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Women's Journal

Executive Coach, Founder of the Just Do You Institute of Women’s Empowerment

In a world filled with constant demands and expectations, the journey towards self-discovery and empowerment can often seem like an elusive dream. However, for women executives, nonprofit leaders, and BIPOC small business owners, the path to personal and professional fulfillment is illuminated by the inspiring story of Trina Ramsey, the driving force behind the Just Do You Institute of Women’s Empowerment.

Trina Ramsey: An Overcomer’s Story

Trina Ramsey’s life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that one can rise above even the most challenging circumstances. Growing up in poverty and losing her single mother at the tender age of 15, Trina faced adversity head-on. It was her extended family’s support that prevented her from falling through the cracks of a system that often fails marginalized communities.

Yet, Trina’s journey was not without its own set of burdens. She found herself adopting the persona of “superwoman,” a common trope among women of color, driven by the relentless pursuit of success and the fear of failure. This commitment to perfection kept her trapped in the suffocating grip of imposter syndrome, where the pressure to excel overshadowed her own well-being.

In 2009, Trina’s life took a transformative turn when she ventured into the realm of life coaching. This marked the beginning of her personal reawakening, a journey dedicated to her own self-care and advocacy for the empowerment of women. It was during this time that she birthed the Just Do You Institute for Women’s Empowerment, a platform designed to help women leaders embrace their intrinsic worth and make bold choices to enrich their lives.

Inspiration Behind the Business

Trina’s decision to become a life coach in 2009 was not merely a career choice; it was a calling deeply rooted in her passion for supporting others and her unyielding inspiration to make a difference. Throughout her life, she had been the friend who provided unwavering support, accruing mentees along the way. Her professional journey was a testament to her natural inclination towards people and relationships.

 Just Do You

Photo Credit To: pamperrypr

Trina’s childhood experiences, filled with adversity and uncertainty, kindled a burning desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Her strengths—Maximizer, Connectedness, Woo, Belief, and Strategic thinking—aligned perfectly with the role of a coach. As she honed her coaching practice, it became clear that her true impact lay in supporting women leaders, particularly those in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, as they navigated the numerous milestones and life changes that define this season of life.

Overcoming Challenges

Throughout her career, Trina Ramsey has faced numerous challenges, from being pushed out of a job to grappling with imposter syndrome, the superwoman syndrome, and the glass cliff. However, what sets her apart is her unwavering motivation to herself. She excels in diplomacy but has also mastered the art of speaking uncomfortable truths and walking away when necessary. Trina firmly believes that no one should spend their precious time in a job that makes them miserable, abused, or taken for granted.

In her early years as a coach, Trina struggled with indecision about her niche and initially took a generic approach. It was only through self-discovery, authenticity, vulnerability, and investments in coaching and personal development programs that she found her voice and clarified her message.

Trina Ramsey’s Unique Perspective

Trina Ramsey’s extensive experience as a woman C-suite leader with over two decades of nonprofit fundraising and 14 years as a life, career, and executive coach uniquely positions her to support women nonprofit leaders. She understands the immense pressure nonprofit women leaders face, often neglecting their own needs in the pursuit of serving their organizations and communities. Her background in training boards, providing fundraising expertise, and addressing leadership challenges is a testament to her commitment to empowering women in these roles.

As a Black woman, Trina recognizes that the struggles stemming from capitalism and white supremacy plague both the nonprofit sector and Black professionals and business owners. She understands the narratives that pressure individuals to prove their worth and believes in the importance of dismantling these destructive tropes.

Notable Career Highlights

Trina Ramsey’s journey is marked by remarkable achievements, including becoming a best-selling author with her debut book. She was also a finalist in an indie book contest and co-authored three other books. Her decision to share her personal story, including her mother’s tragic death, mental health, and suicide, at the I Am Woman Conference in 2018 was a pivotal moment, breaking the silence around mental health issues. Trina, a sought-after speaker for hire, is currently working on a memoir about her mother and grandmother, who both met tragic ends in the same year.

 Just Do You

Photo Credit To: pamperrypr

Her program, “Sweet Freedom,” dedicated to supporting women nonprofit and BIPOC leaders in reclaiming their worth and agency, has made a significant impact. Trina’s insights on self-love and self-care during the pandemic were featured in Essence Magazine, further cementing her reputation as a guiding voice.

Trina Ramsey’s journey from adversity to empowerment is a beacon of hope for women executives, nonprofit leaders, and BIPOC small business owners. Her story underscores the power of choosing oneself and embracing one’s worth. As she continues to pave the way for others, her vision for the future includes launching a nonprofit coaching and consulting practice and speaking at conferences worldwide. Trina Ramsey’s mission is clear: to help people break free from societal constraints, embrace their brilliance, and prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of radical self-care and self-belief, inspiring others to embark on their own journey of empowerment.

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Dancing For The Survivors: A Night of Hope and Healing

Breast cancer is a formidable adversary, challenging the strength and resilience of countless women and their families. It not only takes a toll on physical health but can also devastate financial well-being. In the face of this daunting battle, the Pink Fund, a nonprofit organization founded by breast cancer survivor Molly MacDonald, has been a beacon of hope and support. This explores the heartwarming return of their signature event, “Dancing For The Survivors®,” set to take place on October 13th at The Mint in Lathrup Village, Michigan. Through the stories of breast cancer survivors and the art of dance, this gala event promises to inspire, educate, and uplift all who attend.

A Night to Remember

After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the Pink Fund is thrilled to announce the return of “Dancing For The Survivors®.” This gala event, held at The Mint, will not only be a night of exquisite dining but also an opportunity to engage in a moving program designed to celebrate the indomitable spirit of breast cancer survivors. Attendees can look forward to a sea of pink, an ambiance that symbolizes unity and strength in the face of adversity.

One remarkable highlight of this year’s event is the involvement of renowned choreographer Lisa McCall, who is best known for her work with the late Aretha Franklin. What makes Lisa’s participation even more poignant is that she herself is a breast cancer survivor. Her journey of courage and resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. McCall, who found solace in her art during her recovery, will be choreographing an exclusive performance that pays homage to breast cancer survivors.

Dancing For The Survivors

Photo Credit To: PINKFUND.ORG

Stories of Triumph

The heart of “Dancing For The Survivors®” lies in the stories of the brave women who have battled breast cancer and emerged stronger than ever. Victoria Griffin and Donnett Jourdan, who met through the Sisters Network, a national African American Breast Cancer survivorship group, are among the featured dancers. Their performance, under McCall’s choreography, promises to be a moving tribute to the resilience of survivors.

Dancing For The Survivors

Photo credit To: PINKFUND.ORG

Victoria Griffin, reflecting on her own journey through treatment, emphasized the financial burdens faced by many cancer patients. She recalls thinking, “I’m fighting for my life here, do you really think I’m thinking about paying a bill?” Griffin’s experience highlights the critical need for organizations like the Pink Fund, which provides financial support to alleviate the economic strain faced by breast cancer patients during their treatment.

Another remarkable story comes from twin sisters Tegan Higgins and Tiffany Dietz, who are performing a duet together. Their bond transcends the ordinary; both were diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent surgery, and had the same surgeon. Dietz’s vigilance in advocating for herself saved her sister’s life, illustrating the importance of self-advocacy in the face of this disease. Their social media platform, @tandttwintalk, not only spreads awareness but also promotes the importance of regular mammograms.

The Pink Fund’s Mission

The Pink Fund’s mission is not just a noble endeavor; it’s a lifeline for many. Breast cancer often wreaks havoc on the financial stability of patients and their families. The organization’s 90-day grant program is designed to meet critical expenses such as housing, transportation, utilities, and insurance. By offering this financial bridge, the Pink Fund empowers patients to focus on their healing journey, relieving them of the stress of mounting bills and financial insecurity.

Molly MacDonald, the founder of The Pink Fund, understands firsthand the financial challenges that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2005, she found herself facing not only the disease but also the loss of her income and the strain of medical bills. Unable to secure assistance, Molly was determined to make a difference in the lives of others in similar situations. In 2006, she established The Pink Fund, a nonprofit organization offering 90 days of non-medical financial aid to cover essential living expenses like health insurance, housing, transportation, and utilities. Through her dedication, The Pink Fund has provided over $5.4 million in bill payments for breast cancer survivors in active treatment. Molly’s commitment to her cause has earned her numerous awards, including recognition as a Patient Champion and Purpose Prize Fellow. She continues to be a prominent voice in the breast cancer community, advocating for improved patient care and financial wellness. Molly MacDonald’s journey from cancer survivor to philanthropic leader has made a profound impact on the lives of many.

Notable Awards:

2020 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll

2020 Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Women in Health

2019 Northwood Distinguished Women of the Year

2019 Patient Champion, North America Eye for Pharma Award

2018 National Association of Women Business Owners, Philanthropy Award

2018 Crain’s Detroit Business Healthcare Hero for Corporate Achievement

2017 and 2016 Finalist, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Michigan and Northwest Ohio

2017 Corp! Michigan’s Salute to Diversity, Diversity Champion

2014 Purpose Prize Fellow

2014 Michigan’s Money Hero

2014 Pink Power Mom, Kids II and Bright Starts

Memberships and Positions:

Molly MacDonald is a columnist for Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine focusing on financial wellness, a contributing writer to the American Journal of Managed Care, and a member of the Advisory Board for V-Bid, Value-Based Insurance Design at The University of Michigan. She has a background in journalism, public relations, marketing, and sales, holding a degree from The University of Michigan. As a mother of five adult children and grandmother to two, she is happily married to Tom Pettit, known as Tom Terrific, and continues to be a driving force in the fight against breast cancer-related financial toxicity.

The return of “Dancing For The Survivors®” is a cause for celebration. It symbolizes the resilience of breast cancer survivors and the unwavering support of organizations like the Pink Fund. This gala event, featuring the talents of Lisa McCall and the inspiring stories of survivors, offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against breast cancer. It is a reminder that, together, we can uplift and empower those who need it most. The event is open to the public, inviting all to join in the celebration of life, strength, and unity. To attend or contribute to this noble cause, visit PinkFund.org/events/dancing-for-the-survivors. Let us stand together and dance for the survivors.

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