Marlene Webster is a community leader, nonprofit founder, and a voice of resilience. As the founder of Wounded Sisters and an active member of Next Move Community, she has turned her personal journey of trauma, addiction, and domestic violence into a mission of healing and empowerment for others. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Marlene because her story embodies courage, community, and the power of lifting others as we rise. With over 5 million members across the globe, we believe her journey will inspire many in our mission of She for She and He for She—building a world where support, strength, and equality thrive together.
Q: Marlene, could you tell us how your journey as an entrepreneur and community leader began?
Marlene: I’ve always been community-driven, but Wounded Sisters, my nonprofit, came from a deeply personal place. I was coming out of my own struggles—trauma, addiction, and domestic violence—when I realized how many of us share these experiences and just want a way out. Rebuilding my own life taught me that it’s possible to rediscover who you are beyond pain. That’s when I knew I wanted to help women restructure their lives, reach their goals, and be strong role models for their families.
Q: Starting something so personal must have come with challenges. What were some of the biggest ones?
Marlene: Funding, for sure. In the beginning, everything came out of my own pocket. Starting something is one thing, but maintaining it—finding grants, resources, and support—has been the toughest part. Still, I kept going because I believed in the mission.
Q: What are some exciting things you’re working on now?
Marlene: I’ve been running a class in Indiana for three years at St. Jude House, and now I’m preparing to expand into Illinois with a program called Safe Sisters. We’ll be running healing circles, safety planning, and community cleanups. The idea is to give women tools, community, and a safe place to grow stronger together.
Q: How do you connect with the women who need your support?
Marlene: Many women actually find me. From the very first call we received, I realized how powerful it is to just be available. I work closely with a domestic violence shelter, which connects me with clients, and I’m also active in workforce development with Next Move Community Services. Beyond that, I go to events, share brochures, rebrand when needed, and partner with others doing similar work. It’s about being visible and reminding people we are here to help.
Q: On a personal note, what keeps you motivated in this work?
Marlene: I’m a mother of five and a grandmother of three. For me, it was important to show my kids that no matter what you go through, you can always pause and rebuild. Nothing is permanent. Life is a journey—enjoy it, even through the ups and downs. That’s what keeps me moving forward.
“In life, nothing is permanent. You can always take a pause, rebuild, and find joy in the journey.” — Marlene Webster
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