We were lucky to catch up with Magda Delgado recently and have shared our conversation below.

Magda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Starting Voices Unchained Inc. stemmed from a very personal place. As a survivor of childhood trauma, I always felt there was a need for a space where survivors, particularly young mothers and women, could find support and empowerment. After publishing my book “My Name is King” in 2022, I knew I wanted to do more to support others who, like me, had faced significant challenges but still wanted to create a life of purpose and healing.

The idea for Voices Unchained has been something I dreamed about for years. I remember reflecting on my own journey and realizing how isolated I felt at times. I promised myself that if I could get on the other side of it all, I would help young girls and women who went through what I did. Early 2023, I began sketching out what the organization would look like. I knew I had to provide a safe space for survivors but also offer programs that equip them with tools to reclaim their lives. The first step was writing down the mission, vision, and core values of what I wanted to build.

Within the first few months, I was researching non-profit structures, joined a mentorship program, and started reaching out to people in my network to gauge interest. I realized I couldn’t do it alone, so I built a board of individuals who shared the same passion for helping survivors and young mothers. That process alone took a few months, as I wanted to ensure everyone was as committed as I was.

After getting the legal and structural aspects in place, I focused on developing our programs, like the workshops and conferences we’re planning. I also launched our annual diaper bag drive, a project close to my heart, as I remember how challenging it was as a teen mom to find the resources I needed.

Each step involved learning something new—whether it was figuring out funding, creating partnerships, or finding ways to engage the community. It took perseverance and dedication, but knowing that this organization could change lives kept me motivated through every challenge.

Magda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those unfamiliar with my story, my name is Magda Delgado, and I’m the founder of Voices Unchained Inc., a nonprofit that supports survivors of childhood trauma and young mothers. My journey into this work started from a deeply personal place. I immigrated to the U.S. from Cape Verde when I was four, and at the age of 11, I experienced a traumatic event that changed my life. Those experiences shaped me and sparked a desire to help others navigate their healing journey. At 17, I became a mother, and while it was one of the most challenging times of my life, it motivated me to push harder and create a better life for myself and my son.

After spending 14 years in the medical field, with my final role as an MRI Technologist, I transitioned into financial education, but I never let go of my passion for helping survivors and empowering women. In 2022, I published my first book, “My Name is King,” which discusses the importance of self love and promotes the practice of positive affirmations in children, something I wish I started practicing at a young age. My personal experiences inspired me to take it a step further and create Voices Unchained Inc. in 2023.

Through my organization, we aim to provide healing and empowerment spaces for women who’ve faced trauma and early motherhood. We aim to offer a range of services like workshops, conferences and consultation services. We even were able to execute a diaper bag drive for young mothers in our community.

Our focus is on helping survivors reclaim their voices and build their confidence while also equipping them with the practical tools they need to thrive, whether through financial literacy, personal development, or emotional support.

What sets Voices Unchained apart is the personal connection we have to the people we serve. I’ve been through what many of these women are experiencing, and I understand the weight of trauma, the challenges of being a young mother, and the process of healing and rebuilding. I believe that lived experience is a powerful tool in building trust and creating impactful solutions for the communities we serve.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done so far and it’s only the beginning. We’re building a community of strong, resilient women who support one another, and I think that’s what makes us unique.

If there’s one thing I’d like potential supporters and clients to know, it’s that our mission is deeply rooted in compassion and understanding. We are not just a nonprofit; we are a movement that’s focused on unlocking the potential within every survivor. My hope is that Voices Unchained continues to grow and make an impact, helping women reclaim their power and rebuild their lives, one voice at a time.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my life, and one that illustrates my resilience, occurred when I became a mother at 17. It was an incredibly challenging time, not only because of the responsibilities of young motherhood but because I was still healing from the trauma I experienced earlier in life. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of fear. Fear that I wouldn’t be able to finish school, that I wouldn’t be able to provide for my child, and that my life had taken a turn I wasn’t ready for.

But I made a decision in those early days that I wasn’t going to let my circumstances define me. After my son turned one, I returned to school, juggling motherhood, work, and my education. There were countless sleepless nights and moments of doubt, but I stayed focused on my goal of graduating. I earned my high school diploma with honors and immediately went on to pursue my college education, eventually becoming an MRI Technologist.

That period in my life taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties. It’s about moving through them with determination and purpose. I faced multiple barriers, but I refused to let any of them stop me. That experience is one of the reasons I started Voices Unchained Inc. I know what it’s like to feel trapped by your circumstances, and I want to empower others to break free from whatever holds them back.

Even now, I draw strength from those early challenges. Building a nonprofit, raising a family, and healing from trauma all require resilience, and I’m proud to say that I continue to grow stronger through every challenge life presents.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was that setting boundaries and practicing self love is selfish. For much of my life, I believed that to show love and care for others, especially my family and community, I had to put their needs above my own at all times. This mindset stemmed from my early experiences, where I felt responsible for others and rarely gave myself permission to prioritize my own well-being. I thought saying “no” meant I was letting people down, and as a result, I constantly overextended myself.

The turning point came when I realized that pouring everything into others without taking care of myself was unsustainable. It wasn’t long before the emotional exhaustion and burnout started affecting my health, my relationships, and even my ability to give back effectively. I remember feeling lost and depleted, wondering how I could continue supporting others when I had nothing left to give.

That’s when I started to understand that loving myself and setting healthy boundaries was not only necessary but vital. I began the journey of unlearning the belief that self-love was selfish. I had to teach myself that saying “no” when I needed rest, space, or time for myself was an act of strength, not weakness. By filling my own cup first, I was better equipped to show up for the people I love and the communities I serve.

This shift in perspective allowed me to create healthier, more balanced relationships and a stronger sense of self-worth. It also enabled me to lead Voices Unchained more effectively. I now emphasize this lesson when working with survivors because I know firsthand how important it is for healing and growth. Self love and boundaries aren’t barriers to connection, they’re the foundation for building authentic, sustainable relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://voicesunchainedinc.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_magda_delgado/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Magda.D.Delgado
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magda-delgado/

Image Credits

Danny Delgado

Ty Davis