Monica Yates’ Becoming HER: A Guide for Women to Reconnect with Their Authentic Power

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 2, 2025

By: Laura K. Gardner

In a culture often focused on hustle, hyper-productivity, and superficial empowerment, trauma healer and embodiment coach Monica Yates offers women something different: permission to feel, to rest, and to reconnect with their most authentic selves. Her new release, Becoming HER: Straight Talk for Healing, Embodying, and Radiating as Your Most Powerful Self, is resonating with many readers globally and offers an alternative perspective on what it means to be an empowered woman in today’s world.

Yates, known for her straightforward approach and transformative coaching, developed her proprietary H-E-R Framework™ (Heal, Embody, Radiate) to support women in moving beyond survival mode and finding alignment with their core feminine essence. According to her, this process begins by unlearning some of the societal conditioning women may have internalized over time.

“Many women may not even recognize they’re stuck in survival mode until they start experiencing challenges—whether that’s a physical breakdown, a shift in their libido, or relationships that no longer feel effortless,” Yates explains. “Conditioning often sounds like: ‘I feel guilty when I rest,’ ‘My success makes me more lovable,’ or ‘If I need my partner, I am needy.’ These beliefs can unconsciously undermine us, preventing access to the softness, intuition, and receptivity that are often at the core of feminine energy.”

In Becoming HER, Yates presents a vision of femininity that goes beyond the simplistic or performative portrayals often seen on social media. Instead, she emphasizes a more embodied, nuanced understanding of living in one’s feminine energy—one grounded in nervous system safety, emotional honesty, and balance.

“Feminine energy is not just about how you look or whether you participate in certain trends,” she says. “It’s about feeling safe to receive, rest, feel, and be guided. A woman embracing her feminine has clear boundaries and is comfortable saying ‘no.’ She isn’t trying to perform for others—she is in alignment with her heart and grounded in her own truth.”

Yates is also candid about the dynamics of polarity in romantic relationships, a topic often overlooked in modern empowerment conversations. She believes that many women unintentionally sabotage their own intimacy by staying in a masculine, control-oriented mode, which can leave little room for their partner to lead.

“Polarity plays a key role in maintaining intimacy,” she notes. “It develops when a woman feels safe enough to surrender into her feminine, and her partner feels trusted to lead from his masculine. If a woman is in her masculine energy all day—making decisions, calling the shots—she may find it challenging to allow her partner to step into his role. Over time, this can reduce chemistry and even create feelings of resentment.”

Yates’ insights into these emotional and energetic realms are grounded in her extensive coaching experience. Over nearly a decade, she has worked with thousands of women worldwide, including high-achieving professionals, mothers, and business owners, helping them reconnect with their bodies, process past trauma, and restore balance in their lives and relationships.

With a grounded voice and expertise, Yates is inviting women to move away from perfectionism, performance, and constant proving. Instead, she advocates for the freedom to embrace softness, stillness, and authenticity.

As Becoming HER continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that Yates is tapping into an urgent and widespread need. In a society where women have often been conditioned to suppress their instincts and carry an overwhelming burden, this book offers a shift toward healing and alignment—not just as a personal development tool, but as part of a larger movement.

Monica Yates is a leading trauma healer and embodiment coach, a New York Times bestselling author, and the Founder/CEO of Monica Yates Health. For the past eight years, through somatic trauma healing and deep embodiment work, Yates has supported women in overcoming hyper-masculinity and reconnecting with their feminine energy. Her approach offers lasting expansion in all areas of life—business, love, family, health, and fertility. For more information about Monica, her workshops, and her bestselling book Becoming HER: Straight Talk for Healing, Embodying, and Radiating as Your Most Powerful Self, visit www.monicayateshealth.com.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Published by Jeremy S.

Anna Paltseva’s House of Soil: Bridging Sustainability and Style in Urban Living

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 2, 2025

By: Wyles Daniel

What do a fashion designer, a rooftop gardener, and a conscious consumer have in common? A desire to live beautifully without harming the planet. In an age where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, a new vision is emerging: one where ethics and aesthetics coexist. A lifestyle where composting can happen in couture and climate concern walks hand in hand with good taste.

Anna Paltseva, Ph.D., an expert in urban soil science, describes this lifestyle as “elegant environmentalism,” and it is the inspiration for her consulting practice, House of Soil.

Teaching Elegant Environmentalism

At the heart of House of Soil is a mission to make sustainability not just accessible but also appealing. By bridging the gap between environmental science and refined urban living, founder Anna Paltseva, Ph.D., invites both consumers and brands to view eco-conscious choices as a step toward sophistication rather than sacrifice.

With a focus on education and consulting, House of Soil aims to help designers, brand leaders, and creative professionals make sustainability decisions that are informed by science, starting from the ground up. Drawing on her expertise in urban soil contamination, Anna Paltseva translates complex research on heavy metals, soil health, and regenerative practices into engaging and easily digestible insights that aim to elevate both environmental literacy and brand credibility.

“For sustainability to resonate,” she says, “it must be tactile, trustworthy, and beautifully told.”

It’s an approach that encourages people to embrace conscious living without compromising their sense of style. That elegant dress could reflect thoughtful sourcing and respect for the land. That rooftop herb garden might inspire conversations about soil safety and community resilience. Under House of Soil’s guidance, sustainability becomes more than a value—it becomes a style cue, a mindset, and a meaningful expression of modern living.

A seasoned educator and international researcher, Anna is known for making science feel personal and relevant. She also mentors both scientists and creatives through branding and communication workshops that aim to translate research into stories that stick, turning knowledge into influence and values into visual narratives.

Building Credibility for Sustainability in Fashion

Both scientists and fashion marketers often face the same challenge: making sustainability clear and credible while also appealing to their audience. In fashion, it risks sounding like a buzzword. In science, it can feel overly abstract. House of Soil seeks to bridge that gap—grounding sustainable choices in evidence, while telling stories that connect with consumers.

In demystifying soil science, House of Soil helps fashion designers make sustainable choices and tell the story behind those choices. Using science-backed strategies, they aim to boost credibility for brands while also demonstrating that making sustainable lifestyle choices does not require compromising style. These choices can be essential to it.

Paltseva believes that true elegance is not just seen; it’s felt. It’s found in the quiet integrity of a material sourced responsibly, in the invisible ecosystem that supports a single tomato sprouting from a terrace garden, in the intentionality behind what we wear and what we waste.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Paltseva is preparing to take House of Soil global with a TEDx talk on the horizon and a new webinar series on the intersection of science, sustainability, and fashion. Her message is clear: sustainability isn’t just the future. It’s a lifestyle worth aspiring to today.

Learn More About House of Soil

At House of Soil, sustainability is a beautiful, multidisciplinary process. From soil to garment, science meets design, and every decision tells a deeper story. To learn more or book a consulting session, visit her official website.

Published by Jeremy S.

Teedra Bernard: Redefining HR Leadership with Empathy, Innovation, and Inclusion

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 2, 2025

By: Jon Stojan

In an era when business leaders must adapt faster than ever, Teedra Bernard emerges as a significant influence in the transformation of HR practices. She is a Senior HR Executive, Entrepreneur, Mom, and Wife, who merges strategic thinking with a deeply personal approach to leadership. With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, ranging from financial services to technology, Teedra has consistently challenged traditional models. Her unique blend of empathy, business-savvy insight, and people-centric innovation has positioned her as an important voice in HR circles and beyond.

Teedra’s story begins with a passion for engineering. She initially pursued Computer Engineering at Michigan State University. Despite a few setbacks, she found a pivotal role in sales that helped develop her professional confidence. After a successful stint in pharmaceutical sales, Teedra transitioned into administrative and HR-focused positions at major organizations, quickly discovering a deep connection with human resources.

Her determination led her to New York University (NYU) for graduate studies. Despite facing challenges with her undergraduate GPA, Teedra’s authentic admissions essay caught the attention of an admissions director, granting her conditional acceptance. She not only met the conditions but excelled, graduating with a 3.8 GPA while working full-time, underscoring her strong work ethic and commitment to continuous learning.

The Rise of a Transformative HR Executive

Teedra’s HR career gained momentum as she embraced roles in Mergers & Acquisitions, Talent Development, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). Over the years, she has:

Led complex M&A processes, integrating large global teams and prioritizing employee well-being.
Built HR teams from the ground up, supporting organizations with sizes ranging from 3,000 employees to more than 300,000.
Developed DEI frameworks that advanced corporate initiatives into actionable strategies, such as linking executive compensation to DEI goals.

Teedra’s leadership style is people-first yet data-driven, balancing empathy with strategic acumen. She navigates challenging conversations with care and clarity, particularly during pivotal events like the George Floyd tragedy, which prompted her to advocate for substantive, board-level commitments to diversity and inclusion.

Empathy-Driven Leadership and Personal Values

As a wife, mother, and proud sneaker collector, Teedra brings her authentic self to work every day. She is determined to demonstrate that executives don’t have to conform to a rigid mold; they can embrace personal passions while leading significant business initiatives. Her empathy-driven approach has proven invaluable, especially during the pandemic and The Great Resignation, where she helped stabilize HR teams and champion employee well-being.

Teedra’s professional milestones include:

Serving as Chief Talent & Diversity Officer at a major credit bureau, where she initiated a new Center of Excellence to integrate DEI principles into the employee lifecycle.
Leading global HR functions during tech transformations, resulting in board approval for division-wide changes.
Receiving industry recognitions such as acknowledgment as a Chief Diversity Officer and HR leader in the tech sector.
Engaging in board memberships in exclusive organizations, where she uses her platform to advocate for social impact, mentoring, and inclusive policies.

Challenges, Triumphs, and Lessons Learned

Teedra’s path included meaningful challenges. Balancing family responsibilities, like caring for her nieces during her sister’s health struggles, while leading transformative HR strategies, tested her resilience. Yet, these experiences contributed to her personal and professional growth. Her journey highlights key lessons:

Value Authenticity: Difficult encounters or setbacks can open new paths if one remains receptive to learning and change.
Balance Data and Empathy: Use metrics to guide decisions, but never lose sight of the human element.
Understand the Business Case for DEI: Linking DEI goals to executive outcomes reinforces the importance of inclusion.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: From self-teaching engineering basics to completing an accelerated master’s program, Teedra continues to invest in personal and professional development.

Entrepreneurship and Future Goals

Alongside her corporate achievements, Teedra’s entrepreneurial spirit is clearly evident. She co-owned two high-end barbershop franchises in Houston, creating employment opportunities for her retired father and nieces. She also co-owns an investment capital firm focused on medium and long-term financial ventures. Recently, she launched New Wave Human Capital, an advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses refine their HR strategies with agility and authenticity.

Her future aspirations include serving as a Chief People Officer or Chief Human Resource Officer who prioritizes innovation and inclusivity. By combining corporate expertise with entrepreneurial insights, she aims to contribute to a broader reimagining of HR leadership.

Teedra is preparing to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for prostate cancer, further demonstrating her commitment to making a positive difference inside and outside the workplace. She views each challenge as an opportunity to model resilience, empathy, and engagement.

Her advice to future leaders? “Embrace who you are, align your work with your values, and stay committed to learning and growth.” This philosophy remains central to her approach in HR, entrepreneurship, and every area of her life.

As she continues her journey, Teedra Bernard represents a dynamic example of leadership that blends results with humanity, helping to redefine corporate environments for a more inclusive future.

Published by Jeremy S.

What is Pilates? Understanding the Basics of This Fitness Trend

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on May 2, 2025

Pilates is a form of exercise that places a strong emphasis on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body awareness. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, the method is centered around controlled movements and alignment, with a particular focus on the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and hips. Pilates exercises are designed to improve both physical strength and mental clarity through mindful movements, which encourage concentration and precision.

Practitioners can perform Pilates exercises on a mat or with specialized equipment, such as the reformer, which uses springs and pulleys to provide resistance. While the exercises can vary depending on the equipment used, the core principles of Pilates remain consistent, making it adaptable to different fitness levels and goals. Although Pilates is known for its gentle approach, it offers a comprehensive way to improve physical well-being by emphasizing stability, posture, and balance.

What Are the Key Principles of Pilates?

The practice of Pilates is built around several principles that guide its method. These principles focus on mindfulness, control, and precision during exercises, which can help ensure that each movement is purposeful and effective. Breathing plays a central role in Pilates, as practitioners are encouraged to take deep, controlled breaths to support muscle engagement and movement. Concentration on the body’s alignment and muscle activation is also emphasized, helping practitioners engage their muscles more effectively.

The core of Pilates, often referred to as the “powerhouse,” includes the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and hips, which support the body during various movements. Many Pilates exercises target these areas, aiming to build strength and stability. Additionally, Pilates encourages fluid movement, meaning transitions between exercises are performed smoothly to maintain momentum. Precision is also important in Pilates, with each movement being executed with careful attention to form, posture, and control. These principles are intended to enhance both physical strength and awareness, and they are fundamental to the Pilates practice.

What Are the Benefits of Pilates?

Pilates is known for offering a wide range of benefits, though the results can vary depending on individual goals, consistency, and practice level. One of the key benefits that many practitioners notice is an improvement in core strength. Since Pilates exercises focus on stabilizing and strengthening the muscles of the core, many people find that it helps improve posture and overall body alignment. Over time, consistent practice may also lead to enhanced flexibility, as Pilates exercises often involve controlled stretches that encourage lengthening the muscles.

In addition to strengthening the core, Pilates can also promote better body awareness. By concentrating on the precision of movements and breathing, practitioners often develop a greater sense of how their bodies move and how to engage muscles effectively. This heightened body awareness can translate into more efficient movement patterns in everyday activities.

Many people also turn to Pilates for its low-impact nature, which can make it an appealing choice for individuals looking for an exercise that is gentle on the joints but still effective in building strength. This characteristic can make it particularly useful for those recovering from injury or dealing with chronic pain, as it provides an opportunity to strengthen muscles without placing undue stress on the body.

Additionally, Pilates often promotes mental well-being. The focus on mindful movement, controlled breathing, and concentration can provide a mental break from daily stressors. Many people find that practicing Pilates can be a calming and grounding experience, offering an opportunity to reconnect with both body and mind.

Who Can Benefit from Pilates?

Pilates is a versatile form of exercise that can be adapted to suit a wide variety of individuals. Its gentle, low-impact nature makes it an accessible option for people at different fitness levels. Whether someone is just starting their fitness journey or looking for a complementary practice to enhance their current routine, Pilates can be modified to meet a person’s specific needs.

It may be particularly useful for those who are looking to improve flexibility, core strength, or posture, especially if traditional forms of exercise feel too strenuous or are not well-suited to an individual’s physical condition. Pilates can also be helpful for individuals recovering from injury, as its low-impact exercises allow for gradual strengthening without placing excessive strain on the body.

Older adults often find Pilates to be a beneficial form of exercise, as it can help with mobility, flexibility, and balance. Since it does not require high-impact movements, Pilates may be gentler on the joints, making it suitable for individuals who are seeking a low-stress exercise regimen.

Athletes also incorporate Pilates into their training for its potential to improve body control, flexibility, and overall muscle balance. It is often used to target areas of the body that may not be activated through traditional training methods, contributing to overall athletic performance and injury prevention.

Although Pilates can be beneficial for many people, it is important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions or injuries should consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program to ensure that it is appropriate for their needs.

What Types of Pilates Are There?

Pilates can be practiced in different ways, depending on whether it is done on a mat or with equipment. Mat Pilates is often the entry point for beginners or those looking for a simpler, more accessible way to practice. This form of Pilates uses body weight for resistance, and it can be performed at home or in a group class setting. Some classes may incorporate small props like resistance bands or Pilates balls, which can add variety to the routine and increase the challenge.

For those looking for a more in-depth experience, equipment-based Pilates may be an option. The reformer, one of the most well-known pieces of equipment, allows for more controlled and varied resistance through springs, pulleys, and straps. The reformer can help deepen stretches and strengthen muscles in a way that mat Pilates alone may not. Other equipment, such as the Cadillac or Wunda Chair, also offer specialized resistance and are often found in more advanced Pilates settings.

Both mat Pilates and equipment-based Pilates share similar principles, but the equipment allows for greater resistance and a different set of movement possibilities. Those who progress from mat Pilates to equipment Pilates may notice increased challenges and variation in their routines, though both methods offer a holistic approach to physical health.

Is Pilates Suitable for Everyone?

Pilates is generally a safe and accessible form of exercise for most people. However, like any physical activity, it may not be appropriate for everyone, depending on individual health conditions. People with specific medical concerns, such as severe osteoporosis, joint injuries, or certain cardiovascular conditions, may need to modify exercises or avoid certain movements altogether.

Pilates exercises can often be adapted for individuals with physical limitations, but it is important to work with a trained instructor who can ensure exercises are performed safely and correctly. Those who are new to Pilates or have specific health concerns may want to start with a beginner class or private sessions with a certified instructor who can provide personalized guidance and modifications.

As with any fitness program, it is advisable to check with a healthcare provider before starting Pilates, especially for individuals with preexisting conditions or those recovering from injury.

How to Get Started with Pilates

For those who are considering starting Pilates, beginning with a class led by a certified instructor can be a helpful way to learn the basics and ensure proper technique. A beginner class can provide a foundation in the key principles of Pilates, such as breathing, concentration, and control, and help practitioners gain confidence in their movements.

Once familiar with the fundamentals, individuals may choose to continue practicing Pilates through group classes, private sessions, or even home practice using online resources. Over time, many people find that Pilates complements other forms of exercise, contributing to a well-rounded fitness routine that enhances strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Pilates remains a popular form of exercise due to its ability to strengthen the core, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness. Its low-impact nature and adaptability to various fitness levels make it a versatile choice for individuals seeking a mindful, controlled approach to fitness. While individual results can vary, consistent practice may offer a range of benefits, from improved posture and strength to reduced stress and better overall health.