In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2025, Latina Today Podcast and Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati have launched Rooted Leadership / Liderazgo Arraigado, an initiative dedicated to highlighting the narratives that inspire Latino-rooted leadership, achievements, legacies, and lived experiences from across the United States.
In this Rooted Leadership interview, Lorena Mora-Mowry speaks with Maylin Sambois, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Femergy®, and Christina Vera-Reid, Co-Founder and Director of Operations of Femergy® in Columbus, Ohio, about their organization and their book, titled: “The Journey: From Who You Are to Who You’re Meant to Be.”
Maylin and Christina discuss the significance of their experience attending the “Latinas in Ohio Facing Challenges Taking Action” program at Ohio University in 2010. This program’s focus on Latinas’ stories, struggles, and personal aspirations motivated them to create Femergy®. Maylin and Christina also share their life experiences that guided them on a journey of self-discovery, purpose, and service.
They discuss their journey to bringing women together solely to connect and provide each other with support and resources. Both of them highlight the importance of creating a safe space for Latinas to be themselves and establish an external support system.
Maylin and Christina share their experiences with the Girls Heart Reading Ohio program, the lessons they have learned, and how much Femergy® has evolved since its official establishment as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in January 2014. Femergy® stands for Female Energy and aims to provide additional access and support to bridge the gender gap in leadership and decision-making positions.
Maylin and Christina discuss their book, “The Journey: From Who You Are to Who You’re Meant to Be,” which draws from their own experiences. They emphasize the importance of creating a guide with raw stories, practical tools, and strategies to help readers challenge limiting beliefs, discover their purpose, and align with their true selves. Maylin and Christina explain how the book will help readers transition from “survival mode” to purpose and step into their authentic selves. In this book, they share personal and professional stories, accompanied by practical tools, prompts, and strategies to foster growth and change.
This book functions as a reflective mirror and a guiding compass for individuals aspiring to transition from a state of survival to a purposeful existence.
At the conclusion of the interview, Maylin and Christina share their favorite story that has inspired them.
The complete transcript of their interview is available on Latina Today’s Apple Podcast.
“The Journey: From Who You Are to Who You’re Meant to Be” is currently available for purchase online or at your preferred bookstore.
