Her Success Story

Ivy Slater, Slater Success Coaching
  • 4.9 (19)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ivy Slater interviews gutsy business women as they share their success journey.

  1. 4D AGO

    Cultivating Humanity and Purpose: Lessons From CHAMP's Nonprofit Journey

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Brawley Chisholm III. The two talk about the journey of founding a nonprofit, the challenges of getting started, and the game-changing benefits of offering free events that teach everything from financial literacy to coding, yoga, and basketball.  In this episode, we discuss: How Brawley Chisholm III, former Harlem Globetrotter, channeled his basketball passion and New York roots into founding CHAMP (Cultivating Humanity And Manifesting Purpose), inspired by childhood programs that provided free access to sports for inner-city kids. What drove Brawley to launch CHAMP—recognizing that while he achieved his athletic dreams, he felt a void in community impact, leading him to create free events blending sports, life skills, and professional development for underserved youth. When CHAMP's first event took place at a Baltimore public school, quickly snowballing into larger back-to-school initiatives like the Bronx event at Mallalis Park near Yankee Stadium, serving 200 kids with rotating skill-building stations. Why consistency and starting small matters—Brawley emphasizes overcoming overthinking by leaning on mentors, with CHAMP expanding to teen summits in Indiana featuring panels, meditation, sales training, coding, and gaming scholarships. How CHAMP addresses modern needs like social media, AI, and gaming careers, teaching kids to look beyond playing games to opportunities in production, logos, and business behind them.   Brawley Chisholm III is a three-time Emmy-nominated entertainer, longtime Harlem Globetrotter, and founder of CHAMP—his youth nonprofit focused on financial literacy, wellness, creativity, and career development for ages 8–18. After performing in over 60 countries, he's dedicated his platform to mentorship and purpose-driven impact. He also co-leads EMCC Media, producing cinematic brand storytelling for companies like Converse and Jordan Brand, and hosts "Confidently Different," a motivational series centered on confidence and mental wellness. Born in Brooklyn and raised in The Bronx, Brawley's mission is simple: inspire through authenticity, purpose, and service. https://becomeachamp.org/

    17 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    Creating Safe Spaces and Future Opportunities with Hopeful Handbags

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guests, Cathlene Miner and Aisling Owens Nash. The three talk about the origins of Hopefull Handbags as a movement to support survivors of domestic abuse, the unique approach of using donated handbags filled with essentials to open conversations and restore dignity, and the life-changing programs the organization offers to help survivors rebuild their lives—such as SHINE, which empowers individuals towards independence, employment, and long-term success.  In this episode, we discuss: How Cathlene Miner founded Hopefull Handbags in 2017, inspired by her grandmother's domestic abuse experiences and childhood memories, beginning with collecting donated handbags to provide practical support and open conversations about abuse. What drove Aisling Owens Nash to expand Hopefull Handbags to Ireland in 2021 as Executive Director of Hopefull Handbags Global Ireland, drawn by the organization's simple, impactful approach to helping survivors through community bag-packing events. When handbags serve as powerful conversation starters—packed with daily essentials like toiletries, notebooks, and handwritten messages of hope, they restore dignity and enable survivors to reach out for further support without immediate vulnerability. Why pop-up shelters and transitional support like rent assistance and children's needs are critical, addressing the statistic that over 85% of survivors return to abusers due to financial instability. What the NEW program (Navigating Employment Wins) entails—hands-on resume building, interview skills, and active job searching to ensure financial independence, rejecting the empowerment model's limitations for more direct intervention.   Cathlene Miner is the Founder CEO of Hopefull Handbags Global, Inc. Non-Profit, 501c3, Raising Hope for those getting back on their feet again due to Domestic Abuse and other Challenging Situations beginning with One Hopefull Handbag at a time. She is a Bestselling Author of the 30 Day Self Perception Makeover, and the 30 Day Self Perception Makeover Teen Edition, Mentor, Fitness Lover, International Speaker, and Radio Podcast Host. Cathlene loves her life as a homeschool mom, wife, mother of 4, and grandmother (Sea) to 3 amazing granddaughters, an entrepreneur, and a love of anything that brings a smile and joy, and a self-professed glass half full kinda girl. Cathlene and Hopefull Handbags Global believe in collaboration over competition which is why Hopefull Handbags Global hosts and are part of events that bring women, businesses, and nonprofits, and communities together because "Together We Are Stronger". She knows from her own experiences and those of her clients that with a healthy Self Perception, anything is possible to truly manifest your life on purpose and allow your dreams to unfold because you are limitless. "Never Underestimate the Power of Hope"  Aisling Owens Nash Founder, The Right Room™ | Event Experience Architect™ | Executive Director, Hopefull Handbags Global | President, Hopeful Handbags Global Ireland | Regional Head Networking Leader, MIB International (Ireland & Northern Ireland) Aisling Owens Nash is the creator of The Right Room™ and a sought-after Event Experience Architect™, designing and hosting premium live and digital experiences that transform events from inspiration-only gatherings into decision-making spaces where authority, clarity, and conversion happen. In addition to leading The Right Room™, The Expansion Room™, The Conversion Room™, and The BoardRoom Series™, Aisling serves as Executive Director of Hopefull Handbags Global and President of Hopefull Handbags Global Ireland, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic abuse worldwide. She also holds the role of Regional Head Networking Leader for Ireland and Northern Ireland with MIB International, the world's fastest-growing female empowerment network, uniquely positioned as a child-friendly global business community. Her mission is simple: to create the rooms, relationships, and opportunities that help entrepreneurs step out of businesses they've outgrown and into the identity, structure, and visibility required to lead what's next. Website: https://www.cathleneminer.com/ https://www.hopefullhandbags.org

    29 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    Breaking the Silence: Michelle Jewsbury's Fight Against Abuse and Human Trafficking

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Michelle Jewsbury. The two talk about talk about transforming personal trauma into global advocacy, building educational opportunities for survivors in Sierra Leone and Ghana, and the challenges of leading a nonprofit devoted to empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. In this episode, we discuss: How Michelle Jewsbury transformed her personal experience surviving severe domestic violence into the founding of Unsilenced Voices, using settlement funds from her lawsuit to launch a nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors globally. What inspired Michelle's international expansion—from bartending in Hollywood to establishing programs in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda, where her organization now supports approximately 1,800 individuals across two villages. When Michelle recognized her calling to create broader impact, channeling her one-woman play about abuse into a published memoir and curating "Breaking the Silence," a collection of survivor stories addressing trauma, trafficking, addiction, and grief. Why persistence defines effective leadership—Michelle shares a powerful lesson from India: "It is not up to us to finish the project. It is up to us to start it," urging nonprofit leaders to overcome imposter syndrome. How Unsilenced Voices plans for sustainable growth, including building a dedicated school in Sierra Leone for vocational training, counseling, and medical support to break cycles of abuse and dependency.   Michelle Jewsbury, a dynamic force in transforming personal stories into powerful narratives, is the founder and CEO of Unsilenced Voices. With a mission to empower survivors of pain and trauma, Michelle has emerged as an internationally recognized speaker, coach, and advocate. Renowned for her expertise in translating adversity into business and personal success, she has graced stages across the globe. From sharing her journey of breaking the cycle of abuse, Michelle inspires individuals to transform their own stories into impactful narratives. As the driving force behind Unsilenced Voices, Michelle Jewsbury is dedicated to engaging business owners, entrepreneurs and organizations harness the transformative power of their stories. Website: https://unsilencedvoices.org/ Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.jewsbury https://www.facebook.com/unsilencevoices https://www.tiktok.com/@michellejewsbury?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.instagram.com/michellejewsbury/ https://www.instagram.com/unsilencedvoices/ https://twitter.com/mjewsbury https://twitter.com/unsilencevoices https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jewsbury-5310953b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/18824076/ https://www.youtube.com/@michellejewsbury

    21 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    Building Financial Confidence for Women: Janine Firpo and Invest for Better

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Janine Firpo. The two talk about redefining retirement as a time for purpose and impact, the importance of women gaining financial confidence, and the creation and growth of Invest for Better, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women learn about investing in alignment with their values. In this episode, we discuss: How Janine transitioned from a high-impact tech and nonprofit career to become a leading advocate for women's financial empowerment in her "retirement"—writing books and starting new initiatives instead of slowing down. What the "She Economy" movement is, an ambitious campaign encouraging millions of women to take action, collaborate, and invest for impact, imagining how society could have evolved if women had been equal economic partners for the last 100 years. When the idea for Invest for Better developed—initially a way for women to learn together in small groups, later becoming a nonprofit and building a community of over 2,500 women sharing knowledge and support. Why integrity, collaboration, and value alignment matter most to Janine, especially when building lasting relationships and impactful organizations with like-minded partners How women's money decisions and investment strategies are different from men's, and how these differences create positive outcomes for families and society when women step into their financial power. JANINE FIRPO is an accomplished speaker, author, and social entrepreneur, with a long history of working at the intersection of women and their money. From the early years of Apple Computer to senior positions with Hewlett-Packard, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Janine has always found herself making an impact. In 2017 she left a successful 35+ year career in technology and international development to focus on how women can create a more just and equitable society through their financial investments. Her book, Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World, was published by Wiley in May 2021. Later that year, she co-founded Invest for Better, a nonprofit that is catalyzing a movement in which millions of women are educated, enabled, and empowered to activate the power of their money for themselves and for the world. Janine walks her talk. She is taking action to move all her own assets into investments she feels good about and is watching them grow with market-rate returns. She is also a lead investor in Next Wave Impact, a venture fund designed to help more women become angel investors. In 2024, Forbes named Janine one of "50 Over 50" female leaders who continue to make impact later in life.  Website: https://investforbetter.org/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-firpo-047282/

    25 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Facing Challenges, Creating Change: Tara Chalakani on Nonprofit Leadership and Self-Care

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest,Tara Chalakani. The two talk about the evolution and impact of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, the importance of authentic relationships in nonprofit leadership, and the powerful role of self-care and trauma-informed culture in supporting employees and clients. In this episode, we discuss: How a small local operation launched in 1978 turned into a $39 million organization with 500 team members—by chasing the right grants and growing programs that truly matter to the community. What sets Preferred apart is its culture—rooted in excellence, integrity, and compassion. You can see it in the way staff stick around and in the industry awards they've picked up, like being named one of New Jersey's "Best Places to Work. When conversations about women's leadership, self-care, and trauma-informed workplaces come up, both Tara Chalakani and Ivy Slater share what it really means to lead by example—and why you have to pour from a full cup to do it well. Why nonprofit leadership in mental health matters now more than ever—because the pandemic pushed mental health to the forefront, breaking down stigma and sparking a national conversation about the care people really need. How Tara Chalakani shifts the idea of nonprofits as competitors and instead focuses on working together, showing how collaboration can better serve the shared mission of improving mental health. Dr. Tara Chalakani is a national mental health expert and dynamic leader. As the CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Dr. Chalakani leads a team of 500 employees providing quality mental health care, substance use treatment, and prevention services to almost 30,000 individuals a year, across New Jersey. In addition, Dr. Chalakani maintains a private psychotherapy practice and is currently an appointed Associate Professor at the Hackensack University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. She has also taught Psychology and Mental Health Counseling curricula at the undergraduate and graduate level. Dr. Chalakani holds a doctoral degree in psychology with a concentration in behavioral health leadership, a master's degree in mental health counseling, and undergraduate degrees in nursing and psychology. All of her advanced degrees were earned while raising her children and working full-time. Dr. Chalakani is a frequent guest on national and local media outlets, public speaker, and co-host of the Welloff Podcast through iHeart Media. Dr. Chalakani is a regular contributor to Forbes, and the inaugural leader of the Forbes Nonprofit Council Women Executives group. She is most proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and her humble beginnings in Newark, NJ. All of her successes were achieved despite all the odds being stacked against her. For this reason, she is a champion of women, the marginalized, and strives to be a person that offers others a fighting chance at being who they were destined to become. Social Media: Dr. Tara: www.thedrtara.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tara-chalakani-943a4721/ Instagram & TikTok: @thedrtara PBHG: www.preferredbehavioral.org All Social Media: @preferredbehavioral Podcast: www.welloffpodcast.com Social: @thewelloffpodcast

    29 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Giving Back: Supporting Nonprofits Through the Her Success Story Community

    In this episode, Ivy Slater shares her passion for giving back during the holidays, introduces a series on impactful nonprofits, and encourages donations and sharing stories. She discusses nonprofit funding challenges, features organizations from local to global, and invites everyone to make a difference through small acts of kindness. In this episode, we discuss: How "Her Success Story" shines a light on various nonprofits during the holiday season, focusing on their stories, impact, and needs. What listeners can learn from nonprofit stories, including insights into starting a nonprofit, strategies that work, and how these organizations make a difference in areas like education, homelessness, and supporting women. The nonprofit series kicks off during Thanksgiving week and continues through New Year's. Her Success Story will feature a diverse group of nonprofits, ranging from small, intimate organizations to larger, global initiatives—each contributing to change in their own way. Listeners are invited to participate beyond donations by providing feedback, sharing referrals, and suggesting topics or organizations for future episodes. Ivy Slater is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. After owning and operating a 7-figure printing business, having been in the industry for 20 years, she started Slater Success which focuses on developing great leaders and facilitating business growth and expansion. Ivy holds masterminds and retreats with her private client base and corporate training on communication and strategic planning. She speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth, relationships and sales. Best Selling Author of From the Barre to the Boardroom Website: https://slatersuccess.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyslater/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slatersuccesscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyslaterssc/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/slatersuccess/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlaterSuccessCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ8b1sGnADlpFE2NrqUfToQ?view_as=subscribe

    5 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Making a Difference: Why Nonprofit Branding Matters with MOD-Lab's Michelle Pereault

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Michelle Perreault. The two talk about how Michelle Perreault transformed her freelance business into a mission-driven company, the unique challenges of helping resource-limited organizations communicate their impact, and the innovative ways MOD-Lab continues to provide value for clients beyond just exceptional design. In this episode, we discuss: How Michelle started as a freelance designer, then founded MOD-Lab to provide high-quality branding and design support to nonprofits, focusing on organizations that make a real difference in their communities.​ What inspired Michelle to focus on nonprofits? She said working with mission-driven organizations fuels her purpose and enthusiasm. The joy she finds in helping resource-limited teams strengthen their brand and share their story to create impact is at the core of MOD-Lab. When Michelle decided to build a team, she transitioned from freelancing to a company as the demand for her services increased. She describes the slow, organic path that shaped MOD-Lab's culture. Why MOD-Lab's success hinges on prioritizing relationships and referrals, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and a strong network over nearly two decades. How consistent branding helps nonprofits fundraise and make an impact; Michelle highlights key differences between nonprofit and for-profit models. Michelle Perreault is the Founder, Creative Director, and Lead Designer at MOD-Lab (Minds On Design Lab). MOD-Lab is the thoughtful design partner for small teams doing big things in the social sector. We create memorable branding, design materials, and websites. With over 25 years of experience working with small teams, she understands the realities they face: limited capacity, tight budgets, and ambitious goals. Often, they don't have design expertise or leadership as part of their teams. Design is a vehicle to inspire confidence, clarity, and trust around a brand, so not having dedicated design resources is a detriment. She works to change this by offering organizations a dedicated part-time design team. At MOD-Lab, she has refined practical, scalable design processes that meet organizations where they are and help them grow with confidence. Her goal is to be a true brand advocate for client partners, ensuring every piece of communication aligns with their mission, strengthens their message, and looks beautiful. Website:  https://mod-lab.com/ Social Media Links:   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-perreault-6944614 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsondesignlab/

    19 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    The Power of Partnerships: Growing a Marketing Agency Through Relationships and Teamwork

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guests, Grace Kwak and Alexis Toney. The three talk about the challenges of standing out in an intensely crowded marketing space, the crucial role of relationships and referrals in their growth, and the lessons they've learned from early hiring decisions and business setbacks. In this episode, we discuss: How Background Noise got started What has kept the team motivated and growing in a crowded marketing environment space When to hire and scale a team in a small agency Why partnering with other agencies is part of their growth strategy Who benefits from keeping in touch How setbacks and surprises shape leadership   Grace Kwak is a growth marketing expert who has spent her career shaping customer journeys from every angle – working within agencies and startups alike – Grace Kwak's newest chapter is leading growth, marketing strategy and analytics at Background Noise. As a first-generation Korean-American, Grace is actively aware of how experiences vary from person to person, and how brands must keep diversity of customer experiences top-of-mind at all times. Across her career, she's contributed to growth for brands including Cecred, Taco Bell, Follain, Papa John's, Hint Water, Dunkin Donuts, NBC Sports, COTY, Lysol, Mucinex, and American Family Insurance. She's been internally honored for her contributions, earning an MVP award at Mindshare and a Person of New York award at Performics. She's contributed to internal presentations around International Women's Day Webinar at Big Spaceship, growth marketing for We Are Rosie and is published with MediaPost. Alexis Toney is a strategy and innovation leader who has built her career at the intersection of data, creativity, and cultural storytelling – Alexis Toney is the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Background Noise. She drives brand innovation through research, analytics, and strategy, overseeing proprietary market research and social listening tools that help clients stay ahead of the curve. With more than eight years of experience in performance analytics, media strategy, and marketing intelligence, Alexis has shaped growth strategies for brands across industries while championing people-first insights. Her career path spans roles at Big Spaceship, Ovadia & Sons, and Laundry Service, where she led research, eCommerce, and media strategy initiatives. At Background Noise, Alexis contributed to the launch of Cécred and has collaborated with brands such as Google, Sony, NBC Sports, UPS, Weight Watchers, and Papa Johns throughout her career. Her work has been recognized with honors including Adweek Media Rising Star and the ADCOLOR Future Award. Based in Brooklyn, Alexis balances her data-driven leadership by day with her creative side as a DJ, music producer, and drummer by night. Website: https://www.backgroundnoise.co/ Social Media Links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracejkwak/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexistoney/

    25 min
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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Ivy Slater interviews gutsy business women as they share their success journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Ivy Slater, Slater Success Coaching
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ivy Slater 2018
  • Show Website
    Her Success Story

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