What does it look like to reclaim your voice and take center stage after seasons of service, sacrifice, and quiet leadership?

In this powerful replay, Rebecca Hall Gruyter is joined by Esmeralda Aharon and Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, co-founders of Latinas Rising, as they explored what it means to lead with purpose, elevate others, and shine in your own story.

Esmeralda shared her journey from a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force to becoming an author, educator, and champion for belonging and equity in medicine. Gabriela shared how her immigrant story fueled her passion for inclusive entrepreneurship, podcasting, and economic justice.

Together, they reflected on the importance of mentorship, authorship, and stepping boldly into spaces where your voice matters. If you've ever felt the pull to lead, but weren't sure when or how to begin, this conversation will remind you that your moment to shine is now.

As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Gabriela and Esmeralda's online home is: latinas-rising.com

About Our Guests

Esmeralda Aharon, M.A., is a retired U.S. Air Force combat veteran, keynote speaker, and international best-selling author. Over her 26-year military career, she served in Religious Affairs, supporting service members and leadership across the globe. Today, she is a doctoral student in Higher Education and Program Director at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where she advocates for health equity and social justice. She is also the co-founder of Latinas Rising, a consulting firm that uplifts women through mentorship, leadership, and authorship.

Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano is a bilingual entrepreneur, podcaster, and advocate for inclusive economic growth. An immigrant from Mexico, Gabriela is passionate about empowering women and first-time entrepreneurs through mentorship, storytelling, and community leadership. She is the host of Auténtico and SheLed Badass, and co-host of Women Rising St. Louis. Gabriela co-founded Latinas Rising to amplify voices and expand access to opportunity for underrepresented leaders.

Find them both online at latinas-rising.com

What if the challenges that shake your confidence could actually become the catalyst for greater clarity, courage, and freedom?

In this episode of Empowering Women, Transforming Lives, Rebecca Hall Gruyter is joined by Dr. Cindy McGovern and LaKiesha Tomlin for an empowering conversation about leadership, self-trust, financial confidence, and overcoming fear.

Dr. Cindy shares insights from her book The Permission Mission, exploring why so many women wait for permission before speaking up, pursuing opportunities, or trusting their voice, and how breaking free from those "imaginary rules" can unlock confidence and leadership.

LaKiesha shares her journey from corporate leadership to financial empowerment after a layoff became the turning point that reshaped her future. She offers practical wisdom on building financial confidence, creating new opportunities, and making decisions from clarity instead of fear.

Together, they explore how setbacks can reveal unexpected silver linings and become powerful opportunities for growth, resilience, and transformation.

As always, you can find Rebecca at
www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com

Dr. Cindy McGovern is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author dedicated to helping people communicate with confidence, influence others, and trust their voice. With advanced degrees in communication and leadership, she combines practical strategies with real-world insight to help professionals lead with courage and authenticity. Her latest book, The Permission Mission, explores how challenging self-doubt and "imaginary rules" can unlock greater confidence and leadership.

Connect with Dr. Cindy:
Website: https://drcindy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stLadyofSales
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stladyofsales/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcindy/

LaKiesha Tomlin is an investing and trading mentor who helps busy professionals build financial confidence and flexibility. A Yale MBA and former aerospace and defense engineering leader, she turned to trading after being laid off, transforming a difficult season into an opportunity for financial growth and freedom. Through her platform, Chart Confidence, she teaches practical strategies that help people create more financial options without leaving their careers behind.

Connect with LaKiesha:
Website: https://lakieshatrades.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakieshatomlin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chartconfidence
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChartConfidence