Confidence Grows When You Make A Plan

Come and listen to our Host, Tina Spoletini, as she chats with inspiring guest Shellee Howard for our “Speak Up & Stand Firm” Podcast Mini-Series.This powerful series is all about finding your voice, trusting your truth, and having the courage to stand firm in what matters most. We’ll explore what it means to speak with confidence, create healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself and others, and stop allowing fear, guilt, or the opinions of others to silence you.Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, we’ll encourage DIVAS to step into their power—not by being the loudest person in the room, but by being confident enough to know that their voice matters.Whether you’re learning to say “no,” having a difficult conversation, standing up for yourself, or finally speaking the truth you’ve been holding inside, this series will remind you that your voice has value, your boundaries deserve respect, and your story deserves to be heard.Shellee Howard is the Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Tutoring & Test Strategies, a Certified Independent College Strategist, two‑time best‑selling author, international speaker, and highly sought‑after consultant helping families navigate the modern college admissions and financial planning landscape.Shellee’s MissionShellee believes no two students are the same and that every family deserves a personalized, strategic plan that balances admissions, finances, and long‑term purpose — not just chasing rankings or prestige.Website - https://collegereadyplan.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready Shelley Howard shares how families can replace fear with a plan, pursue college admissions with intention, and find real paths to scholarships and debt-free degrees.• confidence built through self-knowledge, proven action, and courage over comfort• asking “Who are you?” to measure depth of identity and readiness• using community service and leadership to fail forward and grow self-trust• shifting parents from anxiety to clarity through knowledge and a written plan• why relying on a high school counselor or a teen alone can cost time and money• real examples of debt-free outcomes through strategy, school selection, and negotiation• the four buckets of college funding: need-based, merit-based, institutional, independent scholarships• global and international university options that expand affordability and opportunity• free resources, core values work, and practical next steps families can do togetherFor more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com