What was the impetus to begin your transformational journey?

In 2008, my first husband was killed in a bicycle/car accident. We had divorced four years earlier but remained friends and co-parented our three children. His tragic accident and sudden death triggered a spiritual awakening in me. I didn't understand how he could be taken at such a young age. We were just forty-five years old. I experienced a profound shift in my perspective. I felt connected to a bigger purpose, but didn't know who I was. 

Was there a specific personal goal you wanted to achieve?

My legacy became my personal goal. How would I be remembered when I die? I wanted to know my true self and become the most authentic version of myself. My children deserved to know my best version, and I owed it to myself to discover that person.

How did you decide on the business name - Shoes That Fit Her Soul?

After several years of personal development and emotional growth, I had a dream about forgetting to put on my shoes for a walk. When I woke up, I thought about the shoes and the importance of having the right ones for the journey. Suddenly, the shoe broke apart, and I recognized how each component represented a step I took on my journey. The sole was my soul. I had begun my journey by reconnecting with my soul, my foundation. The heel symbolized my healing process, allowing me to address the wounds from my past while I discovered my voice, gained clarity for my future through vision, and created the legacy I desired. The shoes I designed for my life fit me perfectly.

Are there any notable changes within corporations to include and promote women? 

Although, I have seen efforts to create programs to promote women, it was up to me to find them and get involved in as many as possible. The networking groups were beneficial in allowing me to pursue my passions beyond my job.

How did your experience within work environments factor into your workshop?

I recognized that women struggle with self-confidence and self-acceptance. This struggle holds them back from taking risks and moving ahead. I found that as I did the inner work to reconnect with my authentic self, I felt more confident to take more risks and speak up for myself. My workshop helps women to reconnect with themselves and learn what truly matters to them. Such awareness builds confidence and opens the door to more opportunities.

At their core women are more inclined to nurture others rather than themselves, how do you overcome this?

We can overcome these challenges by realizing our value and worthiness. Nurturing others is a strength, but nurturing ourselves is a gift.

How does your workshop inspire and aid women in their lives?

I use the eight steps of the shoe to help them form a deeper relationship with themselves and with others. When they are able to see their worth by simply getting to know who they are, it fosters a renewed sense of passion, purpose, and confidence. My eight steps layer together to empower women to move beyond any patterns that are preventing them from realizing their full potential.

Do you feel women’s empowerment and personal growth should be taught at school level?

Absolutely! More than anything, we should be teaching them emotional intelligence. So many young adults have grown up in a dysfunctional family system where emotional needs were not met. When we become adults and begin navigating our world, a lack of emotional awareness makes it very challenging to form healthy relationships and reach our highest potential.

Can you tell us some details about your book?

Shoes That Fit Her Soul is a teaching memoir and a true labor of love. It's about learning to love the one person you can always count on: yourself. My book reflects on my past and retraces my steps through midlife to reclaim my sense of self, find my voice, live a more meaningful life, and find my identity.

Where can people find your company and workshop details?

www.shoesthatfithersoul.com

Bio:

• Austin, TX is my home 

• Started my career at Humana in July 2008; Retired January 2024
• Executive Admin for Central Division Senior Products (6yrs)
• Texas Region Provider Development and Engagement (9yrs) 

• Humana Well-being Champion representing the South Region – 2014 - 2023
• Women’s Networking Resource Group (WNRG) Perspectives Steering Committee (2017 – ’24); Leadership Symposium Steering Committee (2017 – 2022); Associate Recognition Advisory Board (2018); Founding Member of the Mindfulness & Compassion Group (2020); Mindfulness Mentors Steering Committee for the (2021 – 2023)
• Presenter – Many groups and departments in Humana invited me to share my story and shoe steps to their associates beginning in 2018
• Featured on Hi! Page “Women with Vision” in March 2019 
(Humana’s Associate Intranet Website)
• Moderator WNRG Ted Talk WOWZA (Vulnerability) October 2019
• Keynote Speaker - Women’s Perspectives Event (“Building Self-Confidence”) September 2022 

• Keynote Presenter – Humana Regional Health Services Leadership Summit (Mental Health and Wellbeing) May 2023 (this included the medical directors of this region)
• Developer and Facilitator – WNRG Post Event Discussions (I created the format and lead these discussion groups after each quarterly event we broadcast each quarter – each discussion group met once a week for 3-4 weeks) 2021-2023
• Life Coach certification specializing in Identity and Emotional Wellness 

• Creator/Facilitator – Shoes for the Woman’s Soul© 
workshop for Mindfulness and Compassion Community 2020 – 2022
• Podcast Host for “Hear and Now” podcast through the Mindfulness and Compassion group. Podcast based on my shoe steps and emotional wellness – every Thursday during 2023 – this was on Humana Radio with a co-host – so I don’t have the recordings J
• Founder/CEO SHOES THAT FIT HER SOUL, LLC 2022 

• Enjoy live music, baseball, traveling and family