Julie Johnson-Weintraub, 48, was born in England and moved to the Northeastern United States with her family at age 7. They relocated, again, to Florida in the mid-’80s. “My mother just loved the sound of living here,” Johnson-Weintraub said. Dropping into a lovely British accent,...
Whether you meet her in person or by phone or—as is the norm during the global COVID-19 pandemic—by video conference, dance therapist and teacher Sybil Stanonis comes across as confident, passionate, full-of-energy and her zest for life is palpable. But if you’d met her in 2014—or...
Karen Rae, a 49-year-old single mother of two-daughters and businesswoman, teared up as she recited the lyrics of her late grandmother’s song, “Where in the World Have We Been?” Written more than a half-century ago, it’s still incredibly relevant today: “In circles of life we...
By Candi Bryan Any time I get to share my story, I look at it as an opportunity to save another woman’s life. The fact that I am here to tell my story is a miracle. I am a walking miracle. God gave me a second chance...
Tina Levene has made a name for herself as a clean comedienne, five-time author and motivational public speaker. She is polished, confident, energetic, passionate and dynamic—and, at 45, she is 22 years into her recovery journey. “It’ll be 23 years in January 2021, which I...
By Elliott Potter Jackie Sue Griffin is the force behind HERStory and an untold number of other innovations, programs and causes. She rides on the top of the waves when it comes to relevant topics. I speak from experience. I was Jackie’s editor many years ago when...
When a woman encounters great tragedy and unbearable violence, she has the strength inside her to rise above as she, herself, is stronger than she may believe. That’s the case with Colonel Beverly Smith-Tillery, a retired U.S. Army veteran whom dedicated 23 years to serving...
“The strong Black woman is as much a myth as Superwoman,” Cassandra James-Weathersby, 45, said. It’s not personal strength or resilience or passion that Cassie, as she’s known to friends, takes exception with: It’s the external pressure to appear invincible, unstoppable, indefatigable that keeps women, particularly...
It’s every mother’s nightmare: knowing your child is ill. In 2016, this happened to Monica and Ryan, when their beautiful 3-month-old daughter, Emmi Grace Angel, was frequently vomiting and couldn’t keep anything down. Monica took her to the pediatrician—and their world changed forever. Emmi’s pediatrician noted...
By Anna M.A. Stracey Talking about who is or is not a friend isn’t a comfortable thing. On Facebook the kid we went to middle school with but we haven’t spoken to in 30-plus years is our friend because we can see sweet pictures of their...