In the tech world, women are still fighting for access—to funding, to resources, and to the table. Nomiki Petrolla is changing that. She’s the founder of Theanna, a SaaS platform built specifically to support women tech founders from idea to scale. After years as head of product at an AI company, Nomiki saw the gap firsthand—and knew something had to change. On this episode of The Powerful Ladies Podcast, we talk about the difference between idea people and doer people, why access matters, and how a personal family crisis helped her find her purpose. I love how she leads with heart and honesty, building not just software but a true community of women who are getting things done.

We often think of branding and marketing as interchangeable. But for Julie Leffler, CEO and founder of Big Hype Marketing, they’re two very different things. Branding, she explains, is the personality and identity of your business—while marketing is simply how people hear about it. In our conversation, Julie shares how growing up around marketing shaped her path and led her to start a company focused on branding, websites, and social media. We talk about common marketing missteps, the power of authentic headshots, why Canva isn’t always your friend, and the kind of content that actually connects. Julie also breaks down the core elements of a strong brand—purpose, position, promise, and personality—and shares how her network of supportive women has played a key role in her journey.

From growing up surrounded by tailored garments to running her own thriving fashion brand, Sophia Demirtas’s journey into design wasn’t exactly planned. She was raised in a culture that deeply valued the power of beautifully made clothing, but fashion wasn’t her first path. Sophia started out in social services, shaped by her own experiences in foster care. But after feeling disillusioned by how business-driven the field had become, she made a major pivot—one that led her to launch Fanm Mon. In this episode, Sophia shares how she turned her creative passion into a brand known for quality and craftsmanship, what it was like to move production from Ukraine to Turkey during the pandemic, and why a strong, supportive team matters so much. We also talk about heritage, sustainability, and the importance of preserving traditional crafts. Through it all, Sophia keeps coming back to the legacy of hardworking women who have inspired her every step of the way.

Talking about money can be awkward, overwhelming, and honestly, kind of scary. That’s why having someone like Jackie Adler in your corner makes all the difference. She’s a Senior Financial Planner & Investment Advisor with heart—sharp, empathetic, and someone who just gets the emotional side of money, especially for women navigating big life shifts like divorce or loss. In this episode, we get into all of it: saving, mindset shifts, wills and trusts, paying yourself first, and why the old-school idea of retiring at 65 doesn’t really work anymore. If you’ve ever felt behind, confused, or just unsure about your financial future, this one’s for you.

Welcome to a special edition of the Powerful Ladies Podcast, where we dive into compelling stories of resiliency with four incredible women. Join us as Anne, Karen, Michelle, and Rup share their personal journeys of overcoming life's toughest challenges. From personal losses, illness, and career shifts to navigating divorce and fostering marginalized communities, these women give heartfelt insights into how they found their inner strength. We also explore powerful daily practices that keep them grounded and resilient in the face of adversity. Whether you're facing a rough patch or seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and stories that prove we all have the power to transform our lives.

Our amazing guests are:

1. 1. Anne Watson - Food Photographer, Chef, & Owner of Watson Wellness @theannewatson
   2. Karen Duffy - NY Times Best Selling Author,Movie Producer, MTV VJ, & Actor @dufflambros
   3. Michelle Jernigan - Real Estate Broker @sellbymichelle
   4. Rup Duhra - Co-founder and Director of Operations of Diaspora Therapy Group @diasporatherapygroup

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Laura Umansky, founder of Laura U Design Collective and Design Dash, shares her journey of building a thriving interior design business while living her dream life in Aspen, Colorado. We talk about Laura's motivations behind starting her own business, the importance of networking, hiring the right team, and empowering other women to break barriers in the interior design industry. She also discusses the balance between work and personal life, her strategies for maintaining creativity, and the significance of having a vision and purpose.

Judith Kargbo shares the significance of authenticity and integrity in the media industry, emphasizing the importance of high-quality audio and video in podcasting. We explore the collaborative and supportive nature of the podcasting community, with Judith highlighting how essential it is to find "your people" in any industry. She reflects on her career journey, from her childhood in Delaware to becoming a senior producer at SiriusXM in Los Angeles. We dive into the challenges and opportunities of promoting diversity in podcasting, the dedication required to produce successful shows, and her advice for aspiring podcasters. We also discuss the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional and social responsibilities, especially in today’s socio-political climate.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the vibrant and inspiring artist Cicely Carew. We talked about how art has shaped her life, giving her purpose, confidence, and joy. We discuss her journey from LA to Boston, how the art community there has influenced her work, and the impact of personal mentors who believed in her potential. Cicely also shares her thoughts on the challenges artists face in balancing creativity with business and marketing, the importance of community and support, and how she continues to push forward despite obstacles. Her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.