Which of their stories is yours?

It’s been seven months since Promises Broken was released into the world. (Isn’t that wild?)

The most common feedback I’ve received from readers is:

“I saw myself in these women.”

That’s the power of story. It mirrors us back to ourselves—and reminds us we’re not alone.

When I first started writing, I simply wanted to do justice to the stories that these brave women were willing to share. I knew toxic work culture was a problem that existed in so many mission-driven places, and it was one that people were often asked not to discuss (sometimes even through legal documentation). My hope was that others who were experiencing toxic work culture would understand that they are not alone, and would feel a part of a larger community, in some way. Although this feedback confirms that there is a lot of toxic work culture out there, it makes me happy that people are finding comfort in these stories and it’s giving them the courage to share.

Here’s a glimpse into each of the journeys in Promises Broken:

• Miah built a thriving, equity-centered program within a hospital’s behavioral health division, only to be undermined by a new supervisor who isolated her, dismissed her expertise, and dismantled the culture she’d cultivated. Her story is about the toll of staying too long in environments that reward silence over impact—and the healing that begins when you finally choose yourself.
• Briana stepped into a high-stakes executive assistant role with optimism and skill, only to be destabilized by a CEO whose shifting expectations and emotional manipulation eroded trust. Her journey reveals how even the most competent professionals can be shaken by toxic leadership.
• Evelyn was thrilled to join a feminist organization she revered—only to find that behind the legacy was a culture of blurred boundaries, financial precarity, and dismissed concerns. Her story highlights the dissonance between mission and practice, especially in values-based spaces.
• Nina was a deeply trusted leader known for her integrity, empathy, and tireless work ethic—but those same strengths made her a target in an organization unwilling to confront its own dysfunction. Her story is about the quiet breaking point that comes when you’ve been carrying too much—and the courage it takes to walk away without a backup plan.
• Faith climbed the ranks to a senior leadership role, only to realize she was chosen not for her vision, but as a scapegoat for deeper organizational dysfunction. Her story reflects what it’s like to stand at the glass cliff—held responsible for fixing what others have broken.

So tell me:

→ Which of these stories feels familiar? → Where have you been Miah, Briana, Evelyn, Nina, or Faith?

If you haven’t yet read Promises Broken, grab your copy (here or on Amazon), meet these women, and let me know—who reflects your journey?