In this deeply moving and empowering episode of “Unlocking the Club”, host Angela Taylor welcomes Nia Mostacero, a retired Senior Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, advocate, and 2024 Miss Meridian Idaho. Nia shares her powerful journey of living with early onset dementia, a diagnosis she received shortly after retiring from the military. Despite the challenges, Nia has turned her diagnosis into a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about the stigmas associated with young onset dementia and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.

Join Angela and Nia as they delve into the complexities of navigating life with dementia at a young age, the strength required to advocate for oneself in the healthcare system, and the resilience it takes to transform a life-altering diagnosis into a mission to educate and inspire others. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and grace in the face of adversity.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding Early Onset Dementia: Nia recounts her unexpected diagnosis of early onset dementia, sharing the initial symptoms that led her to seek medical advice and the emotional journey following her diagnosis.

• The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: Nia emphasizes the critical role of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system, particularly for Black women, who are often not believed or adequately treated by healthcare professionals.

• Living with Grace and Purpose: Despite her diagnosis, Nia continues to lead a full life, participating in pageants, advocating for dementia awareness, and maintaining a strong faith that guides her daily decisions.

• The Stigma of Young Onset Dementia: Nia discusses the misconceptions and stigmas surrounding dementia, especially in younger individuals, and the need for greater awareness and understanding within the community.

• Overcoming the Odds: Nia shares her experiences of overcoming the challenges associated with her diagnosis, from dealing with disbelief from medical professionals to thriving in life despite the prognosis.

Quotes from the Episode:

– “You have to advocate for yourself because nobody knows your body better than you do.”

– “Dementia doesn’t care about your age or appearance; it knows no bounds.”

– “My faith is my anchor; it guides me through every challenge, including this one.”

Call to Action:

Subscribe and Share: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe to “Unlocking the Club” on your preferred podcast platform and share it with your network. Let’s spread the message of self-advocacy and resilience together.

Join the Conversation: Follow us on social media and join our Facebook group, The Code Breakers Lounge, to continue the discussion about healthcare, self-advocacy, and more.

Support Nia’s Journey: Follow Nia Mostacero on Instagram at @MissMeridianIdaho2024 and stay updated on her advocacy work, pageant journey, and her mission to combat dementia stigmas.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to the next episode of “Unlocking the Club” as we continue to explore the journeys of those who are breaking barriers, reclaiming their space, and unlocking their full potential.

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This award nominated podcast is hosted by Angela Taylor. Angela Taylor is an equity & inclusion strategist, executive coach, motivational speaker, podcaster, TV Analyst, and entrepreneur! She is the co-founder of Dignitas, Principal of Tindall Avenue Coaching, and Owner & Chief Indulge Officer of Indulge Boise Food Tours, which is a culinary and cultural experience brand that is the #1 Rated Food Tour in Boise. Angela also connects her passion for sports and storytelling as a Studio Analyst & Game Analyst for Women’s Basketball with the Pac-12 Network.

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Ready to learn more about Angela? Join and follow her in these following spaces:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafayetaylor/

https://www.instagram.com/angelaftaylor/

https://twitter.com/AFTaylor22

https://www.instagram.com/unlockingtheclubpodcast/

https://twitter.com/UnlocktheClub

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Have you gained inspiration from these powerful beings sharing how they used their keys to unlock their desires?  Angela invites you to leave a review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend. We all have a friend that needs to hear she/he/they is/are not the only one trying to break down these barriers.

The conversation doesn’t have to end with this episode. Join the Unlocking the Club community over on our private Facebook page: The Codebreakers Lounge (https://www.facebook.com/groups/codebreakerslounge) and be part of the conversation! 

This is a NetWorks Sports and Tindall Avenue Coaching production.

Have a topic you’d like us to unlock, a guest recommendation, or just want to say hey? Drop us a line at info@unlockingtheclub.com.

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