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Category: Impactful-&-Visionary-Woman-Leader-December2025

Vera Kurdian: Reimagining Behavioral Health Through Compassion and Innovation

Posted on by The Fortune Leaders

In the ever-evolving landscape of behavioral healthcare, where compassion must coexist with innovation and operational excellence, few leaders embody balance the way Dr. Vera Kurdian, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Behavioral Health Inc. (ABH), does. Her journey rooted in resilience, shaped by adversity, and propelled by purpose has become the foundation upon which ABH stands: a mission-driven organization dedicated to transformative, accessible, and human-cantered care.

A Journey Forged by Adversity, Defined by Purpose

The origins of Dr. Kurdian’s leadership story stretch back to her childhood in the Middle East, where she grew up in a nation fractured by war. In an environment where dreams often bowed to fear, she learned early that hope requires tenacity. At sixteen, she immigrated to the United States, stepping into a world entirely foreign: a new culture, a new language, and an unfamiliar educational system.

College, at that time, felt out of reach. She married young, raised two children, and supported her family as a florist. But she never let go of the dream that had quietly taken root the dream of education and service. After her divorce, she returned to school with unwavering determination, juggling multiple jobs, motherhood, and classes that she pieced together across various campuses just to meet credit requirements. Exhaustion was constant, but purpose was stronger.

Along the way, mentors appeared people who recognized her drive and her capacity to uplift others. They encouraged her to pursue her gift for helping people reclaim their strength and potential. That support carried her through advanced degrees in social work and eventually to her doctorate. She went on to spend nearly 25 years as a mental health clinician working with children, abuse survivors, trauma victims, and individuals navigating the complexities of mental illness.

A Holistic and Human-Centered Approach to Behavioral Health

Under Dr. Kurdian’s leadership, ABH has embraced a philosophy that goes beyond traditional clinical models. While many behavioral health organizations prioritize symptom management, ABH focuses on the whole person and the entire family unit. Their wraparound model integrates psychiatric care, therapy, counseling, and therapeutic mentoring into a cohesive ecosystem of support. Whether clients are seen in the office, in schools, at home, or via telehealth, the goal is the same: eliminate barriers and meet individuals where they are physically, emotionally, and culturally.

“What makes ABH different,” she often says, “is the belief that care must be personal, consistent, and community-rooted.” That vision has pushed the organization to redefine behavioral health not as a service, but as a relationship.

Leadership Through Obstacles and the Power of Resilience

Building a behavioral health organization is not without challenges, and Dr. Kurdian has faced them head-on. Navigating complex regulatory environments, addressing workforce shortages, managing financial constraints, and supporting clinicians who shoulder the emotional weight of trauma-based work all demand deliberate leadership.

Her strategy for overcoming these obstacles is both practical and deeply human. She invests heavily in staff development, building a workplace culture where clinicians feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. She nurtures collaborative relationships with community partners, relies on strong mentorship, and maintains an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission. Every setback becomes an opportunity to innovate and every innovation becomes a path toward stronger, more resilient care.

“Mission over everything,” she says. “When you stay aligned with your ‘why,’ challenges become stepping stones.”

Innovation as a Bridge to Better Care

For Dr. Kurdian, technology is not a trend it is a tool for equity. ABH integrates sophisticated electronic health records that allow clinicians, psychiatrists, and therapeutic mentors to collaborate fluidly. This ensures that every care plan is comprehensive, coordinated, and responsive to clients’ evolving needs.

But the organization’s innovation extends far beyond digital platforms. ABH’s wraparound care model bridges in-school interventions, community-based therapy, and family participation, ensuring that individuals receive support in the environments where they live, learn, and grow. By aligning technology with human connection, ABH is pioneering a care model that feels both modern and deeply personal.

A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Balance and Compassion

Dr. Kurdian describes her leadership style as one grounded in balance, compassion, and wellness. She believes that leaders must cultivate their own well-being to effectively support others. Over time, she has come to view employee wellness not as a perk, but as a strategic foundation of high-quality care.

Her philosophy extends far beyond management it shapes the very culture of ABH. The organization is built on empathy, openness, and the belief that every voice matters. Staff are encouraged to grow, seek balance, and prioritize self-care, knowing that their well-being directly enhances the care they provide to clients.

This humanistic approach has not only earned loyalty from her team, but also strengthened the organization’s ability to deliver exceptional services.

Championing Diversity, Empathy, and Inclusion

At ABH, diversity and inclusion are not slogans they are daily practices. Dr. Kurdian intentionally cultivates a workforce that reflects the communities they serve. By creating an environment where every background, perspective, and story is valued, she ensures that clients feel seen and understood.

Empathy is at the heart of ABH’s operational DNA. It shapes how clinicians approach treatment, how teams collaborate, and how leadership decisions are made. In a field where compassion can easily be overshadowed by administrative pressures, Dr. Kurdian continues to center humanity.

Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Industry

Behavioral health is undergoing a transformation, and Dr. Kurdian is navigating these changes with clarity and intention. She identifies four trends that will shape the coming years:

  • Integrated behavioral and physical healthcare
  • The expansion of telehealth and digital tools
  • Workforce shortages and evolving reimbursement policies
  • Increased focus on mental health parity and equitable access

Dr. Kurdian believes that embracing innovation, supporting clinicians, and committing to holistic care will allow ABH not only to adapt, but to lead.

Balancing Vision, Compassion, and Growth

As a woman leader in a sensitive and mission-driven field, Dr. Kurdian balances innovation with heart. She views compassion as the foundation of all mental health work, emphasizing that leadership must be both visionary and deeply human.

Her message to her team is simple: “You are the heartbeat of ABH. There is no ABH without you.” By supporting staff, investing in new technologies, and leading with integrity, she ensures that the organization grows with purpose not at the expense of its people, but because of them.

Looking Ahead: Growth, Expansion, and New Possibilities

The future of Advanced Behavioral Health Inc. is infused with momentum. After securing multiple grants in 2025, the organization is preparing to expand its services in 2026, including the opening of a new office in western Maryland. The goal is clear: reach more individuals and families, introduce new programs, and deepen ABH’s impact across diverse communities. This growth reflects a promise to meet people where they are and deliver the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.

A Message to Women Leaders: Lead with Purpose

For aspiring women leaders in healthcare and behavioral health, Dr. Kurdian offers wisdom born of experience. “Know your ‘why,’ and let it guide you,” she says. “Stay curious, stay committed, and never underestimate your potential. Silence the inner critic and trust your resilience you are capable of changing lives.”

Her journey is evidence of what is possible when purpose is paired with courage. And her story marked by perseverance, empathy, and profound vision continues to inspire everyone who walks through the doors of Advanced Behavioral Health Inc.

Interview with Kelly Augspurger, Co-Founder of Steadfast Insurance, LLC

Posted on by The Fortune Leaders

An inspiring conversation highlighting her entrepreneurial journey, leadership insights, and the innovative approach driving Steadfast Insurance’s success.

Can you share your professional journey and the inspiration that led you to co-found Steadfast Insurance? What motivated you to focus on this industry?

My husband, Adam, and I co-founded Steadfast Insurance LLC in 2019 with a shared vision to help families protect what matters most. In the beginning, I focused on life insurance while Adam managed property and casualty. About six months later, a conversation with a mentor changed everything.

She reached out with questions about long-term care insurance (LTCi). I didn’t have the answers, but that moment lit a fire in me to find them. Memories of all four of my grandparents needing extended care came rushing back. None of them had insurance or a plan in place, and our family carried the weight – physically, emotionally, and financially. I helped care for one of my grandmothers firsthand, and I’ll never forget how hard that season was.

That conversation became my “aha” moment. I knew that this was the work God was calling me to do – to help families plan, so they could face future care needs with confidence and compassion. Once I realized there were real insurance solutions to fund that kind of care, I was all in.

From there, I dove deep into learning everything I could about long-term care planning and insurance. I earned three professional designations: CLTC® (Certification for Long-Term Care), CSA® (Certified Senior Advisor), and LTCCP® (Long-Term Care Claims Professional)and began creating educational videos and resources to simplify this complex topic for families and financial professionals alike.

In 2022, I became a part-time CLTC® instructor, training financial advisors on how to engage their clients in meaningful LTC planning conversations. That same year, I launched the Steadfast Care Planning Podcast, where I interview industry experts and advocates about how to navigate aging, caregiving, and extended care with wisdom and grace.

What started as one conversation has grown into a clear mission – to help families protect their future, preserve their options, and experience peace of mind.

 

What is the core vision and mission behind Steadfast Insurance, and how do you believe your company is driving meaningful change in the insurance sector?

At Steadfast Insurance LLC, we recommend the policies and coverage that we believe will best protect our client’s quality of life if a claim occurs. Our vision with extended care planning is to help families create a plan, fund it, and share it with those they love so they can face the future with confidence, not fear.

Our mission is rooted in education and empathy. We believe clients make their best decisions when they understand their options, so we take the time to teach them what’s available. Every recommendation we make is personalized around the client’s unique situation – health, family dynamics, financial situation, and personal values to protect their quality of life if a claim occurs.

Beyond one-on-one guidance, we’ve built an entire ecosystem of educational resources such as videos, podcast episodes, blog posts, and downloadable guides to help people learn in whatever way suits them best. That commitment to clarity and accessibility has helped us stand out and reach clients nationwide.

We also strive to modernize how long-term care and extended care planning are delivered. Our online health prescreen form allows clients to share sensitive information privately and securely, and Zoom consultations make expert guidance accessible from anywhere. Electronic applications further streamline the process, saving clients time and stress.

Ultimately, Steadfast is driving change by blending compassion with technology bringing human connection and convenience together to make care planning simpler, smarter, and more personal.

 

As a woman leader in a competitive industry, how do you approach leadership and innovation to keep Steadfast Insurance ahead in the evolving marketplace?

Leadership:
I believe great leadership starts with humility, service, and continuous growth. I’ve been blessed by mentors who’ve supported me both personally and professionally and I try to pay that forward every chance I get. My leadership philosophy is simple: serve others, show integrity, lead with compassion, and give credit where it’s due. Comparison is a trap that robs us of perspective, so I focus instead on progress – how far I’ve come, what’s working, and where I can grow. I encourage others to do the same so they can discover their strengths, develop new ones, and take courageous, measured risks. Confidence and curiosity go hand in hand; one gives you the courage to step forward and the other keeps you learning once you do.

Innovation:
For me, innovation is rooted in curiosity and care. It’s not about chasing shiny new ideas – it’s about improving real experiences for real people. At Steadfast, we’re always asking: How can we make this simpler, faster, or better for our clients? Every mistake is a lesson and every challenge is an invitation to build a more effective, compassionate solution. Staying ahead means staying teachable; always learning, testing, and refining. Innovation doesn’t have to be loud – sometimes it’s as quiet as a better question or a more efficient process.

 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them while staying true to your purpose?

Starting and growing a business comes with plenty of obstacles both seen and unseen. Most of my clients come through referrals from financial advisors, so I’ve spent years intentionally building those relationships. That like, know, and trust factor takes time, consistency, and a lot of faith in the process.

There were seasons, especially early on, when I questioned my approach and even my own abilities. My husband often reminded me: it’s about the long game, not the quick win. That mindset helped me stay grounded when progress felt slow.

My faith has anchored me. I believe God placed this work on my heart for a reason – to serve others and guide them through some of life’s most important planning decisions. When I remember that purpose, I can stay steadfast through every challenge.

 

How is Steadfast Insurance making a difference in people’s lives, and what makes your approach stand out compared to traditional insurance models?

At Steadfast Insurance, we’re not just helping people buy policies, we’re helping them protect their lives, their families, and their peace of mind. Long-term care planning can feel overwhelming, emotional, and often avoided. Our mission is to make it approachable and deeply personal.

We take an education-first approach, guiding clients through the “why” before the “what.” That means helping them understand how extended care could affect their families and finances and how thoughtful planning can provide security, dignity, and choices in the future.

What makes our model stand out is the humanity behind it. We listen first, tailor every recommendation, and walk alongside clients from education to implementation. Our process is collaborative and transparent – we explain every step so clients feel empowered, not pressured.

We’ve also modernized how care planning happens. From online prescreen forms that respect privacy to Zoom consultations and digital applications, we’ve designed a process that’s both compassionate and convenient. This blend of personal connection and innovation allows us to serve clients nationwide without losing the personal touch that defines who we are.

At the end of the day, the difference isn’t just in what we do, it’s in why we do it. Every plan we help create gives families confidence, freedom, and peace of mind when life takes an unexpected turn.

 

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the insurance industry, and how is Steadfast Insurance preparing to adapt and lead in that transformation?

The long-term care and broader insurance industry are entering a season of transformation. I foresee continued product evolution with new LTC insurance solutions offering more flexible benefit designs, partial cash indemnity options, creative riders, and caregiver support features that make coverage more adaptable to real-life care situations. We’ll also see more short-term care plans, hybrid policies, and deferred annuities with LTC benefits, giving clients multiple pathways to fund their future care.

Underwriting will become more streamlined and data-driven. Electronic health records, predictive analytics, and wearable technologywill play an increasing role in risk assessment, helping carriers make faster, more accurate decisions with fewer medical exams.

At the same time, technology and AI will continue to reshape how coverage is delivered and managed from digital applications and e-signatures to more intuitive sales and claims platforms that improve both advisor and client experience.

I also anticipate more state-level public LTC programs to emerge, following the example of Washington’s WA Cares Fund. As these programs develop, private insurance will play an essential complementary role, offering flexibility and choice beyond what government plans provide.

Economic realities such as medical inflation and workforce shortages in caregiving will continue to drive costs higher. That makes education and proactive planningmore critical than ever.

At Steadfast, we’re preparing to lead through this transformation by staying on the cutting edge of product innovation and technology, while keeping our focus anchored on people. Our commitment to clarity, compassion, and continuous learning ensures we can help clients navigate this changing landscape with confidence.

 

What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs looking to create impact in their industries, and what legacy do you hope to leave as a visionary leader?

Stay faithful to the purpose God has placed on your heart. There will be doubts, detours, and days that test your confidence, but don’t let fear hold you back. Surround yourself with mentors who speak truth into your life, build a community that encourages you, and keep your focus on progress over perfection because comparison steals joy.

Lead with integrity, humility, and courage. Be generous with your knowledge and encouragement. The more you help others grow, the more your own influence expands – naturally and authentically.

As for legacy, I hope mine reflects steadfast faith, compassion, and positive impact. I want to be remembered as someone who used her gifts to serve others – to educate families, empower advisors, and bring clarity and peace to life’s hardest seasons.

If the people I’ve served feel more confident, more cared for, and more prepared for the future because of our time together, then that’s the kind of impact worth building a life around.

How Female Entrepreneurs Are Rewriting the Future of Business

Posted on by The Fortune Leaders

There is a tremendous movement that is currently taking place in the world of business, and male and female entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this shift.  The persons who are actively participating in this transition are the ones who are taking the initiative to push it. Women are breaking down barriers, reinventing industries, and redefining what it means to be successful in today’s economic setting. In the past, women were under-represented in the ecosystem of entrepreneurs, but now they are breaking down those barriers. When compared to the past, this is a tremendous shift.  The expanding impact of these individuals is not only serving as a source of motivation, but it is also contributing to the building of a future that is more forward-thinking and friendly to all communities from all walks of life.

When it comes to leading and making decisions, one of the most crucial adjustments that female entrepreneurs bring to the table is a fresh viewpoint. This is one of the most important things that they bring to the table.  There are many options that they offer, but this is one of the most significant ones. The socially conscious values of cooperation, empathy, and community impact are particularly resonant in today’s economy, and many businesses that are led by women place a significant emphasis on these characteristics. This is because these values are extremely effective in fostering social consciousness.    When this method is utilised, the results are, in most cases, cultures in the workplace that are more robust, increased levels of employee happiness, and sustained loyalty from customers. Female entrepreneurs are proving that it is feasible for businesses to flourish while simultaneously bringing about significant change. This is making it possible for women to be business owners. This is being accomplished by placing an emphasis, in addition to profit, on the purpose of the organisation.

Increasing the amount of capital that women in business have access to has been one of the most significant challenges that women in business have encountered throughout the course of business history. Although female entrepreneurs obtain a smaller proportion of venture capital than their male counterparts, there is evidence that they possess a tremendous knack for invention. Crowdfunding, microloans, and investment networks that are expressly targeted for women are some examples of alternative methods of financing. However, this list is not exhaustive.  These strategies are being utilised by a sizeable number of persons at the present time. This not only exemplifies their dogged drive, but it also demonstrates the enormous potential for providing greater equity to businesses that are managed by women.  In addition to demonstrating their tenacious resolve, the fact that they were able to overcome financial obstacles is a testament to their perseverance.

The development of technology and the proliferation of digital platforms have both contributed to an increase in the number of chances that are available to female entrepreneurs on the market today.    Two examples of the ways in which women are making use of digital resources to accelerate the speed with which they can establish, scale, and globalise their enterprises include e-commerce and marketing through social media. These are only two instances. Women can communicate directly with customers, establish brands in an authentic manner, and compete with larger corporations in their respective industries because to the platforms that are available to them.  The reason for this is to ensure that everyone is on an equal footing and to make the situation more egalitarian.

In addition to achieving success in their own businesses, female entrepreneurs are also making significant contributions to the growth of ecosystems that enable other individuals to achieve their full potential.   A significant number of individuals are engaging in activities such as reinvesting in their communities, providing guidance to women who are on the verge of becoming leaders, and generating opportunities for others to develop their skills and abilities.    The impact that they have is amplified because of this ripple effect, which ultimately guarantees that the future of business will not only be innovative but also more equal and diverse. This is because the ripple effect has a multiplicative effect.

They are rewriting the laws of business to make it more inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking to accommodate the growing number of women who are entering the sphere of entrepreneurship, which is a trend that is expected to continue throughout the foreseeable future.  When it comes to the subsequent phase of economic expansion on a global scale, the emergence of female entrepreneurs is not merely a passing trend; rather, it is a movement that is significantly affecting the subsequent phase of economic expansion. This is because female entrepreneurs are more likely to be successful than male entrepreneurs.