In this episode, Mardi Winder-Adams is joined by Anisa Palmer, whose life and work offer insight into the power of service, resilience, and purpose in the face of significant adversity. Anisa shares the path that led her to become a combat veteran, author, and dedicated social impact leader, with a special focus on health equity for underserved communities. Drawing inspiration from her father's entrepreneurial compassion and her mother's dedication to serving others even during her battle with breast cancer, Anisa learned early on the importance of connecting with and uplifting those around her.
After two tours in Iraq, Anisa felt called to serve in a new way, driven by personal experiences that echoed her mother's influence during her deployment. The loss of her mother to breast cancer at just 38 shaped Anisa's mission, leading her to found I Will Survive, Inc. The organization started by providing a listening ear. It evolved to address the broader needs of cancer survivors and their families, offering everything from food and rental assistance to transportation and crucial mental health resources. Anisa shares information on the mentoring programs and partnerships that help entire families, acknowledging the ripple effect of a cancer diagnosis on loved ones and caregivers.
Through the discussion, Anisa highlights how finding purpose during life's lowest moments can spark personal transformation. She recounts guiding clients through dark times by helping them visualize a life beyond their diagnosis, and she is candid about her own journey through postpartum struggles and divorce. Anisa emphasizes the importance of accessible support, healthy lifestyle choices, and the small steps that foster long-term well-being.
About the Guest:
Anisa Palmer is a combat veteran, author, and social impact leader dedicated to health equity and community empowerment. Born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, she served two tours in Iraq before founding the nonprofit I Will Survive, Inc. in 2010, inspired by the loss of her mother to breast cancer.
Based in Atlanta, her organization provides economic support, prevention education, and wellness services to those affected by breast cancer. Anisa holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from Georgia State University and an MPA from the University of Central Florida, focusing on nonprofit management and public health. She is also the CEO of Palmer Firm Group, a veteran-owned consultancy offering coaching and nonprofit strategy.
For more information on how to support survivors directly or join our mission to provide wellness kits, emergency funding, and mental health services:
https://www.iwillsurviveinc.org/donate https://www.youtube.com/IWillSurviveChannel
To connect with Anisa:
Organization Website: https://www.iwillsurviveinc.org
Firm Website: https://www.palmerfirmgroup.com
Books by Anisa Palmer: Purpose: The Ultimate Climax https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Ultimate-Climax-Guide-Finding/dp/1702351017
Nonprofit Success Blueprint: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Ultimate-Climax-Guide-Finding/dp/1702351017
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anisapalmer
Facebook Group: I Will Survive, Inc. https://www.facebook.com/iwillsurviveincPage
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/IWillSurviveChannel
About the Host:
Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce.
Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test".
Connect with Mardi on Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women
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