“I’ve always had a “plan B,” but there are so many others who weren’t prepared for their lives to change in such a way [during the pandemic].”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: One of my biggest passions in life is helping others. I’m a licensed financial advisor. I love what I do simply because I’m able to educate my potential clients on ways to create generational wealth for themselves and their families.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in a very close-knit family. Education and religion were two things that were at the top list of importance. I’m grateful for all the lessons learned because it helped me to become a better person and who I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: 2020 was a huge wake-up call for me, and I’m sure for a lot more families as well. I was laid off from my job of 15 years. Luckily for me, I’ve always had a “plan B,” but there are so many others who weren’t prepared for their lives to change in such a way. My advice would be to never solely depend on one stream of income. Keep multiple streams coming in in order to keep your family afloat.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: Being a woman, I think, is about being strong. It’s about continuing to move forward in all of life’s endeavors. I definitely have to keep a positive mindset and stay 100% committed to making all my life dreams a reality. I have two daughters that look up to me, and I want them to grow up stronger and better than I am. I love to see my ladies succeed! There was once a time when women were told we couldn’t do certain jobs or we couldn’t make a certain amount of money, but look at us now! Kudos Ladies! Let’s keep it up! God Bless.
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“I think my journey and passion was guided not only by myself, but through the past events of my ancestors.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: My name is Uʻilani Macabio. I am from the Island of Hawaiʻi. I was born and raised on this island my whole life. I am a mother of two boys, a 14-year-old [boy], and 5-year-old [boy]. Naturally, my interest is my Hawaiian culture. Being raised on this island, I was always immersed with the natural beauty of this island and the ocean as well as my culture. Therefore, my passion and interest comes from my foundation for the love of my land, culture, history, and language. I am currently a teacher at Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School, and I teach social studies and Hawaiian language. I find so much joy and pleasure in supporting my community with knowledge and helping raise the next generation to also love the language and culture of Hawaiʻi. I also support my students through social-emotional learning through the Foundations of Aloha. My goal is to support my community with problem solvers, effective communications, and community contributors that understand who they are, love their environment, and are willing to support.
I also have been gardening and supporting small farms on the Hāmākua and Kohala Coast on the Hawaiʻi Island. It has been enriching to ground myself in the land and to continue that positive reciprocal relationship to land. I also have been promoting self-healing with plant-based CBG and CBD products to support the mind and body. Hemp extract is so important for humans to operate at the best optimal level, and [being able] to use and promoting the products brings so much happiness to know that people are on the positive journey to feeling good and operating at the best level possible. I also dance hula for Hālau Nā KĪpuʻupuʻi in Waimea, Kohala. Hula has connected me to my culture, it allows me to share my ancestors’ stories and knowledge, and it awakens my spirituality. I paddle canoe with Kawaihae canoe club. My coach, Uncle Manny Vicent, has taught me so much as an athlete and as a person. Paddling has been a family sport for over 10 generations. Lastly, my family and I are surfers, fishermen and fisherwomen. The things we do in the ocean bring us together and continues the family knowledge and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, my passion comes from my upbringing. I am forever grateful for my parents, my ancestors, the land and ocean of Hawaiʻi, and all my teachers and mentors for always being there and supporting me.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in a small little town called Kalaoa in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Life was so fun. I had family always around me. My cousins and I would play in the rivers, bushes, and trees. We would stay out all day and come home for dinner. We would drink water from springs and water hoes. Later, in high school, I was a surfer girl always at the beach or in the farm. I started to value education in my high school years because I started to make connections from my Hawaiian culture to the things I was learning in school. Subjects like math, science, and history I could always find a connection someway or somehow to my Hawaiian culture. I graduated from Pāhoa High School. I want to say I am so blessed with my upbringing; I would say I am lucky. I went to college and got my bachelor’s degree in anthropology and minor in Hawaiian studies at UH Hilo. I then got my master’s in education at Grand Canyon University. I want to say there has been so many teachers, mentors, and friends that I have made [who have] helped me become the person I am today. During my time at UH Hilo, I have been in so many great programs. One was Wahi Kupuna internship with Huliauapaʻa, and PIPES, who allowed me to learn and practice cultural resource management as a Hawaiian and a Hawaiian practitioner. I think this was such a pivotal moment not only in my life, but for archaeology in Hawaiʻi. Where it was a shift in perspective of how archaeology in Hawai’i should be conducted in a Hawaiian perspective and methods, where it is less invasive to the cultural sites and cultural remains. Also, during that time, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher to promote more students to be the new innovators, shifters, and movers in Hawaiʻi.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I think my journey and passion was guided not only by myself, but through the past events of my ancestors. There is so much of why I do and believe what I believe in is because of the rich Hawaiian culture I live in, but also because of the stories of my ancestors continues to live within me. Meaning, I am the product of the story, and my children and grandchildren will continue the story as well. If I could leave something valuable, it would be to be the person, the story that your children or grandchildren can learn, value, and use in their future.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: I think feminism is a new or Western terminology. I never felt less than or unequal to [men]. Women here can say, do, and make big movements, and it’s not a big thing. I think a lot of women that came before might have done something to make things so much easier for us. However, because around 1820s and 1830s, the Hawaiian Kingdom adopted the European style of ruling; that’s when a lot change happened, and now, women are identified as less, invalid, even to our royal queens and princesses. Although these women lived in a new Hawai’i, they still carried on their duties. Most if it would be considered heroic or would be consider a feminist movement.
One of the events was the Kūʻē petition, where both women and men went around each island in Hawai’i asking them to sign this a petition to be against the illegal annexation of Hawai’i. At the time, only men with land could vote. However, these women went so that all voice is valid. Another example is of princess Kai’ulani. Her story is widely known. Her mission [was] to share the story of her people throughout some of the United States. She did it during a time of man-driven world. Soon after, President Grover Cleveland sent James Blunt to investigate about the illegal happenings in Hawaii done by the provisional government. Therefore, women today and before me are risk-takers and go-getters. Therefore, feminism is new because we have nothing to fight for besides just voice our thoughts and do what we need to do, and we get it done.
Q: Is there anything else you would like readers to know?
A: Hawaii is my home, and I hope it will continue to be the home of my future grandchildren for many generations. Our culture is living and thriving, and some people might not know that. However, please learn the history and culture of any place, and I know there will be value to gain from it.
*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below.
Q and A with Jacqueline, Eastover, South Carolina
“There is a purpose in your pain.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am the pastor of Healing in the Vessel Ministries and an author. I am passionate about seeing people heal spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. I have a passion and heart for the youth, which has led me to various positions within the ministry and career field.
Since 2002, I have served as youth director, a mentor, and a Sunday school teacher within my local church. I am a former paralegal, educator, and substance abuse counselor. I use my gift of empowerment to transform lives within my ministry and career field. I found this passion as the Holy Spirit began to reveal itself to me through dreams and the doors that God began to open.
I have just currently finished my new book, From Bitter to Better.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I have earned a Master of Arts in practical theology from Regent University, Master of Counseling from Webster University, Columbia SC, a Master of Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, Lynchburg VA, an Associate Degree of Paralegal, graduating Magna Cum Laude from South University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Francis Marion University, Florence SC.
My family includes both of my parents, who empowered me by their love and prayers. I always had a journal since the third grade, which later led me to discover my gift of writing and becoming an author. My various positions led me to become a pastor as God was calling me into that arena.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I have learned that there is a purpose in your pain. Every tear that I have shed has allowed me to become a more reliable vessel so that God can use for His glory to empower, equip, and encourage His people. I would love for others to learn from my story that God still performs miracles.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism symbolizes the empowerment of women.
Q: What else would you like others to know?
A: My hobbies include running, walking, meditating, and writing, counseling youth, and working in the community. I am the author of Healing in the Vessel: A Mother’s Love A Daughter’s Journey of Faith, and From Bitter to Better. I am the co-author of several anthologies: Grief to Grind Anthology: How did I lose Myself in a Relationship, Meant for My Good, Women of Power II, Hearing God’s Voice Above The Chaos, and It takes Money Honey. I am an international speaker for the I AM Her Women’s Conference. I am an Amazon bestselling author. I have been featured on the cover of I AM Queen Magazine.
*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below.
Q and A with Jerusher, Atlanta, Georgia
“Time is priceless. Experiences are priceless. Memories are priceless.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am Jerusher Wiggins, motivational speaker, radio personality for a global internet radio station, and a business coach in network marketing/direct sales. I worked full-time for corporate America at CNN NEWS. My degrees are in communication and public relations.
After I had my first preemie son, I wanted time-freedom because he had many difficulties. I started a business, and I left that corporate job within a year and replaced my salary. I am passionate about inspiring and motivating women to live up to their full potential. I work with women who are looking to find their passion in life and who are ready and willing to take the steps to achieve their dreams. I get excited about helping women who have been working for corporate America for years and who are ready for a change. These women may be transitioning to motherhood or refocusing their life to concentrate more fully on what makes them happy. I am currently developing 100 new online leaders within my industry.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I am from South Carolina, and I grew up in low-income housing. My parents are my heroes. They provided love and support that helped me and my three sisters excel in life. Education and activity were priorities growing up. I participated in all sports, cheerleading, dance, band, class representative, etc. My parents expressed so much love and belief in me. I knew I could be successful.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: What I know for sure is it takes grit, courage, confidence, and unwavering belief to build and maintain a successful business. I value my time with my 2 boys and my husband. I made the decision to leave corporate America to spend time with my family. I sacrificed to give my boys the same love and attention my parents gave me. Time is priceless. Experiences are priceless. Memories are priceless. I can provide a private education. I can attend class trips. I can travel with them around the world. I can leave a legacy. I believe anyone who is willing to do the work can make a difference…not just in their lives but in the lives of others. Women are amazing creatures.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: From my experience, feminism is allowing people to dream and explore what they could be.
*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below.
Q and A with Dana S., Huntington Beach, California
“All the things I’ve overcome have brought me to be the strong woman I am today.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: My passion is to serve others as much as I can before I leave this beautiful Earth. After becoming sober, I went (and continue to go) through a transformation of my heart. I currently work as a licensed life insurance broker helping others through those difficult conversations. Two projects I am working on launching this March 2020 are my podcast with my husband and my wellness coaching venture. With so many years doubting myself and participating in wrong behavior, I want to show others they’re not alone. The story hasn’t ended yet.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up with my grandparents raising me. My parents fell into their addictions, and I followed their footsteps at an early age. I was able to be in my addiction while living what others thought to be a “normal life.” I finally came to grips with my problems and was able to celebrate my 1 year of sobriety in November of last year. I also finished my degree in business in December. All the things I’ve overcome have brought me to be the strong woman I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I think the most powerful thing to learn early on in life is to love yourself for the good and bad. Coming into your own helps with the foundation of what you do and don’t allow to happen in your life.
Pictured: On the right and left are members of Dana’s family.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism is the utmost act of love to extend to women. Fighting for the rights of women to be equal and not be predisposed to the inequality we face today.
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