Author and columnist, Connie Gorrell, is the founder, director, and inspiration behind the 501(c)(3) public charity The DreamSTRONG™ Foundation. Though she is supposed to be semi-retired, she still enjoys designing and creating inspirational content and continues to take on some freelance writing clients. She is a former publishing strategist and writing coach, but always an educator.
As an entrepreneur and businesswoman, Connie loves helping those who are seeking their authentic path to success whether personally, spiritually, or professionally. Her passion for helping individuals dealing with life’s curveballs to find their true voice runs deep. She has guided many of her constituents to build a plan that leads them to their passion, whether it is an entrepreneurial or a vocational pathway, and to set goals that will empower them to pursue the life of their dreams.
Beginning her professional career as a critical care registered nurse and educator, Connie has been on the front lines of dealing with life’s major events affecting many people in dire straits. She volunteered to run a critical care special needs medical clinic during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Connie served on the boards of the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, and the American Arthritis Association to mention a few. She was a regularly invited speaker at a women’s shelter in Fort Wayne, Indiana and states “these were most moving experiences.”
Connie has authored books on local marketing strategies for small business success using simple and affordable techniques she used in her own successful businesses. She’s also an inspirational writer who shares her true compelling story to help others find their way through crises. Following her passion, Connie creates and designs state and national workshops and events where she and other guests address various topics encompassing personal topics such as health & well-being, spirituality, and professional enrichment and development. She has spoken internationally at women’s expos along with various celebrities along the way.
Connie has been an anchor author for women’s magazines and a featured writer and columnist for trade magazines and newspapers. Connie has appeared on network television stations such as ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX, as well as local and international radio broadcasts. She enjoys speaking to groups of any size to share her story of inspiration with the international community. As a publisher, Connie encourages women to develop and tell their stories, share the lessons behind them, and deliver their messages to the world. “Women, tell your stories,” says Connie. “We need you. We owe it to ourselves and to the future of our families.”
Following the tragic deaths of their four sons, Connie and her husband, Brent, committed their path to be a resource for others facing life changes in the wake of great loss, whether it is the loss of a loved one, loss of income, loss of health, a marriage, and more. They are currently co-writing a couples book on loss and grief and the damaging effects they have on marriage and relationships.
