Take it from the Ironwoman

In the heart of IHUND, a small village with a big story, a quiet revolution began in 2020. Thirty-four women, led by the determined and visionary Agnes "Nyango" Maledy, came together to challenge the status quo. They founded Femme Rural, a cooperative that dared to pioneer in the male-dominated world of cocoa farming. But their journey didn’t stop there.

Supported by LadyAgri, Femme Rural receives tailored mentoring and coaching to build their capacity, along with a financial guarantee that has opened the doors to credit and financial services. This support has been a gamechanger, allowing the cooperative to secure resources, invest in their operations, and grow their collective impact.

From a founding group of 34, the cooperative now boasts 82 members. They’ve achieved milestones once thought impossible: opening a bank account in the cooperative’s name, securing land ownership, and building a collective spirit that has transformed their lives.

In this episode, you’ll meet women like Béatrice and Agathe, whose journey embodies the cooperative's spirit. Once a shy, introverted woman, Agathe overshadowed by her husband’s family, she has emerged as a proud producer of premium cocoa under the label #CacaoExcellence. Thanks to partnerships with the French chocolatiers group Chocolatiers Engagés, Femme Rural sells its cocoa at premium prices, proving that empowerment is not just about survival but about thriving.

With LadyAgri’s unwavering support, Femme Rural is a shining example of how access to credit, mentorship, and collective action can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.

Join us as we celebrate the incredible journey of Femme Rural—a story of self-determination, community transformation, and the power of women working together. This is not just a story of farming; it’s a pathway to prosperity, decision-making, and breaking barriers.

Tune in for a Christmas tale of courage, collaboration, and change, straight from the fields of IHUND, Cameroon. If you would like to further support these women you can donate through the Friends of LadyAgri philanthropic fund.

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Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz

TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY

700+ weekly blogs / 450+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 3 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk

Malia Faleafine is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic operations across diverse sectors. Growing up in Hawaii, Malia developed a deep appreciation for community and collaboration, values that have shaped her professional journey. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, equipping her with a robust understanding of social dynamics and organizational behavior.

Malia has built her career in the dynamic landscapes of the Bay Area and New York City, where she has held senior leadership roles in various organizations. Her expertise lies in crafting and executing strategies that drive organizational effectiveness and foster equitable practices.

As the founder of Social Reverie Consulting, Malia offers fractional COO services, helping organizations optimize their operations while emphasizing critical thinking and creativity. Her passion for equity informs her approach, ensuring that the solutions she provides are inclusive and impactful.

In her work, Malia is dedicated to empowering teams through collaboration and innovative problem-solving, making her a respected figure in the field of organizational strategy.

Connect with her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malia-faleafine/

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Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz

TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY

700+ weekly blogs / 450+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 3 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk

Ann Fry writes frequently on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.fry.94
Ann Fry has written a book titled Sixty, Sexy, Sassy, and Free.

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Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz

TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY

700+ weekly blogs / 450+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 3 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk

Dorie Klissas is a former Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at leading New York and New Jersey health systems and an Emmy Award-winning network television producer. She has a proven track record leading comprehensive marketing campaigns that span media relations, digital engagement, and brand strategy. She is passionate about advancing journalism integrity, public health, and health equity. She champions the role of athletic participation in cultivating leadership skills among women and supporting gender equality in sports and business. Dorie is committed to helping prepare the next generation to succeed in the business world.

Regarding my sports, I was a nationally ranked junior tennis player recruited to play for Harvard. However, I was injured before freshman tennis training and only played two tennis matches at Harvard. I had to work hard to discover a new identity, and luckily, I found television, which I immediately noted was a team sport. I play singles, ladies doubles, and mixed doubles on various USTA tennis teams in New York. In March, I played in a national tennis tournament called the Grand Dames in Florida, where I lost in the first round. I had a great time. I have been playing golf for five years and want to work on breaking 90 -- currently at 100 as my best score.

Follow her: http://dorieklissas.com/site/about

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Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz

TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY

700+ weekly blogs / 450+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 3 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk

Dr. Summer Watson, MHS, PhD is a High-Performance Coach, Dr. of Psychology, Podcaster, Event Producer, Live Show Host, Author, Mentor, and Military Spouse of over 21-years.

Dr. Summer Watson is the Founder of KORE Women, LLC. KORE Women is a place where women Kinetically connect, Organically learn from one another, Reshape lives through diverse interaction, and Empower one another to promote change. KORE Women strives to support women through shared wisdom, kindness, mentorship, and guidance as well as through the use of films, podcasts, seminars and strategies to support each other’s success and to help build successful businesses.

Follow her:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf5GH2n5JM1HuRBIzWgDPLg
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kore-women-podcast/id1401140103
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31XuzQcl2OVbjJ3ghUgwhB
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-the-kore-women-podcast-43078251/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/The-KORE-Women-Podcast/dp/B08K591X6C
PodBean: https://korewomen.podbean.com/
Website: https://www.korewomen.com/podcast/

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Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz

TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY

700+ weekly blogs / 450+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 3 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk