Catch Her Spark

Tune into Catch Her Spark, the podcast for high-achieving women who build wealth on their own terms. Hosted by Jen Maldonado, this show is crafted specifically for busy female professionals—doctors, attorneys, engineers, and investors—who want to leverage real estate to grow their capital without the day-to-day hustle. If you're a woman in your 30s to 50s looking to invest with clarity and confidence, your journey starts here. Subscribe and catch the spark.

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Episodes 37

She Sold Her First Business at 21—Now She Leads in AI
3d ago · 40:40
What if the twists, mistakes, and unexpected turns in your life aren’t taking you off course—but preparing you for what comes next? In this episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast with Jen Maldonado, Jen sits down with Anisa Aven, a fourth-generation entrepreneur, leadership coach, and AI transformation leader whose career has been anything but a straight line. Anisa started working in her family’s business as a teenager, sold her first business by 21, tried stand-up comedy at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, and eventually built a career helping people and organizations unlock their potential.
At 40, I Walked Away From the Life I’d Built to Start Over
5d ago · 38:25
What happens when the life you worked so hard to build no longer feels like the life you’re meant to live? In this episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast with Jen Maldonado, Jen sits down with Dr. Amanda Lewis, dentist, longtime entrepreneur, and founder of LUI, to talk about what it really looks like to start over. By the time Amanda approached 40, she had built what looked like a successful life. She owned two dental practices, had grown a team of about 20 people, was raising two children, and had spent nearly two decades building her career. But behind that success, Amanda knew something ne
I Protected Some of the Richest People in the World—Here’s What I Learned About Money
10d ago · 38:55
In this episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast with Jen Maldonado, Jen sits down with Monica Duperon, whose remarkable career took her from law enforcement and undercover narcotics to hostage negotiations, SWAT, investigations, and executive protection for ultra-high-net-worth families around the world. But Monica’s biggest transformation did not happen on the job. It happened at home when she found an old box filled with the things she once loved—painting, drawing, poetry, and music. That box reminded her of something she had almost forgotten: Monica herself. She had become a mother, wife, po
From Paris Runways to the ER to Breast Cancer: The Doctor Who Never Stopped Asking Why
11d ago · 39:25
From Paris Runways to the ER to Breast Cancer: The Doctor Who Never Stopped Asking Why What happens when the doctor becomes the patient? In this powerful episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with Dr. Ruby Rose, an emergency physician who transformed her own health struggles into a mission to help others uncover the root causes of illness. From growing up in the fashion world to practicing emergency medicine, surviving a life-changing car accident, navigating physician burnout, and facing a breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Ruby's story is one of resilience, curiosity, and hope. Rathe
Jen Maldonado - August 2026 Update
13d ago · 30:19
The Doctor Who Redesigned the System — Then Had to Redesign Herself
16d ago · 38:44
The Doctor Who Redesigned the System — Then Had to Redesign Herself What happens when the physician who has spent her career fixing broken systems is forced to face a deeply personal challenge she can't solve with medicine alone? In this heartfelt episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with emergency physician Dr. Shannon Markus to explore a journey that goes far beyond the emergency room. From improving healthcare equity and advocating for underserved patients to navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, IVF, and surrogacy, Dr. Shannon shares how life's hardest seasons
Stop Hiding Your Power: A Latina Leader on Owning the Room, Building Wealth & Being the Door"
18d ago · 35:52
Stop Hiding Your Power: A Latina Leader on Owning the Room, Building Wealth & Being the Door What happens when one childhood moment becomes the spark for a lifetime of service? In this inspiring episode of the Catch Her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with attorney, community leader, and former San Antonio City Council member Melissa Cabello Havrda to discuss the defining moment that shaped her mission to fight for underserved communities. Melissa shares how a simple conversation with her grandfather about the lack of sidewalks in his neighborhood ignited a passion that led her into pub
The immigration mistake that became her mission
23d ago · 35:41
The Immigration Mistake That Became Her Mission What happens when one immigration mistake changes the course of your life? In this episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with immigration expert Cassandra Fultz, whose personal journey from South Carolina to Canada inspired her to build a career helping others avoid the fear, uncertainty, and costly mistakes she once experienced herself. Cassandra shares the emotional story behind her own immigration process and explains how that experience led her to found DF Immigration. She opens up about the anxiety of navigating complex immigra
She Sewed Her Own Suits at Night So She Could Sit at Tables No One Invited Her To
26d ago · 42:51
What does it take to keep speaking up when you're the only woman in the room? In this inspiring episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with environmental engineer and sustainability leader Susan Alvarez, whose career has been built on doing the right thing—even when it wasn't the easy thing. Susan shares her remarkable journey from being one of only three women in her engineering graduating class to leading regional climate resilience and sustainability efforts that impact millions of people. Along the way, she faced leaders who wanted to take credit for her work, difficult negoti
Laid Off After 10 Years — The Money Conversation Every Woman Needs to Have
1mo ago · 36:16
In this inspiring episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with Senior Technical Account Manager Nicole LeBeau Fomin to talk about resilience, financial independence, career growth, and the mindset that helped her rebuild after being laid off from a company where she had invested ten years of her life. Nicole shares her journey from waiting tables and working customer service jobs while paying her way through college to managing multimillion-dollar client relationships in the tech industry. Along the way, she explains why curiosity, trust, and strong boundaries have been the foundat
She took a $30K Pay Cut to Ger Her Life Back
1mo ago · 39:29
She Took a $30K Pay Cut to Get Her Life Back with Jeniza Ketay What if earning less money could actually give you more freedom? In this episode of the Catch Her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with technology executive and former fashion industry leader Jeniza Ketay to explore a career decision that many professionals struggle to make. After building a successful career at iconic brands like Victoria's Secret, Jeniza made the bold decision to leave behind a higher salary and transition into the technology industry—all to create a life that gave her more time with her family. Jeniza shar
Stop Competing. Start Commanding. A Badass Woman on Power & Capital
1mo ago · 43:12
What does it take to earn your seat in rooms where you're often the only woman? In this inspiring episode of the Catch Her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with executive leader Riffat Manasia, whose remarkable journey spans Wall Street, Harvard, Afghanistan, global economic development, venture capital, and technology innovation. Riffat shares how growing up as a first-generation immigrant shaped her resilience and how working across some of the world's most challenging environments taught her that credibility, confidence, and authenticity matter more than fitting into someone else's ex
Why You're Spending $200 on Your Hair But Not Your Hormones or Your Future — A Midlife Doctor on Health, Wealth & Reinvention | Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
1mo ago · 39:53
What if the best investment you could make isn't in your appearance—but in your long-term health? In this inspiring episode of the Catch Her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with board-certified gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith to challenge the way women think about aging, hormones, wellness, and self-worth. Dr. Susan shares her personal journey from practicing traditional OB/GYN medicine to building a women-centered wellness practice that prioritizes education, connection, and personalized care. Together, Jen and Dr. Susan explore why so many wo
She Got Laid Off in the AI Era and Said: What If This Is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me?
1mo ago · 33:46
What happens when an unexpected layoff forces you to stop, reflect, and ask a different question—not "What's next?" but "What do I truly want?" In this inspiring episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with Ana Ekman, a technology sales leader who spent more than a decade helping enterprise organizations navigate complex digital workplace transformations. When she was unexpectedly laid off during the rapid rise of AI, Anastasia chose curiosity over fear and began exploring what success could look like on her own terms. Together, Jen and Ana discuss what it really feels like to navi
She Rebuilt a Failing Hospital's Reputation With One Simple Shift
1mo ago · 30:32
What happens when healthcare stops focusing only on procedures and starts focusing on people? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Kristen McCreight shares how one simple shift—putting human connection first—helped transform a struggling hospital's patient experience from the bottom of the rankings to the very top. Kristen joins Jen Maldonado to discuss why empathy isn't just a nice quality to have—it's a leadership strategy that improves trust, communication, healing, and long-term outcomes. Together, they explore the lessons Kristen has learned as a nurse leader, educator, entrepreneur, wife,
Designing More Than Buildings: Laura Evans on Leadership, Listening, and Success
2mo ago · 43:23
In this episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with award-winning architect and design leader Laura Evans. After beginning her career in New York City's demanding architecture world, Laura found herself on an unexpected path that led her into interior design, leadership, and building spaces that tell powerful stories. Laura shares how relationships, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace change shaped her career. She opens up about finding her voice in a male-dominated industry, balancing motherhood and leadership, and redefining success over time. Through honesty and wisdom, Lau
Zip Code Zero to PhD: Why This Single Mom Chose Her People Over Her Paycheck
2mo ago · 33:05
What happens when a little girl from one of San Antonio’s highest-poverty neighborhoods refuses to let her zip code define her future? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia shares how growing up translating for her parents and neighbors shaped her heart for service and led her from Zip Code Zero to earning a PhD and becoming a leader committed to changing lives. These show notes follow podcast best practices for creating a strong hook, expanding on key takeaways, and providing guest information. Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia, President and CEO of the Center for Health Empowerment
Private Equity Secrets: How She Moved to Texas with No Network & Became an Audit Partner at a Top Advisory Firm
2mo ago · 36:50
What does it really take to start over in a new city, build meaningful relationships, and rise to the top of a highly competitive industry? In this episode of Catch her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with Jennifer Cuello, Audit Partner at EisnerAmper, who shares how she moved from New Jersey to Texas knowing almost no one and built a thriving career in private equity and financial services through authenticity, patience, and the power of community. Jennifer offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of private equity and wealth creation, while also opening up about the confidence gap many wo
Bilingual, Bold, and Brilliant — The Lawyer Who Crossed the Aisle for Her Community
2mo ago · 41:38
What happens when the person responsible for prosecuting criminal cases spends years watching immigrants and non-citizens navigate a legal system they don’t fully understand? For attorney Tayrin Wittenstein, it led to a life-changing decision. After 12 years as a prosecutor in Texas, she walked away from a secure government career to build a law firm dedicated to defending people who often feel voiceless in the justice system. In this inspiring episode of Catch her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with Tayrin “Ty” Wittenstein to discuss her remarkable career transition, her passion for serving t
She Started Over at 30 With 3 Kids — Now She's Building the Next Generation of Nurses
2mo ago · 32:06
What does it take to reinvent your life, raise three children, work full-time, and build a career dedicated to helping others succeed? In this inspiring episode, Jen Maldonado sits down with Mary Hernandez, Division AVP of Academic Partnerships at Methodist Healthcare System, to discuss her remarkable journey from unit clerk to healthcare executive and mentor for future nurses. Mary shares how the loss of her father became the catalyst for a complete career change and how faith, determination, and service guided her through every step of her journey. She opens up about leading a COVID unit dur
Sacrifice Should Have a Time Limit" — The Rule Successful Women Don't Talk About | Tolu Akindunni
2mo ago · 39:22
What happens when the dream you planned for yourself changes completely? In this inspiring conversation, Jen Maldonado sits down with entrepreneur, investor, nonprofit founder, and community leader Tolu Akindunni to discuss the unexpected twists that shaped her journey from aspiring doctor to global entrepreneur. Tolu shares how embracing change, collecting experiences, and staying connected to a clear vision helped her build businesses across continents while creating meaningful impact in the communities she serves. Throughout the episode, Tolu offers powerful insights for women navigating en
Why Human Stories Still Win in an AI World | Gigi Welch
3mo ago · 40:00
What happens when someone spends their life shaping stories behind the scenes—and discovers that storytelling is still one of the most human things we do in an AI world? In this episode, Jen sits down with editor and post-production leader Gigi Welch to explore the art of storytelling through film, commercials, and documentaries. Gigi shares her journey from advertising agencies to becoming an editor, the moment she realized editing was her true passion, and why giving herself permission to pursue it changed everything. They talk about the emotional side of editing, why the smallest gestures c
The Identity That Made You Successful May Be Blocking the Life You Want'
3mo ago · 30:51
What happens when the version of yourself that helped you succeed is the same version keeping you from the life you truly want? In this episode of Catch Her Spark, Jen Maldonado sits down with holistic psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda for a powerful conversation about identity, self-awareness, growth, and the beliefs we carry through life. Dr. Elizabeth shares how her work goes beyond treating symptoms and focuses on understanding the root causes behind anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional patterns. Together they explore the identities women adopt to survive, the pressure of balancing
Your Body Isn’t Broken. It’s Hiding What You Couldn’t Survive.
3mo ago · 32:45
In this powerful episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast with Jen Maldonado, holistic therapist Cyndi Collen shares a deeply honest conversation about emotional healing, hidden trauma, and the signals our bodies send when something inside us needs attention. Cyndi explains how many people carry unresolved emotional wounds without even realizing it. From anxiety and burnout to physical tension and emotional shutdown, she shares how the body often stores experiences until we feel safe enough to process them. Rather than seeing people as “broken,” Cyndi approaches healing with compassion, mindfuln
After 20 Years of Success… She Risked Everything to Start From Zero
3mo ago · 32:21
What happens when you leave behind a successful career, move to a new state during COVID, and decide to start over from scratch? In this episode of the Catch her Spark Podcast, Jen Maldonado sits down with Adriana Salazar Boyer to talk about reinvention, courage, and building a business rooted in people, trust, and purpose. Adriana shares how she transitioned from corporate life and business ownership into co-owning a painting company in Texas with her husband. What started as helping Spanish-speaking painting crews communicate with homeowners became a completely new chapter in her life and ca

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Catch Her Spark

Episodes 37

She Sold Her First Business at 21—Now She Leads in AI

At 40, I Walked Away From the Life I’d Built to Start Over

I Protected Some of the Richest People in the World—Here’s What I Learned About Money

From Paris Runways to the ER to Breast Cancer: The Doctor Who Never Stopped Asking Why

Jen Maldonado - August 2026 Update

The Doctor Who Redesigned the System — Then Had to Redesign Herself

Stop Hiding Your Power: A Latina Leader on Owning the Room, Building Wealth & Being the Door"

The immigration mistake that became her mission

She Sewed Her Own Suits at Night So She Could Sit at Tables No One Invited Her To

Laid Off After 10 Years — The Money Conversation Every Woman Needs to Have

She took a $30K Pay Cut to Ger Her Life Back

Stop Competing. Start Commanding. A Badass Woman on Power & Capital

Why You're Spending $200 on Your Hair But Not Your Hormones or Your Future — A Midlife Doctor on Health, Wealth & Reinvention | Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

She Got Laid Off in the AI Era and Said: What If This Is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me?

She Rebuilt a Failing Hospital's Reputation With One Simple Shift

Designing More Than Buildings: Laura Evans on Leadership, Listening, and Success

Zip Code Zero to PhD: Why This Single Mom Chose Her People Over Her Paycheck

Private Equity Secrets: How She Moved to Texas with No Network & Became an Audit Partner at a Top Advisory Firm

Bilingual, Bold, and Brilliant — The Lawyer Who Crossed the Aisle for Her Community

She Started Over at 30 With 3 Kids — Now She's Building the Next Generation of Nurses

Sacrifice Should Have a Time Limit" — The Rule Successful Women Don't Talk About | Tolu Akindunni

Why Human Stories Still Win in an AI World | Gigi Welch

The Identity That Made You Successful May Be Blocking the Life You Want'

Your Body Isn’t Broken. It’s Hiding What You Couldn’t Survive.

After 20 Years of Success… She Risked Everything to Start From Zero

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Episodes 37

She Sold Her First Business at 21—Now She Leads in AI

At 40, I Walked Away From the Life I’d Built to Start Over

I Protected Some of the Richest People in the World—Here’s What I Learned About Money

From Paris Runways to the ER to Breast Cancer: The Doctor Who Never Stopped Asking Why

Jen Maldonado - August 2026 Update

The Doctor Who Redesigned the System — Then Had to Redesign Herself

Stop Hiding Your Power: A Latina Leader on Owning the Room, Building Wealth & Being the Door"

The immigration mistake that became her mission

She Sewed Her Own Suits at Night So She Could Sit at Tables No One Invited Her To

Laid Off After 10 Years — The Money Conversation Every Woman Needs to Have

She took a $30K Pay Cut to Ger Her Life Back

Stop Competing. Start Commanding. A Badass Woman on Power & Capital

Why You're Spending $200 on Your Hair But Not Your Hormones or Your Future — A Midlife Doctor on Health, Wealth & Reinvention | Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

She Got Laid Off in the AI Era and Said: What If This Is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me?

She Rebuilt a Failing Hospital's Reputation With One Simple Shift

Designing More Than Buildings: Laura Evans on Leadership, Listening, and Success

Zip Code Zero to PhD: Why This Single Mom Chose Her People Over Her Paycheck

Private Equity Secrets: How She Moved to Texas with No Network & Became an Audit Partner at a Top Advisory Firm

Bilingual, Bold, and Brilliant — The Lawyer Who Crossed the Aisle for Her Community

She Started Over at 30 With 3 Kids — Now She's Building the Next Generation of Nurses

Sacrifice Should Have a Time Limit" — The Rule Successful Women Don't Talk About | Tolu Akindunni

Why Human Stories Still Win in an AI World | Gigi Welch

The Identity That Made You Successful May Be Blocking the Life You Want'

Your Body Isn’t Broken. It’s Hiding What You Couldn’t Survive.

After 20 Years of Success… She Risked Everything to Start From Zero

Podcast 森辺一樹のグローバル・マーケティング〜すべてはアジアで売るために〜