It is estimated that up to 24,000 women and girls are sexually trafficked - bought and sold for sex - each year in the Chicagoland area. And they are share some things in common:
Rocío López has a deep-rooted passion for empowerment and transformation. This has fueled her professional experiences and has inevitably carried over into other aspects of her life.
She has worked at a global non-profit headquartered in Dallas, Buckner International, Texas since 2010, where she currently leads operations and drives the strategy of international programs for underserved children and families in Latin America and Africa.
Buckner International is a global ministry dedicated to the transformation and restoration of the lives we serve. Buckner is a Christ-centered organization that delivers redemptive ministry to the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life.
Follow Rocio on Instagram: instagram.com/rolop
Learn about Buckner International: https://www.buckner.org
Fifty-four percent of teens between the ages of 14-16 have contemplated suicide in the last 6-months. You can only imagine how COVID has impact that number.
That's why Sarah Conner and the team at Just Say Yes is "Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope." They believe that a connected student is a protected student. Listen to today's podcast to learn how you too can be a part of the solution.
Instagram: @jsarahconner
Facebook: facebook.com/jsarahconner
https://justsayyes.org/
In today's episode, Kat Armstrong and Barre3 Richardson owner, Angela Fry, discuss how to support small businesses, cheer on our friends and overcome fear in this challenging time. Fry is an Oklahoma native transplanted to Dallas by way of Seattle. She spent 9 years climbing the corporate ladder in the wine sales industry before leaving it all to pursue her dream of opening a barre3 studio. She is now the proud owner of barre3 Richardson and they are about to celebrate their four year anniversary! God has provided her with the incredible opportunity to grow a community of health where women exercise to feel alive and at home in their bodies. Angela's greatest passion is helping her clients redefine what success in fitness means so they can release society's ideals of health based in fear and shame. When she's not in yoga pants teaching or connecting with clients at the studio, you can find her at the park or on a walk with her precious husband and feisty toddler. Her guilty pleasures include devouring the latest issue of US Weekly or catching up Real Housewives.
Connect with Angela:
Instagram: @angeladfry
Website: barre3
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What's your Enneagram number?!
Everyone's got one, but not everyone is an expert.
Katie Allen Harris is a certified enneagram coach who is passionate about helping women realize the beauty they bring to their relationships. And she's dropping jewels in this episode of the Polished Podcast - you'll want to listen, share and take notes.
Connect with Katie:
Instagram: @katieallenharris
Website: katieallenharris.com
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If anything resonates with the women of the Polished Network, it’s supporting one another. We don’t compete or compare, we champion our sisters—always. Supporting one another is a superpower that propels us beyond business networking and social-climbing into an interdependent community of women who have each other’s backs. When we rise to our true potential, it is, in part, because others work with us for our success. This month, our guests on the Polished Podcast will be sharing about practical ways to support each other in the workplace and encourage each other to grow. We're thrilled to kick off this series with the one and only Jamie Ivey as she authentically shares about her own experience with competition in her life and how we can all be champions for one another.
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: @jamieivey
Podcast: The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
Website: Jamieivey.com
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In our final episode of our A Través de Sus Ojos, or Though His Eyes series celebrating Latin Heritage Month, hosts Kat and Rocio are joined by Maria Pacheco to discuss some of the cultural scripts that hold Latina women back in the workplace. Maria was born in Mexico, grew up in Wheaton, IL (a suburb of Chicago) and currently resides in Dallas, TX. She serves as Act's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, overseeing and developing many of ACT’s new initiatives and programs. Maria has a Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Spanish and a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in Christian Education where her concentration was Women’s Ministry and Family Life. She loves to spoil her three nieces, drink tea, and travel.
Links from the show:
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In the latest episode of the Polished Podcast, Pamela Flores joins our hosts, Kat Armstrong and Rocio Lopez, to share her perspective on this month’s theme, A Través de Sus Ojos, or Though His Eyes. Pamela, Rocio and Kat discuss the beauty and strength of Latin families as well as what it looks like to courageously find one’s authentic voice in the workplace.
Pamela Cosio Flores is an executive coach and emotional intelligence expert specializing in helping high capacity leaders find a positive work-life balance, thrive in relationships at home and work, and continue to grow and improve their performance at work. In addition to her coaching and consulting practice, Pamela currently leads two Townsend Leadership Program Teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Pamela currently lives in Dallas with her husband and two little boys.
Connect with Pamela:
Instagram: @pamela.c.flores
Links from the show:
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This month on the Polished Podcast, we’re celebrating Latina Heritage Month by amplifying the voices of Latinas making their mark in the workplace and a special introduction from the ladies of Brunch Con Salsa podcast. Latinas belong to the largest minority group in the U.S. and have significant buying power in the economy, yet negative stereotypes diminish their identities as image-bearers of God and contributors at work. Christ's work on the cross calls for all of us, Latinas included, to see each other through his eyes.
Rocío López has a deep-rooted passion for empowerment and transformation. This has fueled her professional experiences and has inevitably carried over into other aspects of her life. She has worked at a global non-profit headquartered in Dallas, Texas since 2010 where she currently leads operations and drives the strategy of international programs for underserved children and families in Latin America and Africa. Rocío grew up in Dallas, Texas, and is of Mexican heritage. Her experiences in majority culture have pushed her to look deeper to understand herself and her roots better. As a result of this process, she co-founded the Brunch con Salsa podcast with two of her friends which highlights conversation around what it's like to be Latina, living between cultures in the U.S.
Connect with Rocio:
Instagram: @rolop
Links from the show:
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Attending a Polished Webinar
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Joining the Polished Network
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In the final episode of our "Come Together" series, licensed professional counselor, Tricia Gordon, joins our host, Kat Armstrong, to discuss how to work through relational breakdown, tips for connecting in our current world, and the healing space she's creating for black women. Tricia's perspective on what it looks like to really come together in every aspect of life will inspire you to get creative and intentional with connection in your own life.
Tricia Gordon is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in private practice at You Matter Counseling in Dallas, TX. She is a compassionate, insightful, inspiring leader and entrepreneur with 15+ years’ experience working with Fortune 500 corporations, non-profits, healthcare agencies, and government and faith based initiatives. Tricia is passionate about helping women turn down the volume of their internal negativity in order to hear the truth of their intrinsic value, worth, and capabilities. To that end, Tricia’s most recent venture is developing a space for black women to recognize and heal from trauma.
Connect with Tricia:
Instagram: @soulreparation
Website: youmattercounseling.com
Links from the show:
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In the latest episode of our "Come Together" series, Polished's National Director, Amy Cedrone, joins host, Kat Armstrong, to share her perspective on what it looks like to show up for others, especially in the midst of a crisis, and what gives her hope in the midst of division. Amy's wisdom on how to seek unity and hope in Christ regardless of our circumstances will encourage you no matter where you are in life.
Amy Cedrone is a preacher, retreat speaker, passionate shepherd, and Bible teacher. She mentors both young and older adult women and she works as a consultant for staff training, volunteer leader training, and missions development in churches and Christian organizations who are expanding their reach. Amy has a strong conviction to see women and young adults fully understand the deep love and freedom that can only be found in Christ.
Connect with Amy:
Instagram: @akcedrone
Facebook: Amy Cedrone
Links from the show:
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Do you hear the word anxiety and feel shame? Or maybe alone? In the latest episode of the Polished podcast, best-selling author, Becky Thompson, joins our host, Kat Armstrong, to candidly discuss the challenges of struggling with anxiety and grace-filled approaches to overcoming the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of anxiety.
Becky Thompson is the best-selling author of Love Unending, Hope Unfolding, and Midnight Mom Devotional. She also shares hope-filled truth through her top Christian podcast, Revived Motherhood. Speaking to the struggle of balancing life as a wife, mother, and daughter of God, she has become the voice of modern Christian motherhood.
Connect with Becky:
Instagram: @scissortailsilk
Website: beckythompson.com
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We’re kicking off season 5 of the Polished Podcast with Feleceia Benton Wilson joining our host, Kat Armstrong, to talk about how we can come together relationally in the midst of this new normal and polarizing climate. Feleceia’s perspective on what it looks like to seek unity with others through selfless care for others and the power of Christ will both challenge and inspire you in your own life.
Feleceia is a Dallas-based speaker, performer and entrepreneur. Feleceia’s ultimately passionate about spreading her inspirational message of creativity, spirituality and empowerment through faith, hope and action. We’re thrilled she’s on the podcast today and know you’ll be too. Happy listening!
Connect with Feleceia:
Instagram: @heyfeleceia
Website: feleceia.com
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In our final episode of our “Lies About Life” series, Patti Callahan Henry joins our host, Kat Armstrong, to share the story behind her captivating novel, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, which illuminates the life of Joy Davidman. While C.S. Lewis remains one of the most well-known figures in history, many people are unaware of the wife, Joy Davidman’s story and brilliant work. Not only did Joy have a tremendous impact on his work, but her own story of bravely defying cultural expectations and asking the big questions about God should serve as an inspiration to us all. In today’s episode, Patti thoughtfully shares about the lies she believes Joy battled with and how she courageously overcame them.
Connect with Patti:
Instagram: @pattichenry
Website: patticallahanhenry.com
Book: Becoming Mrs. Lewis
Verses:
Psalm 139:14 "I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well."
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We're kicking off the first episode of our new series, Lies About Life, with the one and only, Kate Crocco! Have you ever struggled with believing that you aren't qualified for a certain role or position? You aren't alone. In today's episode, Kate joins out host, Kat Armstrong to discuss how women can overcome that very lie and how they can move forward in life with confidence.
Kate Crocco, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and a confidence and mindset coach who mentors female leaders around the globe. She has coached thousands of women through one-on-one, group, and mastermind programs, as well as through her Confident Ladies Club™ community. She is the host of a weekly podcast, Thinking Like a Boss, where she regularly interviews female entrepreneurs from various fields who have found success in business and in life. A guest expert on numerous podcasts and telesummits, Kate has been quoted in publications such as the Huffington Post, Best Kept Self, SheKnows, and BlogHer. Kate's mission is to empower women to go after their dreams by helping them break down the walls and fears that have been holding them back from greatness through lovingly challenging them to step into the best version of themselves. Kate currently resides in New York with her husband, her two sweet girls, and her rescue pup, Turbo.
Connect with Kate:
Instagram: @katecrocco
Podcast: Thinking Like a Boss Podcast
Website: Katecrocco.com
Book: Think Like a Boss
Verses:
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In our final episode of our Sheroes of the Faith series, Kat Armas joins our host, Kat Armstrong, to share about her favorite woman in the Bible, Rizpah. While you may have never heard of her, Rizpah's story of protesting the unjust murder of her sons could not be more relevant right now. As Kat Armas shares Rizpah's story, you'll see we have a timeless example of what it looks like to fight for justice in our grandmother in the faith, Rizpah.
Connect with Kat:
Instagram: @kat_armas
Twitter: @kat_armas
Podcast: The Protagonistas
Website: katarmas.com
Book: Abuelita Faith (Coming Summer 2021)
Verses:
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Have you ever felt like there isn't a place for you in the workplace or the church? Maybe you have a strong personality or are just breaking from the mold of those around you. In our latest episode, Sharon Miller and our host, Kat Armstrong, discuss what it looks like for women to really bring their whole selves to the workplace and the church through the example of bible shero, Lydia.
Sharon Hodde Miller leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike. She is the author of two books: Free of Me, and Nice, and she has a PhD on women and calling. When she is not in quarantine she travels the country speaking, but these days she is homeschooling her three young kids!
Connect with Sharon:
Instagram: @sharonhmiller
Website: sheworships.com
Links from the Show:
Free of Me by Sharon Hodde Miller
Verses:
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In the latest episode of our “Sheroes of the Faith” series, Liz Rodriguez shares about how her favorite woman in the Bible, Elizabeth, models waiting faithfully for one’s deeply desired dreams and how to celebrate other women when comparing seems like the better option. Liz also shares candidly about her own experiences with waiting for her dream job. Today’s episode will leave you with an encouraging perspective on waiting for dreams and a renewed strength to choose linking arms with other women instead of comparison.
Connect with Liz:
Instagram: @lizannrodriguez
Podcast: Honest Conversations
Website: lizann.life
Verses:
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Do you ever feel like your story doesn’t matter? Or that your parts of your life, past or present, make you unloveable? Whether it seems like our world says your story is worthless or the little voice inside your head says you deserve every bit of shame you feel, too many of us struggle to see the value, beauty and potential in our lives that God does. We are so thankful that Jamie Ivey joins our host, Kat Armstrong, in today’s episode to share about how her favorite woman in the Bible can change our perspective of our stories and help us to find freedom from shame in Christ. Kat and Jamie also discuss the injustice of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder and how we can honor his story with our response. No matter who we are or what our story entails, we are never out of reach of God’s love, freedom and healing.
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: @jamieivey
Podcast: The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
YOUR STORY MATTERS BIBLE STUDY: Jamieivey.com/yourstorymatters
Website: Jamieivey.com
Links from the Show:
Verses:
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Do you ever feel like you are in the image management business? Today’s guest, Ashley Abercrombie sure has. And we are right there with her. Whether it’s shame over parts of our story or the fear of being insignificant, we can get trapped in trying to present ourselves in a certain way to others and to ourselves. Kat and Ashley’s conversation about Phoebe, a deaconess in the early church, will be a game-changer for you though. Through the story of Phoebe, Ashely shares about why the power of ordinary faithfulness is what really matters and why we have value regardless of our stage of life, story or seemingly insignificant actions.
Connect with Ashley:
Instagram: @ashabercrombie
Website: www.ashabercrombie.com
Verses:
Romans 16: 1-2 "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant[a] of the church in Cenchreae. 2 So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also."
Links from the Show:
Rise of the Truth Teller by Ashley Abercrombie
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In our latest episode of our “Sheroes of the Faith series,” Jo Saxton shares about her favorite woman in the Bible, Deborah. And let us tell you. Jo absolutely makes her story come alive. Honestly, Deborah’s story couldn’t be more timely. Her courageous leadership during an extremely devastating and difficult time in history provides us with the example we all need for how to boldly lead during the Covid-19 crisis and its aftermath. In a world that often puts us into prescribed boxes, Jo’s wisdom on how we can break free of stereotypes we might feel trapped in and confidently embrace our God-given gifts is a treasure. And if that’s not enough, Kat and Jo also discuss Jo’s latest book, Ready to Rise. Regardless of wherever you find yourself in life right now, you will find courage and freedom in today’s episode.
Jo Saxton, a Londoner born to Nigerian immigrants, is an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. After founding an initiative supporting women who lead, Jo now coaches female leaders around the world through her online leadership development program and advises organizations on how to develop and support women in leadership. Jo has written books on leadership, identity, and legacy, including The Dream of You. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Chris, and their two daughters.
Connect with Jo
Instagram: @josaxton
Website: josaxton.com
Links from the Show:
Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence by Jo Saxton
Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified and Marginalized Women of the Bible
No More Holding Back by Kat Armstrong
Verses:
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In the latest episode of our “Sheroes of the Faith'' Series, our host, Kat Armstrong, talks with Judy Dominick about her experience as an Asian American woman during the Covid-19 crisis and her two favorite women in the Bible. You’ll love hearing Judy share the stories of her two sheroes of the Bible and how their courageous approaches to difficult situations has impacted her.
Connect with Judy
Instagram: @judy.dominick
Website: lifeconsidered.com
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