Courageous Podcast with Madeline Hernandez

How the military taught her to stand up and fight - Sgt. Melanie Velez

My guest was only 18 years old when she joined the Air Force. On her first deployment to Afghanistan a fellow soldier began to take an interest in her which later turned into harassment and stalking. Unfortunately her superiors did not believe or support her. It wasn't until she brought statements from witnesses and social media that they finally took action. She's says "if it wasn't for my friends watching over me I don't know what could've happened, it's sad that in 2020 woman and men are still dealing with these types of issues. Today as she looks back at her 12 year career she wants to encourage others to stand up and fight because at the end of the day the only person that's going to be there for you, IS YOU!

How a tragedy in the military gave him true purpose- Carlos Evans

My guest shares after seeing the tragedy of 9/11 unfold, he felt deeply called to serve his country and joined the Marines. In 2010 while on foot patrol in Afghanistan he stepped on an explosion and lost both legs and part of his left arm. It was the unconditional love of his wife, the support of his family and his faith in God that gave him the strength to overcome. He and his wife are co-authors of "Standing Together" where they share their inspiring true story of healing. Today they are traveling the world supporting other wounded warriors and their families by bringing the hope and love of Christ. Carlos says "today I am touching more people with one hand and leaving more footprints with no feet." 
Purchase the book "Standing Together" at Amazon!Support their non-profit at www.crevans.org.

How she turned a dream into reality - Sarah Colon Harris

My guest will share how she struggled with her identity and how to fit in as a Puerto Rican girl growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her dream was to be on tv and become a reporter. At 19 she got pregnant, married and divorced by age 22. Although she faced many challenges along the way she was determined to be on television and eventually achieved her dream. Today she owns a production company and runs a non profit where she inspires not only Latinas, but a diverse community of woman where they can learn, grow and achieve their dreams together.

From the projects to college graduate - Leon Roberts

My guest will share how growing up to a single mom in the infamous Cabrini Green Projects in Chicago were some of the most difficult years of his life. Growing up he didn't have time to dream about the future as he didn't think he would live past high school. He was inspired by his girlfriend to go on to college where he was the first in his family to obtain a BA and Masters degree. He shared he would not change a thing as its made him the man he is today. He says "there's a god who has our back and controls it all, if we just pray and have faith."

Educator, Advocate and Activist... - Sofia Gonzalez

My guest is a passionate educator who began her career in a gang infested, impoverished neighborhood in Chicago. Her first few years of teaching she ended up burying her students instead of graduating them. One day the lord said "you know you have to do something about this." Out of her tireless commitment to education and a heart for the underprivileged she began a non profit called "project 214." In 2019 she was named "Educator of the Year" and today continues to promote justice in all the earth.

How she lost 2 parents in 2 years...- Taina Luz Collazo Rosa

My guest will share her amazing story of strength and hope. At the age of 13 her dad was diagnosed with HIV and then later she faces the pain of seeing both her parents fight and lose their battle to cancer. Honoring her parents legacy was her motivation to push through. She says God has always been her rock and she leaned into him everyday to find healing. Today she is dedicated to being present for her children and extended family as they create new memories together. 

How one night changed her life forever- Wendy Anleu

My guest shares how one night while out partying, she confided in someone she thought she could trust and how he took advantage of her. The guilt and shame of being assaulted was too much to bear.
Until one day the lord said "I remember you, I have not forgotten you and I love you." She says "the only way to find healing is through Jesus." Today she lives in freedom and is giving back by becoming a certified foster parent so she can support families on their healing journey.  
Tune in too PART 2  6/6/22 - The journey of a foster parent - Wendy Anleu
Also tune in the her foster daughters story - 6/13/22 - How a single mom held on too HOPE in the midst of pain - Mercy Castro

Her journey of success, to loss, to sobriety - Valerie Sanchez

My guest shares how she created a very successful career on Wall Street and how her life began to fall apart in 2010 as she experienced great loss. Unable to cope with her grief she turned to alcohol to mask her pain. Until one day god used a stranger on the street to speak to her and she cried out to god for help. After losing everything she rebuilt her life and found help through rehab and therapy. Today her family is thriving and she is giving back by helping others who have struggled with the same issues.