Q&A: #HeyDeb! Dealbreakers in Relationships, Inspirations for Writing My Book, Was Penn My Dream School and More!

What does it mean for you to be powerful? Has 2020 felt like a pressure-cooker and have you felt guilty for not doing what you were “supposed” to do? How can we create thoughtful connections in the years ahead?In this episode of the VOD POD, I sit down with Maria Gilfoyle, the founder of the Power Thread, a community that celebrates what it means for YOU to be powerful. Maria created this platform while she was a college student at Washington University to showcase the stories of powerful women across her campus. In this conversation, we talk about 2020 in how it is the year of clearer vision and unpack how this vision can guide us in 2021. We also try to understand what RBG’s legacy can teach us about making progress, give our hopes for the election that has since passed, share what creating spaces looks like for the community.Listening to this episode is very nostalgic as it was recorded in September, prior to the changes that these past three months have brought on us. There is a sense of clarity and hope for an uncertain future that is our current present. On this poetic note, every season, we will have guests who have a mission of uplifting and creating spaces across different generations through their forms of disruption.If you’re looking for a conversation on:- what it means to know that the best is yet to come, in the midst of the pressure to be the very best- using social media as a helpful tool- understanding sustainable fashion from the perspective of a GAP employee- learning how to stop kidnapping yourself from your goals and aspirations......then you’re in for a treat!Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji and the podcast page https://www.deboraholatunji.com!Be sure to leave a rating and written review so that we can share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let’s disrupt together now!Guest Bio:Maria Gilfoyle is a CREATIVE-CHANGEMAKER who builds community by leveraging creativity and data, delivering profitable business results that benefit both people and the planet. Maria is passionate about retail and product innovation. She completed Gap Inc.'s Rotational Management Program. Currently managing the Sleep and Lounge business, Maria brings her eye for trend and understanding of consumer products. She is action-oriented and able to drive results.After 3 years competing internationally on TEAM USA in figure skating in high school, she attended Washington University in St. Louis, triple majoring in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Design. Between classes, she was the president of multiple groups and student organizations on campus. She is the founder of The Power Thread, a media company, and community, dedicated to celebrating what it means for the next generation of women to be powerful. The platform has shared more than 250 stories from creators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers across the globe.Connect with her on Instagram: @mariagilfoyle and @thepowerthread