If you or someone you care about has experienced a devastating loss, you may be wondering how anyone could survive such debilitating grief. How do you find a way forward through that kind of darkness? Living in the light again probably seems impossible.

That’s what Kyle and Betty Mertens thought when they lost their one-year-old daughter, Ella, to an undiagnosed heart defect. In this replay, Rebecca will talk with this resilient couple about their personal grief journey as well as their work to help others transform heartbreak into healing. Kyle and Betty do much of this healing work through their books and their nonprofit, Ella’s Umbrella.

As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. The Mertens’ online home is: https://www.ellasumbrella.org/.

About our guests:

What does it look like to reclaim your voice and take center stage after seasons of service, sacrifice, and quiet leadership?

In this powerful episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter is joined by Esmeralda Aharon and Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, co-founders of Latinas Rising, to explore what it means to lead with purpose, elevate others, and shine in your own story.

Esmeralda shares her journey from a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force to becoming an author, educator, and champion for belonging and equity in medicine. Gabriela shares how her immigrant story fueled her passion for inclusive entrepreneurship, podcasting, and economic justice.

Together, they reflect on the importance of mentorship, authorship, and stepping boldly into spaces where your voice matters. If you’ve ever felt the pull to lead, but weren’t sure when or how to begin, this conversation will remind you that your moment to shine is now.

As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Gabriela and Esmeralda’s online home is: latinas-rising.com

About Our Guests