Herstories

The Iran You The Iran You Don’t See: Culture, History, and ResilienceDon’t See: Culture, History, and Resilience

Discover the beauty and resilience of Iranian culture beyond what appears in the headlines. In this episode, Elaine Benfield and Sherean Malekzadeh explore the history, traditions, and human stories shaping Iran today. Through personal reflections and lived experience, Sherean shares what it means to navigate dual identities as bothAmerican and Iranian, and how those roots shape her perspective on culture, politics, and resilience. At its core, this episode is a reminder that behind every headline are real people with deep cultural pride, creativity, and a desire for a better future. This is the story of Iran that you do not often hear.

Experience Is Everything: Making Every Moment Count in the Age of Customer Expectations

Most companies believe they're delivering a great customer experience. Their customers disagree. In this episode of the Herstories Executive Series, Elaine Benfield sits down with Jeannie Walters, founder of Experience Investigators and author of Experience Is Everything, to talk about the gap between what brands promise and what customers actually feel. Jeannie breaks down why good intentions aren't enough, what executives get consistently wrong, and how small shifts can change everything. If you lead a team, run a business, or just want to understand why some companies earn loyalty and others lose it, this conversation is for you.

The Hidden Power of Community and Storytelling to Elevate Women's Voices

Most women struggle to see their own worth until someone helps them recognize it. Brad Walsh, founder of Empowerography and an incredible community builder, shares how storytelling and authentic connection can unlock powerful confidence in women. In this inspiring episode, Brad reflectson his journey from black-and-white photography to building a global platform that amplifies women’s voices, one story at a time. He also speaks to the importance of men stepping up as allies and the role they play in moving this work forward.

Empowering Single Parents: Support and Education through HOPE Inc.

Join Elaine Benfield in this inspiring episode of Her Stories as she welcomes Kenita Smith, the founder of HOPE Inc. Kenita shares her remarkable journey from being a single parent in college to establishing an organization that empowers other single parents pursuing higher education. Discover the challenges she overcame, the impact of community support, and her vision for the future of HOPE Inc. This episode is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of education.

Turning Dreams into Reality: How 1000 Dreams Fund Supports Future Women

Elaine Benfield interviews Christie Garton about her inspiring work with the 1000 Dreams Fund, focusing on empowering young women through financial resources, mentorship, and visibility, especially in underrepresented fields like gaming and STEM.