Every month, I will highlight and share the story of a woman to honor her strengths and the heartaches she has overcome. This month, I plan to share a little more about myself, my mission in life and my vision as your life coach.

The meaning of my last name, Prakash, is "The Light" and "The Sunlight." However, it has not always been bright and sunny in my life. I have experienced ups and downs along the way, as you have.

From living in poverty to building my life through education, I have arrived at a wonderful place. When I was three years old, I came to America with my pregnant mother and brother, while my father waited in the Fiji Islands to join us. My mother was living the diaspora dream of a Fijian-Indian woman, carrying her traditions, beliefs, and hopes with her as she built a new life in America.

And here I am, as a 48-year-old Fijian-Indian American, doing my best to be successful, positive, authentic, and motivated to live my dreams as an American while honoring my heritage and culture.

I am a survivor of domestic violence, poverty, homelessness, and unhealthy relationships. I am now in a stronger place in my life where I can help and guide you as your life coach. I will not tell you what to do, but will help you find your own voice. I have a healthier relationship with myself and with others, and thus can guide you to do the same.

Women's voices and stories need to be told and shared openly.

Herstories is more than just discussing women's life experiences. I will share these stories with you every month. It is about how women survive and can inspire other people to reach their dreams and highest potential.

I will explore with you herstories ranging from diverse experiences of trauma—from poverty, racism, and sexism—to success, recovery, hope, new beginnings, and wishes coming true—ultimately turning dreams into reality.

Many of the inspiring women whose stories I will share will be women from history, while some women will be from our present day. Other stories will be about women who want to share their lives with you, but want to keep their identities hidden.

My mission in life is to help as many people as I can, compassionately and nonjudgmentally. I hope to touch your heart with each story I will share with you through this wonderful piece I call Herstories.

Join me monthly in honoring each woman who has impacted society in a positive manner and made her life mission come true. You matter. We matter. And together, our stories can heal and help each other.

If you want me to write about your story, please contact me at rrprakash3@outlook.com, and we can work together to ensure your voice is heard.

Thank you,

Ronika Prakash