Her Bold Blueprint

4. From Educator to Executive: The Bold Career Moves That Changed Everything

What does it really take to build a bold, purpose-driven career as a woman in leadership? In this episode of Her Bold Blueprint, Elisha Gonzalez, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for Florida at Truist, shares her powerful career journey from education and nonprofit leadership to government relations and corporate impact. Elisha opens up about immigrating to the United States as a teenager, navigating cultural identity, and taking courageous career risks that shaped her path. From serving as a teacher and principal to working in the U.S. Senate, Duke Energy, Fairwinds Credit Union, and now Truist, her story is a masterclass in growth, resilience, and leadership. This conversation explores: • How to navigate career pivots with confidence • Why women often hesitate to pursue opportunities • The power of relationships and community in career growth • Balancing motherhood, leadership, and personal ambition • Financial literacy and creating economic opportunity • The mindset shifts required to keep evolving as a leader If you’re a woman in business, leadership, or entrepreneurship looking for clarity, courage, and inspiration, this episode is for you. ---------------------------- Connect with our guest at: Elisha Gonzalez Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisha-gonz%C3%A1lez/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisha-gonz%C3%A1lez/] Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/elisha_gonzalez_bonnewitz/ [https://www.instagram.com/elisha_gonzalez_bonnewitz/]   ---------------------------- Connect with our hosts at: Christi Ashby Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-ashby-82a3a47/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-ashby-82a3a47/] Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/appeal_media/ [https://www.instagram.com/appeal_media/] Kate Slentz Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-slentz-5715151b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-slentz-5715151b/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_slentz/ [https://www.instagram.com/kate_slentz/] ---------------------------------- Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/ [https://www.hihellolabs.com/] Presented by AdventHealth for Women: https://www.adventhealth.com/adventhealth-women Connect and Learn More about Her Bold Blueprint: https://www.herboldblueprintpodcast.com/ Powered by:  ATHENA NextGen: https://athenaleadershiporlando.org/ Orange Appeal Magazine: https://www.orangeappeal.com/

3. From Creativity to Confidence: Building a Life You Don’t Want to Escape

What if creativity wasn’t just about art—but about transforming your entire life? In this powerful episode of Her Bold Blueprint, hosts Kate Slentz and Christi Ashby sit down with Ansley Highland, founder of Dora Mae Jewelry and Avant Garden Design, to explore the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation. Ansley shares her journey from a creative child to a business owner, revealing how she built a thriving jewelry brand rooted in storytelling, heirloom transformation, and authenticity. She opens up about the fears that come with entrepreneurship, the evolution of her business, and how stepping into her true identity changed everything—from her work to her relationships. This episode covers: * How to turn creativity into a successful business * Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome * Building confidence and stepping into your true self * The power of transformation in both art and life * Reinventing yourself after major life transitions * Why investing in yourself is the boldest move you can make Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or woman navigating your next chapter, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your voice, trust your instincts, and create a life aligned with who you truly are. ---------------------------- Connect with our guests at: Ansley Highland Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/doramaejewelry/ Website:  https://doramaejewelry.com/ ---------------------------- Connect with hosts at: Christi Ashby Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-ashby-82a3a47/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-ashby-82a3a47/] Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/appeal_media/ Kate Slentz Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-slentz-5715151b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_slentz/ ---------------------------- Presented to you by Hi Hello Labs Website: hihellolabs.com Presented by AdventHealth for Women: https://www.adventhealth.com/adventhealth-women Connect and Learn More about Her Bold Blueprint: https://www.herboldblueprintpodcast.com/ Powered by:  ATHENA NextGen: https://athenaleadershiporlando.org/ Orange Appeal Magazine: https://www.orangeappeal.com/

2. Career Pivots, Motherhood, and Bold Decisions with Dr. Charlotte McCullough and Hannah Dyer

In this episode of Her Bold Blueprint, we sit down with two remarkable women whose journeys reflect the power of bold decisions, resilience, and authenticity. Dr. Charlotte McCullough, licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Centerpiece Couples and Family Therapy, shares her powerful story of pivoting careers to follow a calling that would impact families and communities across Central Florida. From her early work in child welfare to launching her own private practice despite doubt and criticism, Charlotte opens up about trusting your gut, overcoming fear, and building a movement around mental health care. We’re also joined by Hannah Dyer, Orlando business owner and member of the Athena Next Gen program, who reflects on working alongside her mother in their family business, Go Big Marketing, navigating motherhood and identity after having a child, and what it means to bet on yourself even when the path feels uncertain. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, motherhood, mental health advocacy, generational influence, and the courage it takes to pursue your purpose. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to pivot, start something new, or trust your instincts, this episode is for you. ---------------------------- Connect with our guests at: Dr. Charlotte McCullough Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cherlette_mccullough/ Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherlette-mccullough-22ab0b18/ Website:  https://www.cherlettemccullough.com/ Hannah Dyer Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hannahzukdyer/ Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-dyer-382a0351/ Website:  https://gobigmarketing.com/ ---------------------------- Connect with hosts at: Karen Keene  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-keene-profile2023/ Charissa Smith Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/charissa-eller/ ---------------------------- Presented to you by Hi Hello Labs Website: hihellolabs.com Presented by AdventHealth for Women: https://www.adventhealth.com/adventhealth-women Connect and Learn More about Her Bold Blueprint: https://www.herboldblueprintpodcast.com/ Powered by:  ATHENA NextGen: https://athenaleadershiporlando.org/ Orange Appeal Magazine: https://www.orangeappeal.com/

1. Her Bold Blueprint: The Stories Behind the Women Shaping Central Florida

Welcome to the very first episode of Her Bold Blueprint, a podcast featuring conversations with women leaders who are shaping the future of Central Florida. In this pilot episode, co-hosts Karen Keene, Charissa Smith, Kate Slentz, and Christi Ashby introduce the vision behind the show and the powerful collaboration between Athena NextGen, Orange Appeal Magazine, and the Orlando Women’s Conference. Together, they share why creating a space for bold, honest conversations about leadership, risk-taking, vulnerability, and personal growth matters now more than ever. From launching organizations during uncertain times to navigating male-dominated industries and learning to ask for help, the hosts reflect on their own leadership journeys and the moments that shaped their paths. Throughout the season, Her Bold Blueprint will feature inspiring women from across Central Florida who are building businesses, leading organizations, and redefining what leadership looks like today. Because behind every success story is a blueprint shaped by courage, resilience, and bold decisions. Presented by AdventHealth for Women: https://www.adventhealth.com/adventhealth-women Connect and Learn More about Her Bold Blueprint: https://www.herboldblueprintpodcast.com/ Powered by:  ATHENA NextGen: https://athenaleadershiporlando.org/ Orange Appeal Magazine: https://www.orangeappeal.com/