Spoken Word by Anamika

From Survivor To Survivor

Leah M. Forney, widely known as The Culture Doctor, is a cultural strategist and trauma-informed educator committed to transforming how institutions show up for survivors of sexual violence, particularly those from communities of color. As the founder and CEO of Purposely Faithfull LLC, Leah equips organizations and institutions with culturally responsive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered strategies that move beyond performative allyship and into meaningful, lasting change. Her approach is rooted in lived experience, professional expertise, and an unwavering commitment to justice, healing, and equity. A proud Black woman and survivor, Leah unapologetically centers the voices, traditions, and truths of those often left out of the conversation. Whether leading trainings, consulting leadership teams, or holding space for courageous dialogue, she challenges systems to reimagine what safety, advocacy, and healing truly look like. With over 200 media appearances including Elle Magazine, HuffPost UK, ABC 7, Authority Magazine, and The National Desk, Leah is a powerful voice at the intersection of cultural identity, sexual trauma, and systemic change. Leah is the author of What Works for Susan Won’t Work for Tameka: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Sexual Violence Prevention and Response, where she challenges the one-size-fits-all model and calls for strategies that truly honor every survivor's journey. Leah isn’t just teaching cultural responsiveness, she’s living it. And she’s reminding the world that trauma-informed care without culture is incomplete. Connect with Leah [https://www.leahmforney.com] Email Leah: info@leahmforney.com Share your journey on this podcast: contact@anamikadutta.com

Mon Cheri

Cheri Bergeron is a former tech executive and entrepreneur turned bestselling author, speaker, trained life coach, and founder of the nonprofit Cheri's Choice. Following her ten-year struggle with infertility that involved multiple rounds of IVF, donor conception, genetic defects and child loss, she successfully gave birth to her children at the ages of 44 and 46. Driven by these experiences, Cheri wrote the #1 Amazon bestseller Mission: Motherhood to let women know they aren’t alone in this struggle. Through her nonprofit, Cheri now helps women navigate non-traditional paths to motherhood on their own terms—with clarity, confidence, and choice. She lives with her beautiful, unconventional, blended family in Austin, Texas. Connect with Cheri [https://www.cheribergeron.com] Cheri's Choice - A Non-Profit by Cheri Bergeron [https://www.cherischoice.com] Mission Motherhood by Cheri Bergeron [https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Motherhood-Writing-Fairy-Family-ebook/dp/B0F38PL22F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37A4YM2OLRL1F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c91KK72atntGntluP5t9OMT_ZG2v0sF0ocPz8HaLVsU.Xncf7uQmezhEYsK719rHrY3AWyjzKlAjYbOUEw0ozEg&dib_tag=se&keywords=mission+motherhood+cheri+bergeron&qid=1746486023&sprefix=mission+motherhood,aps,178&sr=8-1] Cheri's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheribergeron] Cheri's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/missionmotherhood/] Cheri's Instagram [https://instagram.com/screwthefairytale] To share your story on this podcast, email, contact@anamikadutta.com

The House That Built Me

Leslie Davenport is an internationally recognized speaker, climate psychology educator, consultant, and therapist who bridges climate, education, policy, media, and social justice. Author of five books, including Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change for clinicians and two APA-published guides for youth, she also has an adult APA Climate Emotions workbook forthcoming in 2026. Leslie leads the Climate Psychology Certification program at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and advises organizations such as Post Carbon Institute. She brings audiences science, strategy, and heart to navigate eco-emotions for a more just world. Connect with Leslie [https://linktr.ee/LDavenportAuthor] Leslie Davenport Website [https://lesliedavenport.com] Leslie Davenport Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ldavenportauthor/] Leslie Davenport LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliedavenport/] Leslie Davenport Services [https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/52393/leslie-davenport] To share your story, email: contact@anamikadutta.com

Cancer Doesn't Define Me

Rita Avellar is a writer, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur who transforms real stories into art that makes people think. As the founder of Avellar LLC, she leads projects that blend storytelling, marketing, and web design— from writing to brand strategy. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she uses creativity as a tool for healing and reinvention. Through her work, including The Fat Lady short film and The Thriving Creative Summit, Rita empowers women to own their stories and turn them into purpose-driven work. Born in Rio and based in Indianapolis, she continues to bridge cultures, creativity, and courage in everything she creates. Connect with Rita [https://www.ritaavellar.com] Website [https://www.siteforyourbiz.com] Filmmaking [https://www.avellar.co] Movie: The Fat Lady [https://www.thefatladyfilm.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ritaavellar/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-avellar/] Share your story, email, contact@anamikadutta.com

You're Your Own Hero

Jesse Ramos Jr. is a New York City–based Transformation Artist, speaker, and founder of BBT Fitness NYC. [https://www.bbtfitness.nyc] Once a top banker with 14 years of success, Jesse spent two decades battling alcohol, self-hate, and the pain of hiding his sexuality in the 90s. His struggles led to heartbreak, burnout, and even jail—but it was the loss of his grandmother that pushed him to rebuild his life completely. He got sober, lost 90 pounds, and moved from California to New York City to start over with purpose and peace. Today, Jesse coaches high performers, executives, and creatives to do the same—helping them break destructive cycles, rebuild confidence, and realign their lives through his Good Enerj method. Featured in Forbes, iHeartRadio, and Daily Mail, Jesse proves that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise again—and live a life that finally feels like yours. Connect with Jesse on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/goodenerj/] Share your story on this podcast, email - contact@anamikadutta.com