“Great things happen outside of your comfort zone.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am Diana Maiyo, a top-rated virtual assistant in Kenya, Africa, who is also passionate about educating women on healthy hair care routines.
I have explored careers in a variety of industries and realized that my purpose in life is to add value to women’s lives on a daily basis.
Being a virtual assistant has enabled me to achieve this as I get to work with so many amazing women from all over the world.
I absolutely love what I do as I also get to learn a lot from the women I assist virtually. My virtual work has enabled me to learn different business practices from across the world and also get to learn of the many cultures out there.
I can confidently say I have found where I belong and that is with the leading ladies in business worldwide.
[Regarding what I do as a virtual assistant], I help with calendar management, social media maintenance, email management, running social accounts for businesses, scheduling appointments, running group chats for businesses, and data entry. Those are just some of the services I offer and have been providing.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I come from a family of six and growing up, my older brother was my best friend. He would let me tag along whenever he went out playing with his friends, and this kept me active and resilient all through my life.
My mum was a businesswoman, and I guess that’s where I got my entrepreneurial spirit from. My community didn’t believe much in educating the girl children, but my mum ensured that the four of us went to school no matter the obstacles she encountered.
[My mum] taught me that I can be just as good as my two brothers and excel in whatever I set my mind on as long as I stay focused. She’s been supportive to date and still champions equal rights for both genders.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Living is all about experiencing new things, going out of your comfort zone, and pushing the boundaries.
If you stay in the same circle, repeating the same cycle…day in and day out…how do you expect anything to change? How do you expect to grow? To learn new skills? To meet new people?
Great things happen outside of your comfort zone.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism means supporting and empowering other women and not degrading men while at it.
Q and A with Sabrina H. from Oliver, British Columbia, Canada
“Growth begins when you commit to moving forward before everything feels perfect.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: What lights me up is building or reshaping workplaces into something efficient and effective, yet still fair and resolute.
A company must grow, stay profitable, and keep its edge, but the people within it deserve the same chance to grow in confidence, skill, and earning power.
My psychology degree gave me the human lens and my years in HR provided the systems foundation.
I help people and businesses succeed by creating systems and conversations where fairness and accountability can exist in the same room.
That balance is what I’m most passionate about.
When it’s right, everyone moves forward together and the business grows, and so do the people within it.
Smart Solutions was born from that intersection, after years of watching how companies rise or fall based on how they choose, support, and value their people.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in a home led by strong women.
My mom raised me on her own, with my grandmother close by.
Together, they taught me that speaking up, thinking for yourself, and finding your own way are necessary, even when it goes against the grain.
That mindset became the foundation for how I work and lead today.
Learning has always been my way forward, so I went back to school as an adult and earned my degree in psychology while raising my two sons independently.
That time demanded focus and discipline, and it showed me how powerful education can be when it connects to real life experience.
By the time I finished my degree, I had fifteen years of administrative experience and a solid background in project management, operations, and logistics.
HR became the natural next step, a place to blend human understanding with structure and strategy. The last two decades have refined those skills and brought me to this point, where experience and knowledge come together in work worth sharing.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: If there’s one truth I’ve learned, it’s that waiting for certainty only delays progress.
Growth begins when you commit to moving forward before everything feels perfect.
It may sound counterintuitive to someone who builds systems, but iteration is part of reality.
Holding out until version one feels flawless only makes it harder to reach version two, three, or four. That lesson was shaped and reinforced when I went back to school as an adult. It wasn’t about timing or convenience; it was simply about starting, and then starting again, until I reached the finish line.
It took many years to complete my degree because life often demanded my attention elsewhere, and each pause made returning feel more daunting.
In the end, I finished with a GPA of 3.28 and a clear understanding that progress is built one imperfect step at a time.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism is about equality.
It means that women should have the same freedom to define success on their own terms, whether that means leading a company, raising a family, starting over, creating something new, or doing all of it within one lifetime.
The strong women I grew up around did not receive the same support or opportunities as men, even though they were often the ones holding everything together.
Watching that shaped how I see the world and taught me that opportunity rarely shows up uninvited.
You build it, one decision at a time.
That same belief guides how I work today.
Now, in mid-life, feminism feels less about demanding a place at the table and more about using your voice once you are there.
It is about standing in your experience with confidence and not waiting for permission to be heard.
MORE ABOUT SABRINA: After years of watching businesses succeed or struggle based on how they chose to support their employees, it felt like it was time to take everything I had learned and turn it into something practical and lasting. That is where Smart Solutions by Sabrina comes from. Starting this business reflects what I value most: fairness, growth, and the belief that people and systems work best when they evolve together. It feels right to be building from a place where experience and intention finally align.
Q and A with Moriah from Brooklyn, New York, living in Hampton, Virginia
“…we have the greatest gift and honor in being able to control our thoughts, our perceptions of our circumstances...”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am incredibly passionate about my work with Black women—helping them to see themselves, in all their potential, but most importantly, in all they already are!
I found this passion as I navigated through different therapist roles at various agencies, but the spark was lit tremendously as I started to take a mental note of the population that I naturally gravitated towards the most—when I didn’t feel like I was “working” but simply supporting—and the burst of joy I’d feel every time a Black woman shared with me that they felt so much better (more confident) about themselves, and less shame, guilt, and inward confusion.
I found myself having visions of my future, and feeling extremely energized and inspired as I saw more and more people who looked like me, reaching the phase that I’d describe now as self-actualization (read up on “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs,” if you’d like more on this). It gives me life, as some people say!
Currently, I am focusing on creative ways to reach, inspire, and empower more Black women, using the gifts I feel blessed to have.
I have already launched my YouTube channel, which is a dedicated safe, resourceful, and validating space created specifically for Black women, and I write whenever I feel inspired and share.
I will say, though, that it is my one-on-one conversations, be it in sessions, “run-ins” with other Black women that I have in my day to day, or even with friends and family, that I value most. To me, it’s nothing like those intimate spaces where vulnerability shines bright, and each person I encounter has an opportunity to feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. I believe it’s my calling.
I love that I get to do this! What I’ve also learned to love in doing this “work” externally with others, is that it also causes me to reflect more often and continue doing the work within myself.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My younger years were very much grounded in faith, family, culture, and education.
If I’m being honest though, there were also multiple experiences of fear and anxiety—only I didn’t realize that’s what it was then.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and unfortunately, I didn’t always have the safest experiences usually when leaving school—I will also never forget what 9-11 was like as a 4th grader living there, and this still impacts my experiences when I need to fly…but more on that another time!
I remember my group of friends and I, especially in middle school, would travel in packs and had to be “ready” always to physically defend ourselves (fight) because there were often others around from other schools (usually older kids), who didn’t have the best intentions and were looking to “jump” and stir up trouble with those of us who were younger or at other schools.
It wasn’t the most fun time in those instances, but it taught me early on, that even though I had supportive and safe parents and others who loved and cared for me, that there may be others in life that I may encounter who may not have the best intentions and I’d need to protect myself (and sometimes those I love and care for) in those instances.
Those are tough lessons to learn as a child, and I’m thankful that I’m here, despite the odds, and that I didn’t allow those experiences to taint my view of everyone.
I also encountered friends, mentors, and people (during that time, and as I got older) who were beautiful souls, good-hearted, and showed themselves to have good intentions.
My parents always kept me, and my brothers, grounded as well, which allowed for me to still see the good in people while still remaining vigilant, and even prayerful.
Even while those difficult experiences occurred, I was still able to be very active, and my parents encouraged creative outlets, which I chose through dance, song, and even a little bit of drawing and theatre, particularly while in high school.
I attended and graduated early from Brooklyn School for Music and Theatre with an Advanced Regents Diploma as Salutatorian of my high school class, which afforded me the opportunity to deliver a speech to my graduating class—an experience that mustered a fondness of public speaking, and it’s when I realized I was pretty good at it too!
I remember being a very inquisitive child who loved learning from and connecting with others intimately, and I truly fell in love with the arts (of all kinds) during my teen years.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Something valuable I’ve learned that I share often nowadays with others and I would love for EVERYONE to know is that, although life’s circumstances, the initial emotions we experience in our humanity, and even society often reminds us of what we do not have control over, we have the greatest gift and honor in being able to control our thoughts, our perceptions of our circumstances, our long-term emotional experiences, our words, our responses, our behaviors, how we treat others, how we treat (and speak to) ourselves, how we choose to raise our children, how we show up in the world, and all things pertaining to ourselves. The more we focus on that fact, the better off we are, the healthier and happier we are, and thus, the better the world can become.
I want others to learn, from my story, to love themselves, so they can show more love outwardly. I also want others to know that they can do ANYTHING they put their mind to; I just hope that what they put their mind to is for the greater good!
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism is about seeing the value in and embracing womanhood, recognizing our rights, strengths, and uniqueness as women, and confidently walking in our innate (God-given) power.
MORE ABOUT MORIAH: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York; however, for the last 15 years, I’ve lived in the state of Virginia. I currently live in Hampton, Virginia, with my loving husband of 8 years and vibrant 4 year old son.
Q and A with Elinfrom Örnsköldsvik (Oernskoeldsvik), Sweden
“I believe we all have a unique “spark”—a signature energy that, when expressed fully, naturally attracts the right people, opportunities, and impact.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m deeply passionate about human potential—the evolution that happens when we face our fears, embrace our challenges, and begin to live in alignment with who we truly are.
From a young age, I was drawn to personal development and understanding why we do what we do. That curiosity has shaped both my own growth journey and the work I do today.
I now coach multi-passionate and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who have big visions but often find themselves stuck in self-doubt or overthinking the launch process.
Through my work—and through Aligned Empowerment, the accountability community I co-founded—I help people bridge the gap between inspiration and execution.
My mission is to create spaces where dreams don’t just stay as ideas, but turn into tangible results through clarity, mindset work, and consistent action.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up with loving parents, yet I internalized the belief that love and approval had to be earned through performance.
That pattern of overachieving and striving for perfection shaped much of my early life—in school, sports, and even relationships.
Eventually, that same drive became both my biggest strength and my greatest teacher. It taught me the importance of balance—of finding self-worth beyond productivity, and of allowing rest, creativity, and joy to have a place alongside ambition.
This realization later became a cornerstone of my coaching: that sustainable success comes from alignment, not exhaustion.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: For much of my life, I tried to fit in—to belong. But the more I tried, the more disconnected I felt from myself.
My journey took me all over the world, from yoga trainings in India to retreats and entrepreneurship in Europe, searching for a sense of “home.” What I discovered was that home isn’t a place—it’s a state of being that comes from honoring who you are, even when it doesn’t fit the mold.
When I finally allowed myself to show up authentically—imperfect, multi-passionate, and real—everything started aligning. The right people appeared, opportunities opened up, and confidence followed.
But I also realized that embodiment alone isn’t enough—we need structure to sustain our flow.
The feminine creative energy needs the masculine framework of accountability and systems to thrive. That realization became the foundation for Aligned Empowerment—a space that combines heart, strategy, and accountability to help others create real momentum toward their goals.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism is about freedom—the freedom to choose your own path, express your truth, and define success on your own terms.
It’s about honoring both the strength and softness within us, and supporting other women to rise without dimming our own light.
Feminism, for me, is also deeply practical: it’s creating structures where women can thrive—financially, emotionally, and creatively—without burning out or compromising their authenticity. That’s the essence of what I strive for in my coaching and community work.
MORE ABOUT ELIN: I believe we all have a unique “spark”—a signature energy that, when expressed fully, naturally attracts the right people, opportunities, and impact. My work is about helping people reconnect with that spark, build the confidence and structure to protect it, and design a life that feels both aligned and empowered.
“I want others to take from my story that faith, persistence, and purpose-driven action can change the trajectory of your life.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am passionate about helping people build, protect, and pass on their legacies.
As both an attorney and real estate broker, my work sits at the intersection of law, property, and empowerment.
I found this passion by living it—I started as a teen mom with a GED, and step by step, worked my way to becoming a lawyer, broker, and business owner.
Today, I’m focused on bridging the gap between communities and the systems that impact them; whether that’s probate, real estate, or business law.
I’m currently working on expanding my law practice, growing my brokerage, and building technology and education platforms like my AMELIA AI Blueprint to help professionals embrace innovation while staying true to their faith and purpose.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up facing challenges that forced me to grow up quickly.
Becoming a young mother while still in school was a turning point, but it gave me grit and resilience.
Education became my lifeline: from GED to college, and ultimately to earning my Juris Doctor degree.
Along the way, I worked in financial services, real estate, and legal support roles, each teaching me skills I still use today.
Those early years taught me perseverance, and that legacy isn’t just about wealth; it’s about showing up, pushing through, and proving to yourself that you can rewrite your story.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is this: your current circumstances do not define your destiny. Obstacles aren’t stop signs; they’re detours that can build strength and wisdom if you don’t give up.
I want others to take from my story that faith, persistence, and purpose-driven action can change the trajectory of your life.
You don’t have to come from privilege to build a legacy; you need the courage to keep moving forward.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism is about agency, equality, and empowerment.
It’s about ensuring women not only have a seat at the table but also the tools, resources, and confidence to use their voice once they’re there.
As a Black woman in law and real estate, feminism also means breaking barriers and lifting as you climb—because true empowerment multiplies, it doesn’t compete.
More about Alisha: I believe in blending faith with professionalism. My journey is not just about contracts, closings, and courtrooms; it’s about legacy and purpose. Everything I build—whether it’s my law firm, my brokerage, or my empowerment platforms—is rooted in service, excellence, and leaving something greater for the next generation.
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