From Fame to Freedom with Deborah Santana
About this episode
Deborah Santana shares her journey of reclaiming her identity and voice after years of living in the shadow of fame and devotion.
What does it truly mean for a woman to choose herself — after decades of devotion, visibility, and living at the center of global fame? As we enter Women’s History Month, on this powerful episode of Women Road Warriors, Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro welcome Deborah Santana — author, activist, philanthropist, and former wife of legendary musician Carlos Santana. For 34 years, Deborah served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Santana Management, helping steward an international music empire while raising three children in the spotlight of worldwide acclaim. But her story is far deeper than celebrity. Born into a lineage of Pentecostal preachers and acclaimed blues musicians, and raised in an interracial family during the Civil Rights era, Deborah carries generations of resilience, faith, and spiritual conviction. She is a visionary leader, lifelong spiritual seeker, and passionate advocate for women’s education in Africa through her foundation supporting women and girls in health, education, and happiness. In her powerful memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom , Deborah shares the deeply personal journey of reclaiming her voice after decades devoted…
People in this episode
Hosts: Shelley Johnson, Kathy Tuccaro
Guest: Deborah Santana
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Santana Management, Women Road Warriors
Books & works: Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom
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