Maximiliane Mihajlovic was only 16 when she began chasing her dream as an actress. But somewhere along the way, she gave it up—pressured by a boyfriend who told her it wasn’t safe, practical, or worthy of her future. That decision led her down a path she never expected: toxic relationships, heartbreak, and eventually raising two children on her own.

Her journey as a single mom was anything but easy. She faced lonely nights, financial stress, and even health challenges, all while trying to hold onto her identity. There were moments she admits she felt lost, broken, and unsure of how to keep going. But becoming a mother changed everything. Her daughter and son became the reason she found strength she didn’t know she had, and for the first time, she learned the power of self-love.

Today, Maximiliane is rewriting her story. She’s building a brand to unite and empower single mothers around the world—turning her pain into purpose.

From actress to advocate, she proves that even when life breaks you down, you can rise stronger than ever before.

What’s one challenge you thought would break you, but instead made you stronger?

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Disclosure: this page represents Testing The Waters materials.

1) No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if money is sent in response, it will not be accepted;

2) No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is filed and only through an intermediary’s platform;

3) A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

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Denied. Overlooked. Told she was “too much.

That was Jerria Donelson’s reality, even with two master’s degrees and years of experience. She was qualified — more than qualified — but still shut out of opportunities simply because she’s a woman.

At first, she played along. She kept quiet. She tried to fit in.

But not anymore.

Now, Jerria shows up authentically — as a Black woman, a mother, and a leader who refuses to shrink. Her story is about courage, confidence, and claiming space in workplaces that weren’t built for women like her.

Fast-forward to today:

✔️ She’s a HUD compliance manager helping families access affordable housing.

✔️ She’s an elected township trustee.

✔️ She’s raising her daughter to be fearless and confident.

Her journey is more than breaking barriers. It’s a testament to what happens when women stop asking for permission and start taking their place.

Jerria Donelson’s story is proof that your credentials don’t define you — your confidence does.

Have you ever felt overlooked or underestimated at work — even when you had the skills and experience? How did you handle it?

Invest in a solution to the child child care crisis at https://momsub.sppx.io/

Advocate for pay equity, equal opportunity and career advancement for women by supporting the Women and Work podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469592/support

Follow @Diane Moca and @MomSub for inspiring stories and actionable tips for working women

#WomenInBusiness #BreakTheBias #WorkLifeBalance #CareerPivot #CareerConfidence

Disclosure: this page represents Testing The Waters materials.

1) No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if money is sent in response, it will not be accepted;

2) No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is filed and only through an intermediary’s platform;

3) A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

Visit MomSub.com to learn more.

She thought she had found her calling as a speech-language pathologist.

But the reality was long hours, holidays away from family, and endless pressure from insurance rules.

Then came burnout.

Suzy Carbrey had always been entrepreneurial. So she started building a private practice on the side. The very same day she finalized her business, Illinois shut down for Covid.

What looked like disaster turned into opportunity.

Her medical job slowed down. Patients stopped coming. And in that space, Suzy built something new.

She launched a tele-practice, helping adults with ADHD who suddenly found themselves struggling to work from home.

No coworkers. No structure. No accountability. And for many, no idea how to stay focused.

Suzy became their coach.

Not just teaching skills, but helping them design systems and strategies that fit their brains. She knew how — because she had lived it.

Her own challenges with executive functioning became her strength.

Her story is proof that your biggest struggle can become the foundation of your greatest impact.

Today, Suzy is thriving. She works from home, creates her own schedule, and most importantly — has balance with her family.

This is the story of burnout turned breakthrough. This is the story of how Suzy Carbrey built freedom on her own terms

What’s one challenge in your career that pushed you to reinvent yourself and how did it change your path?

Invest in a solution to the child child care crisis at https://momsub.sppx.io/

Advocate for pay equity, equal opportunity and career advancement for women by supporting the Women and Work podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469592/support

Follow @Diane Moca and @MomSub for inspiring stories and actionable tips for working women

#WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #WorkLifeBalance #CareerPivot #Leadership #ADHDCoach #ExecutiveFunction #ProductivityTips

Disclosure: this page represents Testing The Waters materials.

1) No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if money is sent in response, it will not be accepted;

2) No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is filed and only through an intermediary’s platform;

3) A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

Visit MomSub.com to learn more.