Cheryl Haynes

Executive Coach
Authentic • On-purpose • Blessed

What sparked this reinvention; was it a choice, crisis or calling?

For me, it was a rare combination of all three. When the company I served as CHRO (chief human resource officer) was acquired, I had a moment of truth. With a generous severance and the gift of time, I could have rested, but instead,…..read more on page 30

Dawn Belisle

Pastry Chef/Owner of Delights by Dawn
Peaceful • Happy • Fortunate

What sparked this reinvention; was it a choice, a crisis or a calling?

This was a choice. When I started traveling more I realized how much I didn’t know and how much more there was to learn about the WORLD. I have always felt like I was not going to live my latter years in the U.S. but I didn’t really plan…..read more on page 30

Deseri Kelley

Founder of Women’s Handbag and Accessory Brand, DESERI
Compassionate • Purposeful • Empowered

What sparked this reinvention; was it a choice, a crisis or a calling?

It was a calling—one that had been whispering to me for years. Working in education, especially as the Assistant Director of an international school in Barcelona, was deeply fulfilling. But I always knew I had something else to create—something personal,….read more on page 30

Dr. Sonal Bhatia

Founder of Ojas Vida
Aligned • Liberated • Radiant

What sparked this reinvention; was it a choice, a crisis or a calling?

It was all three. After two decades in a high-powered career as a Chief Medical Officer, I hit a wall of exhaustion that felt like a crisis. But in that stillness, I heard what I now recognize as a calling: a quiet but undeniable voice urging me to….read more on page 30

Hady Mendez

Owner of Boldly Speaking LLC
Compassionate • Purposeful • Empowered

What sparked this reinvention; was it a choice, a crisis or a calling? 

I would say it was a crisis of sorts. When I was laid off from my tech job in January 2023, I started what I would consider a “side business” as I was looking for work. After a few months, it became evident that I was not going to get a job any time soon….read more on page 30

Judia Black

Founder of enJoie and Certified Sommelier
Hopeful • Strong • Free

What sparked this reinvention; was it a choice, a crisis or a calling?

All three. Reinvention has been a constant in my life, always born of necessity. After earning my MBA and working 12 years in for-profit and nonprofit roles, I chose to start a family. My nonprofit employer didn’t offer maternity leave, so I resigned….read more on page 30