The college admissions process has changed drastically, and so has the reality of what students face once they’re admitted. In this episode, our guest Jennifer shares her expert insights into the challenges of the modern education landscape, the post-pandemic impact on students, and what parents can do to set their kids up for success—not just in college, but in life. We cover practical strategies, the importance of resilience, and how to embrace a growth mindset to thrive academically and professionally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why college admissions are more competitive than ever—and how it affects students.
• How the pandemic has shaped academic readiness and mental health for today’s generation.
• The crucial skills students need to transition successfully from high school to college.
• Strategies for managing distractions and building effective study habits.
• Why failure is essential to growth—and how parents can encourage resilience in their kids.

Links & Resources

• Jennifer’s website: https://www.jgtalks.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgtalksorg/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gershberg-99bb409b/
• Course: https://jgtalks.thinkific.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Laura Brusca, the Chief Communications Officer at Forbes and President of New York Women in Communications (NYWICI). Laura shares her inspiring journey from her early days in communications to becoming a leader in the industry. We dive into her career path, the challenges she’s faced, and the lessons she’s learned. She offers advice for young professionals entering the field, discusses the value of building networks, and emphasizes the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to grow personally and professionally.

Highlights from this Episode:

• The Role of a Chief Communications Officer: Promoting and protecting a brand, corporate communications, and the shift in dynamics with hybrid work environments.
• Career Path Insights: Laura’s career journey, including early internships that shaped her trajectory and how she discovered her passion for corporate communications.
• The Value of Networking: Laura’s involvement in NYWICI, her transition from volunteer to president, and how organizations like this help build networks and create opportunities for women.
• Overcoming Challenges: From public speaking fears to moments of embarrassment, Laura reflects on how these experiences have made her more confident and adaptable.
• Advice for Young Professionals: Tips for starting a career in communications, the importance of internships, and the value of being proactive and open-minded.
• Self-Compassion and Growth: Learning to not overthink feedback, give yourself grace, and use challenges as stepping stones for growth.

Follow Laura Brusca:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabrusca/

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• WATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Did you know that Latina women earn only 53 cents to every dollar compared to men and hold a mere 2% of executive positions despite being 9% of the U.S. population?

In this episode of Women of Influence, we welcome Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner and Claudia Romo Edelman, two powerhouse Latinas championing the cause for Latina representation in leadership roles. With a lack of visible role models and adequate networking opportunities, Latinas face unique challenges. Cynthia and Claudia share their personal stories, the mission behind their cause and podcast, A La Latina, and the importance of changing the narrative around Latinas in the U.S. This episode is a deep dive into breaking barriers, flipping the script on biases, and promoting leadership.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• Understanding the Challenges and hurdles Latinas face in the corporate environment, including lack of role models and networking opportunities.
• A La Latina: Emphasizing the importance of taking risks and authenticity in corporate settings. See how the podcast is empowering Latinas by offering a playbook to help Latinas navigate corporate challenges while staying true to themselves.
• Learn about the expansion of A La Latina into a comprehensive network that connects professional Latinas both in-person and digitally across cities, providing mentors, sponsors, and a support system.
• Hear insights from Claudia and Cynthia on how embracing their Latina identity became a superpower and the lessons others can pull from their success stories.
• Learn how Cynthia and Claudia have a commitment to spreading the empowering message to both Latinas and non-Latinas, reinforcing the possibility of achieving their goal while focusing on strengths and taking a risk without waiting for permission.
• Hear how both Cynthia and Claudia emphasize the importance of taking risks early in life, assuring listeners that it’s okay to leap.
• Economic and Representation Issues: Discussion on the Hispanic community’s impact on the U.S. economy, underrepresentation in executive roles, and the need for equitable wages for Latina women.
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Links & Resources

Want to learn more & follow?

Claudia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiaromoedelman/

Cynthia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-kleinbaum-milner-63685b2/

Website: https://www.alalatina.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alalatinapodcast/

Learn more about the Hispanic Leadership Summit and Hispanic Star Gala

https://www.hispanicstar.org/hls

https://www.hispanicstar.org/gala

Want more from SheSpeaks?

* Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! *

• Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksup
• Contact us at podcast@shespeaks.com
• WATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV