After living with severely debilitating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for over 30 years, Nitika Chopra spent much of her life feeling isolated by her health struggles. For years, she believed this loneliness was a personal flaw—until she began opening up and discovered a shared sense of invisibility among others with chronic illness.

In this powerful episode of Breaking the Biz, we dive into Nitika’s extraordinary journey—from being a vibrant media personality and beauty brand ambassador to launching Chronicon, a groundbreaking community for those living with chronic conditions. With the success of Chronicon’s sold-out NYC debut and its expansion into a thriving online platform, Nitika has reshaped what empowerment and inclusion look like in the chronic illness space.

We explore how her experiences with pain led her to purpose, how she built a brand that prioritizes authenticity, and how she's creating space for connection where there was once silence. Her story reminds us that thriving with a disability or chronic illness is not only possible—it’s powerful.

Join our conversation on social media:

facebook.com/breakingthebiz
instagram.com/breakingthebiz
instagram.com/yic_unity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org

How do we bridge the gap between neurodivergent talent and meaningful employment in Hollywood? In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we speak with Judi Uttal, president of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) and founder of the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup. Drawing from a powerful mix of personal experience and professional insight, Judi shares how her advocacy work—spanning career training, policy reform, and industry partnerships—is opening doors for autistic individuals in the entertainment world. Judi also reflects on raising her son Josh, now a college graduate in Cinema and Television, and how his journey shaped her mission. This conversation shines a light on the future of inclusive hiring and the role entertainment can play in normalizing neurodiversity.

Join our conversation on social media:

facebook.com/breakingthebiz
instagram.com/breakingthebiz
instagram.com/yic_unity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org

In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we speak with Oksana® Kolesnikova, a classically trained pianist turned entrepreneur and educator, who has built a thriving business at the intersection of the arts and education. As CEO of Oksana® Franchising International, Inc., and founder of Oksana® Management Group, Oksana® Enrichment Programs, and the Oksana® Foundation, she shares how she transformed her passion for music into a multi-branch enterprise that empowers both students and educators.

We explore Oksana’s journey from artist to business leader, the challenges and rewards of launching a franchise, and how she’s helping others become entrepreneurs through her enrichment programs. This conversation dives into what it means to build a mission-driven business, maintain high standards across multiple locations, and use creativity as a cornerstone of entrepreneurship.

It’s an insightful look at how purpose, persistence, and performance can come together to create lasting impact.

Join our conversation on social media:

facebook.com/breakingthebiz
instagram.com/breakingthebiz
instagram.com/yic_unity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org