Own Your Story: Empower. Connect. Create Change.

“[A] treasure trove of authentic and vulnerable stories, each one a chance to learn, to connect, and maybe even find a little piece of ourselves in the process.”
–Eugina Jordan, Author of Unlimited

“An inspiring reminder that when we share our stories, we step into our power and claim our worth.”
–Alexandra Carter, Author of Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything

“This book, authored by women who are both excellent storytellers and inspiring community leaders, serves as a showcase of their passion, strength, and resilience. Keep shining and sharing your amazing stories!”
–Lucy Chen, Author of Build Resilience: Live, Learn, and Lead

Stories have the power to transform: they foster empathy, create connections, and teach us that we are more alike than different. In this anthology, women from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, professions, and ages share their unique stories. These are stories of growth, change, loss, love, enlightenment, strength, and resilience. Their vulnerability reminds us that authenticity is empowering—and they lead by example.

Empowered and connected, we can create change in our lives and the world. Let’s harness the power of storytelling to empower, connect, and create change.

• Foreword: Our Stories Light Fires; They Break Molds by Eugina Jordan
• Introduction: The Art of Storytelling by Susan Freeman
• Finding My Tribe by Cheryl Aufdemberge
• A Unicorn in an Ordinary World by Rebecca Baumgartner
• Unbreakable by Natalie A. Borneo
• What I Was Made for by Michelle M. Bufano
• On Hospice: Life After Death by Sara Burke
• Permission to Live Out Loud by Tiffany Castagno
• A ‘Yes ... And’ Career Model by Gena Cox
• Breaks Don’t Define You, They Refine You by Marcie Dickson
• Grateful: A Life Well Served by Jan Anne Dubin
• Grace, Grit, Grind, and Gratitude by Daphne Turpin Forbes
• Breaking the Stigma by Susan E. Frankel
• Unexpectedly Redirected: Loss to Possibility by Anne Stark Gallagher
• The Power of the Girlfriend Brigade by Alexis Gladstone
• The Survivor’s Journey by Lindsay Griffiths
• Self-Doubt as a Catalyst for Change by Judy Hoberman
• A Journey of Resilience and Hope by Homeira Izadi
• The Road to Mastering My Voice by Nori Jabba
• Follow the Yellow Brick Road by April Joy
• The Chariot, The Tower, and The Page by Drew Isserlis Kramer
• Healing Out Loud by Caroline Markel
• The 3 Rs of Resilience by Lesley Marlin
• The Power of Owning Your Story by Serena Mastin
• From Silent Ostrich to Empowered Peacock by Sheila Murphy
• Self-realization and Renewal by Jenn Ocken
• When Others Can’t Handle the Shine by Sameena Safdar
• Innovate & Change to Succeed by Nita Sanger
• Great Expectations: A Love Letter to Women by Lauren A. Tetenbaum
• When Life Throws You a Curve Ball … by Jennifer Marino Thibodaux
• Rising Up by Courtney Thomas
• Life Is About the Journey by Jing Wang
• Words You Keep by Becky Whatley
• Learning to Thrive Not Just Survive by Michelle Wimes
• Afterword: Own Your Story by Lesley Marlin & Jennifer Thibodaux
• Book Club: Group Discussion Questions

SUSAN FREEMAN created Freeman Means Business (FMB) to empower women through storytelling, community, and connection. FMB amplifies women’s voices through signature #EmpoweredWomen initiatives and events. And now, this list includes the #EmpoweredWomenWrite anthology! These events and projects are designed to foster self-awareness, personal growth, and a network of mutual support among women. For more information, visit www.freemanmeansbusiness.com and connect with us on social media.