She Out Earned Her Husband — And Still Didn’t Protect Herself Financially with Neka Hickmon

What happens when a woman who knows how to protect millions of dollars at work realizes she did not protect herself at home?

In this episode of the Catch Her Spark Podcast, host Jen Maldonado sits down with Neka Hickmon, a technology leader, mother of three, and woman finding her way through a new chapter of life.

Neka has spent more than 20 years working with major organizations, including JPMorgan Chase and the U.S. Air Force. She has led large technology projects, helped solve big problems, and built strong teams.

But behind her success was a mother who was tired, busy, and often putting herself last.

Neka shares what it was like to raise three children while building her career. She talks about the joy of being a mom, the hard days, and the moment she realized she had lost touch with her own needs.

She also opens up about going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. Even though she earned more than her husband, she had not taken the steps she now wishes she had taken to protect her financial future.

Together, Jen and Neka talk about why women need to know their worth, make time for themselves, and have open talks about money before life takes an unexpected turn.

This conversation is about more than money or career success. It is about learning to choose yourself, even when life is hard.

You'll hear Neka's thoughts on being a working mom, finding joy in small things, building trust at work, teaching children to believe in themselves, and planning for a safe financial future.

One of the most moving moments comes when Neka shares the story of her grandmother, who saved just $5 from the money her husband gave her. It was her small way of making sure she could care for herself and her children.