136: Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin: The Power of Service, Mentorship & Second Chances

What if changing the world starts with helping just one person? In this inspiring episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Justice Verda Colvin, one of only nine justices serving on the Supreme Court of Georgia. Justice Colvin's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Raised in Atlanta by a mother who worked in food service, she became a first-generation college graduate and pursued a legal career despite never personally knowing a lawyer growing up. In fact, the only lawyer she remembers seeing was Claire Huxtable on television. Driven by a deep desire to serve others, Justice Colvin shares how her commitment to service led her from attorney to judge and ultimately to an appointment to Georgia's highest court by Brian Kemp in 2021. Along the way, she wrestled with self-doubt, questioned whether she should pursue each new opportunity, and repeatedly chose courage by saying "yes." This powerful conversation explores: • What justice, leadership, and service truly mean • The women who shaped and influenced her path • Why mentorship changes lives at every age • The role mental health often plays in women's involvement with the justice system • How women sometimes sacrifice themselves while caring for others • Why redemption matters and why people deserve second chances • The importance of women supporting, advocating for, and celebrating one another • Practical ways anyone can begin mentoring and serving their community Justice Colvin also shares moving stories from her years on the trial bench, where she often went beyond her judicial duties to encourage people who had lost their way. Her compassion for those struggling with difficult circumstances shines through every story. Listeners will also hear about her personal journey toward better self-care, including why she chose to begin strength training with Alli at The Pink Physique after realizing that even lifelong servants must learn to invest in themselves. From mentoring children to addressing gun violence, from helping women find hope to encouraging all of us to use our unique gifts, Justice Colvin reminds us that our purpose is larger than ourselves. Her message is simple but powerful: We all have something to offer. We all have the ability to lift someone else. And sometimes changing a life begins with one small act of kindness. If you're looking for inspiration, purpose, leadership lessons, or a reminder that one person can make a difference, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. In this episode, you'll learn about: healthy aging, women's leadership, mentorship, service, mental health, women in law, Georgia Supreme Court, purpose-driven living, community impact, self-care, resilience, second chances, personal growth, and making a difference in the lives of others. *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:**   📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging   Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com   📧 Email: [email protected] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).  Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com