This week I will be talking with two women who are inspiring professionally as well as personally.

First will be award-winning business entrepreneur and author, Vonda White, who will share her remarkable life story from her days as a food stamp child. The second guest is an equally as motivating role model for women—mother of five, Karen Moulder, who was the first female firefighter in Brownsville, Texas.

Vonda White, founder and CEO of Collegiate Risk Management, a company providing health and accident insurance to thousands of students nationwide, has received numerous awards for her business achievements. She is author of “Success Against The Odds” and has hosted her own radio show called “Let’s Talk Success.”

Vonda’s life today is a far cry from her childhood, raised by a divorced mom who had to accept welfare and food stamps. Young Vonda’s contribution to the family finances was collecting and redeeming empty soda cans. As a teenager—at her third attempt—she won the Idaho state beauty pageant. The triumph came with college tuition and the beginning

of a new life which led her into a record-setting insurance sales career and the launch of her own business while six months pregnant.

From her childhood Vonda learned first-hand the power of persistence, self-image and goal-setting. I will be asking her for her inspiring insights so she can help all of my listeners.

Karen Moulder entered a man’s world when few women did so. A lifetime of breaking personal and professional barriers was epitomized by her getting hired in 1983 as the first female member of the Brownsville, Texas Fire Department. She says that her tomboyish nature and single mother status led her to this fascinating and dangerous career which

lasted 10 years.

A serious car accident brought Karen’s life as a firefighter to an end but launched her in a new direction. She went back to college and majored in business. After college she managed a physician’s office and obtained her certification in medical billing. Subsequently, she moved to Massachusetts and started her own medical billing company. Karen wrote the book “Burning Barriers” to share her life story and encourage other women to pursue their dreams. Karen spent years protecting lives and property and educating the public on fire safety. She is a true trail-blazer and has an inspiring story.

Prepare to be inspired!