The Voice of Women Podcast Episodes: Women's Interesting and Inspiring Real Life Stories
Episode 65 - Dr. Deinera Exner-Cortens
Dr. Deinera Exner-Cortens is an internationally-recognized adolescent dating violence researcher. She began working in the area of domestic violence research during her undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary, and since then has conducted numerous research projects in the areas of domestic, sexual and dating violence, holding over $2.3 million in research funding to date.
Today, she works alongside school, community and youth partners across the country to co-create innovative research on promoting healthy youth relationships and preventing dating violence. Her work has been recognized by a Canada Research Chair appointment, an Early Career Award from the Society for Prevention Research, a Leadership in Family Violence Prevention Innovation Award from the Government of Alberta, and a Top 40 Under 40 Award from Avenue Magazine Calgary.Deinera holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University and a Master of Public Health from Boston University. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary.
She is also the director of the HOPELab (www.hopelab.ca), and Scientific Co-Director of PREVNet (https://youthdatingviolence.prevnet.ca).
Episode 64 - Brooke Garcia
As the CEO of 4Seasons Transportation, Brooke leads the organization’s vision to affect change in the lives of students with disabilities by being the leading accessible school bus company. She oversees all operations of the company and creates connections with schools, parents and communities, making sure every child receives an equal opportunity to a nurturing educational experience.
Brooke is a thought leader in the transportation industry and regularly speaks at national and international forums. In 2018, she accepted the Accessible Transportation Award and Commerce Award from the City of Calgary on behalf of 4Seasons.
Episode 63 - Yegana Badghisy
Yegana Badghisy was born in the western city of Afghanistan called Herat. An Oasis city, an ancient civilization on the Silk Road between the Middle East, Central and South Asia serving as a regional hub in the country's west. After the conquest of Tamerlane, the city became an important center of academic, artistic and poetic life in the Islamic world. The love for art, design and poetry (Rumi) has always played a major role in Yegana's daily life, perhaps, it has always been running through her veins, and her soul from the very start.
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and this brought Yegana and her family to New Delhi India for a short term before returning home, which never happened as the war continued. Family decided it was time to move to Canada, in 1990 Yegana and her family landed in lovely Winnipeg, and now living in Calgary where it's been home since 1995, the longest place she has ever lived in.
The current crisis in Afghanistan is so incredibly devastating for her and all Afghans around the world, especially for the Afghan women living under these barbaric men who call themselves the Taliban..Yegana is continuously helping Afghan women become liberated, whether it's within the Calgary Afghan community, a conversation with friends, encouraging a stranger back home that “she can do it" or simply raising awareness of the oppression of women period. Uplifting, encouraging and motivating women daily is super important for all of women around the world and so much more for the Afghan women.
Family plays the greatest role in her life. Wife to an outstanding German/Austrian man, a mother to two amazing boys, which is her favorite role to play, a role which is the most important in Yegana's life. During these crazy times, Yegana's key for the betterment of her boys is, teaching them the way of God, of course along with being kind, being affectionate and always showing compassion, and kicking butt in their daily activities doing their very best. Traveling is what feeds her soul, adores jewelry and gemstones (Emeralds, Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires) and of course retail therapy.
Yegana is a top producing real estate agent, with Yegana Real Estate in Calgary, she has been in this role for the past 11 years. Enthusiastic about connecting entrepreneurs to new business locations around the city thrilled to help with home design along with homeowners, whether preparing to sell, construct or renovate.
Episode 62 - Angie Ostojicv
Angie Ostojic, is a devoted mother, loving wife, visionary leader, entrepreneur, passionate speaker, and friend. She was born and raised in the Philippines, Immigrated to Canada in 1996. Angie is passionate about giving back, she founded Brighter Future for the Next Generation, a foundation that aims to help feed, support children’s education by providing school necessities and daily needs in Canada and abroad, wherever is needed.
She also started AO Magazine where ordinary people share extraordinary Life and Business Success Stories, which inspires many. Angie thrives to create a community of like-minded people working towards the same mission and goal and helped numerous men and women achieved financial and time freedom.
Humbled to be nominated for Immigration of Distinctive Award Finalist 2020 Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
She wishes God's guidance to continue to be a supporter of different communities, a frontrunner in supporting new immigrants find their space as entrepreneurs and provide motivations to be productive citizens of this country.
Episode 61 - Megan Golightly
When your life is simplified and decluttered, you can enjoy the small moments. Megan Golightly loves what she does and has been doing it for 14 years. She has a passion for problem-solving, organizing projects big and small, and working with families to see their homes and lives transformed. Her goal is to help you feel at ease in your home and eliminate the negative feelings you may have about your clutter. It's often hard work but worth it!
Megan holds a degree in Psychology and on-going study in Neuroscience peaked her curiosity on how the brain works in relation to the spaces in our homes. It’s unhealthy to have nagging critical thoughts about the state of our homes. Whether or not we believe these words, our subconscious mind does. Deciding how and where to start can be paralyzing. Megan can help motivate, inspire and uncover the psychology of organizing.
Episode 60 - Lauren Bilon
Lauren Bilon is the founder and creative visionary behind Plume, an eco-lux cosmetic brand that specializes in lash and brow growth. After the birth of her daughter, Lauren suffered from postpartum hormonal changes that caused her eyelashes to fall out. Once she realized that any of the products she could use to grow her lashes back would do so at the cost of her eye health, she set out to develop a better, safer approach. After a lengthy journey into the unknown, and with the help of her husband Brett (now CEO of Plume) and chemist Irene (formally of Rocky Mountain Soap Co.) she brought Plume into the world and has been the driving force behind better lashes and brows the world over.
Episode 59 - Sheenah Rogers-Pfeiffer
Sheenah Rogers-Pfeiffer is a two-time founder and CEO. At the age of 26, she founded Anstice, a strategic marketing and research firm she has built over the past 13 years, where she worked with the likes of Starbucks, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Los Cabos Tourism, Remy Martin, Ocean's Tuna and Dream Real Estate. She also held positions with Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the Vancouver Canucks and the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Bid. Sheenah entered the technology start-up space after launching ari Technologies in 2020, an app that connects retailers, brands and customers to facilitate commerce. She is also a mom to three and a wife to one and sits on the Board of Directors for Capture Photo Festival, and is on the Dr. Peter's Centre Life Commitment Committee. Sheenah is also a known fitness and shopping enthusiast in her spare time.
Episode 58 - Tammy Phan
Tammy Phan is the founder and visionary behind Canada's leading online luxury destination where you can shop, sell, rent and restore designer handbags - Luxe Du Jour. Tammy worked in the financial industry for several years before pursuing her passion for sustainability and high-end luxury by creating Luxe Du Jour. What started off as a ‘side hustle’ of selling her own handbags, slowly grew into a full-fledged business now with 5 locations worldwide. Through her story, Tammy hopes to inspire women all around the world to pursue their dreams and pave their own paths instead of following the status quo.
Episode 57 - Kathy Le
Kathy Le is an award-winning journalist with CTV News Calgary. She was honoured a prestigious RTDNA award for Enterprise journalism for her documentary “Covid-19: The Spread of Racism”. Kathy was also awarded the Spirit of NAIT alumni award for excelling in her career. She has been nominated eight times for an RTDNA award for projects, including four documentaries and investigative stories, and was nominated by the Canadian Journalism Foundation for the national Jackman award for Excellence in Journalism.
In addition to reporting, Kathy co-anchors the evening news on the weekend. Her mission as a journalist is to produce stories that will make a difference in the world.
When Kathy is not working, she emcees and speaks at charity and special events. She has taken the stage at more than 100 events and is highly sought out by non-profits organizations and other groups. Using her knowledge and experience, Kathy dedicates her time coaching public speaking to help others find their voice and elevate their delivery.
During her free time, Kathy also volunteers with the Rotary Club Heritage Park. In addition to helping out local organizations, she has had the privilege of travelling with the Rotary club to remote parts of the world where the club has projects that helps the communities in need.
Episode 56 - Julie Shipley-Strickland
Passionate, forthright and dynamic, Julie Shipley-Strickland builds strong relationships with her valued clients by understanding their goals, supporting their concerns and providing thoughtful and strategic solutions. As a Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus Private Wealth and a Senior Insurance Advisor with Bergh Tatomir & Associates, Julie provides independent investment advice, financial planning, insurance solutions and clear guidance to entrepreneurs, executives and their families.
As one of the few female investments and insurance advisors in Canada, Julie is paving the way for future females in finance with her strong leadership and dedication to women-led businesses in the community.
Be A Part Of The VOW Movement
The VOW is a community of diverse voices with stories to tell. To be part of a community of inspiration and impact, join us as a guest or as a sponsor and lend your voice to a growing movement of empowerment with The VOW.
To be a guest click here. To be a sponsor click here.