March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on incredible women right here in our community! Tune in to If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, a special on-air feature highlighting local women who are making a difference. From business leaders to athletes, artists to activists, we’re sharing their stories, journeys, and words of wisdom to inspire the next generation.
When to Listen: Weekdays in March during the 3PM hour
Check back here throughout the month as we update this post with each interview, so you can catch up on all the empowering conversations!
March 31, 2025 – For the final day of If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, we’re going out with a bang! Today, I’m bringing you three powerful conversations that celebrate leadership, community, and culture.
First up at 3PM, I spoke with Heather Cronin, VP of Marketing at Cumberland County Federal Credit Union. With 23 years in banking and marketing, Heather shared how CCFCU gives back—donating over $70,000 to local nonprofits and hosting events that raised over $26,000 to end hunger. She also highlighted the importance of peer learning, community support, and uplifting educators.
Then at 3:30PM, the mic gets flipped! High school seniors MacKenna, Anna, and Abby put me in the hot seat. They asked me all about my journey in radio, how I ended up at Hot Radio Maine, and what I love most about my job.
And at 3:45PM, we’re ending with a party! I hung out with LyAnna Sanabria, beverage director and co-founder of Papi in Portland. LyAnna, who brings her Puerto Rican roots and bold flavors to Maine’s bar scene, taught me how to make the perfect mojito.
Listen to all three interviews and celebrate these incredible women with me!
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March 28, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Sophia and Marie, the sisters behind Apéro, a beautiful wine and cocktail bar in Biddeford inspired by the French tradition of apéro—a time to gather, sip, and snack before dinner.
Marie, the founder of Charcutemarie, brings her passion for crafting stunning charcuterie boards, while Sophia’s love for hospitality and mixology elevates the experience with expertly curated drinks. Together, they’ve built a welcoming space where every detail is designed to bring people together.
Apéro’s menu features European-inspired small plates, artisanal cheeses, and carefully selected wines and cocktails, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed evening with friends.
For more info, follow them on Instagram and visit their website. Listen to our full interview below!
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March 27, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Dr. Colby Wilson, owner of The Well Holistic Solutions in Kennebunk, Maine!
Dr. Wilson specializes in chiropractic and nutrition, helping women relieve aches and pains while promoting overall wellness. She shared her journey from Colorado to Maine, taking over an existing practice, and the importance of a holistic approach to health. She also offered advice for aspiring chiropractors and tips for preventing everyday aches—like staying active and maintaining a healthy diet.
For more info, follow her on Instagram and visit The Well Holistic Solutions website. Listen to our full interview below!
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March 26, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Hedda Flame & Sticky Situation from Maine Roller Derby, Maine’s first flat track roller derby league!
We talked about the league’s mission to grow the sport while fostering a strong, inclusive, and empowering community. Maine Roller Derby is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that welcomes skaters, refs, and fans from all backgrounds.
They’re gearing up for their Blooms & Bruises event on April 19th at Happy Wheels in Westbrook, a perfect opportunity to check out the action! Plus, if you’re interested in joining, Freshie Info Nights start in June, with tryouts on June 25.
For more info, follow them on Instagram and visit their website. Listen to our full interview below!
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March 25, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Maggie and Jess, co-owners of Bread & Friends, about their path from the San Francisco restaurant industry to opening their own bakery in Portland.
Maggie, who originally studied opera, and Jess, who has worked in restaurants since she was 15, met while working at State Bird Provisions in California. Drawn to Portland’s tight-knit food scene, they opened Bread & Friends, where they’ve cultivated a strong community around their love of food.
With their two-year anniversary on April 9th, Maggie and Jess credit their success to a shared vision and supportive network. Their advice? Be brave, follow your passion, and surround yourself with people who lift you up.
Check out their bakery’s new dinner service and follow Bread & Friends on Instagram for updates! Listen to our full interview below.
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March 24, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Chevaughn Laverriere, owner of Chevaughn Marie Designs, a floral and event design studio making a big impact in Maine.
Chevaughn shared her journey from working in a wedding dress boutique in high school to becoming a real estate agent, and ultimately following her passion for event design. Now, her studio specializes in weddings, holiday decorating, and commercial installations—her proudest project being the breathtaking holiday transformation of the Victoria Mansion.
She emphasizes the importance of networking, sharing how a single DM led to exciting new connections. Chevaughn encourages young women to put themselves out there and embrace new opportunities.
Follow her work on Instagram and her website, and listen to our full interview below!
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March 21, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Ashley Jolly, owner of Stiletto Strut, a dance studio in Maine that empowers people through movement and confidence.
Ashley, a professional dancer, fitness instructor, and nutrition expert, shared her journey from teaching adult dance classes to founding Stiletto Strut. She also co-founded the Sirens Troupe, a dance crew in Portland.
Ashley encourages young women to believe in themselves and go after their dreams. Don’t miss Stiletto Strut’s upcoming $5 crafting session at the studio!
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 20, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Alicia Milne, Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Maine Celtics, about the EmpowHER game celebrating Women’s History Month!
With support from Strong Girls United, the event is a major highlight of the season—completely sold out with staff in hot pink and players in pink warm-ups. Alicia also shared her journey from nonprofit work to professional sports, leveraging her decade at the Ronald McDonald House to build impactful corporate partnerships.
The Maine Celtics, currently first in the Eastern Conference, have won 14 of their last 16 games! With their final home game also sold out, fans can stay up to date at maineceltics.com and on Instagram.
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 19, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Laura Genese, Marketing and Communications lead for Girl Scouts of Maine, about her inspiring career journey!
Laura originally planned to become a physical therapist but discovered a love for marketing in college. After working in advertising in NYC, she returned to Maine for a better work-life balance and found her passion in nonprofit marketing. She’s been with Girl Scouts of Maine for nearly seven years, helping girls from kindergarten to high school develop leadership, STEM, and life skills.
With Girl Scout cookie season kicking off soon—online orders start March 21st, and booth sales begin in April—Laura shared how these sales help fund programs that empower young girls.
Listen to our full conversation below!
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March 18, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Crystal Love, a Native American activist and trauma educator, about her journey from reuniting with her biological family to advocating for missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Crystal’s work in trauma-informed care and her role as an integrative behavioral specialist have shaped her mission to educate communities about online exploitation and human trafficking. She shares her powerful insights and encourages young women to stay true to themselves and engage in advocacy work.
Learn more about Crystal’s mission and get involved by following her on Instagram or visiting her website. Listen to our full interview below!
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March 17, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Angela Stone, founder of Maine Needs, about how she turned her passion for helping others into a thriving nonprofit.
Originally an interior designer, Angela’s work with asylum-seeking families grew into a full-scale effort to support marginalized communities. Maine Needs has expanded from a small donation space to a 16,000-square-foot center with 2,500 volunteers! Their creative fundraising efforts—including a chili cook-off that raised $3,500—show how the community comes together to help those in need.
Angela encourages young women to follow their hearts and get involved. Maine Needs is currently fundraising for a new space opening in April—learn more and support their mission at maineneeds.org.
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 14, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Kattey Ortiz, a former TV reporter who pivoted into social media and creative strategy.
Kattey’s career path has taken her from Keene State to Hot Radio Maine, then to NYC, and back to Maine, where she now manages digital content for The Porthole. She shared how she leveraged her news background into social media, created The Porthole’s viral “Big Deck Energy” theme song, and is gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations featuring live music and Irish step dancers!
Her advice for young women? Career paths aren’t always linear—trust yourself, know your value, and surround yourself with people who lift you up.
Kattey also runs her own business, KO Strategies, specializing in social media and creative strategy. Listen to our full interview below!
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March 13, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Britt McCaughin from Austin Street Brewery about her journey in the craft beer industry.
Britt started in customer service before managing a restaurant and eventually finding her passion in the brewing world. She highlighted Austin Street’s commitment to inclusivity and its annual International Women’s Day beer—a tradition for eight years! This year’s release, Frisco, is a cherry porter available exclusively at their Fox Street tasting room, with proceeds benefiting In Her Presence, a local nonprofit supporting immigrant women.
Britt’s biggest advice for young women? Trust your instincts and focus on creating a welcoming environment for all.
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 12, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Jordan Brocklesby, the creator behind Plates of Portland, Maine, about her journey into food blogging and her impact on Maine’s restaurant scene.
Jordan started her Instagram in 2020 as a passion project, hoping to gain a competitive edge in the job market. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a deep love for capturing the food scene, first in Boston and now in Maine. Her dedication has paid off—@platesofportlandmaine was voted Best Instagram of 2024 at the Portland Old Port Best Of Awards!
Listen to our full conversation below!
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March 11, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Chloë Rowse, a key figure in Maine’s Ultimate Frisbee scene and founder of Portland Rising and Growing Routes.
Chloë’s journey began as a child playing Ultimate Frisbee, eventually leading her to mixed-gender teams and the US national team. She started a summer camp at just 12 years old, which has since grown into Routes, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and financial assistance to young athletes.
She also shared exciting news about their recent purchase of an 84-acre farm in mid-coast Maine and Portland Rising’s search for new leadership.
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 10, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Chef Tara Cannaday, Executive Chef at Pot + Pan, a microdose lifestyle cannabis brand in Portland.
Tara’s journey took her from Berklee College of Music to culinary school, where she found her passion for cooking. Now, she’s leading the way in the cannabis industry, crafting high-quality, precisely dosed edibles at Pot + Pan’s one-of-a-kind retail experience in Woodford’s Corner.
She encourages young women to be fearless and take chances. Plus, she gave us a sneak peek at some exciting new products and Pot + Pan’s upcoming first birthday celebration in June!
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 7, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Amanda Petersen, a CFP financial advisor at Fidelity Investments, about her powerful career shift from healthcare to finance.
Amanda dedicated herself to mastering finance and now helps others take control of their financial futures. She highlights how mindset, self-love, and empowerment play a huge role in financial success.
For young women interested in finance, Amanda advises reaching out to local advisors, job shadowing, and interning to gain experience. Her biggest takeaway? Trust your intuition and don’t live with regrets.
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 6, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Mia Gezik, founder of Good Stock, an interactive charm bar in Maine!
Mia’s journey to entrepreneurship took unexpected turns—from working on farms in Connecticut to studying at Maine Maritime Academy—before she launched Good Stock post-COVID. Now, with over 800 charm styles and viral TikTok success, she’s navigating rapid growth through smart hiring, streamlining production, and trusting her instincts.
She credits her team’s diverse skills and her own resilience for her success, reminding young women to “fail fast and move on,” always keep learning, and stay true to themselves.
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 5, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Sara Kosicki, founder of The Magic Sprout!
Sara left the corporate marketing world to follow her passion for plants, launching a successful garden and plant care business. Now, The Magic Sprout offers garden design, indoor plant care, and a retail space in Kennebunk featuring potted plants, garden tools, and a bouquet bar. She shared how she overcame imposter syndrome and leveraged online resources to grow her business.
Sara also highlighted an upcoming Women’s Day drive in collaboration with Good Stock Maine, Maine Women in Business and Catface Cafe, collecting essential items for Maine Needs. Her advice to young women? Explore your interests without limiting yourself!
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 4, 2025 – Today on If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Melanie Crane, founder of Elevate Maine Realty and author of The Fulfillment Formula!
Melanie’s journey from competitive gymnastics to clinical social work to real estate is a testament to taking risks and following your passion. In just seven months, she grew her real estate team from zero to 15 agents! Her new book, inspired by 36 years of journaling, helps readers set sustainable, passion-driven goals. She reminds us that self-discipline is the highest form of self-love and encourages young women to embrace the present.
Listen to our full interview below!
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March 3, 2025 – We’re kicking off If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her with Autumn Clifford, founder of She’s an Asset! A former law enforcement officer and martial arts instructor, Autumn turned adversity into empowerment after an injury in the line of duty. Despite facing online bullying and false accusations, she created a life coaching company to support women.
In our conversation, she shares her journey, the power of intuition and self-worth, and details on her upcoming Soul Led Self Protection event at the Clarion Hotel in Portland—designed to teach self-defense and confidence to women and preteens.
Listen to our full interview below!
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If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her is Made Hot in Maine by Cumberland County Federal Credit Union, committed to their communities since 1954. Give them a call or stop by one of their convenient locations for all your banking and lending needs at 207-878-3441.