During a recent YWCA board meeting, I felt the weight of a shared truth—fear and stress are pressing in on all of us. I see it. I feel it. And I refuse to let it have the final say. In times like these, we need spaces that ground us, connect us, and remind us of our own power. That’s why I’m answering the call, stepping into the storm as a light for those who need it. One way I’m doing that is by opening a space every Wednesday night—an open writing group where we can show up, find connection, and turn fear into fuel. We don’t have to do this alone.
#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.
