In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa Schwippert to explore breaking free from the stuck mindset, what it means to really take care of yourself, and finding your own true path.

Vanessa is a first-generation Colombian-American woman dedicated to empowering others through education, storytelling, and community building. After years of teaching in intentionally underserved communities, she shifted her focus to creating safe spaces for women, particularly Latinas. Vanessa is the creator and host of Chick Lit, a podcast where she does book reviews, encouraging women to decenter men and prioritize their own fulfillment.

In addition to her podcast, Vanessa founded the Latina Writing Comunidad, a vibrant space for Latinas who are breaking barriers, embracing passions, and sharing their stories. With a deep commitment to fostering supportive environments where creativity, culture, and empowerment intersect, Vanessa continues to inspire and uplift those around her, challenging traditional norms and redefining the role of women in our personal lives and beyond.

In our conversation, Vanessa opens up about her journey from being a special education teacher and the challenges she experienced to becoming the force behind the Chick Lit podcast and Latina Writing Comunidad.

She shares how taking a seven-month sabbatical (with therapy and very intentional self-care) changed everything for her. Whether you're stuck in a job that doesn't light you up or is burning you out, feeling pressure to live up to others' expectations, or simply craving more authenticity in your life, this conversation is your permission slip to pause and redirect.

Through honest stories and practical wisdom, Vanessa shows us how listening to our gut, embracing change, and building meaningful communities can transform not just our own lives, but the lives of others too. This episode is perfect for anyone ready to stop putting everyone else first and start creating a life that actually feels like you.

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CONNECT WITH VANESSA

Chick Lit on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chicklitpodcast?si=L6D5VEiNM3dmvNm1

Chick Lit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7CEhGUu2D2OAkzbwSkDjcm?si=ca35fe19ca4c45a1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicklitpodcast/

Latina Writing Comunidad: https://forms.gle/5i8hKF4DLgF1PbXE8