Catch Her Spark

What if the twists, mistakes, and unexpected turns in your life aren’t taking you off course—but preparing you for what comes next?
In this episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast with Jen Maldonado, Jen sits down with Anisa Aven, a fourth-generation entrepreneur, leadership coach, and AI transformation leader whose career has been anything but a straight line.
Anisa started working in her family’s business as a teenager, sold her first business by 21, tried stand-up comedy at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, and eventually built a career helping people and organizations unlock their potential. Today, her work brings leadership, coaching, human transformation, and AI together.
Anisa shares how growing up in an entrepreneurial family taught her to make decisions, take risks, recover from mistakes, and find her voice—even when she was the only young woman in the room.
She and Jen also talk about the importance of fun. Anisa explains why success is not worth much if the work leaves no room for family, joy, or the things that make you feel alive.
The conversation explores resilience, self-confidence, values, failure, and the courage to walk away when something no longer fits. Anisa shares why she believes you can't fail if you never quit—and why mistakes can become some of our greatest teachers when we're willing to learn from them.
 
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What happens when the life you worked so hard to build no longer feels like the life you’re meant to live?
In this episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast with Jen Maldonado, Jen sits down with Dr. Amanda Lewis, dentist, longtime entrepreneur, and founder of LUI, to talk about what it really looks like to start over.
By the time Amanda approached 40, she had built what looked like a successful life. She owned two dental practices, had grown a team of about 20 people, was raising two children, and had spent nearly two decades building her career.
But behind that success, Amanda knew something needed to change.
She went through a divorce, navigated the uncertainty of the pandemic, sold the dental practices she had spent years building, moved from a small town in Illinois to Dallas, and eventually made another huge decision: stepping away from dentistry full-time to bet on an entirely different business.
That business became LUI, a smile-care brand inspired by Amanda’s 20 years of experience looking beyond teeth and seeing how deeply a person’s smile connects to confidence, beauty, and overall wellness.
The road was anything but simple. Amanda shares the setbacks behind building LUI, including an early product that could not scale, manufacturing challenges, stolen product molds, the sudden death of her mother, and the difficult decision to leave the career that had given her stability and success.
She also shares how her parents helped shape the entrepreneur she became. Her father inspired her drive to own and build businesses, while the loss of her mother gave Amanda a new sense of urgency and confidence to pursue what came next.
Jen and Amanda also explore why resilience has played such a big role in her life. Amanda compares it to distance running: when you fall miles from home, you still have to get back up and keep going.
The conversation then goes beyond entrepreneurship and into Amanda’s vision for changing the way people think about their smiles. She explains why she believes smile care belongs alongside beauty and wellness, and shares how her own dental and health journey changed the way she thinks about breathing, sleep, confidence, and oral care.
This episode is for the woman who has built a life she thought she wanted but is beginning to wonder whether there is something more waiting for her.
Sometimes starting over doesn’t mean everything you built was wasted. It means you get to take everything you learned with you into what comes next.
About Dr. Amanda Lewis
Dr. Amanda Lewis is a dentist, entrepreneur, and founder of LUI. After nearly two decades in dentistry and building successful dental practices, Amanda shifted her focus toward creating smile-care products designed to fit into everyday beauty and wellness routines.
Her goal is to help people think differently about their smiles—not simply as something to care for at the dentist, but as an important part of confidence and overall wellness.
 
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In this episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast with Jen Maldonado, Jen sits down with Monica Duperon, whose remarkable career took her from law enforcement and undercover narcotics to hostage negotiations, SWAT, investigations, and executive protection for ultra-high-net-worth families around the world.
But Monica’s biggest transformation did not happen on the job. It happened at home when she found an old box filled with the things she once loved—painting, drawing, poetry, and music.
That box reminded her of something she had almost forgotten: Monica herself.
She had become a mother, wife, police officer, protector, and professional. Somewhere along the way, the woman underneath all those roles had become smaller.
Monica shares how that realization forced her to look at the stories she had been telling herself—stories about being a Latina, coming from a poor family, not belonging in certain rooms, and needing to stay in her lane.
She also shares what she learned while working closely with some of the wealthiest people in the world. Her biggest observation? Their relationship with money, time, setbacks, and possibility was often very different.
Monica explains why she sees money as energy, how fear of lack can influence our choices, and what she observed about the routines and mindsets of wealthy people. For Monica, wealth is not simply about what someone has. It is also about how they think, learn, use their time, and respond when things go wrong.
Today, Monica is taking the lessons from her extraordinary career and using them to help other women identify limiting beliefs, find their confidence, and discover what she calls their “glow within.”
 
 
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From Paris Runways to the ER to Breast Cancer: The Doctor Who Never Stopped Asking Why
What happens when the doctor becomes the patient? In this powerful episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with Dr. Ruby Rose, an emergency physician who transformed her own health struggles into a mission to help others uncover the root causes of illness. From growing up in the fashion world to practicing emergency medicine, surviving a life-changing car accident, navigating physician burnout, and facing a breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Ruby's story is one of resilience, curiosity, and hope.
Rather than accepting "everything is normal" as an answer, Dr. Ruby continued asking questions that eventually led her into integrative and functional medicine. Today, she helps patients who have been told their symptoms are "all in their head" or that nothing is wrong, guiding them toward understanding their bodies and addressing the underlying causes of their health concerns.
In this conversation, Jen and Dr. Ruby discuss the importance of trusting your intuition, advocating for yourself, building resilience through life's unexpected challenges, and treating the whole person—not just the symptoms.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How a serious car accident changed Dr. Ruby's approach to medicine.
Why physician burnout led her to rethink traditional healthcare.
The difference between treating symptoms and addressing root causes.
Lessons learned after her breast cancer diagnosis and recovery.
The importance of movement, nutrition, sleep, and nervous system regulation.
Why women need to become experts on their own bodies.
Practical ways to reduce stress and improve overall health.
How curiosity can become one of your greatest tools for healing.
About Dr. Ruby Rose
Dr. Ruby Rose is a board-certified emergency physician and certified functional medicine practitioner based in Austin, Texas. After experiencing burnout, chronic health issues, and later breast cancer herself, she dedicated her career to helping patients uncover the root causes of illness through an integrative approach that combines evidence-based medicine with lifestyle, nutrition, hormone health, gut health, and nervous system regulation.
 
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The Doctor Who Redesigned the System — Then Had to Redesign Herself
What happens when the physician who has spent her career fixing broken systems is forced to face a deeply personal challenge she can't solve with medicine alone?
In this heartfelt episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with emergency physician Dr. Shannon Markus to explore a journey that goes far beyond the emergency room. From improving healthcare equity and advocating for underserved patients to navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, IVF, and surrogacy, Dr. Shannon shares how life's hardest seasons reshaped her definition of success.
Throughout the conversation, she explains how years of working in emergency medicine revealed patterns that pointed to larger healthcare disparities. Instead of simply treating patients, she began asking why they kept returning and worked to create solutions that addressed the root causes of those challenges.
The conversation then shifts to one of the most personal chapters of her life. Dr. Shannon opens up about multiple pregnancy losses, the emotional impact of infertility, and how those experiences transformed her priorities. She discusses how ambition evolved from climbing the professional ladder to creating a life centered on purpose, family, health, and meaningful work.
Jen and Dr. Shannon also explore:
Why healthcare providers must look beyond symptoms to address the real barriers patients face.
How leadership can create lasting change inside healthcare systems.
The emotional reality of infertility and why more women need safe spaces to share their stories.
How a supportive partner can help ambitious women find balance.
Lessons about redefining success after unexpected life challenges.
Finding fulfillment by serving others while protecting your own well-being.
 
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Stop Hiding Your Power: A Latina Leader on Owning the Room, Building Wealth & Being the Door
What happens when one childhood moment becomes the spark for a lifetime of service?
In this inspiring episode of the Catch Her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with attorney, community leader, and former San Antonio City Council member Melissa Cabello Havrda to discuss the defining moment that shaped her mission to fight for underserved communities.
Melissa shares how a simple conversation with her grandfather about the lack of sidewalks in his neighborhood ignited a passion that led her into public service, where she spent years improving neighborhoods, advocating for women, and creating meaningful change.
Together, Jen and Melissa explore what it really means to lead with courage, especially as women navigating spaces where they are often underestimated. From overcoming imposter syndrome to embracing feminine leadership, Melissa offers practical wisdom for every woman who has ever questioned whether she belongs in the room.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How one childhood experience became Melissa's lifelong mission.
Why women often struggle with imposter syndrome—even after major accomplishments.
Practical ways to confidently own your space in leadership.
The importance of women supporting and advocating for one another.
Why collaboration is one of women's greatest leadership strengths.
Melissa's work advancing women's health and reproductive access.
How financial literacy creates freedom, confidence, and long-term security.
Why respecting yourself is the first step toward building wealth.
Melissa's advice for women who want to create lasting impact in their communities.
About Melissa Cabello Havrda
Melissa Cabello Havrda is an attorney, former San Antonio City Council member, community advocate, and longtime champion for equitable neighborhoods, women's leadership, and public service. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving quality of life through practical solutions while empowering women to lead with confidence and purpose.
 
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The Immigration Mistake That Became Her Mission
What happens when one immigration mistake changes the course of your life? In this episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with immigration expert Cassandra Fultz, whose personal journey from South Carolina to Canada inspired her to build a career helping others avoid the fear, uncertainty, and costly mistakes she once experienced herself.
Cassandra shares the emotional story behind her own immigration process and explains how that experience led her to found DF Immigration. She opens up about the anxiety of navigating complex immigration laws, the importance of compassionate guidance, and why every client deserves honesty, empathy, and someone who truly understands their journey.
The conversation goes beyond immigration law. Cassandra and Jen discuss cultural identity, adapting to life in a new country, navigating multicultural relationships, and the power of listening with empathy. They also explore recent changes to Canadian citizenship laws, common reasons Americans move to Canada, and practical advice for anyone considering a cross-border move or investment.
Whether you're thinking about relocating, supporting a loved one through immigration, or simply looking for inspiration from a woman who transformed a personal challenge into a meaningful mission, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt encouragement.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How one immigration mistake inspired Cassandra's life mission.
The emotional realities many immigrants experience.
Recent changes to Canadian citizenship eligibility.
Why honesty and compassion are the foundation of great client service.
Lessons on identity, multicultural relationships, and belonging.
Important considerations for cross-border financial planning.
Practical advice for anyone considering moving to Canada.
About Cassandra Fultz
Cassandra Fultz is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and founder of DF Immigration. After experiencing the Canadian immigration process herself, she dedicated her career to helping individuals and families successfully navigate immigration and citizenship matters with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
Connect with Cassandra
Email: info@dfimmigration.ca
Instagram: @DFImmigrationTO
LinkedIn: Cassandra Fultz
Phone: +1 (416) 827-8778
Listen & Connect
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Watch the full interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/4OeFvfKr0XA
 
 
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What does it take to keep speaking up when you're the only woman in the room? In this inspiring episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with environmental engineer and sustainability leader Susan Alvarez, whose career has been built on doing the right thing—even when it wasn't the easy thing.
Susan shares her remarkable journey from being one of only three women in her engineering graduating class to leading regional climate resilience and sustainability efforts that impact millions of people. Along the way, she faced leaders who wanted to take credit for her work, difficult negotiations involving environmental justice, and countless moments where courage mattered more than comfort.
One of Susan's most memorable stories is how she sewed her own business suits after work so she could confidently attend executive meetings where she was often the youngest—and only—woman present. Those moments became the foundation for a career defined by preparation, integrity, and the confidence to use her voice.
 
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In this inspiring episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with Senior Technical Account Manager Nicole LeBeau Fomin to talk about resilience, financial independence, career growth, and the mindset that helped her rebuild after being laid off from a company where she had invested ten years of her life.
Nicole shares her journey from waiting tables and working customer service jobs while paying her way through college to managing multimillion-dollar client relationships in the tech industry. Along the way, she explains why curiosity, trust, and strong boundaries have been the foundation of every career opportunity she's earned.
The conversation goes beyond careers and dives into one of the most important topics women often avoid—money. Nicole discusses why every woman should understand her finances, maintain personal savings, invest for the future, and build financial security regardless of her relationship status.
Jen and Nicole also explore the importance of mentorship, accepting constructive feedback, thinking critically in today's information-heavy world, and leading with empathy without sacrificing healthy boundaries.
 
Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://catchherspark.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...