Season FOUR Episode TEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Connie Sparks. Connie Sparks is the Founder of Wadeco Business Center, LLC a MWBE, DBE, WOSB, and SB-designated entity.  Connie’s consulting and financing career spans over 24 years and is widely recognized as an award-winning leading  expert on business development, strategic planning, and supplier contracting. She has worked with business owners at all levels, on building their businesses, tapping into new markets, and more  importantly, changing their mindsets to forward-thinking CEOs. Connie has been honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal Women's Council- Business Owner of the  Year Award (2018), U.S. Small Business Administration-Business Champion Award (2009), Toastmasters  International-President’s Distinguished Award 2004, National Association of Female Executives (NAFE)-Business  Woman of the Year (2006), and nominated by the Los Angeles Business Journal-Women Who Make A Difference (2007-2009).

Season FOUR Episode NINE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Alicia Evans. Alicia lives with lupus and several other autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, which has made her passionate about raising awareness of chronic illness. As a parent of twins with autism, Alicia has gained unique insights into caregiving and advocacy. She enjoy decorating with and selling vintage items, as well as creating succulent, seashell décor & jewelry.  

Season FOUR Episode EIGHT of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Regan Birr. Regan is the owner of Regan MOVES, a wellness and fitness company for people with chronic challenges. Regan has lupus and arthritis. She spent many years in severe pain, until she started exercising in a special way:  she holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and used her background to design a low-torque, easy-on-the-joints exercise program. She earned her personal and group training certification, and teaches Regan MOVES 3 days a week, online. Regan believes that even though it can be extremely challenging, we CAN move past our limitations - and empower ourselves for health and happiness. She gives talks to businesses and health organizations around the U.S. including Medical University of South Carolina, Duke University, and Health Partners. Regan is also the founder and executive director of the Lupus Research Foundation in Minnesota. 

Season FOUR Episode SEVEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Risa A. Regalado, RDH. Risa A. Regalado, RDH  is the youngest of 3 siblings (2 older brothers) and grew up in Laguna Niguel, Ca. Risa attended undergrad at UCSB, then dental hygiene at USC. She practiced hygiene for a decade in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills before moving to Arizona for dental school. Risa is currently a third year dental student at Midwestern University.

Season FOUR Episode SIX of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Olivia Abousaid. Master Certified Grief and Transformation Coach, Olivia Abousaid understands the profound significance of resilience through her own journey. She was diagnosed with discoid lupus and SLE in July of 2021. Olivia has cultivated a deep appreciation for personal growth and transformation while navigating the limitations of chronic illness. Based in Los Angeles, she harnesses her life experiences and coaching expertise to empower individuals to transform grief into action and empowerment. Olivia's coaching transcends one-size-fits-all solutions. She creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their unique goals, navigate grief, overcome challenges, and embrace their authentic selves.

Season FOUR Episode FIVE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Sheba Family Zaman. As a computer scientist, Sheba has spent the last 20 years working in a technical software role with the quality department of pharmaceutical and life science companies. Her role spans from pre-sales technical information to professional services post-sale with the goal of digitizing critical data that can affect patient safety. She speaks regularly at industry conferences on data integrity and contamination control strategies for aseptic drug manufacturers. She was recently President of non-profit organization – the Parenteral Drug Association, SouthernCalifornia Chapter – for an elected term of 2 years. It is an educational organization dedicated to the connection of science, people, and regulation in a non-bias platform. In June of 2006, Dr. Dan Wallace diagnosed Sheba with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Nephritis following struggles with frequent fevers, joint/muscle pain, debilitating fatigue, visibly swollen lymph nodes, and hair loss. Born and raised in Montréal, she soon moved to Southern California to be closer to her family and support system. After grappling with the side effects of strong medications and some tough love counseling from her sister, she started to take her health into her own hands and has spent the last decade avidly reading and educating herself on Lupus and optimal health. Today, Sheba lives in Santa Monica and leads a very active lifestyle as a certified yoga instructor, scuba diver, tennis player, skier, beach volleyball player, runner, and global adventure traveler. She is now working to give back to the community and advocate for Lupus.

Season FOUR Episode FOUR of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Mercedes Yvette. Mercedes Yvette Shorte gained fame as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, leading to a successful 20-year career in modeling and acting. She later became a spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of America, advocating for awareness and funding on a national level.
Now, Mercedes channels her passion into the luxury design world through Luxe Design Living, providing tailored furnishings and décor solutions to the design community and beyond. Representing high-end manufacturers, she brings exquisite products to life in both residential and commercial spaces, blending artistry with functionality.

Season FOUR Episode THREE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Tiffany Kaloustian. Functional Medicine Health Practitioner, and Certified Naturopathic Practitioner. Tiffany's personal journey battling severe lupus has fueled her passion for helping others find their path to wellness. She is well versed in a variety of holistic healing modalities, including nervous system regulation, Vagal tone, nutrition, detoxing, mindful practices, movement, and purposeful supplement protocols. Tiffany shares not only her profound personal story of battling and overcoming lupus, but also how she uses her expertise to change lives daily.  

Season FOUR Episode TWO of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Charissa Barsos. Charissa is a nurse practitioner with over 15 years of medical experience. She graduated with her BSN from Millikin University in Decatur, IL, in 2010 and worked as a cardiothoracic surgery RN for 5 years. Charissa graduated with her FNP from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL, in 2015 and DNP from Indian Wesleyan University in Marion, IN, in 2023. She has been a nurse practitioner for almost 10 years and is currently practicing in a tribal health facility in Northern California. She is board-certified in diabetes management. She resides with her husband and son in Northern California. Charissa has been living with lupus symptoms since her early teens but has been diagnosed for about 5 years. She is currently continuing to pursue treatment for her lupus.

Season FOUR Episode ONE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Elizabeth Lo Serro. As a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Elizabeth helps clients alleviate fatigue, pain, and rashes while promoting the growth of beautiful, healthy hair. Through her unique approach, Elizabeth empowers people to feel energized, resilient, and radiant. With her expertise in holistic health and her own lived experience with Lupus for 21 years, having been diagnosed at 5 years old, Elizabeth's mission is to build bridges between individuals and their health goals, fostering transformative journeys towards vibrant well-being.