rEvolutionary Woman

What happens when something feels wrong at work, but you’re unsure who to trust or what to do next? Heather Wallander never planned to become an employee advocate. Her own experience with workplace discrimination led her to found Disrupting Discrimination, a nonprofit helping employees recognize warning signs, understand their options, and find support. In this episode of RevWoman, Heather joins Tes Silverman to discuss her experience, the mission behind her organization, and her goals for helping others navigate workplace discrimination without feeling so alone. Heather never planned to become an employee advocate, but after experiencing workplace discrimination herself she realized how easy it is to find yourself in a fight you never wanted, simply because you asked questions when something felt off. She knows what it's like to navigate the system without experience and how critical early guidance and support are once harm starts.  Through her work with others, she has seen how the harmful effects of discrimination, retaliation and gaslighting are amplified when one is forced to face this alone. All of this is why she has set out to make the tools, community and guidance she once needed and benefitted from available to others. Prior to this her career spanned engineering, data analysis, and sales and marketing. She was just beginning to climb the leadership ladder when her path shifted, leading her here on a mission to empower employees and disrupt discrimination.  To learn more about Heather Wallander and Disrupting Discrimination: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-wallander/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherwallander?_r=1&_t=ZP-9AiXjMwuTS2 . . . If Heather’s story resonated with you, listen to our conversation with Maimah Karmo. In a different setting, she faced a similar challenge: knowing something was wrong and struggling to be heard. Hear how that experience inspired her to help other women find their voices. For another perspective on creating change at work, listen to our conversation with Shijuade Kadree. Her work in diversity and advocacy offers a companion to Heather’s mission: helping build workplaces where people’s needs and experiences are recognized. . . . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY #RevolutionaryWoman #WolfConservation #LeokadiaGeorge #MexicanGrayWolf #ChildrensBooks

Leokadia George & Trumpet the Wolf Pup What if the stories we tell about wolves shape whether we want to protect them? Leokadia George never planned to become an author. But while volunteering at New York’s Wolf Conservation Center, she learned about Trumpet, a critically endangered Mexican gray wolf whose unexpected birth earned her the nickname “the miracle wolf pup.” Leokadia knew her story deserved to be told. In this episode of Revolutionary Woman, host Tes Silverman talks with Leokadia about her children’s book series, challenging the “big bad wolf” narrative, and helping children understand wildlife conservation. She also shares how telling Trumpet’s story pushed her beyond her comfort zone—from working quietly behind the scenes to speaking in schools and libraries. Join us for a conversation about finding confidence, following an unexpected creative path, and inspiring children to see wolves differently. Leokadia George started volunteering at the Wolf Conservation Center in 2016 where she was introduced to the world of wolf conservation. She also became inspired by one particular Mexican Gray Wolf nicknamed Trumpet, and is honored to be able to share her story. . Learn more: 🐺 Wolf Conservation Center: https://nywolf.org 📚 Follow Leokadia’s books on Instagram: @trumpetwolfbooks 🎙️ More Revolutionary Woman episodes: https://revwoman.com . Subscribe for more conversations with women making a difference in their communities and beyond. . . . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY #RevolutionaryWoman #WolfConservation #LeokadiaGeorge #MexicanGrayWolf #ChildrensBooks

What does protecting endangered mountain gorillas have to do with caring for people? For Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, the two are deeply connected. In this episode of Revolutionary Woman, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian joins Tes Silverman to share how her work with gorillas led her to found Conservation Through Public Health. They discuss wildlife conservation, community health, and the One Health approach—and what it takes to follow your calling when others doubt you. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is Founder and CEO of Conservation Through Public  Health, a Ugandan NGO and US registered non-profit, established in 2003. After completing a Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine from Royal Veterinary College,  University of London in 1995 she became Uganda Wildlife Authority’s first  veterinary officer. In 2003 she completed a Master in Specialized Veterinary  Medicine and Zoological Medicine Residency at North Carolina State University  and North Carolina Zoological Park, and a certificate in non-profit management at  Duke University. CTPH established Gorilla Conservation Coffee in 2015 to  support smallholder farmers bordering habitats with gorillas. CTPH won the 2012  Global Development Network Japanese Most Innovative Development Project  Award and 2020 Saint Andrews Prize for the Environment.   Dr Gladys is an Ashoka Fellow, National Geographic Explorer, and winner of the  Whitley Gold Award, Sierra Club Earthcare Award, UNEP Champion of the Earth  Award in Science and Innovation, Uganda Veterinary Association World  Veterinary Day Award, Edinburgh Medal, Tallberg-SNF-Elliasson global  leadership prize and Indianapolis Prize. She served on the WHO SAGO - Scientific  Advisory Group for the Origin of Novel Pathogens, and International Livestock  Research Institute (ILRI) One Health Research, Education, and Outreach  (OHRECA) advisory committee. She is a Patron of Population Matters. She was  named to the BBC 100 Women list in 2023, and her work was featured on CNN’s  Call to Earth in 2025 and BBC’s People Fixing the World in 2026. She was also  named among the 2026 CNN Heroes. She is an author of “Walking with Gorillas:  The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet”, her memoir and charter, and over 60  papers.

In this episode, Vijaya Chakravarty shares how her work evolved from designing beautiful but “sterile” landscapes to creating spaces that support biodiversity, learning, and human well-being. She reflects on the influence of her family, the lessons she has learned from nature, and the books, podcast, and community projects shaping what she calls her “second innings.” Vijaya also offers a powerful reminder that growing older does not make us less useful—it gives us knowledge and experience worth sharing with the generations that follow. Vijaya Chakravarty is an ecologist, landscape designer, educator, and author moving between Mumbai and Pune, India. Her life's work sits at the exact intersection her venture is named for. Through Venture Well-Being “For the Planet, For the People”, she has spent decades proving that caring for green spaces and caring for communities are never two separate jobs. For the Planet: Vijaya has designed and developed several eco-friendly landscapes for corporates, educational and Not for profits. She is one of the several stewards for IWSA’s Learning Garden at Vashi, Navi Mumbai and of Aditi Garden, a 25-acre urban green space in Magarpatta City  not. These are not  gardens she visits, but landscapes she showcases as  living classrooms for multi-disciplinary learning and well-being of the people and the planet. Her ecological interests run deep and specific: urban biodiversity, wetlands, mangroves, and the quiet resilience of indigenous flora. She's a founder member of the Magarpatta Environment Club and a member of the National Society of Friends of Trees,  institutional homes for a conservation ethic she also lives out on the page, most recently in For the Love of Trees: Science & Emotions, co-authored and launched at Empress Garden, Pune this past July, featuring a travelling tusker character named Gajanan who carries science  and emotions to readers through story. For the People: Vijaya's ecology has never stopped at the soil line. Her work reaches into schools and communities through nature education programs, CSR partnerships, and public writing that makes conservation feel personal rather than prescriptive. As a member of Bombay Natural History society, Indian Women Scientists' Association, National Society for Friends of trees, Indian Women Graduates Union  and Aarambh, she's part of a network of women actively reshaping who gets to speak with authority in science and land stewardship. Her writing voice is warm, witty, self-deprecating, threading etymology and mythology through botany, is itself a form of "for the people" work: it makes ecological knowledge feel like inheritance, not instruction. Where the two meet: What distinguishes Vijaya's practice is that she treats indigenous knowledge as something to be verified and consented to, not simply extracted for a good story. This discipline shows in projects like her exploration of folk and tribal art forms (Gond, Warli, Kalamkari, Madhubani, Pithora) and her intergenerational education work. Vijaya organises Nature-Folk Art workshops with several experts. Vijaya is currently in what she calls her "second innings",  a phase she describes as centered on purpose and meaningful contribution, built on a model that blends publishers, sponsors, CSR partners, and honorariums, allowing the work to stay rooted in both ecological integrity and community reach rather than either alone. Vijaya offers a garden, a book, and a classroom, different vessels, same instinct. The well-being of the land and the well-being of its people were never meant to be told as separate stories. . If this conversation resonates with you, you may also enjoy our episode with Dr. Lalitha Dhareshwar – Scientist; President of IWSA (Indian Women Scientists’ Association) as mentioned in this episode. . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY

Season 10 Ep 10- Healing One Child Can Change Generations | Shonnery Pettit What happens when healing one child has the power to change generations? Shonnery Pettit, Past President of the Board of Directors for the Center for Child Protection, joins Tes Silverman to share how a childhood lesson in kindness grew into decades of child advocacy and community service. From protecting children experiencing abuse to helping families heal and break generational cycles, Shonnery shows how compassion put into action can create an impact far beyond one life. Shonnery Pettit doesn’t just live in a community; she builds, protects, and champions it. Driven by a single, powerful question—“What is in the best interest of the community we live in?”—Shonnery has spent decades turning empathy into massive, measurable impact. As the Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors for the Center for Child Protection, Shonnery’s decade-long dedication has been nothing short of historic. Under her fierce leadership, the Center raised a record-breaking $97 million and walked alongside over 14,000 children through their darkest hours. Her passion for service ignited years ago in Dallas, where she founded the Ignite Running Club, a nonprofit serving children living in a homeless shelter. Today, her philanthropic footprint is woven into the very fabric of Texas. Shonnery is a Founding Board member for the Round Top Film Festival—where she works to inspire and educate the next generation of cinematic storytellers—and serves on the Advisory Board of Foster Village. You can also find her driving success on the gala committees for the Andy Roddick Foundation, MJ&M (Mack, Jack & McConaughey) Fashion Show, and The Trail Conservancy, alongside past work with the Texas Advocacy Project, United Way, and Austin City Limits/PBS. A Texas Business Hall of Fame Scholar with an MBA from Texas Tech University, Shonnery is as sharp in the boardroom as she is engaging on stage. A passionate public speaker, she recently had the honor of delivering the 2024 Commencement address for Chaparral Star Academy. And if you think she only moves fast in the nonprofit world, guess again. Shonnery was a Celebrity Dancer for the 2015 Dancing with the Stars Austin and loves spending her free time kickboxing, traveling, and studying French and Spanish. She has been happily married to her husband, Tom, for 26 years, and is the proud mom of two grown sons: Blake, who excels at Accenture, and Brett, a Vanderbilt graduate working as a financial wealth manager at Baird. “What I loved most about being the President of the Board at the Center for Child Protection is working with an incredible group of talented and selfless people that truly exceed all expectations and make a difference in little lives. “ - Shonnery Pettit To learn more about Shonnery Pettit and the Center for Child Protection: Facebook for the Center for Child Protection: https://www.facebook.com/Center4CP?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=ObJSfJbxGrQeua7S&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BaEAvCSQG%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# IG for Round Top Film Festival: https://www.instagram.com/roundtopfilmfestival IG for The Trail Conservancy: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailconservancy IG for Mack, Jack & McConaughey: https://www.instagram.com/mackjackmcconaughey For another powerful conversation about protecting children and breaking cycles of abuse, listen to Tes's conversation with Misty Griffin, author of Tears of the Silenced. https://revwoman.com/podcast/misty-griffin-author-of-tears-of-the-silenced/?utm_source=chatgpt.com . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY

Season 10 Ep 9: Maimah Karmo- Dismissed by Doctors: Turning a Breast Cancer Diagnosis into a Movement What if you know something is wrong, but the doctors tell you you're fine? When Maimah Karmo discovered a lump at just 32 years old, she refused to ignore what her body was telling her, even after being told she didn't fit the profile for breast cancer. In this conversation, she reflects on being dismissed, how being a young Black woman shaped her experience, and why that diagnosis became the catalyst for a lifelong mission to help other women find their voices in their own healthcare. Together, Tes and Maimah discuss trusting your instincts, the realities of healthcare disparities, and why asking questions can be just as important as finding answers. It's a conversation about resilience, purpose, and refusing to accept "you're fine" when you know something isn't right. On February 28, 2006, at 4:45 p.m., Maimah was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She had no family history and was 32-years old. While undergoing her second round of chemotherapy, she made a promise to God that if she survived, she would create an organization to educate, empower, advocate for and support young women affected by breast cancer. After her second treatment, Tigerlily Foundation was born. Tigerlily provides breast health, educational, empowerment wellness and transformational programs to young women, and works to end disparities of age, stage and color. A first-generation immigrant from Liberia, who has experienced disparities first-hand, she is a leader in the women’s health field, creating and implementing national health initiatives for women and girls, with a goal of eliminating disparities of age, stage and color. Under Maimah’s leadership, Tigerlily Foundation has launched national and global health initiatives focused on ending disparities, through the #InclusionPledge, partnering with global stakeholders, with a call to action to recognize health disparities as a social justice issue; and working to end disparities for black women in our lifetime. In 2010, Maimah published Fearless: Awakening to my Life’s Purpose Through Breast Cancer. In 2018, she published the “Badass Girl’s Book of Prayers”. She recently published Divine Downloads: Transforming through Trauma, followed by Unicorn Boss, in June 2020. Most dear to her heart is her 20-year old daughter, Noelle. Noelle and Maimah dote on their Morkies, Honey and Sugar . . . . . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY

Season 10 Ep 8: Finding Your Voice & Self-Confidence | Sally Lou Loveman Finding your voice isn't about becoming fearless. It's about learning to trust yourself. In this episode of RevWoman, Tes Silverman talks with Sally Lou Loveman about finding your voice, building self-confidence, discovering your purpose, and letting go of the need for everyone's approval. Together, they explore why so many women wait to feel confident before speaking up, changing direction, or pursuing what truly matters. Sally Lou shares how one unexpected experience changed the course of her life, why she believes we're often more afraid of being seen than speaking, and how discovering what lights you up can lead to lasting confidence and a stronger sense of purpose. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, people-pleasing, fear of rejection, or wondering how to find your voice, this conversation offers thoughtful insights to help you trust yourself and move forward with greater confidence. Sally Lou Loveman is a first-time children’s picture book author with her new book, Livy Lou Lovely Loves to Speak, based on her own story of finding her inner voice and the confidence to speak up at a young age. As the audience producer for The Oprah Show and founder of lovespeaks, Sally Lou has entertained over half a million people from The Oprah Show stage as well as her lovespeaks platform. Today, Sally Lou coaches clients to speak without fear by connecting them to their power through exploring their story. Sally Lou knows all too well what it feels like to be young and scared to speak. She hopes her message will inspire young readers to listen to their inner voice so they can speak up and pursue their passion. Sally Lou is also the author of SPEAK: Love Your Story, Your Audience Is Waiting, a teaching memoir that offers speaker tips to adult readers. To learn more about Sally Lou Loveman and her book, Livy Lou Lovely Love to Speak: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelovespeaksmethod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelovespeaksmethod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu7DYWnkhvxD-IU8MeeD4fg . . Sally has been on RevWoman before. You can find her first episode on the RevWoman Podcast page https://revwoman.com/ Or by direct link here: https://revwoman.com/podcast/sally-lou-loveman-ceo-founder-of-lovespeaks/ . . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY

Sara Hirsh Bordo is a 15-time award-winning filmmaker and Founder/CEO of Women Rising®, named "One of the Most Innovative, Interesting, and Purpose-Driven Women-Led Startups to Watch” by Inc. Magazine.  She is currently directing short documentary films for Toyota and ESPN Women, and most recently executive producer of ConnectHer International Film Festival, consulting director for the Gates Foundation PitchFest Program, and the author and researcher behind the first proprietary quantitative survey at the intersection of female empowerment and health, Autoimmunity and the Good Girls™.  Sara previously held positions in media and entertainment, including Executive Director of Interactive Marketing at Paramount Pictures, VP of Digital Marketing at MGM Studios, and CEO and Co-Founder of NowLive.  Autoimmunity and the Good Girls: How Permission to Put Ourselves First Has the Power to Keep Us Well is her first book.  To learn more about Sara Hirsh Bordo: Instagram: @sarahirshbordo . . . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY

In this episode of Revolutionary Woman, Lorna Tallowin shares her experience navigating premature birth, neonatal intensive care, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by NICU families. She discusses how her own journey as a NICU parent inspired her to create support for families of preemie babies while raising awareness about PTSD, anxiety, and emotional recovery after a neonatal stay. Lorna Tallowin is the co-founder of SuperDinky, a UK-based brand creating thoughtfully designed clothing and meaningful products for premature and NICU families.  The business was born from Lorna’s own experience as a mum, after her son arrived at just 31 weeks, and she saw first-hand how isolating and overwhelming neonatal care can be. With a background in both fashion and the charity sector, Lorna partnered with her friend — a neonatal nurse — to build SuperDinky into a mission-led business that supports families emotionally as well as practically. From preemie vests to NICU-proud clothing, SuperDinky exists to create moments of comfort and connection during an incredibly hard time. Today, SuperDinky is also tackling the long-term impact of neonatal care. Around 40% of NICU families experience symptoms of PTSD, and in response, the SuperDinky Foundation has been established. The foundation will deliver projects focused on both the reduction of and the treatment of PTSD in both creative and evidence-based ways. Through this work, Lorna is mobilising people who have been affected by PTSD to be part of the solution and to show that business can be a force for good.  To learn more about Lorna Tallowin and SuperDinky: Website: https://superdinky.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorna.tallowin/

Award-winning communication coach, corporate trainer, and financial educator Victoria Ferrer joins Tes of Revolutionary Woman to discuss confidence, public speaking, executive presence, cultural intelligence, financial education, and women in leadership. Victoria shares how personal experiences shaped her passion for helping people communicate with impact, build financial security, and lead with purpose. Maria Victoria “Vicky” Ferrer is an award-winning Corporate Trainer and Communication Coach who empowers adults and teens to rise with confidence, clarity, and cultural intelligence. With a career spanning continents, she transforms how people speak, lead, and perform by blending behavioral science, improvisation, executive presence training, and deep global insight. A four-time Distinguished Toastmaster and recipient of Toastmasters International’s prestigious 2022 President’s Citation Award, Vicky leads with both vision and heart. Having lived in the Middle East for more than two decades, she served as a training consultant to five American university branch campuses—Georgetown University, Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon, Weill Cornell, and Virginia Commonwealth University—where she designed and delivered programs in leadership communication, intercultural competence, professional presence, classroom facilitation, and high-stakes presentations. Across corporate and academic environments, Vicky has trained business owners, senior leaders, managers, women professionals, and emerging talent in executive communication, persuasive storytelling, negotiation presence, crisis communication, team dynamics, emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and speaking with authority under pressure. She is known for helping high performers articulate ideas with impact, navigate multicultural workplaces, influence decision-makers, and step confidently into visible leadership roles. Through powerful training, mentorship, and advocacy for lifelong learning, she champions the belief that every voice deserves to be heard and every individual has the capacity to lead with purpose. Vicky isn’t just building speakers or leaders—she’s building changemakers. To learn more about Victoria Ferrer: Website: https://victoriaferrerllc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriamferrer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmferrer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vferrerbdbamboo . . . . This episode used the following music: Time to Shine by tubebackr & Popsicles https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/popsiclesmusic Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/tubebackr-and-popsicles/time-to-shine Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Cvbjhx6X4ZY