Inspiring Conversations with Jonna Cohen of She Rises in Abundance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonna Cohen.

Jonna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How much time do you have? 🙂

I’ve lived a million lifetimes: I’ve taught in public schools in Brooklyn, designed international MBA programs in Switzerland, escaped a toxic marriage (with a toddler and zero plan), wrote my PhD while pregnant, and started a business with no formal training that went on to make seven figures. Somewhere in there, I also manifested true love, hiked an active volcano, and taught yoga to kids and college students.

I’ve always followed the pull toward justice, joy, and meaning. I’ve volunteered in the Women’s Human Rights Department of Amnesty International, co-created human rights education programs, and built healing spaces for women to come home to themselves.

Now? I’m building community-rooted experiences that help people feel radically seen, wildly supported, and deeply connected to their purpose. I’m interested in awe, intimacy, miracles, wonder, and building the kind of world we all want to live in.

Also: I once put cutouts of pufferfish all over my house to lighten the mood in a stressful season. So… there’s that.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Absolutely not. But it’s been deeply worth it.

I’ve navigated divorce, single motherhood, financial uncertainty, grief, burnout, and the chaos of starting over more times than I can count. I’ve been in countries where I didn’t speak the language, in relationships that made me shrink- and still had to find a way forward.

But what I’ve learned is: the road doesn’t have to be smooth to be sacred.

Every detour taught me how to trust myself more. Every breakdown cracked me open to deeper joy. And every time I thought I had nothing left, I remembered I’ve built my life from scratch before, and I can do it again.

And besides, I have insanely awesome community, incredible mentors, a deep spiritual practice, and a belief that peace is always accessible.

So no, not smooth. But so rich.

We’ve been impressed with She Rises in Abundance, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of She Rises in Abundance, a platform and movement for women who’ve outgrown silence, misalignment, or invisibility who are ready to lead lives infused with joy, purpose, and impact.

At the heart of my work is the belief that joy and money are forms of resistance. Through coaching, consulting, speaking, and features, I help women turn their passion into profit in ways that feel ethical, expansive, and true to who they are. Whether they’re pivoting careers, stepping into entrepreneurship, or reclaiming their voice, my clients are guided to rise in alignment and purpose.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the “Women Changing the World” series, a project that started as a love letter to purpose-driven women and went viral beyond anything I expected. It’s reached teenage girls in India, changemakers in Nepal, U.S. politicians, award-winning musicians, actresses, and everyday women navigating massive life transitions. It’s been shared by perimenopausal women, feminist-identified white men, and people across cultures who see themselves reflected in, and inspired by, its message.

What sets this work apart is that it’s not about performing empowerment- it’s about embodying it. I bring a deep academic background (including a PhD in Organizational Studies and Cultural Theory), decades of experience in education and activism and entrepreuring and coaching, and the lived experience of having rebuilt my life from the ground up. This isn’t theoretical for me- it’s personal.

More than anything, She Rises in Abundance is about helping people remember who they are, and create positive social change in curious, joyful and playful ways.

What were you like growing up?
Equal parts old soul and sparkly weirdo.

I was the kid reading in the corner while 28 cousins played tag outside. I loved writing, organizing, and pretending to be a teacher (or a marine biologist, depending on the day).

I was deeply curious about people and justice, and was allergic to unfairness. I once started a “Save the Earth” club and appointed myself president. I’ve always been a connector, a question-asker, and a fierce little feeler with big dreams. Still am. (Though only recently realized that being super sensitive is a super power).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sherisesinabundance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherisesinabundance/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonna-cohen-50aaa624/