Women of Aurora

In this inspiring episode of the Women of Aurora podcast, co-hosts Marisol Perez and Megan Cole Bailey sit down with community wellness leader and entrepreneur Yolanda Dunn. Yolanda shares her journey from the corporate world to launching two thriving businesses—Leave Me Bee Pest Control Inc. and It’s Fit Time LLC—alongside her husband, Tito. She opens up about how faith, resilience, and a passion for helping others fueled her shift into full-time entrepreneurship. Yolanda unpacks the often unspoken challenges of building a business, from navigating business credit and legal structures to harnessing local resources and adapting through hardships like the COVID-19 pandemic. With candid stories and practical advice, she reveals the discipline and mindset shifts required to thrive beyond setbacks—and how obedience, consistency, and self-care play a pivotal role in sustaining success.Wellness is at the heart of Yolanda’s mission. She describes the evolution of her fitness journey, the impact of community-based wellness experiences, and the importance of women putting their health first—whether it’s a simple walk or a full block party wellness festival. Learn how she’s expanding her movement through Strength in the City, monthly events, and ambitious plans for a holistic wellness center designed to support women at every stage of their lives.Whether you’re striving to level up your business, prioritize your wellness, or simply need motivation to step into your second act, this conversation will leave you empowered, uplifted, and ready to thrive beyond walls.Connect with Yolanda:- Leave Me Be Pest Control: Instagram & Facebook @LeaveMeBeInc  - It’s Fit Time: Instagram @itsfittime_now | Facebook: It’s Fit Time

Episode SummaryIn this inspiring episode of the Women of Aurora podcast, hosts Marisol Perez and Megan welcome Mireya Bañuelos — realtor, community advocate, and President of the Women’s Council of Realtors Fox Valley.Born in Mexico and raised on Aurora’s East Side, Mireya shares her journey of building a real estate career rooted in service, resilience, and adaptability. From navigating the ever-changing real estate market to leading major community initiatives like Aurora’s Fiestas Patrias celebration, Mireya opens up about what it means to serve others while continuing to grow personally.She also speaks candidly about grief, vulnerability, leadership, and the importance of creating safe spaces for women to feel seen and heard.This episode is a reminder that true impact begins with empathy — and that growth often lives on the other side of discomfort.The Women of Aurora Podcast is produced & edited by Amy Downinghttps://friendsover50.com

In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Marisol Perez and Meghan Cole Bailey talk with Bridget Flanigan, a longtime school social worker, counselor, and visionary founder behind Vantage Point High School, a proposed recovery high school for teens in the Fox Valley area.Bridget shares her journey from a compassionate middle schooler who wanted to help her peers, to a veteran educator leading a movement for second chances. She opens up about how recovery schools offer both healing and education—creating spaces where students in recovery can rebuild their confidence, learn alongside peers on similar journeys, and prepare for brighter futures.Their conversation highlights the urgent need for youth recovery programs in Illinois and how local collaboration and courage can turn an idea into action.

In this episode of Women of Aurora, Marisol Perez talks with Jodi Doyle, a sustainable transformational stylist and founder of UpLevel Redesign. Jodi opens up about her journey from creative burnout to discovering her calling of helping women reconnect with themselves through intentional style.If you’ve ever stood in front of a full closet thinking you have “nothing to wear,” this episode is for you. Jodi shares how personal style goes far beyond trends and fashion—it’s about self-worth, energy, and identity. You’ll learn what a Wardrobe Wake-Up looks like, why thrifting is powerful (and planet-friendly), and how releasing old clothes can release emotional baggage too.We also talk about:Why confidence starts in your closetHow fast fashion fuels overwhelm and what to do insteadCreating a wardrobe that fits your life and your future selfThe emotional and energetic weight of clothes we’ve outgrownHow to dress like you—no matter your age, stage, or sizeJodi’s approach is equal parts stylist, coach, and closet therapist. Whether you’re craving a fresh start or just tired of the “nothing to wear” cycle, her wisdom will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to make your wardrobe work for you.Resources + Links:Connect with Jodi on Instagram: @uplevelredesignLearn more at: uplevelredesign.comAbout Women of Aurora:Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedINConnect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedINConnect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.

In this episode of Women of Aurora, host Cynthia Gamboa and co-host Marisol Perez sit down with the remarkable Meighan Cole Bailey, a serial entrepreneur, certified coach, and community leader whose journey from foster care to CEO is nothing short of inspiring.Meighan shares how a personal family crisis sparked the creation of her first business, Connections Mobile, a non-emergency medical transportation company. She opens up about the heart behind her work, how she's grown her team and impact over 16+ years, and how loss became a catalyst for deeper purpose.We dive into:How Megan launched her first business without an LLC and what happened nextHer mission-driven approach to elder care and transportationThe story behind Mama’s Kitchen, her family-run food truck with a powerful legacyCoaching women impacted by the justice system and creating real career pathsHer upcoming book From Foster Care to CEO and what that title truly meansThe mindset shift that comes from learning to delegate and ask for helpPlus, Meighan recommends two favorite books for women entrepreneurs and shares how she stays grounded, focused, and connectedResources & Mentions:ConnectionsMobile.com.Email: [email protected] Mentioned: – Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny – Let Them by Mel Robbins – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson Stay connected with Women of Aurora: Join our Facebook group @WomenofAurora Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review if you loved the episode to help other women find our community.About Women of Aurora:Women of Aurora is a group of purpose-driven women coming together to network, support, and uplift each other. Membership is open to women living and working in Aurora and the surrounding communities.Join the Women of Aurora Facebook Group here.Connect with host Cynthia Gamboa Morales on LinkedINConnect with co-host Marisol Perez on LinkedINConnect with producer Amy Downing through her lifestyle blog, Friends Over 50 — a space for women in midlife exploring reinvention, tech, and inspired living.