In the latest episode of my podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with the inspiring Sonia Saunders. As a speaker, coach, and founder of the Mujeron Movement, Sonia has dedicated her life to empowering Latinas to step into their purpose. This episode offered a deep dive into her journey, the creation of her transformative programs, and her insights on self-care and personal growth.
The Journey of Goal Setting and Adaptation
Sonia began by sharing her experience of setting financial goals at the start of the year. Like many of us, she started strong but faced unexpected family circumstances that required her to slow down and adapt – this period led to significant self-reflection and a renewed understanding of the ever-changing seasons in life.
In our discussion, Sonia emphasized the importance of accepting where we are and caring for ourselves through different phases. Self-compassion, challenging negative thoughts, and reframing perspectives became vital tools in her journey. It’s a powerful reminder that our paths aren’t linear, and evolving and changing course as needed is okay.
The Power of Community: Mujeron University
One of the highlights of our conversation was learning about Mujeron University, a program Sonia created for women to work on their personal development and goals. Through weekly calls and structured modules, participants benefit from community support and personal growth.
Sonia’s program offers a 12-month journey with guest speakers and community involvement. The cohort reopens in the fall, and interested women can join the waitlist. This initiative underscores the significance of surrounding ourselves with people who believe in our potential and can offer a supportive space for growth.
Personal Coaching: Tailored Guidance for Growth
For a more personalized approach, Sonia offers one-on-one coaching over four months. This option provides focused support for individuals looking to build a movement, business, or brand. The personalized nature of this coaching allows for deeper exploration and tailored guidance to help clients achieve their specific goals.
Empowerment and Connection: Annual Event in Chicago
Sonia is also organizing an annual event in Chicago focused on Latina empowerment, purpose, and business. This event promises opportunities to connect, learn, and draw inspiration from speakers who share their journeys and expertise. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to be empowered and energized.
Free Resources: Podcasts and Workshops
In addition to her coaching and events, Sonia makes her insights accessible through her podcast. Covering various topics discussed in her programs and coaching sessions, the podcast offers free educational content and motivational interviews. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn and grow at their own pace.
Challenging Beauty Standards and Diet Culture
Our discussion also touched on the narrow beauty standards perpetuated by mainstream Spanish networks like Univision and Telemundo. These standards make it difficult for women in bigger bodies to see themselves represented. As someone passionate about dismantling diet culture, I share my own experiences and educational content aimed at challenging and changing these harmful narratives.
The Importance of Self-Care and Empowerment
Sonia introduced a four-step “game” framework for personal empowerment: gratitude, action, mindfulness, and exercise. This tangible approach to self-care emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and balanced living. I particularly appreciated how practical and stress-free this framework is, making it accessible to everyone.
Redefining ‘Mujeron’
Sonia shared her struggles with body shaming and feelings of inadequacy, beginning with her participation in a beauty pageant. The term ‘mujeron’ often carries negative connotations related to body size and appearance in Latino households. However, Sonia has redefined it to signify a fearless woman who pursues her goals, engages in inner work, and gives back to the community. Her ‘Mujeron’ movement started with just a shirt and meetups in Phoenix and has evolved into virtual events, a podcast, and coaching programs.
As the episode concluded, I encouraged listeners to rate and review the podcast. In return, I’m offering a free coaching session to those who leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Sharing these stories and insights is part of my ongoing effort to dismantle diet culture and create spaces where authentic beauty and worth are celebrated.
The journey with Sonia was a reminder of the power of community, the importance of self-care, and the need to challenge restrictive beauty standards. Whether through programs like Mujeron University, personal coaching, or community events, Sonia’s work is making a profound impact, helping Latinas to dream out loud and step into their purpose. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves and giving grace as we navigate our unique paths.
