Power Profiles
“What would I do when the kids left home?”
Power Profile with Jennifer Tse: It was an easy decision for Jennifer to leave her marketing job and stay home with her kids because she hadn't yet found a career she was passionate about when she became a mom. Yet she knew that this time at home with them wasn't forever and the question of what she was going to do loomed over her. After struggling with mental health issues and the frustration of not finding work she was passionate about, Jennifer fell into two opportunities that would lead to her finding purpose and passion: supporting youth mental health and art.
“Turning fifty gave me a sense of confidence and strength that I had yet to experience”
Marci Warhaft faced unbelievable trauma and tragedy in her first half of life that included losing the people she loved and counted on. As a consequence she developed an eating disorder that she struggled with for 20 years. Turning 50 gave Marci the strength to share her story and focus on both her own recovery and helping others. This is a story of immense courage and reckoning that has allowed Marci to follow her own authentic path to joy.
“We all have a story to tell”
Katherine was a fiery 50-something, mom to five kids, back to work in a job she loved, active in sports, in the best shape of her life, and exploring a new interest in painting when she had a horrific life-changing accident. The road to recovery uncovered the artist within and led her to a destination she never ever expected.
“I’ve finally realized, at age 50, that it’s ok to prioritize me”
Power Profile with Kaori Noguchi: After a turbulent time in her 40s that was focused on raising her young son, taking care of her mother, and struggling with burnout and health challenges, Kaori had a hip surgery that opened up an opportunity for a meaningful midlife career change.
“It’s a great feeling to have so much of life behind you.”
What happens when your dream stops feeling so dreamy? Having celebrated her 40th birthday last year in lockdown, Naomi has made big shifts that feel aligned with who she is and who she wants to be.
“I try and do something every day to push my own boundaries.”
In her late 40s, Johanna Reynolds is celebrating finding success as a full-time professional painter. She says her shifting her mindset and finding the confidence has been fundamental to being able to make this shift.
“I’m putting a lot of time and thought into how I am living my life.”
Melanie Gordon was a new mom of a 20-month old when she found a lump in her breast. This forced her from new mom mode into survival mode. Her experience with cancer made what was important to her very clear and she's been spending her time since recovering focused very intentionally on those things.
“My 40’s have been a decade of finding my voice and growing my confidence.”
At 48, with no experience in Film and Television, Janice Mendes signed with an agent and within 16 months had worked on 30 projects. An unwavering belief in herself and a desire to have a life that inspires and fulfills her is what's behind her ability to leap.
“Shed illusions and get real with yourself.”
At almost 47, Lina is planning a move from the United States to Canada, growing in her creative life as a poet, and pushing the boundaries of her art by exploring new artforms and collaborations.
“I decided to take full responsibility for my own joy.”
In her mid-forties Marina Dempster, a self-employed visual artist, mentor, and photographer felt like she was constantly busy but not seeing the results of all her efforts. She had dealt with some major losses and upsets and was ready to fall back in love with her life and work.