
Courage Studio


Our Stories
Welcome to the Courage StudioHello there!Thank you for coming into the Courage Studio.Maybe we met at a performance workshop, a business deep dive, or an IWBCC event. Wherever our paths crossed, I’m glad you’re here.But I don’t want you to simply subscribe for updates.I want you to step inside.The Courage Studio is my incubator for artists, leaders, and entrepreneurs—a place to get connected, find your people, develop your ideas, and turn what’s inside of you into something the world can experience.I’ve written books and created tools to help you soar, grow your confidence, sharpen your ideas, and move from “one day” to let’s do this.So start here:Grab your Courage Starter Action Plan and begin building a strategy that helps your business, brand, or creative work shine.You already have something worth sharing.Now let’s give it courage, clarity, and a plan.Welcome to the Studio.— Dr. Allana Da GracaFounder, Turning On The Lights Global InstituteCreator, Courage Studio
Tara Built Her Biz
Courage Studio Members Share their Stories.

Lauren Forbes, LCSW
I’m Lauren J. Forbes and I help Black women leave everyday stress behind to create alternative pathways to joy and excitement in their lives.
Felicia Kashevaroff is a relationship coach and the founder of Tend Task, where she combines technology with relationship coaching to create a future where couples “Tend” to each other rather than focus all of their energy on the “Tasks” that life throws our way. In other words, she helps couples to build mutually beneficial, balanced, joyful relationships.
Sandra Chaney
I am bestselling author several books to include The Inside Secrets To Getting Money For Your Non-Profit, and The Entrepreneur Blueprint: How to Develop Your Darkest Storms into a Thriving Business, as well as many other books.
Leah Marone
Leah has dedicated her professional life to helping others live a better, authentic life by incorporating healthy self-care habits, building resilience, and maintaining boundaries. Her ability to captivate audiences with engaging presentations is impressive! She brings a unique blend of personal anecdotes, her athletic background, professional experience, and practical insights to every talk.
Celestine Davis
I am the film festival director with over 10 years of experience in marketing, event planning, and community engagement. I lead the Down East Flick Fest, the fastest growing film festival in Eastern North Carolina, where I build collaborative relationships with sponsors, partners, and volunteers, and develop social media outlets to promote our diverse and innovative film selections.
Viviana Rojas
I am a bilingual School Psychologist, who has been working with bilingual and culturally diverse children and families for seventeen years in New York city. I am passionate about helping elementary school children build self-confidence, and using mindfulness strategies and tools to support their social and emotional needs and optimize their learning.