneetharisner

Facebook | @vaneetharisner

WSC Woman to Watch: Tammy Thurman
Tammy Thurman, a Milwaukee resident, has served in ministry across the United States. Starting as a musician, teacher, and worship leader, she expanded her reach through speaking engagements that connect with diverse audiences. Her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and deep care for people shine through her Bible studies and messages on forgiveness, managing overthinking, and cultivating faith today. Tammy engages listeners with storytelling and humor while staying rooted in Scripture.

She authored A Faith that Stands, a daily devotional with monthly themes. Skilled in piano, violin, viola, and voice, she often incorporates a unique worship ensemble into her events. Tammy also helps with church refreshes and launches alongside her husband, Mark. They have two adult sons and a daughter-in-law.

Connect with Tammy Thurman

Devotional | A Faith that Stands https://www.amazon.com/Faith-that-Stands-Small-Group-Multigenerational/dp/1664265821 

Instagram | @tammythurman_keystofaith

Welcome to Together We Rise Podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table, and where we can affirm, equip and amplify women's voices globally. This week, we're excited to speak with special guest Dr. Sarita Lyons!

Dr. Sarita Lyons is a wife, mother, speaker, bible teacher, and psychotherapist. She is the Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia. Before full-time ministry, Dr. Lyons was in private practice for eight years, also specializing in counseling and consultation for church leadership and their families. She advocates about the intersections of faith, mental health, and justice; as well as women’s issues in and outside of the church. She recently published her first book Church Girl.  And most importantly, Dr. Lyons is called to unashamedly preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Connect with Dr. Sarita Lyons
Website | https://www.saritalyons.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drsaritalyons/?hl=en
Order Church Girl | https://www.saritalyons.com/churchgirlbook

WSC Woman to Watch: Pastor Judge
Aneysa "Judge" Matthews is a licensed and ordained church planting Pastor. Her assignment is to Engage, Build, and Equip others through relational discipleship for spiritual maturity. My motto is 1 Cor. 9:22: "That I become all things to all men that I might, by all means, save some."

Website | https://aneysamatthews.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/AneysaNeicyMatthews

Welcome to Together We Rise Podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table, and where we can affirm, equip and amplify women's voices globally. This week, we're excited to speak with special guest Jeannette Cochran!

Jeannette has been a leader in ministry for over 30 years, including nearly two decades as an Executive Pastor of a thriving multicultural church. Now, as a certified leadership coach with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology, she equips Christian women leaders to break through barriers, strengthen their confidence, and elevate their leadership to expand their ministry impact. She understands the unique challenges women face in ministry and is passionate about helping them lead with boldness, authenticity, and resilience. Jeannette believes the church needs passionate, gifted, and called women serving at every level of leadership. Her vision is to see traditional, hierarchical leadership models give way to service and collaboration—where every voice is valued regardless of gender, race, or economic status. Through her coaching, speaking, and training, she is empowering women to step fully into their calling and shape a future where ministry leadership reflects the inclusive and transformative nature of the gospel.

Connect with Jeannette
Website | https://www.jeannettecochran.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.cochran/
5 minute Reset Resource | www.jeannettecochran.com/reset

WSC Woman to Watch: Hannah Rowen Fry
Hannah Rowen Fry is a writer and speaker passionate about helping people live into their God-purpose. Her thoughtful reflections on Scripture invite those who feel overwhelmed to slow down, choose simplicity, and experience greater joy in the present moment.

Website | https://hannahrowenfry.com/

Instagram | http://instagram.com/hannahrowenfry

Welcome to Together We Rise Podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table, and where we can affirm, equip and amplify women's voices globally. This week, we're excited to speak with special guest Cheryl Nembhard!

Cheryl Nembhard is a dynamic Speaker, Podcast/TV Host, and Justice Advocate. Her dedication to Community Service includes working with at-risk youth, former gang members, sexual assault victims & teenage mothers. She has been named one of the 'Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada', and CBC Canada has recognized her as one of 150 Women making Canada a better place. She is also a Harry Jerome Award winner for Social Advocacy. Cheryl is a 10-season Co-Host of 'See, Hear, Love', and Host of 'On The Path w/ Cheryl Nembhard, both on YES TV and anywhere podcasts are available. Her show now streams across the U.S. as well. She is currently the Executive Director of the Women Speakers Collective, a worldwide organization, focused on equipping. amplifying and empowering the voices of Women across the globe. 

Connect with Cheryl
All Links for Cheryl
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cherylnembhard/

WSC Woman to Watch: Tecia Pelling
Tecia Pelling is the Connections Pastor at Real Life Church in Clermont, FL. Plus, she runs our Administration, assists with our communications here at WSC, and leads our Central Florida Catalytic Nights Chapter. Tecia has a heart for leadership and God's kingdom and has recently been certified through the John Maxwell School of Leadership and intends to empower more women leaders.

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tcpelling/

Welcome to Together We Rise Podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table, and where we can affirm, equip and amplify women's voices globally. This week, we're excited to speak with special guest Aubrey Sampson.

Aubrey (M.A. Evangelism and Leadership) co-planted and serves as teaching pastor at Renewal Church, a multiethnic congregation in Chicagoland, and speaks across the country at churches and other ministry events. She is an award-nominated author, a coach with Propel Women, and host of What We Find in the Dark Podcast. 

Aubrey is passionate about helping hurting people find God’s presence in their pain. She and her husband Kevin, and their three hilarious sons, live, minister, and play in the Chicagoland area.

Connect with Aubrey
Website | https://www.aubreysampson.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aubsamp/

Pre-order bundle for What We Find in the Dark: Loss, Hope, and God’s Presence in Grief
View all her other books here

WSC Woman to Watch: Kieawnie Clar

Kieawnie is a Spiritual Director, Coach, and dedicated advocate with over a decade of experience in homeless services. Currently, she is serving as the Pastor of Community engagement at her church. She founded The Bethany Project Marin, which seeks the Holistic Restoration of the unhoused. Kieawnie also offers guidance through her practice, Love & Presence, embodying compassion and a deep understanding of difficult life circumstances. She is deeply committed to her community and the marginalized, finding fulfillment in bringing love and presence to every aspect of her work and life.

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p/DCAmfNMOjA-/

Welcome to Together We Rise Podcast! This is a place where every woman has a seat at the table, and where we can affirm, equip and amplify women's voices globally. This week, we're excited to speak with special guest Nicole Salmon!

Nicole O. Salmon is an author, speaker, and minister. Before launching her coaching firm, Nicole worked with organizations serving communities experiencing marginalization for over twenty years. Nicole is a certified life-skills and marriage coach with a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry and certifications in adult learning and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is a contributor on the YouVersion Bible app, author of Courage and Confidence, and the founder and host of The ActivateHer Summit, a global movement and event for Christian Women. Together with her husband, Evon, and their five children, she lives a full and purpose-filled life in Brampton, Ontario.

As a minister, strategist, and lovingly referred to as "The Purpose Alignment Coach." She specializes in empowering Christian women, guiding them to attain profound clarity regarding their purpose, and facilitating the creation of strategic plans to seamlessly transition from ideas to impactful implementation. Minister Nicole is dedicated to unlocking the potential within every woman, fostering a transformative journey towards purposeful living.

Connect with Nicole
Website | https://www.nicoleosalmon.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicoleosalmon/
Book | Courage and Confidence

WSC Woman to Watch: Ashley Forsberg
Ashley is an author, speaker, certified coach, and lover of the colors Hot Pink and OD green. She loves helping women find Christ and grow in their relationship with the Lord. And she believes you can overcome so many more barriers and "limitations" than you could ever dream of through the grace and strength of Christ. Ashley is not afraid of being vulnerable to show others that growth and healing are possible.

Website  | https://leadconfident.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/?leadconfidentministries