Confidence, Culture, and Leadership: Devon Vander Voort’s Journey
Release Date: 01/08/2025
Confidence, Culture, and Leadership: Devon Vander Voort’s Journey
Courageous Conversations
Picture this: a young girl wearing neon tights and wild hairstyles confidently walks through the halls of her middle school, undeterred by the whispers of doubt around her. What gives her such boldness? It’s the unwavering belief of her single mother, a woman who taught her to embrace individuality and chase her passions. That girl grew up to become Devin Vander Voort–an art advisor, content creator, and host of Art World Up Close. In this week’s episode, Amy chats with Devon to uncover the pivotal moments, lessons, and relationships that shaped her journey. Devon...
info_outline
Achieving Goals with Grit: Kelsey Hunt on Confidence, Resilience, and Time Management
Courageous Conversations
Imagine discovering a passion that helps you find clarity amid chaos, builds resilience during life’s toughest moments, and unlocks confidence you never knew you had. That’s exactly what happened to Kelsey Hunt, a South African student and competitive archer who overcame financial struggles and self-doubt to achieve her dreams. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Kelsey, where she shares her journey of self-funding her education, balancing multiple responsibilities, and discovering a love for competitive archery. Through resilience, time management, and embracing her...
info_outline
From Challenges to Champion: Karlie Kisha’s Inspiring Leadership Journey
Courageous Conversations
What does it take to overcome life’s toughest challenges while chasing your dreams? Imagine balancing Olympic-level training with a devastating cancer diagnosis–or spending years on the sidelines, told you’ll never make the team, yet refusing to give up. Karlie Kisha did all of this and more. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Karlie Kisha–Olympic field hockey player, cancer survivor, and passionate mentor for young women. From her small-town roots in Pennsylvania to the global stage, Karlie shares how she turned setbacks into stepping stones and why...
info_outline
Navigating Toxic Friendships & Finding Your People with Jillian Spaeder
Courageous Conversations
Have you ever felt like you’d found “your people,” only to realize they weren’t the right fit after all? Or struggled to recover after being iced out by a group of friends? In this week’s episode, Amy and Jillian Spaeder–an actress, singer, writer, and director–explore the ups and downs of friendships, the signs of healthy versus toxic relationships, and the importance of maintaining your independence. Jillian offers a behind-the-scenes look at her artistic journey, the lessons she’s learned about connecting with others, and tips for finding “your people” in...
info_outline
Redefining Success: Lessons on Passion, Priorities, and Perseverance with Kaelyn Grace Apple
Courageous Conversations
What happens when your dream path takes you to unexpected destinations? In this week’s episode, Amy connects with Kaelyn Grace Apple–a Yale PhD candidate, content creator, and former professional equestrian–to explore the art of finding your path. Kaelyn shares her inspiring story of transitioning from the world of competitive horseback riding to academia, revealing how resilience, grit, and adaptability shaped her journey. Designed for young women striving to lead authentic and balanced lives, this conversation is filled with practical advice on discovering your passions,...
info_outline
Thriving Through Change: Embracing Strength and Confidence with Damini Parkhi
Courageous Conversations
Have you ever been standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take, yet knowing deep down that the way forward is through courage and self-discovery? In this week’s episode, Amy is joined by Damini Parkhi, exploring the transformative power of vulnerability, acceptance, and self-awareness. Damini shares her personal journey as an adoptee, recounting her experiences of navigating identity and cultural differences while building emotional resilience. Together, they unravel the complexities of identity, belonging, and relationships, offering practical tools for young girls who...
info_outline
Navigating Independence & Leading by Example with Raena Worley
Courageous Conversations
How do you balance independence with guidance and find resilience in every challenge? In this week’s episode, Amy talks with Raena Worley, a University of Kentucky gymnast, about navigating these questions on her journey to becoming a young female leader. Growing up with a strong role model in her mother, Raena reflects on the impact of homeschooling, learning from family dynamics, and the importance of developing her own style of quiet yet effective leadership. Key Takeaways: Embrace the process of balancing independence with guidance, recognizing the value of support...
info_outline
Navigating Your Future: Career Goals, Confidence, and Financial Smarts with Leah Leverich
Courageous Conversations
As a young adult, balancing society’s expectations while feeling the weight of your future resting on the decisions you’re making right now can feel overwhelming. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Leah Leverich to dive into what it truly means to prepare for the future with confidence. Leah, a recent high school graduate and social media manager, shares her journey of exploring career paths, gaining financial literacy, and building confidence in her unique path, a journey she hopes will inspire other young women navigating their own choices. Key Topics...
info_outline
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma in Athletics with Maddie Williams
Courageous Conversations
In a world where female athletes are often expected to “push through” the pain and stress, Maddie Williams challenges young women to embrace mental health as a crucial part of their journey. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Maddie, a dedicated D1 gymnast and mental health advocate, to uncover the hidden challenges that female athletes face. From struggling with performance anxiety in middle school to finding strength in therapy during college, Maddie shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental wellness in sports. This heartfelt...
info_outline
From Thrifting to Thriving: How Elle Nicole Built a Business From Her Passion For Fashion
Courageous Conversations
A $500 budget, a love for thrifting, and a lot of heart. That’s all Elle Nicole had when she first started flipping vintage finds on Instagram as a high schooler, building what would become a vibrant brand, Elle Nicole. In this week’s episode, Amy and Elle dive into the journey from humble beginnings to a thriving business, sharing how she embraced change, expanded her product lines, and turned passion into purpose. Through trial and error and creative determination, Elle evolved her brand into a vibrant, retro-inspired business. She opens up about starting with a small budget,...
info_outlinePicture this: a young girl wearing neon tights and wild hairstyles confidently walks through the halls of her middle school, undeterred by the whispers of doubt around her.
What gives her such boldness?
It’s the unwavering belief of her single mother, a woman who taught her to embrace individuality and chase her passions.
That girl grew up to become Devin Vander Voort–an art advisor, content creator, and host of Art World Up Close.
In this week’s episode, Amy chats with Devon to uncover the pivotal moments, lessons, and relationships that shaped her journey. Devon offers inspiring anecdotes and practical advice for young women striving to lead. Whether you're a middle schooler exploring your identity, or a college student seeking mentors, Devon’s story is packed with relatable insights and actionable advice.
Key Topics Discussed:
-
How Devon’s mom fostered her individuality by encouraging her to embrace self-expression, no matter how unconventional
-
Devon shares how cultural discovery can be a deeply personal and creative journey
-
Practical tips for finding mentors
-
How exploring interests in small ways can lead to transformative opportunities
-
The importance of leveraging community resources to explore your passions and grow your skills
Connect with Devon here!
Instagram: @deveyss
Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!
TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website