Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast

Happy Friday. I hope your day brings you pockets of joy in a time when things may seem chaotic and uncertain. Protect your mental health and your peace. Create space for yourself to disconnect and enjoy a quiet moment. A warm sip of a latte. Children playing and laughing in a park. A walk with your dog. A cuddle with your cat. A chat and a laugh with a friend. A good nap. A quick sit under a tree in a cool breeze. A deep breath in the sun.

Look for your rainbow today. I see you. I feel your angst. We are in this together. Sending you love 💕

Just a reminder for all of you to EMBRACE today as a new opportunity. POSITIVITY is contagious, so spread it around. Take a CHANCE and do something new. It is amazing what can happen when you fight through fear and hesitation. Show someone some LOVE. You never know what your kindness can mean to someone. And finally GOD is good. Whatever source you lean on for guidance and support will see you through all of life’s obstacles. Stay the course. You are loved. You are worthy. You are a gift.

Life is short. Focus on good and what can be then act and make the most of it. 🧘🏽‍♀️🙏🏽❤️ ☀️

This week's episode of Fearless, Inspired and Free shares a conversation with a strong woman leader in the non-profit/public service space. A story of resilience, persistence and insistence upon her voice being heard from as early as six years old growing up in the foster care system, to becoming the lawyer she always wanted to be; serving communities in an equitable manner. You don't want to miss this conversation!

“Advocate, empowering, dedicated, kind, effective”...all words used by her peers to describe their experiences of engagement with her. But don’t take our word for it…tune in and listen for yourself today.

Lanetta Haynes Turner is renowned as the longest-serving Chief of Staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (in Chicago, IL) where she plays a pivotal role in steering the administration's agenda through policy development, program implementation, budget management, and executive functions.

Before her tenure as Chief of Staff, Lanetta served as Deputy Chief of Staff, focusing on shaping the President's policy initiatives and pioneering the creation of the office's inaugural comprehensive strategic plan, with a particular emphasis on advancing racial equity. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, dedicated to driving criminal and juvenile justice reform in alignment with the President's vision.

Lanetta's dedication to advocating for youth stems from her personal experiences within the Illinois foster care system during her childhood. With over two decades of legal, nonprofit, and public sector experience, she exemplifies a steadfast commitment to public service and improving the lives of society's most vulnerable.

Educated at Northwestern University, Lanetta holds a degree in Education and Social Policy, complemented by a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law. She commenced her career as an attorney with the City of Chicago before transitioning to the nonprofit sector as an attorney with Life Span Center for Legal Services and Advocacy. Notably, she served as the Executive Director of CASA of Cook County for five years and as the inaugural Executive Director for Cook County Justice for Children.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to public service, Lanetta was honored in 2023 with the prestigious Excellence in Public Service Award, by The Civic Federation, underscoring her impact and leadership within the public sector. She has also participated as a Civic Leadership Academy Fellow at the University of Chicago and was a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.

In past years, Lanetta has been recipient of the Athena International Young Nonprofit Professional and was named one of the "100 Women to Watch" by Today's Chicago Women Magazine.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Lanetta remains actively engaged in professional associations, including memberships with the Black Women's Lawyer's Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, reflecting her commitment to fostering community and advancing the interests of underrepresented groups, women and children.

You can find Lanetta on LinkedIn.

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This week’s episode of Fearless, Inspired and Free shares a conversation with a strong woman leader in the non-profit/public service space. A story of resilience, persistence and insistence upon her voice being heard from as early as six years old growing up in the foster care system, to becoming the lawyer she always wanted to be; serving communities in an equitable manner. You don’t want to miss this conversation! 

“Advocate, empowering, dedicated, kind, effective”...all words used by her peers to describe their experiences of engagement with her. But don’t take our word for it…tune in and listen for yourself today.

Lanetta Haynes Turner is renowned as the longest-serving Chief of Staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (in Chicago, IL) where she plays a pivotal role in steering the administration’s agenda through policy development, program implementation, budget management, and executive functions.

Before her tenure as Chief of Staff, Lanetta served as Deputy Chief of Staff, focusing on shaping the President’s policy initiatives and pioneering the creation of the office’s inaugural comprehensive strategic plan, with a particular emphasis on advancing racial equity. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, dedicated to driving criminal and juvenile justice reform in alignment with the President’s vision.

Lanetta’s dedication to advocating for youth stems from her personal experiences within the Illinois foster care system during her childhood. With over two decades of legal, nonprofit, and public sector experience, she exemplifies a steadfast commitment to public service and improving the lives of society’s most vulnerable.

Lanetta holds a degree in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University, and Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law.

Lanetta remains actively engaged in professional associations, including memberships with the Black Women’s Lawyer’s Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, reflecting her commitment to fostering community and advancing the interests of underrepresented groups, women and children.

Today was a great day with our team. Team building, laughing and enjoying a beautiful day. I’m feeling blessed. And now off to my last meeting of the day…and then it’s the weekend!! 😎💃🏽

BUT also, stay tuned… new guest alert, coming soon on Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast! 

As we celebrate women during this Women’s History month, I want to celebrate and highlight some women doing great things in their spaces. Authors, inventors, advocates, therapists, attorneys, real estate professionals, public servants, survivors, business owners, the list goes on. They have shared their stories of triumph over adversity, creative successes, manifestations of their passion and purpose and selfless service of those around them.

Their stories have been shared on the Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast. They have opened up and have welcomed us into their life’s journey in hopes of sharing our commonalities and to let other women know they are not alone…and that their story and their voices are important.

Before this month is over go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you listen to your podcasts and take a listen. These women are a gift and their strength, determination, resilience and servant hearts may just be the motivation you need today!!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast will continue to be a voice for the everyday woman. We endeavor to build community and a safe space to celebrate women and all of the knowledge and diversity of thought they possess.

Subscribe, Listen and Share today. And if you are a woman who wants to share your story, reach out and let us know!

Lakysha Laing Katrina Thompson Shanita Straw Dr. Jennifer Matthews Sherri S. Wick, MS, LCPC, NCC Auristela Nunez Connie Boatman Tate Jeaneen Sica Weyni Langdon Lisa Vargas Carmen Navarro Gercone Carla Pace Jeanne Roberts Johnson Yvette Porchè Cheney Carletta E. Griffin, DM, EDPNA Michelle Wells Aprill Edwards, MBA Nicole Jackson-Hopkins, MBA, CEO Vanetta Roy

As we celebrate women during this Women’s History month, I want to celebrate and highlight some women doing great things in their spaces. Authors, inventors, advocates, therapists, attorneys, real estate professionals, public servants, survivors, business owners, the list goes on. They have shared their stories of triumph over adversity, creative successes, manifestations of their passion and purpose and selfless service of those around them.

Their stories have been shared on the Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast. They have opened up and have welcomed us into their life’s journey in hopes of sharing our commonalities and to let other women know they are not alone…and that their story and their voices are important.

Before this month is over go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you listen to your podcasts and take a listen.

These women are a gift and their strength, determination, resilience and servant hearts may just be the motivation you need today!!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast will continue to be a voice for the everyday woman. We endeavor to build community and a safe space to celebrate women and all of the knowledge and diversity of thought they possess.

Subscribe, Listen and Share today. And if you are a woman who wants to share your story, reach out and let us know!

Lakysha Laing Katrina Thompson Shanita Straw Dr. Jennifer Matthews Sherri S. Wick, MS, LCPC, NCC Auristela Nunez Connie Boatman Tate Jeaneen Sica Weyni Langdon Lisa Vargas Carmen Navarro Gercone Carla Pace Jeanne Roberts Johnson Yvette Porchè Cheney Carletta E. Griffin, DM, EDPNA Michelle Wells Aprill Edwards, MBA Nicole Jackson-Hopkins, MBA, CEO Vanetta Roy

Fearless, Inspired and Free • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters A conversation with women in their life's journey, doing great things, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating life, work and personal business while maintaining their families; becoming Fearless in their action, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose! The goal is to buil...

Our guest for this episode is Lakysha Laing. Her story begins with her earliest memories in foster care, through surviving breast cancer and ultimately finding her voice and truly living her purpose as she completes her Doctorate studies and endeavors to create space for foster care youth who will soon age out of the system. Lakysha is powerful. She is resilient and she is a woman of God on a mission! You won't want to miss this chat.

Lakysha is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in contact centers, specializing in employee engagement, strategy development, and process improvement for large teams. She holds a bachelor's degree in information systems management and an MBA in business administration, and she is currently pursuing her doctoral journey in business administration. Known as the Positivity Expert and Diversity & Inclusion champion, Lakysha is dedicated to creating inclusive environments and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Her motto, "The Authentic Self is the Soul Made Visible," reflects her commitment to authenticity and value-driven leadership.

Lakysha's journey has been marked by resilience and advocacy. As a survivor of breast cancer and a former foster child, she uses her experiences to advocate for cancer awareness and support foster care initiatives. She volunteers with organizations like the American Cancer Society: Reach to Recovery program as a listening ear to newly diagnosed women. She has been a featured breast cancer survivor speaker and model for the Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Foundation, in addition to serving on the board of directors for various non-profits, including the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) and the Tidewater Friends of Foster Care.

An award-winning author of "The Strength of Silk - Living a Life of Grace & Gratitude," Lakysha shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding resilience. In her free time, she enjoys giving back to her community, supporting her husband's art endeavors, and spending quality time with her children and beloved dog.

You can find her on LinkedIn or Instagram

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fearless-inspired-and-free/id1557962737

Celebrating women near and far today. Thank you for all you do everyday to make the lives of those you love, support and work with better!

Slowly but surely we are growing. Bringing women’s stories to you and building community. Thank you for your continued support. We have some new guests coming soon and can’t wait to share.

In the meantime check out Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Re-listen to some previous episodes and listen to episodes you have not gotten to yet. 🙏🤗🎉

Our guest for this episode is the Village of Broadview Mayor, Katrina Thompson. The Village of Broadview and surrounding towns hold a special place in our hearts over here at Fearless, Inspired and Free, so it was a pleasure to speak to the Mayor and hear about Broadview's growth and all of the great initiatives.

Mayor Thompson was the first African American Female Mayor of Broadview when first elected in 2017. She is in her second term and she walks us through her life and familial influences...mainly her mother who influenced her love of service due to her mother's unconditional love and consistent acts of kindness and support.

Early in her life, and as a new mother, Mayor Thompson found that her town (Broadview) did not have programs for children that she felt were acceptable, and instead of complaining, she did something about it and ran for the Board of the Park District...won the seat and her journey to becoming Mayor began.

**If you are sensitive to hearing the truths about segregation, discrimination and historical inequities be forewarned**

Mayor Thompson speaks unapologetically about advocating for the Black community, but also feels like embracing diversity of culture, race, differently-abled, etc. is what makes Broadview a strong and thriving community. Her goal is to create a town where everyone is accepted, there are resources and families can thrive.

Mayor Thompson has come in and has elevated a small village, bringing increased focus to Broadview, garnishing National attention. She has also leveraged relationships and has partnered with 2 other local women Mayors to work on collaborative environmental and grant focused initiatives like C4. Listen in to hear what that is about. She budgets, plans and implements and that is how she continues to ensure her village grows.

Mayor Thompson does her days work, but also understands balance, self-care and the power of "no". She is in a stage of life where she knows what she wants and understands she has to be firm about boundaries. Therapy has been a gift and she encourages having someone to trust and bounce things off of.

Tune in today to . Mayor Thompson has some nuggets for you.

If you are looking for organizations to support, Mayor Thompson has supported Polished Pebbles, Best of Proviso Township, Westchester Food Pantry and THE ANSWER INC (Autism Awareness & Support Agency) .

Like, Subscribe and Share this episode. Let's build community together!!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yUFvlmwTaSvAeKQH7S6XM?si=X4OVfCaBRGGbs-PznriAFw

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fearless-inspired-and-free/id1557962737?i=1000633841786

Our guest for this episode is the Village of Broadview Mayor, Katrina Thompson. The Village of Broadview and surrounding towns hold a special place in our hearts over here at Fearless, Inspired and Free, so it was a pleasure to speak to the Mayor and hear about Broadview's growth and all of the great initiatives.

Mayor Thompson was the first African American Female Mayor of Broadview when first elected in 2017. She is in her second term and she walks us through her life and familial influences...mainly her mother who influenced her love of service due to her mother's unconditional love and consistent acts of kindness and support.

Early in her life, and as a new mother, Mayor Thompson found that her town (Broadview) did not have programs for children that she felt were acceptable, and instead of complaining, she did something about it and ran for the Board of the Park District...won the seat and her journey to becoming Mayor began.

**If you are sensitive to hearing the truths about segregation, discrimination and historical inequities be forewarned**

Mayor Thompson speaks unapologetically about advocating for the Black community, but also feels like embracing diversity of culture, race, differently-abled, etc. is what makes Broadview a strong and thriving community. Her goal is to create a town where everyone is accepted, there are resources and families can thrive.

Mayor Thompson has come in and has elevated a small village. She has also leveraged relationships and partnerships to collaborate on grant focused initiatives. She budgets, plans and implements and that is how she continues to ensure her village grows.

Mayor Thompson does her days work, but also understands balance, self-care and the power of "no". She is in a stage of life where she knows what she wants and understands she has to be firm about boundaries. Therapy has been a gift and she encourages having someone to trust and bounce things off of.

If you are looking for organizations to support, Mayor Thompson has supported Polished Pebbles, Best of Proviso Township, Westchester Food Pantry and The Answer Inc.

Like, Subscribe and Share this episode. Let's build community together!!

In this episode we speak with Attorney Shanita Straw...again. We last spoke with Shanita in an episode called "If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Try Again" in April of 2021. Her journey and story of resilience, PERSISTENCE and determination to be who and what she wanted to be since she could remember despite "life happening" was admirable.

We learned about Shanita's life and journey the first time we spoke, but she came back recently to update us on how she continues to work towards her goals AND this time she also wanted to share how important it is for us all to get our affairs together and what things we can do to protect our assets and our families as we prepare for end of life.

Shanita practices law in the areas of Real Estate, Probate/Estate Planning, Labor and Employment, Corporate and Business Formations, Family Law and Bankruptcy. As she expands her practice, future endeavors will include both Criminal and Civil Rights Law

When we talk, Shanita wants to have the hard conversation about all of us not being here one day because when we don't, our families are left here unprepared to deal with the hardships of probate and potential court battles. We discuss things like estate plans, power of attorney for property and health, wills, trusts, beneficiary designations and why it's important to review your plan regularly.

You will not want to miss this episode. The information is vitally important. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

You can reach Shanita at 708-613-4433, [email protected] or book a consult on her website at goldenlawpc.com.

Listen, Like, Comment and Subscribe to Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast today! Follow on Instagram and Facebook for episode updates.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/danafif20/episodes/Committed-to-Being-a-Lifelong-Learner-and-Subject-Matter-Expert---a-Check-in-with-Previous-Guest-Dr--Jennifer-Matthews-e2aaahs

**Join Dr. Matthews on October 14th from 11-2pm at the Lester Long Field House, 14700 Evers, Dolton, IL as she moderates a panel “From Fear to Freedom - United for Women’s Safety” with powerful women who are public servants in Cook County**

Back in May of 2021, I spoke with Dr. Jennifer Matthews while she was a candidate for her PhD. We discussed her journey as it pertained to her health and how she began to question the generational beliefs her family had around food and diet. She had found a new way to live, was building community around her new lifestyle and was also finishing her studies while raising her young son.

In this episode we speak with Dr. Jennifer again and she discusses her numerous recent accomplishments and how she is leaning in to all of the new spaces and places she finds herself participating in; all while building new communities of support. She shares with us how we have to continue to push ourselves to realize our gifts and contribute in a way that is fulfilling. She is clear in her vision and continues to work towards her goals.

Dr. Matthews is a Subject Matter Expert in Body Cameras and Digital Media with 16 + years of hands-on and educational experience in the field of criminal justice. She is a third-generation law enforcement professional. She is a certified Women-Owned Small Business Owner with a Women's Business Enterprise private security company, Paramount Security Analytics. At Paramount Security Analytics, her company provides Armed/Unarmed professional security services for businesses, parking lots, events, VIPs, retail stores, and many more.

Dr. Jennifer Matthews is a public speaker, educator, and thought leader dedicated to inspiring individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. With a unique blend of expertise in law enforcement, psychology, communication, and leadership development, Dr. Matthews captivates audiences with her dynamic presentations and empowers them with practical strategies for personal and professional growth. Dr. Jennifer Matthews is a driving force behind digital transformations to solve cases quicker, encouraging the use of body-worn cameras.

Dr. Matthews recently published a book on Amazon entitled: Guardians of Transparency: Illuminating the Path of Body Cameras for a Safer Tomorrow.

You can find and contact Dr. Jennifer Matthews on Instagram and Facebook, or on her website. Links are below:

IG
IG
IG
psecurityanalytics FB
drjennifermatthewsconsulting FB
⁠drjennifermatthews.com⁠
⁠psecurityanalytics.com

Committed to Being a Lifelong Learner and Subject Matter Expert...a Check-in with Previous Guest Dr. Jennifer Matthews by Fearless, Inspired and Free Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey…the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their ...

Hey there everyone!! It has been a while since we have connected and I am missing you ALL.

I wanted to drop in to let you know new episodes are on the horizon for what we will call Season 3. Life happens and sometimes we veer off the beaten path, but you know what....we jump back in and create a new path. So here we are.

This is a short episode with some updates about where I have been and what I have been up to. Also some lessons I have learned in our time away from each other. Time Management, Self-Love/Self-Care, Transitions in life, Circle Training and starting my own, Vulnerability and the Gift of Sharing...all things I'm discussing.

Also, don't miss my shout out to Vanetta Roy as she prepares to open her new brunch spot in East Point Georgia in August 2023!! Check her out on Instagram.

So...until we chat again. Take a listen to my check-in. Remember to Subscribe, Follow and Share on the Spotify and Apple Podcadt platforms. More to come!

Spotify:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/danafif20/episodes/Quick-Check-in-and-Update-on-the-Upcoming-Season-with-Dana-e278ask

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fearless-inspired-and-free/id1557962737

Today was a perfect day. A room packed with power and genuine support for women by women. The first LeadHership Summit organized by the Benedictine University L.E.A.D.S.

Another blessing in my life is that I get to be a part of something so much larger than myself.

Thank you and Nancy. Thank you Dr. Gregory and Pat Ar**no. Thank you Benedictine University and the L.E.A.D.S. Senior Advisory team of women. Thank you to all of the Student Leaders. And a special thank you to Trisha Prabhu for your words of wisdom and for the work you do to fight against cyber bullying and encouraging perpetrators to “ReThink”💪🏽

My heart is full❤️

Busy weekend so far! Women of the Shield brunch on Friday and Cook County Sheriff’s Memorial Foundation fundraiser this evening. So good to see so many faces in both places!! Wish I took more pics. 💙

Please join us at this wonderful event. We are building community, supporting current women of service and preparing future community servants.

See you there. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We are only 5 days away from our 8th annual Women of the shield Brunch and we are so excited to listen ti our keynote speaker Director Rita Mendez and to see old friends and new ones.

Grateful to this year’s sponsors who generously donated and helped make it possible.

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast, Lange Tax & Accounting, Motorola, ILETSBI, Popovic Law Firm, FOP Lodge 4, Noble Chicago, Double W Financial Group, LIssette Rivero,Realtor, Denise Portillo Krohn-Guaranteed Rate, Galanopolous and Galgan Law Firm, Ridge and Downes

This is an excellent opportunity for women enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college/university with an interest in law enforcement.

Get more information on the Women of the Shield website.

https://lnkd.in/gWfcWucx

Another wonderful opportunity to be in the company of powerful women. Five graduates from the Women of the Shield cohort academy. I am eagerly anticipating all of the great things you will do as public servants. It was an honor to meet and be a part of this journey with such a driven and goal-oriented group. 💙
IGY6

Such an evening well spent, enjoying the service project presentations by the leaders of the first Benedictine University L.E.A.D.S. Cohort. Great job! I continue to be in awe of your dedication to the program and your growth.
Best of luck on your end of semester exams! And after, get some much deserved rest.

Nicki Anderson and Nancy Sayer thank you for all you do to facilitate the journey of these amazing women. The sky is just the beginning…there is no limit.

Got to spend my afternoon with some amazing Women of the Shield.

Women of the Shield is an organization that works tirelessly to support women both in law enforcement and those women looking to go into a field where they are very much needed.

From the woman who created and continues to move the organization forward, to the Board of fearless and inspiring women who insure there are programs in place to accomplish the mission, Women of the Shield is a resource for women in law enforcement and it provides an intimate and honest look at what the profession is and what we as women can do to make it better and stronger.

Kudos to the team on the documentary giving us a look at your first academy of women!! We are amazed by all you’ve accomplished. We are excited about the future for you. Keep shining. Keep striving. Keep supporting. Keep growing.

Anyone wanting information on how you can help or if you are interested, contact WOS at [email protected]

Thank you for the info
Now go vote everyone!