Today, I interview Elisa Negroni, who grew up silenced—not just by family secrets and trauma, but by a culture that told her to stay small, stay quiet, and never question authority.
Raised in Puerto Rico and Jamaica, Elisa learned early that speaking up came with consequences. A teacher once told her she wasn’t “college material,” and a cruel stepmother punished her for simply existing.
The silence followed her into adulthood. For years, Elisa avoided the spotlight, convinced she had nothing to say. But deep down, she longed to be seen. Everything changed when she discovered Speaking Circles and began her journey inward—toward healing, self-trust, and the voice she thought she’d lost forever.
Today, Elisa is a coach who helps others drop their masks, rewrite old stories, and reclaim their power to speak. In this powerful episode, she shares what it really takes to break free from silence and stand in your truth.
Her story is a testament to what’s possible when you stop hiding and start honoring who you are.
__________________
Elisa Negroni is a certified coach, facilitator, and storyteller who helps people break free from silence and reconnect with their true voice. Trained by Radiant Coaches Academy, Speaking Circles International, and in the Peace Circle process, she brings both deep training and lived experience to every session.
With 30+ years in community relations, personal development, and transformational coaching, Elisa blends professional insight with her own powerful journey—from growing up silenced to guiding others through their healing.
She helps clients uncover the stories that have kept them hidden and speak from a place of truth, presence, and self-compassion.
__________________
Find Elisa here:
https://www.elisanegroni.com/
https://relationalpresence.com/
Free Gift: https://power2speak.myflodesk.com/d7gv7aoohe
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.