In this episode of Community Conversations, guest host Danni Hadnott, President of the Hadnott Foundation, sits down with Cynthia Smalls, founder of Melanin Pink Ribbons, breast cancer survivor, author, and advocate, for an honest conversation about breast cancer, survivorship, advocacy, and the importance of Black women having open conversations about their health.

Cynthia shares how an ordinary annual mammogram led to a breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 and how her experience inspired her to create Melanin Pink Ribbons after realizing how little representation she saw for Black women in the breast cancer resources she encountered. Her journey became a commitment to helping women understand their health, ask better questions, advocate for themselves, and remove the shame and silence that can surround breast health.

Danni and Cynthia also talk candidly about what happens after treatment ends. Cynthia shares how survivorship required her to redefine strength, learn how to rest, establish boundaries, reconnect with her body, and allow herself to receive support. She reminds women that taking care of themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually is not a sign of weakness.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Cynthia's breast cancer diagnosis and the creation of Melanin Pink Ribbons
• Why conversations about breast health are especially important in the Black community
• The importance of mammograms, screenings, and asking questions about your care
• Advocating for yourself during medical appointments
• Why receiving support from your family, friends, and community matters
• Cynthia's books, including The Self Love Journal and Love, Strength, and Crayons
• Finding strength even in the most difficult seasons of life

Cynthia leaves listeners with a powerful reminder:

"Breast cancer changed my story. It did not change my strength."

Visit MelaninPinkRibbons.com

Follow Melanin Pink Ribbons on Instagram and Threads.

Cynthia's books are available on Amazon by searching Cynthia Smalls.

About Danielle Hadnott

Danielle "Danni" Hadnott is President of The Hadnott Foundation, an organization that has spent more than 25 years advancing breast cancer and prostate cancer education, awareness, and access to resources. Through community outreach and advocacy, Danni is committed to helping individuals and families become more informed, ask important questions, and connect with the support they need.

A Note to Our Listeners

This conversation is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please speak with your physician or another qualified healthcare professional about questions concerning your health.

If this conversation spoke to you, share it with another woman who may need to hear it.

Listen to Community Conversations on Sistahs Connect Radio™ on the first Sunday of every month for a new episode. Download our app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

In this episode of Sistahs Connect, Kimberly sits down with Sandi Edghill, Executive Work-Life Wellness Coach and founder of Sandi's Edge, for an honest conversation about redefining success, prioritizing yourself, and discovering who you are beyond your roles and responsibilities.

Sandi shares why she believes work-life balance is a myth, how women can lose themselves while pursuing success, and why lasting change begins with looking inward.

• Work life balance vs. work life wellness
• Redefining success on your own terms
• Finding your identity beyond your titles and roles
• Responding instead of reacting
• Taking personal responsibility without dismissing your experiences
• Prioritizing your wellbeing while caring for others

Sandi Edghill is an Executive Work Life Wellness Coach, founder of Sandi's Edge, and author of The Road Undefined: A Woman's Guide to Leading with Authenticity. She helps women redefine success, prioritize their wellbeing, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Website:
https://sandisedge.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sandis_edge/

Book:
The Road Undefined: A Woman's Guide to Leading with Authenticity

This conversation kicks off Wednesday Wellness, airing Wednesdays at 1 PM ET on Sistahs Connect Radio.

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In this episode, we welcome Yvonne Thevenot, founder of STEM Kids NYC, whose extraordinary journey will leave you inspired and motivated. From surviving breast cancer and going through a divorce to leaving a successful corporate career, Yvonne shares how she followed her heart, reclaimed her peace, and turned her passion for education and STEM into a thriving nonprofit that's transforming the lives of Black and Brown children across NYC and New Jersey.

She opens up about the life-altering moments that led to her career pivot, the love for teaching that fuels her every step, and how her father's encouragement shaped her lifelong belief that she could do anything. Yvonne discusses the challenges of scaling a nonprofit, the joys of seeing her students blossom, and how she's building a lasting legacy—one child at a time.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Yvonne's courageous pivot from Wall Street to the classroom
  How personal trials led to clarity, purpose, and passion
  The origin and evolution of STEM Kids NYC
  Why representation and STEM equity matter
  How Yvonne teaches kids to see themselves as engineers, coders, and scientists
  The power of community partnerships and how you can support

👩🏾‍💻 About Yvonne Thevenot:
Yvonne is the founder and executive director of STEM Kids NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM education for underserved communities. A former tech executive turned educator, she's combining her deep corporate experience and love for teaching to unlock the potential in every child, especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in science and technology spaces.

🌐 Connect with STEM Kids NYC:
Website: www.stemkidsnyc.org
Instagram: @stemkidsnyc
Facebook: STEM Kids NYC
For New Jersey programs: @stemkidsnewjersey

📣 Support the Mission:
Want to get involved or support STEM Kids NYC? Visit www.stemkidsnyc.org and click the Contact Us button to reach out directly. Sponsorships, donations, partnerships, and volunteers are always welcome!

🎧 Listen & Share:
If this episode moved you, please share it with your network, leave a review, and subscribe to the Sistahs Connect Podcast for more inspiring stories.