Diane Scholz has spent more than two decades advancing economic development across rural Florida. As the economic development director at the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University, she works closely with the North Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP) to strengthen opportunities for rural communities. Her leadership has supported major recruitment initiatives, including bringing Binderholz Live Oak to the region, one of the largest sawmills in the world. Prior to her work with FSU, she served in the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, focusing on rural areas of opportunity. She has also led chambers of commerce and community revitalization efforts. Scholz is committed to improving quality of life through collaboration, resource development, and sustained local partnerships.

How do you define success?

I define success by realizing there is a need that an individual or community has and researching and developing a plan to improve their situation. It is not so much about eliminating the need as much as improving the situation. There is a lot of personal gratification when you see a positive result in people’s lives.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that?

After 9 ½ years in the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED), providing rural economic services to 33 rural counties, the bureau chief retired. I chose to resign from OTTED and join Florida State University-Institute of Government, which contracts with the NFEDP to continue working closely with its 14 Rural Area of Opportunity-designated counties, rather than seek the bureau chief management position. I sincerely treasure the opportunity to continue working with the 14 NFEDP counties’ citizens, elected officials, and businesses.

Who has served as a mentor or inspiration to you in your career journey, and how did they impact your path?

I had owned my own computerized machine embroidery business, Fancy Stitches, prior to moving overseas in August 1990. The first supervisor I worked for in Seoul, Korea was a GS-15 who oversaw MWR (Moral, Welfare & Recreation) for the 8th Army and the Joint Forces Command. He was a very intelligent, common-sense, kind, considerate, thoughtful man who possessed very positive visions on how best to take care of the troops and their families. He was the first supervisor I ever observed who would enthusiastically lay out his vision and then empower staff to take that vision and truly trust them to do their best at implementing the vision.

What lessons have you learned along the way that have improved your professional life? 

I’ve observed many times that people who were highly aggressive in trying to get to the so-called top, missed or skipped over important learning experiences. Far too often, they got where they wanted to be but did not have the wealth of in-depth experience to stay at the top for long.

After a 30-year career in politics, including serving as the chief of staff to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and as a White House staffer under President George H.W. Bush, Sally Bradshaw stepped away from political life to pursue a longtime passion for books and community learning. She is the owner and operator of Midtown Reader, an independent bookstore in Tallahassee dedicated to fostering literacy, curiosity, and conversation. Bradshaw has served on the Florida State Board of Education, chaired multiple school boards, and recently chaired the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Board of Directors. She continues to support local philanthropy, education, and literacy initiatives. Sally and her husband, Paul, live on a farm in Gadsden County and have four adult children.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career.

I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful experiences, but honestly, one of the most defining was winning Honorable Mention in a “newspaper in the classroom” essay contest sponsored by the Memphis, Tennessee Commercial Appeal daily newspaper.
I was in the second grade and awarded a huge box of beautiful hardback books! I’ve never forgotten that moment.

How do you define success? 
I think the definition of success has changed for me over time. As a young person new to the workforce, I was determined to outwork everyone and overperform on every task, checking every box. And I still have a little bit of the workaholic in me! But as I’ve had children and as I’ve grown older, so much of what I consider success is in finding ways to partner with others and give back to my family and to the community.

What motivates you? 

Chocolate. And wine. Well not just that! I have to be able to look myself in the mirror and know that I spoke truth, hopefully with kindness and good intentions, and I did the best I could do, no matter the challenge.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that? 

Hands down my crossroads decision was leaving politics. I had just finished a stint in the 2016 presidential campaign, where the rhetoric was increasingly divisive, and I realized I didn’t want to keep working in a world that had grown so ugly. So, I walked away. It was scary and liberating. I haven’t missed a minute of that life since.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

Surround yourself with other strong women. Seek their advice. Support them. Watch and learn from them. I love working with teams of women. Women get things done. And we don’t have time for the drama.

Dr. Sherry Hartnett is a leader in workforce development, mentoring, and higher education. After a successful corporate career in marketing and executive leadership, she transitioned into academia at the University of West Florida, where she founded the Women in Leadership Conference and the Executive Mentor Program. She now serves as the founding director of UWF’s Office of Workforce Development and leads UWF Talent Catalyst, an innovative talent pipeline initiative. She is also the founder of Hartnett Group, LLC, and co-author of High-Impact Mentoring. Dr. Hartnett is active in statewide and community leadership through boards, including Leadership Florida, Landrum, and the Pace Center for Girls. Her honors include the Rotary Grover Robinson Service-Above-Self Award and the UWF Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. She and her husband have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren.

How do you define success? 
I would say success is living a life of purpose, integrity, and impact—being respected not only for professional excellence and results but also for character, compassion, and service. I believe that true success means using your heart, intelligence, and leadership to create momentum, help others be successful in their careers and lives, and leave every organization and person better than before. Success is also having a wonderful, loving family.

What motivates you? 

I’m motivated by making a fresh, new, meaningful difference for people, which for me often means stepping into uncharted territory, discovering unmet needs, building connections, and partnering with others to create win-win solutions that make positive things happen for people. Most of all, I’m inspired by the relationships I build—whether with colleagues, partners, or friends—and by the love and support of my family and friends who make any success even more meaningful.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that?

Throughout my career, I’ve faced several crossroads where I had to choose between staying in a comfortable, familiar role or taking a leap into something new and uncertain. Each time—whether leaving a declining industry, deciding between a high-level executive role in my field at a new company versus a completely different and potentially more fulfilling role in a different field, or shifting to an entirely new role within the same organization
—I chose to make the big leap. Those decisions were never easy, but every transition allowed me to apply my core skills, build on my experience, and grow in new ways. The new roles also gave me fresh new challenges and opportunities that energized me. I’ve learned that when you truly understand your strengths and what you bring to the table, change isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity for reinvention and a fresh new outlook.

Who has served as a mentor or inspiration to you in your career journey, and how did they impact your path?

Mentoring has been one of the greatest influences in my life, and I’ve been fortunate to have so many incredible mentors who have shaped my journey. Early in my career, Michelle Foster gave me the confidence to step into executive leadership at 29 years old and truly own my role, helping me overcome imposter syndrome. Jerry Maygarden has long been a trusted advisor whose sage insight has guided me through many professional decisions. Carol Carlan continues to inspire me by showing that it’s possible to have a successful career while prioritizing family and community impact. Dr. Martha Saunders has been an inspirational role model; her grace, calm intelligence, and visionary leadership have had a huge influence, as she entrusted me to create and lead an innovative new initiative with her full support and confidence. And, of course, Bert Thornton, my co-author, mentor, and friend, has been one of my biggest cheerleaders, constantly encouraging me to grow, give back, and make a difference. Each of them has deeply influenced not just my career but the way I mentor others today.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

My advice for young women pursuing their careers is to believe deeply in your worth and abilities; confidence is key. Seek out mentors, build strong relationships, stay curious, and never stop learning. Most importantly, be bold in pursuing opportunities, even when they feel just a bit out of reach—that’s often where the greatest growth happens.

Monique Ellsworth serves as chief executive officer of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, leading regional hunger-relief efforts across North Florida with a focus on access, dignity, and long-term community well-being. Under her leadership, the organization navigated the heightened demands of the pandemic, expanding emergency food assistance while developing sustainable systems to support families beyond crisis response. Ellsworth’s leadership is shaped by collaboration, humility, and a deep belief in the power of strong teams. She is committed to building compassionate, resilient communities—and to ensuring that no neighbor faces hunger alone. When she is not working, Monique finds balance and renewal outdoors, especially through hiking, kayaking, and time on the water.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career.

Leading a food bank through the pandemic was both the most defining and humbling experience of my career. Overnight, the scale and urgency of hunger changed, and our team had to reinvent how we served our community while keeping everyone safe. It tested every part of my leadership—strategy, resilience, and compassion—and solidified my belief that strong teams and clear purpose can overcome any challenge.

How do you define success?

Success, to me, isn’t about titles or milestones—it’s about impact. It’s seeing a team thrive, a community strengthened, and knowing that your work has made life a little more stable or hopeful for someone else. Success is progress, not perfection.

What motivates you? 

I’m deeply motivated by the belief that no one should go hungry. Every day, I see the direct link between our work and a family’s ability to get through another week. That sense of purpose—knowing the food we distribute represents dignity and hope—keeps me going even on the hardest days.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that? 

After COVID, I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my career—to right-size our organization. We had grown rapidly during the crisis to meet unprecedented community needs, and once the immediate emergency ended, we simply couldn’t sustain that same scale. It meant laying off many hardworking, dedicated people—people who had given so much of themselves to help others. Walking through that process broke my heart, but it also taught me a great deal about leadership, stewardship, and humility. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to hire back some of those incredible individuals and that others still choose to volunteer with us when they can. It reminded me that leading well sometimes means making decisions that protect the long-term health of the mission, even when they come at a personal cost.

Who has served as a mentor or inspiration to you in your career journey, and how did they impact your path? 

I’ve learned from so many remarkable people, but what I value most is surrounding myself with people I respect and admire. I intentionally hire and work alongside individuals who challenge me to think differently and lead better. I believe mentorship doesn’t just flow downward; it happens in every direction when you’re open to learning from others.

What changes do you hope to see in your community over the coming years? 

I hope to see our community find ways to heal from compassion fatigue. We’re constantly inundated with stories of crisis—global, national, and local—and it can be overwhelming. I want to see a culture that prioritizes restoration and reflection, where people have the space to process and still choose to care deeply.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

Don’t wait until you feel ready—start before you do. Trust your instincts, speak your truth with kindness, and know that confidence is something you build, not something you’re given. Surround yourself with people who challenge and celebrate you in equal measure, and never underestimate the strength that comes from empathy.

Sue Dick served as president and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, becoming the first woman to lead the organization. Under her leadership, the chamber expanded programming, strengthened regional economic development efforts, launched workforce and talent initiatives, and helped establish key partnerships and community assets. She has served on numerous boards, including Leadership Tallahassee, the Tallahassee Chamber Foundation, United Way of the Big Bend, and the Airport Advisory Committee. A graduate of Florida State University, she continues to mentor emerging leaders and support efforts that foster economic opportunity and community growth.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career.

Being named president and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce 25 years ago. The selection committee, representing the business community that I respected and admired, took a chance on me to fill a very public position.

How do you define success?

In a professional setting, it’s working with a “team” to identify the overall goal, outlining an approach, staying focused on the desired outcome, and committing 100% to the work. Success is accomplishing your goal or learning from the process for the next opportunity.

What motivates you? 

I’m motivated when I believe my talents and time will truly make an impact on a cause. There are many meaningful causes, projects, and opportunities to get involved in … with the opportunity to make a difference.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that?

Unfortunately, over the past several years, we have experienced a decline in the level of civility. The ability to agree to disagree on a local issue or position has often become a toxic environment. In my role as chamber president, I found it most important to surround myself with leadership and viewpoints that were diverse and had the “greater good” in mind.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers?

Be patient, encourage networking, face-to-face interactions and relationship building, and have a diverse group of people in your corner.

Dana Brooks is managing partner and a shareholder at Fasig Brooks, where she combines her legal expertise with a deep commitment to advocacy and community service. A graduate of Florida State University (BSW, cum laude) and FSU College of Law (magna cum laude), she has built her career representing clients with compassion and tenacity. Brooks has been recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Florida Legal Elite and is an inducted member of the Tallahassee Community College Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame. She is also the author of Functional Feminism: An Apolitical Guide to Women’s Empowerment, and has hosted legal and community-focused television programming. Known for her pro bono work and mentorship, Brooks is driven by a belief in empowering others to thrive in the face of adversity.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career.

I was sworn in to be a lawyer at 11:30 a.m. and a partner of a 30-year-old established law firm at 4 p.m. on the same day. I don’t know anyone else who has ever done that. It was so important for me to succeed because something like that puts a target on your back. You have to perform well because people wonder how you got that opportunity, and some people are looking for you to fail. It’s really motivating.

How do you define success?

Controlling my calendar instead of my calendar controlling me. I think a lot of professionals, and women in particular, take on additional responsibilities on top of professional responsibilities. You can get to where you’re living for your calendar. That’s not good or healthy. It stunts creativity and takes joy out of your life. When I got to the point where I controlled my calendar, I knew I was successful. I mentor a lot of people and tell them to make sure they have plenty of time in their calendars to make mistakes, to experiment, to create. You can’t grow a business or yourself if you are scheduled all the time. You have to have room for exploration and creativity.

What motivates you? 

Obligations to other people. A lot of people are counting on me to perform. I must get things done because I am holding up other people if I don’t perform. I’m also naturally curious. If I’m curious about something, I want to meet people who know things I don’t know and learn from them. Curiosity is a great motivator.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that? 

I had to decide whether to continue a partnership or grow and go in another direction. At the time, I was comfortable with the size of the company and the people on the team. My partner was really excited about growing, and I wondered if I wasn’t afraid, would I do it? The answer was yes, so I said, “Let’s do it.” Once I decide I’m going to do something, I’m all in. There were some bumps along the way, but we’ve experienced overwhelming success since expanding.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

Do your thing; create your own path. A lot of women do want to be mothers—it’s not an either-or thing. Don’t think you have to go the career route or the mommy route. If you’re smart and have resources, you can do both beautifully. Many women opt to outsource with helpers, shoppers, and drivers. They aren’t outsourcing what’s important. They are at every awards ceremony, every game, helping with the science experiments because they are asking for help and thinking differently about how they do things. Use your resources to have the life you want.

Shantelle Dedicke is the founder of Frances Roy Agency, established in 2016 after a successful career in hospitality management and destination marketing. Known for her ability to uncover and elevate a brand’s authentic identity, she leads her agency with a philosophy rooted in family values and creative purpose. Her leadership extends into community service through roles with Rotary District 6940, the Rotary Club of Destin, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, and the Niceville Senior Center Foundation. Dedicke’s work blends strategy, creativity, and service to strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of her region.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career.

Starting Frances Roy changed everything. It was the first time I stepped fully into my own vision and created a place where strategy and soul could work together. Seeing our team grow into a community of people who care deeply about their craft and each other is the achievement I’m most proud of. We built something that feels real and lasting.

How do you define success?

Success is alignment. When my values, time, and energy all align, life feels clear. For me, success is that quiet assurance that I’m doing meaningful work without losing myself in the process.

What motivates you? 

Freedom motivates me—the freedom to create, to choose the work, and to lead from a position of trust rather than control.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that?

Several years into the agency, I had to decide between growing fast or growing right. It was tempting to take every opportunity, but I knew that kind of growth could dilute what we’d built. I chose focus over expansion and alignment over speed.
It wasn’t the easiest decision, but it preserved our culture and defined our future.

What advice do you wish you’d been given before entering your industry? 

Do not mistake motion for progress. You can be busy all day and still move away from your purpose. Make time for strategy, reflection, and rest.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

Give yourself grace in the in-between. The path won’t always be clear, and that’s okay. The in-between is where you learn who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to lead. Do not rush to arrive; growth takes shape in the quiet middle spaces between opportunities, not just at the milestones.

Katrina Tuggerson is a transformational leader with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, community development, and economic empowerment. As president and CEO of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, she revitalized the organization after a period of dormancy, restoring its programs, partnerships, and role as an advocate for small-business growth. Her work is grounded in expanding opportunity and building inclusive economic ecosystems across Tallahassee. She has served in leadership roles with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and Tallahassee Leon Federal Credit Union. Her career reflects a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and mentorship.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career. 

A defining moment in my career was stepping into the role of president and CEO of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce. When I accepted the position, the organization had been dormant for several years and was operating with no budget. It was a pivotal challenge—one that required vision, determination, and a deep commitment to rebuilding trust and relevance within the community. With the support of an exceptional board, we restructured the chamber, reestablished our programs, and renewed our presence as a driving force for small-business growth and community development. Leading this revitalization allowed me to align my passion for economic empowerment with purpose-driven leadership. It was the moment I realized that true success comes from helping others build wealth, create opportunities, and thrive—especially in communities that have been historically overlooked. While I have celebrated many milestones along the way, receiving the Pinnacle Award stands among my greatest honors. This recognition represents not just personal achievement but the collective strength, collaboration, and dedication of a community committed to progress. Being honored in this way affirmed that my work has meaning beyond titles—it’s about passing the torch and using leadership to uplift others.

How do you define success? 

Success is defined by impact and solution metrics. It’s not measured solely by professional accomplishments but by the lives you influence, the opportunities you create, and the meaningful change you inspire. For me, success means leading with purpose, creating tangible results, and leaving a legacy that continues to open doors for others long after the work is done.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that? 

I’ve experienced several pivotal crossroads in my career—each one shaping how I lead, communicate, and advocate for the communities I serve. The most recent came on April 17, 2025 when we received official notice from Washington, D.C. to halt the programming and distribution of resources secured through our Florida Panhandle Capital Readiness Collaborative. This multi-million-dollar grant had been operating successfully for two years, with two years remaining in a four-year cycle. It provided vital funding to support small businesses from Tallahassee to Pensacola, adding critical resources to our communities during challenging economic times. When the directive to pause the program arrived, it immediately tested every aspect of my leadership and resolve.

Rather than allowing the setback to stall our mission, I acted quickly by working with partners, stakeholders, and local leaders to identify alternative funding streams and ensure continued support for the entrepreneurs who depended on those programs. It was a moment that reinforced that leadership is about adaptability, advocacy, and accountability, especially when circumstances are beyond your control. That experience reminded me that even when doors close unexpectedly, they often open opportunities to lead differently. With perseverance, strategic collaboration, and heart, challenges can become catalysts for deeper impact and long-term sustainability.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

Know your worth, and never be afraid to stand in it. Lead with confidence, integrity, and compassion. Trust your instincts, stay true to your values, and let your purpose guide your path. Every challenge you face will strengthen your voice—and that voice has the power to change rooms, systems, and lives. I live by my personal definition of “NEXT”— New Beginnings, Exciting (serving with a passion), X (multiplication and growth), and Timing. Every new day brings fresh opportunities and the excitement of discovering what’s ahead. It’s like the power of multiplication—doubling the potential of everything you touch as you move forward. Timing is key; don’t get discouraged because as long as we wake up with breath in our lungs, we’re gifted with the chance to embrace the NEXT and try again.

Tiffany Edwards is a nationally recognized leader in the vacation rental industry. She is the owner of Weatherby Consulting, overseeing operations for a multi-state portfolio of vacation and long-term rental properties, and the founder of Coletta Consulting, where she leads government affairs and policy advocacy for clients nationwide. Edwards has partnered with organizations such as Airbnb, Expedia Group, KeyData, and Oxford Economics and played a key role in shaping national vacation rental reopening strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. She serves as treasurer of the Walton County Tourist Development Council, founding director of the Florida Professional Vacation Rental Coalition, and chair of the Government Affairs Council for the Vacation Rental Managers Association. She is also an active board member of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Edwards is a mother of two, a spin instructor, and a podcast host, bringing together business leadership, family values, and community service.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career.

The COVID-19 shutdown left many businesses uncertain about their future, and the vacation rental industry was no exception. With travel bans in place and tourism largely unwelcome, the path to recovery was unclear. To address this crisis, I formed and led a national daily task force dedicated to working collaboratively with elected officials, community leaders, and industry stakeholders to safely reopen vacation rentals. The task force brought together senior leaders from VRBO, national trade associations, data analysts, and vacation rental professionals, collectively representing millions of properties, DMOs, and suppliers. Each morning, I facilitated strategic discussions to address pressing issues, finalized a standardized health and cleaning protocol accepted by all stakeholders, and identified high-priority regions for reopening. We also built targeted grassroots and grass tops campaigns to support local adoption of safe vacation rental practices. Within a month, we achieved our first major success in Florida—securing reopening ahead of Memorial Day weekend, a critical milestone for the industry. This model was then replicated in key markets across the country. For my leadership and impact, I was honored with the 2021 President’s Award from the Vacation Rental Managers Association—
the highest industry recognition. While I’m proud of the award, what means most to me is the real-world impact we made during one of the most challenging moments in our industry’s history.

How do you define success?

Often, we get too hung up on “success” being singular or business focused. In my opinion, to be truly successful, I need to achieve just as much in my business as outside. I don’t believe in balance: Every day the scales tip in different directions, but I do believe in priorities. My faith, my family, my business, my community, and my health are my priorities. My success is measured by how I showed up for each. I set goals and ask questions. Did I entertain any meetings that could have been an email? Did I connect with a team member this week? Was I present for my kid’s daily recaps? Did I lift more than last month? Did I support something this week that has an impact on the community? Success isn’t based on the end of a career or a look back; it’s a daily achievement.

What motivates you?

Purpose. In everything I do, there has to be a purpose that is greater than myself. Purpose drives my passion and creates an unwavering dedication.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that? 

Over the last decade, my husband and I have acquired vacation rental companies throughout the country. My husband managed the operations while
I continued to grow my vacation rental policy consulting company. However, a couple of years ago, we realized we were working more in parallel than together. Our travel schedules remained opposite, and while my business was growing, I was spending hours in locations that did not serve our family businesses. We were often unable to meet the regulatory consulting needs of our personal markets. It was clear something had to change. Truth be told, I was fearful to start ending contracts with my clients and shift focus to operations instead of government discussions. But I quickly realized that hesitation was due to my own ego and being committed to only what I had built instead of the opportunity of what we could do together. I had to reposition my thinking. It was a shift in what I want out of my work. I learned I wanted to help our teams succeed, to still provide regulatory guidance in markets of direct impact to us, and strengthen the family business as opposed to being outside of it.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

Your successes are not yours alone. No one achieves without others lifting them up—those who work beside them or inspire them. Life is a team sport. Every relationship provides an opportunity to learn and grow, no matter the position. In a growing culture of self-importance, professional success is achieved by standing with others, not on the podium by yourself.

Jennifer Vigil, MPA, CDME, TMP, has built her career in public service with experience across municipal, county, and state government. A former gubernatorial appointee, she has worked in governance, finance, utilities, engineering, real estate, and tourism. Today, as president and CEO of Destination Panama City, she leads strategic tourism development and community revitalization efforts. Her work has been recognized throughout Northwest Florida for fostering collaboration and strengthening local identity.

Describe a defining moment or achievement in your career.
A defining moment in my career came during my first few days at Destination Panama City. I quickly realized I was in a rare position, tasked with building a destination marketing organization entirely from the ground up. There was no playbook, no legacy system, no team, just a blank canvas and a community eager to define its future. It hit me how important it was to get it right—to create not just a marketing plan, but a lasting framework that would shape how our city saw itself and how the world would come to see us. Laying that foundation, establishing structure, strategy, partnerships, and purpose, became my guiding mission. Watching Panama City evolve into a true traveler’s destination with a distinct identity and sense of pride remains one of the most meaningful achievements of my career.

How do you define success? 
Some people might think success is when we cross a finish line, but I think it’s found in the rhythm of the race. It’s the sweet spot, where purpose and peace are balanced. It’s when I’m doing work that matters and still have enough left in the tank to enjoy quality time with my daughters, my partner, and my friends.

What motivates you? 

I’m driven by the possibilities of the future and the belief that every action we take leaves a trace. Quirky as it sounds, I love crime shows, and I recently gave a speech called “Traces of Greatness” that explores this idea. In it, I talked about the people who have left evidence of impact in my own life through the lessons, encouragement, and inspiration that shaped who I am. I encourage everyone to appreciate the “suspects” who have made a difference in their life and to also strive to be the “suspect” in someone else’s story, leaving behind a positive and lasting mark. That is what motivates me, the chance to make a difference that outlasts the moment.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that? 

My biggest crossroads came when I had to make a choice that tested my integrity. It wasn’t the easy choice, but I knew that doing what was right mattered more than what was comfortable. In those moments, character is revealed, and faith becomes action. I’ve learned that the universe doesn’t simply grant us strength, patience, grit, or grace; it gives us opportunities to prove that it’s already within us. Today, I know that challenges are just opportunities in disguise.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers? 

Absolutely believe that you belong in every room you enter. Whether you’re there to learn, to contribute, or to lead, you must show up ready. The strength of your character is what carries you through challenges, so don’t sleep on being the best version of yourself. And always keep your sense of humor. Choose wine over whine every time.