breakingstereotypes

Join us in this eye-opening episode of Au Paired Up as we tackle the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding Au Pairs, both from individuals outside the program and even some within it. From debunking common myths about Au Pairs to shedding light on aspects of the program that are often misunderstood, we aim to provide clarity and insight into the realities of the Au Pair experience.

Monique Ball continues to break stereotypes society has and continues to place on her. Very early on, education empowered her to her first job in broadcasting and has been her cornerstone as she moved up the ladder in digital advertising prior to transitioning to be a stay at home mom and most recently a licensed real estate agent.

In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Monique highlights how she decided at age nine that she was not going to be a 'stereotype' that society expected her to be. She discusses how going to a historically black university gave her an opportunity to live four years as one of a majority, preparing and empowering her for the rest of her life as a minority. She finally challenges us to be curious, as she believes curiosity drives connection. 

Leslie Porterfield is the fastest woman in the world, and that’s on a motorcycle! Let that sink in. She went 232.522 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats, and thus became a member of the very exclusive “Bonneville 200 MPH Club” and its first woman member.

She has also been named Racing Female Rider of the Year by the American Motorcyclist Association. Leslie actually holds three land-speed records and she’s been profiled in Time Magazine and featured in a documentary entitled “Chasing Speed: Leslie Porterfield.”

We first met at a Chicago International Motorcycle event a few years ago where she was doing a presentation, and I have to say I was really moved by her accomplishments.

In this episode we discuss what first got her into motorcycles, when she started in racing, and how her parents felt about it. We also talk about her being featured in the documentary “Chasing Speed: Leslie Porterfield,” her work as an entrepreneur and business owner, recruiting racing sponsors,

We go deep into the nuts-and-bolts (sorry) of land speed racing in general, and bike design and engineering for setting records, in particular. She talks frankly about a high-speed crash that did marked damage to both her and her bike, and her comeback, as well as being tapped to race in the machine that sadly Jessi Combs was killed in during a recent high speed run.

She gives some great advice about battling stereotypes and biases, setting priorities once becoming the mother of twins, resilience, and evolving one’s career as life changes.

She also talked about her philanthropic and humanitarian work via her involvement in Racers Who Care, and doing inspirational talks. Leslie demonstrates, and in this episode, deconstructs how we can all live a life in full.