On this episode, I & I speak with Lorena Galarza about her Ecuadorian heritage and her transition to America. Lorena describes the love story that brought her to the United States and the community that she has built for herself while she has been here. Lorena explains how lucky she feels to have a tight connection with her family, and how she has created a found family here in the states. On top of all that, the three ladies go into misconceptions surrounding Latina women, entrepreneurship, and much more!

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

• (00:00:00) - Vital Women of Washington Heights
• (00:01:09) - There are 105 Ecuadorians living in Dominican Republic
• (00:05:26) - A Maid's Tea for the Cold
• (00:06:30) - Immigrant Girl on Coming to the United States
• (00:07:37) - Marissa on Growing Up in the US
• (00:13:03) - The Secret to Gratitude
• (00:13:32) - The HardEST Part of Transition to the United States
• (00:16:15) - Married Woman on The New Beginnings
• (00:19:50) - Lorena Hoyendia on Her Strength
• (00:21:54) - "Never Alone" by Latinas
• (00:22:44) - Latina Women on American Culture
• (00:25:39) - Latina entrepreneur's journey into business at 40
• (00:28:42) - Lorena at Hispanic Heritage Month

On this week's episode, Iris and Ivette speak with Duane Sharrock, Author of The Engine of Intent, Educator, Counselor, and Speaker.

From Duane's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-sharrock-2865ba30/

"For over two decades, my professional journey has been dedicated to understanding and fostering human potential. As an educator, counselor, and systems thinker, I've had the privilege of developing transformative learning environments for both youth and adults. My career, spanning alternative education, special education, counseling, and school leadership, has consistently revolved around a central question: how do we empower individuals to truly translate what they know into meaningful, purposeful action?

Through my work, including roles as an Assistant Principal, Academic Transition Coordinator, and Special Education Administrator, I've focused on cultivating agency, metacognition, and equity. My advanced degrees and certifications in school administration, counseling, and education have provided a robust foundation, but it's the real-world experiences of guiding students, families, and professionals through complex challenges that have truly shaped my insights into thought, emotion, identity, and purpose.

This deep inquiry into human motivation culminated in my forthcoming book, The Engine of Intent. This book offers a fresh, integrated perspective on why we often struggle to achieve our goals despite our best intentions. It introduces the Quartite Mind Model and Metacognitive Matrix, a dynamic framework designed to help individuals understand their inner experience and enact intentional, lasting change.

I am actively seeking a literary agent who champions innovative thought in the areas of psychology, self-help, and behavioral science. I am confident that The Engine of Intent offers a unique and timely contribution to these fields, and I am eager to collaborate with a passionate agent to bring this work to a wider audience, helping more people unlock their full conative potential."

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is Sponsored by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment. MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/ CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

• (00:00:00) - Violet and Yvette
• (00:00:40) - Dwayne Shirock
• (00:01:12) - Integral Youth Program in the Dominican Republic
• (00:02:13) - Social Workers: Dwayne
• (00:06:35) - In the Elevator With Dr. Duchess Boces
• (00:12:47) - In the Elevated World of Trauma-informed Care
• (00:13:46) - Exploring the Concept of Adaptive Growth
• (00:16:09) - Talking About Fear in The Superman Movie
• (00:17:32) - What's Cool About Each Comic Hero?
• (00:18:23) - Having That One Person to Trust
• (00:24:14) - The Importance of Role Models
• (00:28:18) - Inventing the Engine of Intent
• (00:30:10) - Vital Women of Washington Heights

On this week's episode, Iris is currently away on vacation, so Ivette speaks with The Vital Women's producer, Conor Walsh. Ivette asks Conor about his inspirations with music, along with the background to songs such as "That First Step," "One of These Days," and "Yes."

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is Sponsored by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/