What does it take to empower the next generation of women leaders? For this week’s guest on The Trailblazer Chronicles, it begins with one word: mentorship.

With five years of passionate work mentoring women, she’s witnessed firsthand how the right guidance at the right moment can change everything. In this uplifting conversation, we explore the role mentorship plays in confidence, clarity and career growth…and why women supporting women is the foundation of leadership that lasts.

Whether you’ve been a mentor, are looking for one or want to start giving back in a new way, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and equipped to lead by lifting others.

#TrailblazerChronicles #WomenInLeadership #MentorshipMatters #FemaleMentorship #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #WomenSupportingWomen #LeadWithPurpose

Bio

Urmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada. She holds the CFA and CAIA designations and works in the financial services industry while actively advocating for women’s empowerment, identity, and self-leadership.

Her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, explores her journey as a third-culture woman navigating belonging, culture, and self-worth. Urmi also hosts Stories Beyond Borders, a podcast amplifying diverse voices on identity, migration, language, and the meaning of home.

She serves as Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter and is passionate about public speaking, mentorship, and continuous growth.

In this moving and deeply human episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy sits down with M. Alexis Wright, a remarkable leaders whose 23-year military career has been shaped by purpose, presence and the fierce love of mentorship. A self-described “mom to Marines,” she shares how her journey of service transformed from proving herself in a male-dominated world to becoming a source of belonging and purpose for the next generation.

Together, they explore the evolution of leadership, the power of showing up authentically, and why connecting others, to themselves, to each other, and to a mission bigger than themselves, is the most courageous act of all.

Bio-

Margaret Alexis Wright is a native Texan and a highly accomplished leader with a distinguished career of service. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holding a Master’s degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, Alexis served as a Marine Corps Intelligence Officer with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Throughout her career, she’s held key roles in national security, including serving as an Aide to the Secretary of the Navy, completing U.S. Army Command and Staff as an Art of War Scholar, and advising international partners. Alexis is adept at strategic analysis, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication.

Today, she serves as the Security Assistance Branch Head at the Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command and as an instructor at the Marine Corps Civil Military Operations School.

Alexis resides in Occoquan, Virginia, with her partner, LTC R. Zach Alessi-Friendlander, USA and their beloved dog, Jolene (who, they warn, will steal your man!).

What if the secret to success wasn’t doing more…but sparkling more?

In this joy-filled episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy chats with the fabulous Chief Sparkler of The Sparkle Factor®, Suzanne Castle, a woman who’s on a mission to help leaders and entrepreneurs ditch decision fatigue and rediscover their brilliance. With her signature blend of neuroscience, business strategy, and fairy-godmother-level magic, she shares how you can simplify your day, reclaim your time and step into your full shine…without burnout.

If you’ve ever felt like your to-do list was running your life, this episode Is your permission slip to pause, realign and sparkle with purpose.

It’s fun. It’s freeing. It’s full of gold.

Bio-Suzanne is the Chief Sparkle Officer, a modern fairy godmother of business who helps high-achieving women trade grind for glow. As the creator of The Sparkle Factor®, she blends strategy, stagecraft, and neuroscience to transform leaders from competent to captivating. Her clients, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, step into expansion with ease, freedom, and magnetic presence. An award-winning speaker, ordained minister, and former professional performer, Suzanne is known for delivering luxe, high-energy experiences on stage and through retreats like VERVE, Dazzle, and the forthcoming Champagne CEO Retreat. She believes life is too short for beige… and her mission is to help women build businesses and lives that truly sparkle.