Women and What WE-DO
When Trauma Turns Into Purpose
Where we are today, may not paint the same picture or look like where we came from Christina Rodriguez, executive director of Mom’s House, an organization that teaches single parents to choose life over poverty, shows how her own trauma and upbringing has led her to her journey through life and purpose! From a daughter of a 'King Pin' gang member to a thriving leader, advocate and powerhouse in her community! Listen to this story of forgiveness, faith & fight!
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Meet Your Host Mary K. Brucker
Raised an Eastsider full of grit, Mary's passion has always been to be a force that changed her community and the world with positivity, generosity and kindness. After a successful career with 20 years working for corporate America in Fortune 500 companies, she chose to follow her true calling in life- connecting with people. Mary uses her story telling talents to show people the power they hold within themselves. After starting her own company, she focused on conducting people-focused training to show companies their true assets- the people they serve and work with. After starting her theater company, she saw the magic of giving our youth the space to find themselves, the tools to speak up and advocate for themselves, and the responsibility of sharing their experiences to help inspire others. Mary knows the power of connecting with communities and creating opportunities to support women in the workplace, marketplace, community, and family. Mary's energy, experience, humor and positive attitude help support women and youth to imagine their goals, encourage them to find ways to achieve them, and the platform to inspire others with their stories.
Meet Your Host Sierra Ortiz
Sierra is a native to Toledo, Ohio and grew up on land belonging to the Miami Indigenous tribe. She is the Associate Director at Women of Toledo, where she works to educate, engage, and empower women and youth to keep moving forward. The granddaughter of migrant workers, and the daughter of a prolific Latinx leader, she is an advocate for the marginalized, underserved, and underrepresented. She understands her privilege and platform, and looks to tell the stories of community members who are revitalizing her city as well as those who have put in effort to make the city a safe and welcoming place for all people. She knows there is much work to be done in the world, but believes that listening to the stories and wisdom of women can make a larger impact on the world, one community at a time.
Thank You
Voices Around Us® is supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by The Arts Commission.
