Episode 19: Madam CJ Walker: The Power of Purpose

How does a woman rise from the depths of poverty and orphanhood to become America's first female self-made millionaire, and what can her journey teach us about creating lasting change? In this episode of HerStance, we dive into the incredible life and profound legacy of Madam C.J. Walker. Born Sarah Breedlove in the challenging era of post-Civil War Louisiana, Madam Walker was a testament to unparalleled resilience, innovation, and determination. Her story, however, extends far beyond personal triumph. We'll explore her powerful commitment to using her wealth to empower others, connecting her groundbreaking philanthropy to the inspiring giving practices of today's richest Black women. Discover how affluent individuals, particularly women, are strategically shaping society through their values and resources. Most importantly, we'll underscore a crucial truth: you don't need a fortune to spark a movement. We'll reveal how every one of us is connected, and how even the smallest acts of kindness and contributions to community well-being hold immense power to create a ripple effect of positive change.

https://www.biznews.com/good-hope-project/queen-amazing-life-madam-cj-walker

https://allthatsinteresting.com/black-billionaires

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jabariyoung/2025/04/02/the-worlds-black-billionaires-2025/

https://www.charitycompliancesolutions.com/men-vs-women-giving

https://givingcompass.org/article/giving-while-female-women-are-more-likely-to-donate-to-charities-than-men-of-equal-means

Sandra Koelle

Sandra Koelle is the Host of HerStance. A lifelong advocate for women's rights and equity, she holds a BA in Women's Studies (Penn State University) and an MBA (Marylhurst University). Sandra’s career has been spent driving change, from managing programs in healthcare to leading fundraising efforts for mission-driven organizations. Driven by an early passion for standing up for the underserved, she created HerStance to use the power of historical storytelling as a direct tool for contemporary action, helping women and allies discover their potential for progress.

https://HerStance@elevateherexistence.com
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Episode 20: A Deliberate Act: The Phenomenon of Female Erasure

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Episode 18: Florence Nightingale: Care's Frontline Pioneer