What happens when a young person is given the space, encouragement, and support to discover the power of their own voice?

In this episode of The Giving Garden® Podcast, Martina Halloran sits down with Keren Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of WriteGirl, for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, creativity, confidence, and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

For decades, WriteGirl has brought professional women writers together with teenage girls and gender-expansive youth, using creative writing and mentorship to help young people strengthen their voices, develop their talents, and imagine new possibilities for their futures. Keren shares the story behind WriteGirl, the impact of connecting young people with caring mentors, and what she has learned from watching thousands of young writers discover that their experiences and perspectives matter.

Together, Martina and Keren explore why mentorship can be so transformative, especially during the years when young people are beginning to understand who they are and where they belong. Their conversation reflects on the importance of listening, showing up consistently, and creating opportunities for young people to express themselves without fear of judgment.

They also discuss creativity as more than an artistic pursuit. Writing can become a pathway to confidence, connection, self-discovery, and possibility. When young people are encouraged to tell their stories in their own words, they begin to recognize the value of their ideas and the strength of their individual voices.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that empowering the next generation does not always begin with having the answers. Sometimes, it begins with making space, offering encouragement, and being willing to listen.

Because when we help young people find their voices, we help them see that their stories matter, their ideas have value, and there is a place in the world for what they have to say.

Join us for Helping Young People Find Their Voice, a conversation about mentorship, creativity, community, and what can grow when someone believes in you.

To learn more about WriteGirl, visit WriteGirl

To learn more about The Giving Garden®, visit The Giving Garden | Dr. Hauschka Skin Care | Dr. Hauschka

In this episode of The Giving Garden® Podcast, Martina Halloran reflects on the experiences, values, and cultural roots that have shaped her understanding of community, leadership, and belonging.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Martina shares how her Mexican American heritage, childhood experiences with food insecurity, and early lessons about dignity and generosity helped inspire The Giving Garden. She explores why representation matters, what meaningful allyship can look like, and how creating space for others begins with something simple: listening, showing up, and recognizing the value in every person’s story.

From supporting a neighbor or mentoring a young person to opening doors for voices that have too often gone unheard, Martina reminds us that stronger communities are not built through grand gestures. They grow through consistent, everyday acts of care.

Because like a garden, belonging must be cultivated. When we make room for different experiences, cultures, talents, and perspectives, we create the conditions for everyone to flourish.

Martina also looks ahead to the next episode featuring Keren Taylor, founder and executive director of WriteGirl, and a conversation about mentorship, creativity, and helping young women discover the power of their own voices.

To learn more about The Giving Garden®, visit The Giving Garden | Dr. Hauschka Skin Care | Dr. Hauschka

In this episode of The Giving Garden® Podcast, Martina welcomes Kristen Tillona-Baker, CEO of the Mary Lyon Foundation, and Sarah Burrell, Development Associate, for a conversation about what it truly means to care for a community and invest in its young people.

Kristen and Sarah share how the Mary Lyon Foundation works alongside schools, educators, families, and community partners to help address the needs of students across rural Western Massachusetts. Together, they explore the challenges facing young people today, the importance of creating equitable access to resources and opportunities, and the powerful role that community support can play in helping students feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

At its heart, this episode is about the impact of showing up for one another. It’s a thoughtful conversation about generosity, connection, and how investing in young people can strengthen an entire community for generations to come.

To learn more about The Giving Garden®, visit The Giving Garden | Dr. Hauschka Skin Care | Dr. Hauschka

To learn more about The Mary Lyons Foundation, visit marylyonfoundation.org