In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Marisol Perez and Meghan Cole Bailey talk with Bridget Flanigan, a longtime school social worker, counselor, and visionary founder behind Vantage Point High School, a proposed recovery high school for teens in the Fox Valley area.

Bridget shares her journey from a compassionate middle schooler who wanted to help her peers, to a veteran educator leading a movement for second chances. She opens up about how recovery schools offer both healing and education—creating spaces where students in recovery can rebuild their confidence, learn alongside peers on similar journeys, and prepare for brighter futures.

Their conversation highlights the urgent need for youth recovery programs in Illinois and how local collaboration and courage can turn an idea into action.

In this episode of Women of Aurora, Marisol Perez talks with Jodi Doyle, a sustainable transformational stylist and founder of UpLevel Redesign. Jodi opens up about her journey from creative burnout to discovering her calling of helping women reconnect with themselves through intentional style.

If you’ve ever stood in front of a full closet thinking you have “nothing to wear,” this episode is for you. Jodi shares how personal style goes far beyond trends and fashion—it’s about self-worth, energy, and identity. You’ll learn what a Wardrobe Wake-Up looks like, why thrifting is powerful (and planet-friendly), and how releasing old clothes can release emotional baggage too.

We also talk about:

• Why confidence starts in your closet
• How fast fashion fuels overwhelm and what to do instead
• Creating a wardrobe that fits your life and your future self
• The emotional and energetic weight of clothes we’ve outgrown
• How to dress like you—no matter your age, stage, or size

Jodi’s approach is equal parts stylist, coach, and closet therapist. Whether you’re craving a fresh start or just tired of the “nothing to wear” cycle, her wisdom will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to make your wardrobe work for you.

• Connect with Jodi on Instagram: @uplevelredesign
• Learn more at: uplevelredesign.com

About Women of Aurora:

Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.

Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.

Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedIN

Connect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedIN

Connect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.

Welcome back to Women of Aurora! Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into the journey of Women of Aurora, featuring founder Cynthia Gamboa. She shares her entrepreneurial path, the inspiration behind the community, and what’s in store for the future. Co-host Marisol Perez joins the conversation to discuss empowerment, networking, and the impact of building a supportive space for women in business.

[00:00:00] - Introduction

• Welcome back to Women of Aurora podcast!
• Meet your hosts, Cynthia Gamboa and Marisol Perez.
• A look ahead at Season 2.

[00:01:00] - The Vision Behind Women of Aurora

• Cynthia shares her excitement about relaunching the podcast.
• The journey of Women of Aurora and its impact on the community.

[00:02:00] - Who is Cynthia Gamboa?

• Entrepreneurial journey: From HR to business owner.
• Founding Cammi Photo Booth and leaving the corporate world.
• Transitioning careers and embracing entrepreneurship.

[00:05:00] - Turning Passion into Purpose

• How a childhood love of photography evolved into a thriving business.
• Overcoming limiting beliefs about creative careers.
• The creation of Cups Bra Drive in honor of Cynthia’s late mother.

[00:08:00] - Navigating Business Challenges During the Pandemic

• The impact of COVID-19 on event-based businesses.
• Pivoting into Pop of Love, a balloon decor company born from a simple idea.
• The importance of visual connection during difficult times.

[00:12:00] - Talent Acquisition & Business Growth

• Cynthia’s background in HR and headhunting.
• Lessons learned from recruiting for top businesses.
• Building confidence in career transitions.

[00:15:00] - Women of Aurora: Building a Community

• The inspiration behind Women of Aurora.
• Creating a space where women empower each other without expectations.
• The power of networking and business collaborations.

[00:18:00] - How Women of Aurora Has Evolved

• From an online community to in-person networking lunches.
• The importance of intentional connections and support.
• Success stories of women who built businesses and partnerships through the group.

[00:22:00] - Upcoming Events & Speakers

• The lineup of guest speakers for the next few months.
• Topics include quantum leaping sales, networking strategies, and community outreach.
• Exciting plans for a book series and a beauty panel.

[00:28:00] - Join Women of Aurora!

• Events take place every second Thursday of the month from 11 AM - 1 PM at Society 57 in Aurora.
• Open to all women and individuals who identify as female.

[00:30:00] - How Women of Aurora Has Personally Impacted Cynthia

• The power of authentic connections.
• How the community has helped her grow both personally and professionally.

[00:33:00] - Closing Thoughts & Final Takeaways

About Women of Aurora:

Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.

Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.

Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedIN

Connect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedIN

Connect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.

On this episode of Women of Aurora, our host Cyndi Gamboa interviews Tammy Helfrich, an Intuitive Life Coach, host of the Intentional Life podcast, and author of the book Unapologetic. Learn how Tammy’s career as a life coach has evolved as she leans into her gifts to help others choose to live as their authentic selves. Tammy is passionate about helping women remember how to trust their intuition so they can expand their unique gifts and live unapologetically.

Tammy's book recommendations: Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott and all of the books by Brené Brown.

Meet Tammy in person at the December 2023 networking lunch at Society 57, where she presents the hot topic of 'Breaking the Mold: Doing Business Your Way!' Learn how to discover your authentic self and stop apologizing so that you can lead intentionally. Get your ticket here.

You can connect with Tammy at www.tammyhelfrich.com.

About Women of Aurora:

Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.

Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.

Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedIN

Connect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedIN

Connect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.

If you love the idea of traveling but get overwhelmed by trying to plan the perfect trip, help is here! Kimberly Simpson is an independent travel advisor and owner of Destinations-Design. She can plan a memorable vacation for individuals, families, and groups. Not only is Kimberly the go-to expert on cruises, but she can also help you grow your business by offering retreats.

Travel is a second-act career for Kimberly, and she shares how she got started in this industry. Listen for some great travel advice and inspiration if you are looking for your next career pivot.

Kimberly’s book recommendation is Relentless by Tim S. Grover.

Connect with Kimberly:

Facebook

Instagram

Facebook Group for Cruising

Website

Sports, Concert, & Event Tickets

About Women of Aurora:

Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.

Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.

Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedIN

Connect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedIN

Connect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.

Join us for this interview with Jane Marcoux, founder of ACES Education, and learn about Jane’s inspiring journey of homeschooling her seven children, three of whom are adopted and have unique needs. Her experience of struggling to find the right fit for each child’s educational needs led her to create ACES Education. Jane holds degrees in psychology and education and is a certified per-K through 8th-grade educator and a Master’s IEP coach.

ACES is a community resource hub supporting families with their children’s education. The PreK-8 Academy offers half-day, whole-day, and ala carte classes for homeschooled students. There is support for high school students, along with tutoring, ACT/SAT test prep, camps, and more.

Listen for a discussion on the challenges of homeschooling, how to identify your child’s learning style, and where to find resources to advocate for your child’s education.

Connect with Jane/ACES:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

About Women of Aurora:

Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.

Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.

Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedIN

Connect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedIN

Connect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.

Moyra Gorski is passionate about helping others live healthy lives. She does this through her work as a rep for Shaklee products, but Moyra is much more than a salesperson. As a former nurse, Moyra helps anyone unsure of where to begin with using vitamins and supplements create a personalized wellness plan. She also mentors others along their entrepreneurial journey. Listen for Moyra’s tips on how budding entrepreneurs can tap into the network that is right in front of them. And her podcast is a source of inspiration for anyone facing life challenges. On Your Journey to Joy, Moyra interviews guests sharing stories of how they have overcome challenges and found their path to thrive.

Moyra’s book recommendations for us are:

The Gap in the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy

Win Win by Laura Meyer

Moyra’s Journal and Podcast:

Journey to Joy Journal

Your Journey to Joy Podcast

Connect with Moyra:

MoyraGorski.com

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIN

About Women of Aurora:

Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.

Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.

Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedIN

Connect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedIN

Connect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.