Woman Wednesday: Jill G.


Q and A with Jill G. from St. Catharines, Canada

“…the answers were never “out there” in someone else’s program, someone else’s approval, or some external fix.”


Q: What are you passionate about?



Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—and what I hope everyone can take away from my story—is this: you are not stuck. No matter what your past looks like, no matter how many times you’ve tried and stumbled, your future is still unwritten, and you have the power to shape it into something beautiful.

You are capable of dreaming big, setting massive goals, and achieving things beyond what you might even believe is possible right now.

But it doesn’t come from external fixes.

It’s not about willpower, gritting your teeth, or chasing one quick solution after another. Real, lasting change is an inside job. It starts with believing in yourself—truly believing—and connecting to the powerful force that already exists within you. That’s what I had to learn in my own journey: that the answers were never “out there” in someone else’s program, someone else’s approval, or some external fix.

The real transformation came when I shifted my mindset, when I began to see myself as strong, capable, and deserving of a life I loved.

This is the foundation of the work I do today: helping people realize that the life they want isn’t a far-off dream—it’s entirely within reach. You already have everything you need inside of you to break free, to heal, to rise, and to create a life that feels limitless.

All you have to do is be willing to trust yourself, tap into that inner strength, and take the first step.

If my story can show you anything, I hope it’s that no matter where you start, you have the power to finish somewhere incredible.


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Woman Wednesday: Ruby J.

   


Q and A with Ruby J., Sierra Leone, West Africa

“Three things: take care of your mental health, control your narrative, and work smart and do your research.” 

Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I am a mining engineer and currently work at a gold mining operation. I am also the founder and editorial director of STEMher by Ruby B. Johnson Magazine.

Premiered in September 2018 with its autumn issue, STEMher Magazine is a print magazine showcasing the education and experiences of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) academia, careers, and programs. STEMher celebrates women thriving in their careers and inspires others to fuel their curiosity and interests in STEM; the status of individuals featured range from middle school through retirement.

In one year, STEMher has featured more than 50 STEM girls and women worldwide from countries like the United States of America, Australia, Ghana, Canada, South Africa, India, France, Nigeria, Channel Islands, The Bahamas, Sierra Leone, and England. All magazine issues are available for purchase on stemher.com and Amazon Marketplace.

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Summer 2019 Cover

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone [in West Africa]. I moved to the United States when I was 12 years old, which meant growing up and completing my middle school and high school education in Maryland. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in mining engineering and a minor in women’s studies leadership.

While in college, I founded When You Believe Foundation, a program that empowers women and girls through social media engagement, workshops, and donations.

In 2012, I competed in my first pageant, Miss Sierra Leone USA, with the platform of advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM fields, since I was a STEM college student at the time and women’s empowerment was something I was passionate about. I won the pageant and with that title, I was able to travel across the country as well as in Sierra Leone, encouraging girls and young women to pursue STEM.

After the crowns and titles, STEM advocacy and women’s empowerment continues to be my lifelong platform. I wanted to take this platform to another level to be able to reach women and girls I may never cross paths with, so I created STEMher by Ruby B. Johnson Magazine last year. 

 

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Q: What is something valuable you’ve learned that you’d like others to know? 

A: Three things: take care of your mental health, control your narrative, and work smart and do your research.

(1) From Monday through Thursdays, I work ten-hour days and a two-hour commute to and from work. Additionally, I am an entrepreneur who runs her own business creating content and putting together each issue for STEMher by Ruby B. Johnson Magazine. I also serve in a couple of ministries at my church. Life gets busy. In the last year, I’m being intentional to prioritize my mental health. Making time to rest and slow down when necessary. In order to be productive with work, I have to take care of myself by sleeping, eating healthy, exercising, spending time with God through prayer, and meditation as well as reading my Bible. I have to be intentional about making time for myself, family and friends, as well as work. It’s okay to say “no” or “not yet” sometimes. I cannot fill the cups of others when my cup is empty. It’s also okay to ask for help—whether it’s in prayer, family and friends, community, or therapy.

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(2) As I navigate through the professional world and life in general, I’m realizing how important it is for one to control their narrative. Of course we cannot fully control what people say about us or how they feel about us; however, I believe we can play a role in those things. The way we carry ourselves is very important. We have to learn wisdom on when to speak up or be silent. We must be our biggest defenders and tell people how we want them to treat or address us.

(3) Running a business is no easy feat and it’s time-consuming. In college, I learned to not study hard but study smart. I believe that’s important to do when you are a business owner. Being that I don’t have a business or journalism background, I spend a lot of time learning—asking questions, reading articles, listening to podcasts, and everything else in between. I want this magazine to go beyond, so that means I have to put in the work. I may not see harvest immediately, but sowing seeds each day counts. All in all, I believe it’s important to know who you are, stand firm on your values, always remember your why, and never lose your humanity no matter what environment you are in. 

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: To me, feminism means being my authentic self, living out my God-given purpose, and being intentional about making a difference in the community. While working on my women’s studies leadership minor in college, I learned about intersectionality. I am a Christian woman, born and raised in Sierra Leone, a naturalized American citizen, a woman in STEM, usually one of few or only black people in some professional settings, and a family-oriented individual. I thrive because of these lived experiences but also have a heart and a curious mind to learn about those who are different from me. Feminism to me is never compromising my faith and also being compassionate to others. To me, feminism means to reach for excellence and nothing less.

I’d love to connect with you!

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Woman Wednesday: Lucie R. S.


Q and A with Lucie R. S. from Quebec, Canada, living in Mexico

“When we embrace our age as a superpower, we become unstoppable.”


Q: What are you passionate about?



Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: Your story is not over.

In fact, the best chapters might still be ahead.

I’ve learned that clarity and confidence can come at any age, but only when you give yourself permission to evolve.

I want women to know they’re not behind—they’re just getting started.

When we embrace our age as a superpower, we become unstoppable.


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Woman Wednesday: Vinti M.


Q and A with Vinti M. from India, living in San Diego, California

“We should cherish every moment we have with our loved ones and surround ourselves with people who care and uplift us.”

Intro: My name is Vinti Mehra and I live in sunny San Diego, California, with my husband, two kids, and a dog named Maggi.


Q: What are you passionate about?



Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: Life is the most valuable thing we have. It is the root of everything, the chance to feel, to grow, to create, to love, and to be loved. We should cherish every moment we have with our loved ones and surround ourselves with people who care and uplift us. Stay humble and close to our roots.


Woman Wednesday: Lauren P.


Q and A with Lauren P. from Clearwater, Florida

“Each layer of healing brings new wisdom to share—and I carry that wisdom into the sacred work of holding space for others as they remember their own wholeness.


Q: What are you passionate about?



Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: What do I want people to know? No one is coming to save you. If you want something, you have to show up for yourself. You have to align with it. You have to keep choosing it—especially when you fall. This is the heart of the healing path. It’s not always pretty, but it’s powerful. It’s real. And it’s worth it.