The Beautiful Side of Caregiving: Living with Meaning as a Working Caregiver

Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees

In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly inspiring Ebony Travis Tichenor, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and someone who truly lives her life out loud. Ebony shares her deeply personal and powerful 17-year caregiving journey for her mother, all while balancing a full-time career and a full heart. We dive into what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes — the highs, the heartaches, and the healing — and how vulnerability has become one of her biggest strengths.

We talk about the unspoken emotional toll that working caregivers face and how important it is to find your voice, ask for help, and protect your joy. Ebony opens up about everything from the stigma around caregiving in the workplace to the little rituals of self-care that keep her grounded.

In corporate for almost 28 years this October, Ebony’s journey is grounded in resilience, identity, and heart. Born in Joliet, Illinois and raised in small-town South Texas, she proudly embraces her Black and Mexican heritage. Beyond the day-to-day, she loves caring for her mother as a devoted caregiver, being a loving spouse, fur baby momma, and a loyal friend to many. Ebony believes in real connection, purpose, and the power of showing up as your authentic self.

Episode Highlights:

[1:39] - Zack and Selma introduce Ebony and set the stage for an energetic and heartfelt conversation.
[2:56] - Ebony shares where she’s from and opens up with humor about Dallas and the Cowboys.
[3:48] - Her 17-year journey as a caregiver begins, sparked by a turning point in her youth.
[5:30] - Navigating the healthcare system and how identity impacted her early caregiver advocacy.
[6:53] - What inspired Ebony’s vulnerable National Caregiver Day post and her decision to speak up.
[8:16] - One of Ebony’s most emotionally difficult moments as a caregiver and how she overcame it.
[10:35] - How self-care fuels her caregiving and the special joy she finds in daily moments with her mom.
[13:35] - Advice she’d give to her younger self at the beginning of this journey — and to other caregivers.
[15:57] - The importance of being honest with employers about caregiving responsibilities
[17:49] - How Ebony overcame the stigma of caregiving through community and shared stories.
[19:29] - Zack and Ebony discuss shifting cultural perceptions of caregiving in the workplace.
[20:09] - Tips for employers to create a culture where caregivers feel safe speaking up.
[21:07] - Where to follow Ebony and continue learning from her empowering story.

Links & Resources:

• Follow Ebony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonytravis01/
• Connect with Ebony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonytravis/
• Ebony's LinkedIn Post on National Caregiver Day with her mom highlighted in our newsletter: https://zacks-newsletter-4a359b.beehiiv.com/p/what-is-in-your-2025-people-strategy-1d936a23d5dcad82

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.