In this episode host Dr. Sharon Givens presents a Women's Reflection Panel with inspiring leaders: Melanie Calhoun, Dr. Carla Cheatham, and Dr. Marian Higgins. These women share their journeys from the past year, discussing their personal and professional wins, and emphasize themes such as perseverance, purpose, and transformation. They reflect on the importance of self-care, balancing responsibilities, and finding spiritual grounding. The conversation is rich with wisdom on leadership, authenticity, managing stress, and staying aligned with one's purpose. As they look ahead to 2026, they offer encouragement and practical advice for leading with impact. Melanie G. Calhoun, LPC, PMH-C, NCC is a licensed professional counselor, certified perinatal mental health specialist, and Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Practice at Georgia State University. She is the founder of Stone and Flower Counseling, where she provides culturally responsive therapy and consultation to Black birthing people. Her clinical and research work centers on Black maternal mental health, racial stress, and trauma-informed care, with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices for clinicians of color. Melanie is a National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellow, a Chi Sigma Iota Leadership Intern, and a SACES Emerging Leader. Through her work as a therapist, educator, and community advocate, Melanie is committed to advancing equity in mental health care and supporting Black maternal wellbeing across clinical, academic, and policy settings. Carla B. Cheatham, Ph.D., LCPC, NCC, CSCDA is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Seattle University Online School Counseling Master’s Program. Dr. Cheatham received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Governors State University. Dr. Cheatham has over 25 years of experience in school counseling. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC- IL) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She has earned the Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) credential and the Certified School Career Development Advisor (CSCDA) credential. Dr. Cheatham’s areas of experience include Academic, Career, and Social/Emotional School Counseling, Advocacy and Social Justice, Cultural Humility, Postsecondary Options, Multiculturalism, Inclusion, and Diversity. She has presented nationally on topics regarding antiracist school counseling, diversity, equity, and inclusion issues for school counseling. Dr. Cheatham is the School Career Counselor and Specialists (K-12) Board of Trustee for the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Dr. Marian Higgins is an award-winning professional speaker, consultant, therapist, and advocate known for strategically transforming work cultures to improve the employee experience. Dr. Higgins works with individuals and organizations who want to center wellness and humanity in how they live, lead, and work. With over 25 years of organizational development and leadership experience, Dr. Higgins has led organizational change and continues to advise executive leaders on advancing healthy work environments by assessing systems, policies, and practices. She has worked with educational institutions, corporations, non-profits, and professional associations, delivering keynotes, workshops, and consultations on employee engagement and wellness, organizational transformation, and human-centered leadership. Known for her calm demeanor, transparency, and ability to tackle tough topics, A licensed professional counselor, Dr. Higgins specializes in supporting clients with work trauma and career transitions. Her clients inspire her to advocate for better workplaces. Dr. Higgins received her Ph.D. in counseling and personnel services from The University of Georgia, a Master of Science degree in counseling from the University of Memphis, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.
