Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Theisen-Gandara.
Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I moved to Houston in 1998, when I was 24, got married here, and raised my two children in Missouri City. I started my career in international exchange at Rice University and then transitioned to the Institute of International Education (IIE) at the Houston office. A global non-profit based in DC, IIE’s work is nearly 70% with the U.S. government and the other 30% include private corporations, foundations, and foreign governments. My 20+ year career in international diplomacy and large-scale leadership took me to over 20 countries. I led teams, managed complex programs, and partnered with organizations like the U.S. Department of State, ExxonMobil, and Baker Hughes. In those environments, I was often recognized for two things: having difficult conversations with clarity and respect, and staying value-aligned, doing the right thing even when it was uncomfortable. I also earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (from UHCL) and a Master’s in Counseling (UH-Victoria).
The most defining transition in my career started with a personal disruption in my family. After 24 years of marriage and two weeks after my youngest left for college, my husband asked me for a divorce. This challenged my identity, my confidence, my nervous system, and my ability to trust myself again. I emerged three years later 90 lbs lighter, reconnected with my style and wellness, with hope and purpose for my future. Today, I’m the founder of Reignite Collective and a Certified Divorce Coach, and I’m also a published author. My mission is clear to help women rise stronger, bolder, and more radiant in their next chapter by giving them the frameworks and support to make it real.
Reignite is the work I wish I had when I was in my own divorce transition. I help women move from survival mode to self-led—rebuilding self-trust, boundaries, wellness, confidence, and identity. I often say divorce is a leadership transition because it forces you to make decisions under pressure and create a new life with clarity and courage.
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?
It has not been a smooth road! Launching a business at 52 is challenging. I had built credibility and expertise in international diplomacy, which was my purpose for over 20 years. Even with the challenges, I feel strongly that helping women globally is my life’s purpose for this phase, so I am embracing risk and struggles in order to pursue this dream.
I have discovered several support networks to help build credibility in this new area, including SCORE Houston, Networking in Action, and Collaborative Divorce Houston to help build the framework of my LLC.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Reignite Collective, LLC?
Reignite Collective, LLC offers expert guidance for motivated women over 40 navigating divorce globally. I am the founder and the principal divorce coach. I speak Spanish, have global experience, and lived through divorce, emerging stronger and with purpose. I am dedicated to women globally who believe that “I am too old to start over” and am compelled strongly to solve for this common struggle. I voluntarily left a 20+ year career to pursue this goal, which speaks to my dedication to transforming the future of other women and helping them heal, experience a “glow-up” and embrace their independence, and even consider finding love again. I offer a signature 3 month individual program and am implementing local Houston group events as my business grows to support the local community.
What’s next?
I hope to offer wellness and healing retreats, both in the US and internationally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reignitecollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherglowsagain
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherglowsagain/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathertheisen-gandara/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherGlowsAgain
