Girl Power is a series by women, for women, and this episode is a powerful reminder that your past does not get to decide your future.
Click Video Below to Watch Full Interview
In this conversation, Abbey Hoskins sits down with Melinda Fries, Administrator of the Lebanon Area Foundation, who shares her journey from growing up in deep poverty, feeling invisible and bullied, and struggling through some of her hardest teenage years, to becoming a leader, advocate, and connector in her community. Melinda talks honestly about fear, self-doubt, rejection, and the moments that could have stopped her, but didn’t.
Her story is about resilience, education, kindness, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going when you don’t feel confident, ready, or worthy yet. It’s about doing the thing anyway. Applying anyway. Showing up anyway. Believing that even if you’re scared, you’re still capable.
If you’ve ever felt like you started behind, didn’t fit the mold, or wondered if it was “too late” or “not for you,” this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that growth happens outside your comfort zone, that community matters, and that women lifting other women can change lives, including their own.
This episode of Girl Power is brought to you by Covell Flowers, Espresso, Bakery and Gifts, Kim Breeden and the crew at Shelter Insurance, June & Beyond Women’s Boutique, and T's Tees Custom Apparel.
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