We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Delma Castaneda a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Delma, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When the world shut down in 2020, I found myself in an unexpected situation: working from home and spending more time with my children than I ever had before. At the time, I was the Vice President of Operations for a manufacturing company in Santa Ana, juggling a demanding job and a long commute between Orange County and Corona. For years, our family routine had been compressed into a few evening hours of dinner, homework, and bedtime before doing it all over again the next day. But during those quiet months at home, everything shifted. I began to see the possibilities of a different life.

Being home allowed me to build deeper connections with my kids, eat healthier, and reduce my stress. With this time came personal growth—I invested in a coaching program that changed me, teaching me to take responsibility for how I showed up, both professionally and personally. I became a better leader, learning to let go of control, and I saw people grow when I gave them space to be themselves. This growth inspired me to earn my coaching certification, igniting a passion to help others find the same clarity and empowerment that had transformed my life.

By the end of 2020, I knew a decision was at hand. I felt a pull to support women facing the same challenges I had—a tumultuous divorce, painful self-doubt, and the need to reconnect with themselves and their children. Leaving my six-figure career was daunting, but I was driven to create something meaningful, Empowered Outlier. This program would provide women going through divorce with tools for emotional resilience, self-love, and empowerment, helping them break free from past patterns and build a life rooted in self-worth.

Looking back, it was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, but it’s also been the most rewarding. Empowered Outlier has allowed me to turn my own struggles into a pathway for others, and in doing so, I’ve found a purpose that resonates deeply with who I am and what I want to give to the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! My name is Delma Castaneda, and I’m a certified empowerment coach based in Corona, CA, dedicated to helping single mothers rebuild their lives after divorce and navigate the complex, often high-conflict co-parenting landscape. As a first-generation Salvadoran, a mom, and a survivor of my own tumultuous journey through toxic relationships, I know the courage it takes to choose healing, especially when it means standing up for yourself and your children.

My work is deeply personal and purpose-driven. I left a secure corporate role and even postponed a dream of buying my own home to establish Empowered Outlier. The desire to empower other women outweighed my personal dreams because I knew firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it is to handle co-parenting challenges, manage the residual trauma from a toxic relationship, and still show up as the best version of yourself for your children.

Through Empowered Outlier, I offer one-on-one coaching, group programs, and support specifically tailored to women who have endured emotional and mental abuse in past relationships and are seeking guidance to find peace, strength, and clarity. And because my services are 100% virtual, they’re accessible to anyone, anywhere—providing support without geographic barriers. My work helps clients master effective communication strategies to avoid fights with high-conflict ex-partners, build stronger relationships with their children, and cultivate a sense of self-worth and resilience. I also assist with practical matters—navigating custody agreements, preparing for legal processes, and emotionally preparing for attorney meetings—which can be crucial in reducing legal expenses and staying grounded during high-stakes situations.

What sets me apart is the safe, non-judgmental space I create, where my clients feel understood and supported at every step. I draw not only from my professional training but from my own lived experiences, and I believe that this balance of empathy and expertise has been key in helping my clients achieve real, transformative growth. Watching my clients reclaim their confidence, build healthier co-parenting dynamics, and truly thrive is my greatest source of pride.

For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that I approach this work with immense respect and commitment. Empowered Outlier is more than a business; it’s a place where you’re seen, valued, and encouraged to rebuild with strength, grace, and love. My mission is to provide tangible tools and emotional support, so you never have to face this journey alone, no matter where you are.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

When I made the decision to leave my corporate job, I was on the verge of buying my first home on my own. Having previously bought a home with my ex-spouse, this was a deeply significant moment—a testament to my hard work and independence, finally being able to afford property by myself. But in my heart, I knew I was being called to something deeper: helping other women navigating the same painful journey I had endured.

Instead of moving forward with the home purchase, I decided to invest that hard-earned money into starting my business. I also received 401K funds from my divorce settlement, and together, this money became the foundation for Empowered Outlier.

That initial capital gave me the cushion to get through the first year, but I stretched it carefully over the next three years by budgeting mindfully and focusing only on essential expenses. It was a leap of faith, but trusting myself and investing in this purpose-driven path has been one of the best decisions of my life. Creating Empowered Outlier has not only allowed me to make a difference in others’ lives but has also shown me the strength and resilience I have within myself.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Growing up, I knew my childhood home wasn’t a safe or stable environment. From a young age, I recognized the toxicity and knew I needed a way out to create a better life for myself. In high school, I discovered that college could be my ticket—loans, grants, and on-campus housing offered a path to independence. That realization became my driving force. I understood that if I could get into college, I wouldn’t have to sacrifice my education for full-time work just to survive. Instead, I could work toward a degree that would one day allow me to build a financially stable and fulfilling life.

The journey was anything but easy. I’m the second oldest of seven, and my heart ached with the sense of responsibility I felt for my younger siblings. Yet, I didn’t have my family’s support for my dreams. Even moving into my dorm was a struggle—I didn’t even have a ride to get there, and on those days when the weight of everything felt unbearable, I clung to my vision. Despite the family drama that often pulled at me and the exhaustion that made studying feel impossible, I pushed forward, reminding myself that this was the only way to break free.

Looking back, college wasn’t just an education for me—it was liberation. It opened doors to a future I’d only dreamed of, and it allowed me to shape a life built on my own terms. I’m deeply proud of my younger self for believing in that dream, for finding resilience in moments of despair, and for staying the course even when every step felt like a struggle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://empoweredoutlier.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredoutlier/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredoutlier
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delmacastaneda/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweredoutlier