In this episode, I’m joined by Xander Dukowski, one of my former students and now a pre-med college junior. We discuss Xander’s journey from a 0.29 high school GPA to university, overcoming personal challenges, including addiction and loss. Xander also shares insights about resilience, the impact of alternative education, and the importance of controlling what can be controlled.
#36 When Girls Believe They Belong: A Conversation with Sarah Jakle
In this episode, I’m joined by social worker, policy advocate, and founder of DemocraShe, Sarah Jakle, for a conversation that feels both deeply grounding and powerfully activating. From her early work supporting unhoused communities and studying trauma, to navigating her own life-altering autoimmune diagnosis, Sarah shares the personal and professional experiences that led her to reimagine what leadership development could look like for young women. What began as a passion for advocacy evolved into a bold, necessary mission: equipping high school girls with both the practical skills and emotional resilience to step into civic spaces with confidence, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging. Through DemocraShe, Sarah is not just preparing girls to lead, she’s helping them believe they deserve to. Together, we explore what it means to nurture the nervous system, reclaim your voice, and create environments where young women are seen, heard, and truly valued.
