Meet Manya Chylinski, A Resilience + Risk Strategist

Q: What does Empowering Women mean to you?

Manya: Empowering women means recognizing and honoring the full range of our experiences—both personal and professional—and ensuring we have the tools, support, and voice to lead with strength, clarity, and compassion. It means creating spaces where vulnerability is not a liability, but a strength; where resilience is nurtured, not just expected; and where leadership is redefined through empathy and purpose. Empowering women also means ensuring we’re not alone at the top—it’s about lifting others as we rise and challenging systems that have historically minimized our voices.

Q: How did you get started working in your field?

Manya: I became a speaker and advisor on trauma-informed leadership and resilience after surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Though I wasn’t physically injured, the psychological impact was profound—and invisible. That experience changed everything. I went from being a communications consultant to an advocate for mental health awareness and post-crisis recovery. Eventually, I helped shape federal legislation to improve disaster mental health response. From there, I began speaking to organizations and leaders about the importance of emotional well-being, trauma-informed leadership, and creating compassionate workplaces.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work?

Manya: Own your story. Even the painful parts. Especially the painful parts. The world needs more leaders who are authentic, grounded, and willing to speak truth into hard places. This work isn’t always easy—it requires vulnerability, emotional energy, and patience. But when you see the impact of helping others feel less alone, more resilient, and better equipped to lead through adversity—it’s all worth it. Also: get support. Don’t try to build your voice in isolation. Community is everything.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

Manya: I believe this conference is doing important work by recognizing the strength of women across industries—not just in what we produce or lead, but in how we bring humanity into everything we do. Thank you for creating this platform.

Connect with Manya on LinkedIn.