A: I’m passionate about saving women and children’s lives.
I found Damsel In Defense and knew right away that it’s where I need to serve. Currently, I am reaching out to women to do classes to educate them to stay safe, whether it be in person or online.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Something horrible happened to a family neighbor when I was younger. That event impacts me to this day. I want to help ladies fight for their lives.
My husband was a detective, and I knew about the line of work he was doing. It just devastated me hearing about people being hurt and not having anything in their hands to be able to fight for their lives.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Anything can happen in a second in this world we are living in.
MORE ABOUT JEANIE: My education and products are for the “what ifs” in your life.
Q and A with Shamara “Sugarbee” White from Prince George’s County, Maryland
“Confidence starts from within—when you truly believe in yourself, others will too.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am honored to be the 2024 Jr. Miss North America, a title I proudly won at the International Pageant in Orlando, Florida.
Cheerleading has been a huge part of my life since I was six years old, and I love the energy, teamwork, and spirit it brings. I am also a dedicated member of my church’sdance team, where I express my faith and minister to others through Praise Dance.
Beyond performing, I have a deep passion for giving back to my community. I am the Founder and CEO of Sugarbee Cares Foundation, an organization that promotes confidence, wellness, kindness, and service. Through our initiatives, we empower young people and make a positive impact.
I am also excited to participate in the Global Youth Day of Service, a special opportunity for young leaders like me to take action and inspire others to give back.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up as the youngest of four siblings, with two older sisters and one older brother. Family has always been an important part of my life.
My dad is someone I truly admire. He is a highly respected executive in the nonprofit world and has dedicated his career to helping others. I often hear people talk about the impact he’s made, and it inspires me to continue his legacy of service. Even though he’s busy, he always makes time for our family, teaching me the importance of kindness, humility, and hard work.
My mom is an incredible woman. As a program manager, she’s constantly involved in community organizations, always finding ways to help people. She pushes me to be my best, supports me in everything I do, and is, hands down, the best cook—no one can top her meals!
Their dedication to service and leadership has shaped who I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of believing in yourself.
When I was preparing for the international pageant in Florida, I tried different ways to present myself, but none of them felt right. It wasn’t until I embraced my true self that I realized the only way to stand out was by being authentic.
When answering questions, I could only give my answer—not someone else’s. And I had to be okay with that. Confidence starts from within—when you truly believe in yourself, others will too.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism is about fairness and equality—making sure everyone is treated with respect, regardless of whether they are a boy or a girl.
It means speaking up when something isn’t right—like when girls aren’t taken as seriously as boys or when they’re treated differently just because of their gender.
I believe that I can do anything I set my mind to, and so can any girl. Feminism is about making sure everyone has that same opportunity.
MORE ABOUT SHAMARA: I’m from Prince George’s County, Maryland, and I love representing my community. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and excited about what’s ahead!
Thanks for reading!
MORE ABOUT SHAMARA’S MISSION: At the Sugarbee Cares Foundation, our mission is to be a beacon of positivity and kindness within our community. We are dedicated to uplifting individuals during challenging times by spreading kindness and offering unwavering support. By promoting wellbeing and fostering a warm, inclusive environment, we strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported. Through our dedicated actions, we aim to make a meaningful and lasting impact, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, joy, and overall wellbeing.
To explore the Sugarbee Cares Foundation website, click here.
Q and A with Kathryn from Southampton, United Kingdom
“Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to live authentically and build meaningful relationships that don’t require compromising who you truly are.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about living a life I truly love and helping others do the same. As a life coach and retreat host, I guide people to create lives they’re secretly dreaming of.
My journey into this work began after experiencing transformation at a wellness retreat in Thailand in 2016, which eventually led me to relocate there permanently.
I’m currently working online with clients who feel lost or questioning their happiness, helping them gain the confidence and clarity they need.
My passion for CrossFit continues to challenge me physically and mentally while connecting me with an incredible community. At the core, I’m passionate about exploring what brings genuine happiness and joy, and becoming the best version of myself…feeling good and energised, especially.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Before the big shift in my life, I was caught in what felt like a hamster wheel of life.
I had a job in event management that I actually loved, but I was exhausted, pushing my body too hard, stuck in a long-term relationship that wasn’t right, and not prioritising myself.
I was comfortable but unfulfilled, saying yes when I wanted to say no, putting others’ needs before my own, and accepting less than I deserved.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that life gets to be fun and easy…if it doesn’t, then something needs to shift.
I discovered the importance of setting unapologetic boundaries, embracing selfishness in order to be my best self, and ultimately stopping people-pleasing.
Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to live authentically and build meaningful relationships that don’t require compromising who you truly are.
Making bold changes like leaving a comfortable job or moving across the world might seem scary, but they can lead to the life you’re secretly dreaming of.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism to me means embracing our authenticity. It’s about creating space for everyone to show up as their true selves, without the constraints of gender expectations or societal pressures.
When we can all be authentic, expressing our genuine needs, setting boundaries, and living according to our own values rather than others’ expectations, we create a more equitable world.
My journey of personal transformation has shown me how powerful embracing authenticity can be, not just for women but for everyone.
MORE ABOUT KATHRYN: One thing I believe strongly is that each person’s path is unique because they are unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness or success. What worked for me, taking a big leap out of my comfort zone, might look completely different for someone else. That’s why I approach coaching by helping people uncover what’s truly holding them back rather than prescribing a specific solution.
Q and A with Candy S. from Charlottesville, Virginia
“I believe in the power of positive thinking and the best way to learn is by doing.“
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am passionate about mental health awareness and sharing my expertise in creative writing, business development, and public speaking to inspire others to achieve their dreams.
A: I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the youngest of four siblings, and have dealt with ADHD, PTSD, and visual dyslexia. Throughout my childhood, I experienced firsthand the trauma of living with an alcoholic father, narcissistic mother, and bullying.
I attended the University of Maryland in College Park at the age of 16. I hold a bachelor of arts in radio, TV, and film; and a double minor in journalism and theater.
During college, I interned at the local TV station in Washington, D.C., and launched a 10-year career in broadcast news. I have been a producer, writer, and video editor as well as magazine publisher.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I believe in the power of positive thinking and the best way to learn is by doing.
There is no substitute for hands-on experience.
I believe the best work comes from collaboration and the ability to listen and learn from others.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: The short answer is that feminism, to me, is about equal rights and equal pay.
MORE ABOUT CANDY: When I am not working on my podcast and upcoming book on narcissism, I enjoy spending time with my adopted dog and cat, playing tennis, home remodeling, and photography.
Q and A with Jocelynn Mitchell from Hill Country, Texas
“You are never too young or too old to pursue your dream!”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about helping people! Through whatever means I can I want to help others. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor when I grow up to pursue this passion.
A: I have amazing supportive parents who have always taught me to help others. They have always been so supportive of everything I do, and I owe it all to them!
My mom has homeschooled me from the time I was six, and I could not have done everything I’ve accomplished in life without her and the opportunities she’s provided me.
I also love Taekwondo, I recently got my purple belt! I have amazing instructors who have helped me grow as a person and find so much passion and confidence in what I do.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I’ve learned that it is possible to make your dreams happen! I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but here I am, 15 years old with four published books! I want others to learn to believe in themselves because, if you put your mind to it, you can do it.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism to me means supporting other women. I’ve had the privilege of knowing so many other female entrepreneurs who balance being a mom with their business, or going through school full time. Their stories are so inspiring and it’s amazing to see how much grit they have!
MORE ABOUT JOCELYNN: I am a sophomore in high school, with four published books in The Book of Ellie series. I started writing when I was eleven. I am a purple belt in Taekwondo, which has taught me hard work and perseverance pays off! I love spending time with my friends and family, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them! I hope to inspire other young people wanting to write or start a business, because truly, if I can do it, so can you! You are never too young or too old to pursue your dream!
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