Makena Waterhouse believes that the confidence women gain from strength training translates into all aspects of their lives. That's why her online strength training business, MJW Coaching, all stems from helping women build confidence in AND out of the gym.

Makena has a dual degree in nutrition and kinesiology, allowing her to serve a diverse range of clients with varying fitness goals. Her methods are backed by research and the latest scientific literature, not internet fads or what's 'trendy.'

Hear more about Makena's personal fitness journey and her coaching approach in this episode.

MJW Coaching's Website: mjw coaching

MJW Coaching on Instagram: Instagram

1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Pawsitively 4 Pink helps lighten the financial burden of that diagnosis for low-income, underserved women in Massachusetts.

Founded in 2018 by Michelle Power, the nonprofit organization provides financial assistance in whatever ways needed—whether it's paying for groceries, mortgage/rent, phone bills, utilities, transportation costs, or medication. They also help train emotional support dogs to provide comfort and stress relief to these women and their families.

We talk with Michelle and P4P's President Kathy Chapman about all these ways in which they work to support MA women affected by breast cancer.

P4P's website: Home - Pawsitively4Pink

P4P on Instagram: Instagram

Working as a nurse during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making charcuterie boards became a way for Kerry Dwyer to unwind after work. But after posting a picture to social media that garnered interest, this passion quickly turned into a business.

Now, as charCUTErie Woo, Kerry makes all types of specialty meat and cheese boards, has a board of the month club, creates large grazing tables for special events, and teaches several DIY charcuterie board classes each month all over New England. Most recently, she's opened a storefront in Paxton that also serves lunch on Fridays!

In this episode, we talk to Kerry about her entrepreneurial journey, the rise in popularity of charcuterie, and what her personal must-haves are for a board!

charCUTErie Woo on Instagram: (1) Instagram

charCUTErie Woo's website: Best Charcuterie Worcester MA | charCUTErie Woo

Renae LeCuyer is a Registered Dietitan (RD) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) who works with individuals and businesses in Central Mass to provide expert nutrition guidance through her side hustle, Simply Nourished.

Whether they're working toward a fat loss goal, managing medical diagnoses, or just looking to eat a better-balanced diet, a variety of patients can benefit from working with Renae to align their eating habits with their lifestyle needs.

In this episode, we learn about her process for working with patients to develop customized plans and hear her perspective on some widely circulated food myths.

Simply Nourished on Instagram: (3) Instagram

For more than 100 years, Girls Inc. of Worcester has aimed to inspire all girls to be strong (healthy), smart (educated), and bold (independent). They're the oldest and only facility-based, girl-centered organization in Central Massachusetts.

As CEO, Tiffany Lillie works to advance this mission and elevate the Girls Inc. Experience every day so that the organization can serve more than 1,000 girls each year.

In this episode, we talk to Tiffany about how she came to lead the nonprofit, their research-based programming, and what's in store for the next 100 years.

Girls Inc. of Worcester on Instagram: (1) Instagram

Girls Inc. of Worcester's website: Girls Inc. of Worcester

Jill Cofsky is a professional voice talent who works behind the scenes to add narration to your projects, including educational, commercial, audiobooks, book trailers, real estate tours, websites, or explainer videos.​

She's narrated over a dozen children's audiobooks and works with the Hanover Theatre in Worcester to provide audio description services for blind and low vision audience members.

In this episode, we talk to Jill about the technical training that goes into becoming a voice actor and how she was introduced to the career.

Jill Cofsky - Voice Actor on Instagram: Instagram

Website: Jill Cofsky - Voice Actor - Voice Over, Narration

1 in 3 children in Massachusetts experience clothing insecurity. And underwear is even less accessible because it needs to be brand-new to be donated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Catherine Maloy founded Cocotree Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to distribute new underwear to at-risk youth in Massachusetts, providing them with a sense of confidence, comfort, and dignity.

Since 2021, they've served more than 56,000 kids in MA and distributed nearly 400,000 pairs of underwear.

In this episode, we chat with Catherine about what inspired her to start this organization and how she and her team partner with the community to advance their mission.

Cocotree Kids on Instagram: Instagram

Website: Cocotree Kids

With 18 shelter beds and 79 units of housing, Abby's House is the largest provider of affordable, supportive housing in Worcester, designed to meet the needs of women and children.

This nonprofit organization provides shelter and affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to homeless, battered, and low-income women, with or without children. Founded in 1976, Abby's House overnight shelter was one of the first shelters in the United States for women; since then, they've helped more than 16,000 women and their children.

Hear our conversation with Abby's House executive director Julie Orozco about the increased need for their services and her vision for the future of the organization.

Abby's House on Instagram: (3) Instagram

Abby's House's website: Empowering Women in Central MA | Abby's House