Empowering Young Women: The Journey of Wonder Girls

In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo interviews Natalie Maniscalco and Irene Robles, co-founders of Wonder Girls. They discuss the inception and mission of their nonprofit organization that empowers high school girls through leadership building, community service, and confidence workshops. They share personal stories, the impact of their professional skills, and the importance of empathy, support, and mentorship in shaping the future of young women. The conversation also touches upon their ambitious plans for expansion and continuous support for aspiring young women leaders.

00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance

00:27 Meet the Wonder Girls Founders

01:26 Natalie's Journey and the Birth of Wonder Girls

06:03 Irene's Background and Contributions

10:21 Empowering Young Women Through Confidence

16:58 Wonder Girls Programs and Impact

26:38 Leadership and Support Behind Wonder Girls

27:21 Team Effort and Acknowledgements

28:08 Board Members and Their Contributions

29:23 Personal Fulfillment and Purpose

32:13 Fundraising and Events

34:25 Podcast and Partnerships

36:49 Future Goals and Expansion

42:21 Personal Choices and Reflections

47:13 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles

49:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Natalie Maniscalco & Irene Robles

https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/our-team

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-j-maniscalco-54195a1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-paleologos-zervoudis-301aa0110/

A little bit about Wondergirls:

https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/ourvisionourteam

Founded in December 2020, Wonder Girls is a non-profit 501(c)3 | empowerment program for middle, high school, and college girls with a mission to build confidence, leadership, community spirit, and the necessary business skills to succeed no matter what educational or career path they may choose.

Wonder Girls strive to create a space
for addressing the current emotional, physical, and mental challenges facing
our young girls today. Wonder Girls provides our girls with a support system,
giving them a place where they feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves
while also providing them with the tools they need to grow and thrive in this
world. We offer our young girls the opportunity to speak their truth without
fear of isolation or judgment.

Wonder Girls believes that every young
woman deserves the opportunity to thrive as a leader of their own life despite
economic, social, or educational challenges. As a network of successful and
powerful professionals, we want to positively impact the lives of our Wonder
Girls and foster our future female leaders who are ready to make a difference!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

In this episode, Marie welcomes Dr. Steven Padnick, a psychologist with extensive experience in treating stress-related and psychophysiological disorders. Dr. Padnick discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing stress and anxiety, emphasizing that anxiety is a natural and helpful signal indicating that something is out of balance. By tuning into one's inner thoughts and feelings and expressing them through methods like writing, individuals can better manage anxiety and avoid destructive behaviors. Dr. Padnick advocates for early intervention and therapy to prevent the escalation of stress into more serious health issues. The conversation touches on methods of self-therapy, the benefits of group therapy, and the crucial role of self-awareness and intentional living in achieving personal and professional success.

“I wish people would seek counseling way sooner than they do. Generally, people wait much too long. If you feel like you're struggling and you're dissatisfied with your life, dissatisfied with your relationships, you have anxiety, you're not sleeping well, you have bouts of depression, or you find that you're drinking more than you should, go find a good psychologist, analyst, or a therapist to talk to, why wait until it has more of a grip on you.” – Dr. Steven Padnick

EP013: Show Highlights

01:52 Dr. Padnick's Early Life and Career Choices

05:45 Understanding Stress and Its Effects

08:14 Defining Success and Passion

11:36 The Role of Therapy in Overcoming Symptoms

15:42 Challenges in Therapy and Group Dynamics

22:18 The Importance of Early Intervention

30:06 Navigating Professional Challenges

30:57 Repetition Compulsion in Adulthood

31:44 Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity

32:10 Understanding Childhood Survival Mechanisms

33:18 The Brain's Role in Survival and Stress

34:36 Free Association and Stress

36:48 The Importance of Silence and Self-Reflection

37:57 Embracing Anxiety as a Growth Tool

44:14 Defining Success and Personal Fulfillment

50:02 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Dr. Padnick:

Commack Center for Counseling: https://commackconsultationcenter.com/

Moody Blues Songs Mentioned

Balance: https://open.spotify.com/track/10iVtp83V7n1nvCJcqJITZ?si=d7ea0ac7707c42f2

Question: https://open.spotify.com/track/4Q27I5G3W14hnYVi45oi2h?si=436df51f97fa45c2

A little bit about Dr. Steven Padnick:

Dr. Padnick received intensive post-doctoral training at the Humanistic Psychology Center, the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies, and the Center for the Advancement of Group Studies.

Full bio can be found here:https://commackconsultationcenter.com/our-therapists/

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

“Things happen, change, go back, and cycle. That's what happens. So, you adjust. Even through your career, something changes that you didn't plan on. How am I going to adjust to going forward to be the best I can be in this new environment?” Dr. Bryan Frank

[Ep 013]: This episode focuses on how flexibility and seizing opportunities can lead us to realize our fullest potential.

My guest in this episode is a wonderful and impressive example of how hard work, flexibility, and commitment have served humanity in multiple ways.

Dr. Brian Frank, whose diverse career spans law enforcement, education, and cybersecurity, shares insights from his experiences as an NYPD officer, Intelligence analyst in Iraq, educator, school administrator, and cybersecurity consultant. We explore Dr. Frank's motivations, how his various roles are interconnected, the evolving school safety landscape, and best cybersecurity practices. Dr. Frank's journey emphasizes the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities to shape one's destiny.

Show Highlights

01:20 Exploring Dr. Frank's Career

01:58 School Safety and Security

05:33 The Role of Educators in Security

14:53 Parental Involvement and Support

22:12 Challenges and Changes in Education

29:46 Pressure on Students and Work-Life Balance

35:51 Navigating the Modern Workplace

36:46 Health and Wellness Initiatives at Work

37:31 The Importance of Candid Environments

38:33 Team Approach and Ego Management

40:21 Challenging the Status Quo

43:54 Cybersecurity Insights and Best Practices

56:23 Personal Motivation and Career Reflections

01:08:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More About Guest Dr. Bryan Frank:

Connect: Bryan Frank LInkedIn

Dr. Frank’s Bio:

Bryan Frank is an Adjunct Lecturer at Stony Brook University. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from CW Post In 1993. Bryan holds a M.S. in Social Studies 7-12, a M.S. in Liberal Studies, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership through Stony Brook University. He earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint John's University. Bryan holds permanent certifications in social studies and school administration at the building and district level, and a graduate certificate in Cyber Policy from the University of Maryland. More information on Dr. Frank's extensive bio can be seen through these links:

Stonybrook University Bio

Covert Investigations Bio

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar