Empowering Imperfection

Vanessa McWilliams & Natasha Sukarukoff

Your co-hosts Natasha and Vanessa both have a passion for helping women take imperfect action towards their dreams. Having more than 20 years of experience between us, radically changing our own lives, and helping others do the same, we can't wait to share our journeys, and walk alongside yours. Here we learn together, support, and empower each other in this crazy journey called life. This podcast is heartfelt, raw and educational with a dose of spicy from time to time. This is your safe space to show up and dream big - so let's get into it! Hang out with us on Instagram! Podcast - @empoweringimperfectionpodcast Natasha Sukarukoff - @natashasukarukoff Vanessa McWilliams - @thevanessamcwilliams Want to be a guest on the podcast, or have a question? Send us an email! Empoweringimperfection@gmail.com

  1. To Serve and Connect - First Responder Retreat with our friends Adele and Lauren

    03/25/2025

    To Serve and Connect - First Responder Retreat with our friends Adele and Lauren

    This episode we chat with our amazing friends Adele and Lauren about their upcoming event: To Serve and Connect - First Responder Retreat May 2-4, 2025 Camp Kuriakos - Sylvan Lake AB http://www.toserveandconnect.com When the 4 of us met over 10 years ago at a Personal Development event, we became fast friends, and have been through quite a bit in each of our own journeys - but always know we have this sisterhood to lean on for anything. Having Lauren and Adele as our first guests on the pod is an incredible gift, and we are so excited for you to meet them! Here's more from our besties! Being a first responder spouse comes with unique challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs. To Serve and Connect is a space created for those who walk this path, offering support, understanding, and connection about life behind the scenes. Lauren & Adele began this journey over a cup of coffee and valuable conversation 6 years ago. Lauren is a retired corrections officer, and the wife of a police officer. Adele is the former spouse of a corrections officer, so they both understand firsthand the unique challenges that come with the first responder lifestyle—challenges that extend beyond the job and into the lives of those who love and support them. For years, Lauren struggled with her mental health, silently battling the weight of stigma and the pressure to appear "okay." Pretending she was fine only deepened her suffering and strained her closest relationships. A series of significant events forced her to seek out resources for first responders and their families. While support existed for first responders themselves, she quickly realized there were far fewer options dedicated to their spouses and loved ones, especially outside of traditional therapy through EAP programs. Lauren and Adele found solace in connecting with each other about the uniqueness of this lifestyle, sharing experiences, and lifting each other up in the most difficult moments. Recognizing the power of these connections—and their passion for bringing people together. Lauren was inspired to create a retreat designed specifically for first responder spouses. A space to be understood, to heal, and to strengthen the resilience that this life demands. Every year Adele reaffirms her commitment to the first responders spouses but holding space at the retreat. She is a coach, drumming facilitator, a Reiki practitioner and a trauma-informed yoga instructor. Lauren loves to connect people, talk about personal development, and advocate for wellness. Adele and Lauren bring a wealth of experience and compassion to this weekend – and to everyone that there are connected with. As always, we would love to hear from you. Hang out with us on Instagram! Podcast - @empoweringimperfectionpodcast Natasha Sukarukoff - @natashasukarukoff Vanessa McWilliams - @thevanessamcwilliams Want to be a guest on the podcast, or have a question? Send us an email! Empoweringimperfection@gmail.com

    21 min

About

Your co-hosts Natasha and Vanessa both have a passion for helping women take imperfect action towards their dreams. Having more than 20 years of experience between us, radically changing our own lives, and helping others do the same, we can't wait to share our journeys, and walk alongside yours. Here we learn together, support, and empower each other in this crazy journey called life. This podcast is heartfelt, raw and educational with a dose of spicy from time to time. This is your safe space to show up and dream big - so let's get into it! Hang out with us on Instagram! Podcast - @empoweringimperfectionpodcast Natasha Sukarukoff - @natashasukarukoff Vanessa McWilliams - @thevanessamcwilliams Want to be a guest on the podcast, or have a question? Send us an email! Empoweringimperfection@gmail.com