Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Iwalani Kaluhiokalani—a biracial businesswoman, artist, and wellness pioneer—reflects on her journey across two distinct passions: Pilates and painting. She shares how her childhood love for swing sets evolved into running a successful Pilates and GYROTONIC® wellness studio while pursuing her passion as an international artist. Iwalani reflects on the key moments that shaped her, the lessons she’s learned, and her path to embracing her role as a leader. With roots in diverse cultural backgrounds, she brings a rich perspective on identity and the power of creating space for others to thrive.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/iwalani-kaluhiokalani-transcript
STORY:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories/iwalanikaluhiokalani
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://medium.com/@she_lights_the_way
https://shelightstheway.substack.com/
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Website: https://www.iwalanikaluhiokalani.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iwalanikaluhiokalani/
SmartBody Movement: https://www.smartbodymovement.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartbodymovement/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smrtbdymovement/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwalanikaluhiokalani
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivalanikinetics/
Twitter: https://x.com/ikaluhiokalani
Kingston Gallery: https://www.kingstongallery.com/iwalani-kaluhiokalani
ACTivate Residency: https://bostonarts.org/artist-story/activate-residency-iwalani-kaluhiokalani/
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Introduction and Early Inspirations
01:16 Meet Iwalani Kaluhiokalani
02:23 Childhood love of swing set foreshadows future career
05:00 Discovering Pilates
12:00 Recognizing her leadership
15:00 Iwalani’s multicultural heritage & identity
17:00 Business journey, transitioning from student to teacher
24:02 Commitment to wellness
29:00 Impact of the pandemic
31:13 Challenges with continuity
33:00 Self-discovery and identity
41:00 Overcoming challenges
43:38 Leadership philosophy
49:54 Evolution of success
01:01:16 Future goals
01:02:00 What ‘She Lights the Way’ means to Iwalani
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Walking Life’s Tightrope, with Diane Mueller & Vinothini Raju
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Hear from Vinothini Raju and Diane Mueller, leaders in the world of AI and cloud native, as they share their insights into the powerful dynamics of their mentor-mentee relationship, built on mutual learning and respect. Vinothini discusses her journey from consulting to innovating with generative AI, while Diane reflects on the joy of mentoring and continuous learning. Discover how their inspiring mentor-mentee bond fuels meaningful change and illuminates paths for others. This duo illustrates that the best mentorships aren't just about guidance—they're about growing together.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/vino-diane-transcript
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
gopaddle.io:
https://gopaddle.io/
Vino’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinothini-raju-9817ab5/
Vino’s X:
https://x.com/vinothiniraju
Vino’s Presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82ACSa5ktL8
Diane’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/muellerdiane/
Diane’s X:
https://x.com/pythondj
EPISODE TOPICS:
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Vino’s Current Work
01:42 Vino’s Career Journey
03:01 Inspiration from Film & Life Lessons
06:00 Early Influences
07:19 The Power of Gratitude
07:59 The Impact of Mentorship
09:30 Practical Applications of AI
12:10 Key Aspects of Successful Mentor/Mentee Relationship
16:10 Real-World AI Ethics & Implementation
18:30 Security and Privacy in AI
19:55 Most Rewarding Experiences
22:00 Defining Success
23:35 What “She Lights the Way” means to Vino & Diane
26:54 Closing Remarks
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Listening To Your Gut, with Bela Friedman
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Bela Friedman, daughter of Holocaust survivors, shares her remarkable journey from a successful career in public relations to a life dedicated to helping others as a life coach and hypnotherapist. She discusses the transformative power of intuition and gratitude in reshaping her life and finding purpose. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of following one's inner voice to live authentically and inspire others.
Born in a displaced persons camp to Holocaust survivor parents, Bela Friedman shares her remarkable journey from PR executive to transformational life coach. Discover how meditation, intuition, and the power of daily practice helped her find her true calling and now guides her work empowering others.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/bela-friedman
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS A
pple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Bela’s Website:
https://belacoaching.com/
Lessons from a Fall (Book):
https://belacoaching.com/lessons-from-a-fall/
Bela’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bela-friedman-309b1b4/
Bela’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/login/device-based/regular/login/?login_attempt=1
Bela’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/belalifecoaching/
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Opening thoughts on intuition and listening to your higher self
01:30 Introduction to Bela's story and background
03:00 Bela's current work as life coach and hypnotherapist
04:00 Early years as child of Holocaust survivors
05:00 Early career explorations and independence
06:30 Living in Berkeley during the late 1960s
08:00 Pivotal moment of transformation after father's passing
09:30 Building and rebuilding her PR business
11:00 Discovering her confidence and risk-taking nature
12:30 Jewish identity and experiencing anti-Semitism
17:00 Women's empowerment and creating support communities
20:00 The power of gratitude practices
21:00 Impact of mentors: Betty, Kat Wilson, and Magali Pasha
24:30 Lessons learned from personal challenges
27:00 Redefining success through helping others
29:00 The importance of listening to intuition
31:00 What "She Lights The Way" means to Bela
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Small Pours, Big Impact with Anna Maria Ponzi
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
With refreshing candor, Anna Maria Ponzi shares her journey from planting vineyards at age four with her family to leading one of Oregon’s first and most iconic wine brands. Facing a male-dominated industry, she had to “work twice as hard” to build the renowned Ponzi name. She reflects on balancing motherhood with the demands of an international business and the complex dynamics of growing a family enterprise with her sister.
Anna Maria opens up about the lasting influence of her trailblazing mother, who instilled resilience and self-sufficiency, emphasizing independence over conformity. Now leading Linfield University’s wine studies program, she reflects on success, intentional living, and her mission to mentor the next generation.
Her story is one of bold leadership and the importance of slowing down to savor life’s moments, leaving a legacy that goes well beyond wine.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/amponzi-interview-transcript
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Anna Maria’s Website: https://www.amponzi.com/
Anna Maria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-maria-ponzi-86b14a245/
Anna Maria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amponzico
Linfield University Article: https://news.linfield.edu/ponzi-named-wine-education-director/
Oregon Wine Press Article: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=fermenting-the-future--1722535118--3768--news
Pinot Girl Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anna-Maria-Ponzi/author/B085RF66LK
Ponzi Vineyards: https://www.ponzivineyards.com/our-story/
Anthony’s Circle: https://www.anthonyscircle.org/
In Memoriam: Maria Stewart: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/in-memoriam-maria-stuart
EPISODE TOPICS:
00:00 Introduction & Welcome
01:00 Early Days of Ponzi Vineyards & Family Legacy
03:30 Spirit of Collaboration in Oregon’s Wine Community
05:34 Growing the Winery with Her Sister
08:30 Challenges Faced as Women in the Wine Industry
13:54 Her Mother's Influence and Early Lessons in Independence
17:30 The “Four Ounce Pour” Philosophy
22:30 Reflections on Intentional Living
24:10 Writing “Pinot Girl”
28:00 Giving Back to the Community
35:28 New Role at Linfield University
39:00 Evolving Leadership Perspective
42:30 Pride in Family and Career Achievements
50:50 The Future of Oregon’s Wine Industry
54:30 Evolving Definition of Success
56:35 Reflections on Community and Land Preservation
57:00 What “She Lights the Way” Means to Anna Maria
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Rewriting Education’s Playbook, with Christi Harter
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
From a town of 300 in South Dakota to transforming education across borders, Christi Harter's journey defies convention. Through Peace Corps service in Ghana, she discovered true education transcends rigid structures. Now at Eastern Washington University, she's revolutionizing credentials and career pathways, building bridges between employers and education, and creating opportunities for underserved communities. Her mission? To help people access education on their own terms and timeline.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/christi-harter-transcript
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Christi’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-harter-28986247/
Christi Harter Brings Connectivity to New Role:
https://www.ewu.edu/stories/102127/
EPISODE TOPICS:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Meet Christi Harter
03:30 Small town life in South Dakota
05:30 Transformative Peace Corps years in Ghana
08:30 Pursuing a path in education
11:00 Struggling with perfectionism as a teacher
11:30 Connecting with students
15:00 The true gifts of technology in the classroom
22:30 Building bridges between education and employment
24:30 Supporting refugees and immigrants
28:00 The shift towards skills-based hiring
34:00 Importance of communication, managing emotions & addressing inequities
37:00 Defining success
40:00 What "She Lights the Way" means to Christi
41:00 The future of education
43:00 Closing thoughts
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
PlayStation, Parkinson’s and AI, with Penporn Koanantakool
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Penporn Koanantakool, a senior software engineer, shares her courageous journey from growing up in Thailand to being awarded a Fulbright scholarship, confronting challenges in moving to the U.S., earning a PhD from U.C. Berkeley, and eventually helping shape the future of AI at one of the world’s leading tech companies.
Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/penporn-koanantakool-transcript
FOLLOW:
Website: shelightstheway.com/
Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/
X: x.com/she_lights_way
LISTEN TO THE POD:
Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/
RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m
READ THE BLOG:
https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog
CONNECT:
Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact
Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story
EPISODE LINKS:
Penporn’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/penporn
Penporn’s Google Research page:
https://research.google/people/penpornkoanantakool/
Penporn’s X:
https://x.com/KaewGB
EPISODE TOPICS:
00:00 Introduction and Early Inspirations
01:13 Welcome & Introductions
01:40 Meet Penporn Koanantakool
03:43 Penporn’s Journey from Thailand to the U.S.
04:52 Overcoming Language Barriers
06:37 Discovering a Passion for Coding
08:34 High Performance Computing and U.C. Berkeley
09:55 Mentors and Inspirations
17:13 Challenges and Opportunities in AI
24:10 Defining Success and Reflecting on Achievements
30:08 Advice and Final Thoughts
31:33 Conclusion and Farewell
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Believing in Yourself, with Nithya Ruff
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
In this warm heart-to-heart with my colleague and good friend Nithya Ruff, we dive deep into her incredible journey from India to Silicon Valley, where she's now leading the open source program office at Amazon and serving on the board of the Linux Foundation. Nithya opens up about the pivotal moments in her life—moments that weren’t just about career choices but about the people who believed in her and the values that have guided her.
Together, we explore:
- Nithya’s journey into open source and how a leap of faith to move to the U.S. shaped her life and career
- The role of male allies, from her father’s belief in her future to the colleagues who opened doors at crucial moments
- Balancing family and ambition—Nithya shares how she and her husband made decisions together to support their family, while she kept pursuing her career dreams
- Mentorship and giving back—Nithya’s passion for paying it forward and how she’s become a fierce advocate for others in the tech world
- Life lessons on resilience—Whether you’re navigating bias, feeling like the underdog, or just trying to figure out your next step, Nithya’s advice on believing in yourself and pushing forward will resonate
We also reflect on the value of friendship, mentorship, and how women can light the way for each other. Nithya's warmth, wisdom, and honesty in this interview are what make her such a remarkable friend and leader.
Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where Nithya's wisdom and experiences come together to inspire you to dream big, push through challenges, and help others along the way.
Show Notes:
00:00 Believing in Yourself: A Crucial Muscle to Develop
01:01 Introduction to She Lights the Way
01:34 Meet Nithya Ruff: A Personal and Professional Journey
04:14 Nithya's Role at Amazon and the Linux Foundation
05:52 Pivotal Moments & Personal Milestones
09:02 The Importance of Male Advocates
12:01 Family Influences and Decisions
15:39 Raising Daughters and Building Relationships
18:36 Inspirations and Mentorship
26:13 Advice for Women: Believe, Advocate, and Persist
34:31 The Power of Mentorship and Community
37:28 Looking Ahead and Defining Success
41:00 Conclusion: Lighting the Way for Others
Guest Bio:
Nithya Ruff is a strategic open source, digital, and media technology executive with over 20 years of experience leading tech and innovation at prominent companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Comcast, Intel, Wind River, and Western Digital (SanDisk). She is recognized as a visionary in the open source community and currently serves as the chair of the Linux Foundation board of directors. Her career has spanned various roles, including product management, product marketing, and strategy, with a focus on championing diversity and inclusion in technology. She is an advocate for women in tech, and actively works to create more inclusive organizational cultures and mentor others in the field.
Learn more about Nithya’s work and connect with her:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter/X
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Designing a Better World, with Vani Jain
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Vani Jain, an emerging Indian-born interior designer fresh out of Pratt Institute, shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, from navigating a cross-cultural move during COVID to embracing resilience in her professional journey. Her passion for empowering women, promoting environmental justice, and creating spaces that enhance well-being shines through as she discusses her influences, time management strategies, and the pivotal transitions in her life.
Vani offers insights on:
- The importance of mentorship and support systems
- How she's using design to empower women and promote sustainability
- Her approach to balancing multiple roles and practicing self-care
- The future of design in a post-pandemic, tech-driven world
Her story exemplifies the power of facing difficulties head-on with optimism and courage. Listen in to be inspired by Vani's fresh perspective and dedication to making a positive impact through design.
Show Notes:
00:00 Introductions
01:08 Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience
01:31 Meet Vani Jain: A Journey of Resilience and Innovation
02:59 Vani's Background and Professional Journey
03:54 Influences and Early Experiences
05:23 Navigating Cross-Cultural Transitions
06:29 Balancing Academics, Internships, and Self-Care
08:37 Empowering Women and Promoting Environmental Justice
10:35 Unique Talents and Perspectives in Design
11:42 Overcoming Challenges and Future Goals
13:14 The Importance of Mentorship and Support Systems
15:01 Inspiration and Vision for the Future of Design
20:18 Impact of the Pandemic and Technology on Design
22:36 Defining Success and Embracing Positivity
24:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest Bio:
Vani Jain is a junior interior designer with a BFA in Interior Design and a minor in Sustainability Studies from Pratt Institute. With a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental justice, Vani integrates these principles into her design philosophy, aiming to create spaces that both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
Her professional experience includes working with Lori Margolis Interiors, where she has developed her skills in creating functional and innovative design solutions. Vani's portfolio reflects her dedication to sustainable practices, showcasing projects that prioritize eco-friendly materials and designs that promote well-being. As she continues her professional journey, Vani is passionate about advocating for sustainable design within the interior design industry.
In addition to her design work, Vani is passionate about supporting and empowering other women in the industry, a commitment that is reflected in her projects and collaborations as she seeks to foster an inclusive environment within the design community.
Learn more about Vani’s work and connect with her:
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Grateful for Change, with Brittany Istenes
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Brittany Istenes gives us a kickass blueprint for thriving as she shares her remarkable journey of personal growth, career pivots, and finding success through adaptability and compassion. She reveals how moving through 15 different schools by the time she finished high school instilled in her a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments. Her unexpected career pivots—from following the Grateful Dead on tour to becoming a special education teacher and then transitioning into the tech industry—showcase her fearless approach to life and career.
Brittany's story is one of resilience and continuous learning filled with valuable life lessons, including the importance of embracing change, trusting your gut, and never fearing failure. She emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and the impact of supportive environments in personal and professional growth. Her heartfelt reflections on success, self-love, and perseverance provide a powerful reminder that our paths may be winding, but they are filled with opportunities for learning and connection.
During our conversation, Brittany talks about:
- Overcoming instability in her youth to develop adaptability skills
- Making a significant impact as a special education teacher
- Transitioning into educational technology and IT project management
- Finding her place in open source software and embracing public speaking
- Dealing with anxiety and the importance of self-love
- The value of mentorship and allies in career growth
Join us for a conversation that will leave you inspired to embrace the unknown, relish personal growth, and seek out meaningful connections. Don't miss out on this powerful story of a woman lighting the way in her own unique and authentic style!
Guest Bio:
Brittany Istenes is a dynamo whose journey is marked by resilience, adaptability and a passion for community, from following the Grateful Dead on tour to becoming a special education teacher and then transitioning into the tech industry. She currently works in an open source program office for a large financial firm.
Having attended 15 different schools throughout her K-12 education, she developed a resilience that has shaped her approach to life and work. After following the Grateful Dead for two and a half years, Brittany pursued her education at community college before transferring to Temple University, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree.
Brittany's teaching career began in an underserved school in Southwest Philadelphia, where she made a significant impact, helping her students close achievement gaps in reading, math and science. Her dedication to education and her students' success was recognized at the highest levels, including acknowledgment from President Barack Obama.
Now, Brittany combines her teaching experience with her role in the tech industry, advocating for remote work and the importance of community in all its forms. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that we can all make a difference in the lives of others.
Show Notes:
Introduction
Early Life and Adaptability
Life on the Road with the Grateful Dead
Career in Special Education
Pivot to Educational Technology
Challenges and Overcoming Anxiety
Open Source Advocacy
Lessons and Advice
What 'She Lights the Way' Means
Closing
Learn more about Brittany’s work and connect with her:
LinkedIn
GitHub
Twitter/X
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Opening a Door to Grief, with Anne Gudger & Maria Gibson
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Mother-daughter duo Anne Gudger and Maria Gibson open up about their powerful journey through grief and how it became their shared mission. After losing her husband while pregnant with Maria's older brother, Anne transformed her pain into purpose. Together, they've created a safe space for others to explore and express their grief through podcasts, a reading group, and writing workshops.
In this moving interview, Anne and Maria reveal:
• How grief became Anne's unexpected "superpower"
• The surprising ways their work has impacted people's lives
• Their unique approach to holding space for others' grief stories
• Their hopes of bringing grief education to schools
• The beautiful dynamic of working together as mother and daughter
Discover how these inspiring women are normalizing the conversation around grief and loss. Their story will touch your heart and may even transform how you view your own experiences with grief. Don't miss this intimate look at turning pain into purpose and connection.
Show Notes:
Introduction
Anne's Grief Journey
Maria's Perspective on Grief
Grief as a Superpower
Maria's Work and Empathy
Working Together as Mother and Daughter
Reflection and Community Impact
Future Goals and Vision
Closing Reflections
Guest Bio:
Anne Gudger is a Portland-based author known for her poignant exploration of themes such as love, loss, and grief. She has contributed to various publications, including Real Simple Magazine, The Rumpus, and Columbia Journal, and has won multiple essay contests, earning nominations for Best of the Net twice. Her debut memoir, The Fifth Chamber, was published in September 2023 by Jaded Ibis Press and delves into her personal experience of becoming a young widow after the tragic death of her husband in a car accident while she was pregnant with their son.
In addition to her writing, Anne and her daughter, Maria Gibson, founded Coffee and Grief, a community initiative that includes a podcast and monthly reading series focused on grief. They also lead writing workshops on the topic. Together, this mother-daughter duo seeks to normalize discussions around grief and provide support for those navigating their own experiences of loss.
Learn more about Anne & Maria's work and connect with them: