On the podcast this month, we’re exploring different ways you can channel using your voice. Last week, we talked about building your personal brand. Next week, we’re going to focus on the impact you can have by writing op-eds for newspapers and magazines. In this episode, we’re taking a look at creating and leading a community-based non-profit as a way to amplify your thought leadership. My guest is Arlene Blake, who’s the founder of Women on the Rise, a 501(c)3 organization based in Orlando, Florida. Arlene has built an incredible community, so I invited her to come on the podcast to share what she’s learned. Arlene and I talk about: Why she started her non-profit organization Women on the Rise The power of vulnerability and sharing personal stories to build trust and community The biggest leadership lessons Arlene has learned What Arlene looks for in the speakers she invites for her events, including where she finds them About My Guest: Bringing over two decades of excellence in key leadership positions, Arlene Blake is a charismatic entrepreneur, sales leader, and community relations professional with expertise in conceptualizing innovative strategies that captivates audiences and boost sales. As a strong believer in the power of teamwork, Arlene enjoys recruiting, building, and training top-performing professionals to identify opportunities and exceed targets. As a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Women on the Rise International, Inc., an organization with a vision to provide educational empowerment to women, Arlene prides herself on offering a platform where women can network, volunteer, and grow. During the last six years, she has dedicated her time to make this organization a pathway for women to recognize their talent and make advancement in their respective careers. In 2020, Arlene was featured in the Orlando Business Journal as a Woman Who Means Business, considered one of the highest honors in the Central Florida Business Community, and was named the runner-up of the Ms. Corporate America Mompreneur Competition. In 2021 she was listed as One of the Most Influential People in Orlando by Black Business Orlando, selected to be in the centennial class of Leadership Orlando, selected to be a part of Leadership Orange and most recently recognized as a 2022 Women of the Year by Orange Appeal Magazine. While she has only just begun, Arlene hopes to one day expand the mission of Women on the Rise International, Inc. to inspire, motivate, and empower women to break the glass ceiling and accomplish their personal goals across the globe. About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/295/ Arlene’s organization Women on the Rise: https://www.wotrinc.org/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on social: Carol on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Arlene (guest) on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/arleneblake/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 237: The Power of Being Vulnerable with Your Personal Story with Cyndi Shifrel Episode 192: The Cure for Vulnerability Hangovers with Carol Cox JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.