Influential Women: The Power of Redefining Your Path
From Art to Education: A Journey of Personal Growth and Professional Transformation
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life and in my career is this: just because you begin in one place doesn’t mean that’s where you’re destined to stay. Our careers, much like our lives, are journeys of growth, resilience, and reinvention.
My story began in third grade with my science teacher, Mrs. Bonora. She brought learning to life with engaging, hands-on activities that made me curious and excited to return to class each day. Later, my grandmother nurtured my love of history by taking us on family trips across the United States, weaving stories into every destination. My mother, who was a teacher before I was born, modeled curiosity daily and encouraged my brother and me to always look deeper at the world around us. These women planted the seeds that inspired my lifelong love of teaching.
Interestingly, my path did not begin in education. I earned a degree in fine arts with a minor in sociology, thinking creatively and being organized would be my professional focus, no matter what profession I was in at the time. But when my children were toddlers, I realized that education was my true calling. Watching their curiosity and growth reignited my passion for teaching, and I pursued that path wholeheartedly.
My first role was at a private school in Louisiana, where I taught multiple subjects from history to art. It was there that I learned the joy of watching students grow year after year, their confidence and achievements blossoming as they discovered their own strengths. I sponsored clubs, organized competitions, and created opportunities for students to shine beyond the classroom.
When Hurricane Katrina displaced my family, I moved to Texas and began a new chapter. Teaching in Humble ISD, I developed programs such as book clubs, movie clubs, and morning tutoring sessions that gave students multiple ways to learn. I also became a dedicated grant writer, raising over $50,000 to support classrooms and students who otherwise lacked resources. Every grant was more than just funding; it was a doorway to opportunities for students who needed them most.
Throughout my career, I’ve embraced every kind of learner—those who excel, those who struggle, and everyone in between. I’ve presented to hundreds of teachers, written curriculum, and mentored colleagues, all with one goal: to make education engaging, equitable, and inspiring. My guiding belief is that when students experience history and learning in ways that are visual, kinesthetic, or auditory, they carry it with them long after they leave the classroom.
Yet, teaching today comes with challenges. Schools face overcrowded classrooms, reduced funding, and the growing demands of standardized testing. Teachers often become the last resource for students, using their own money to provide engaging lessons. I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is to advocate for resources, write grants, and create opportunities that empower every student to succeed.
What keeps me motivated are the same values that drew me to education in the first place: inspiration, creativity, and resilience. I continue to learn, adapt, and refine my teaching to meet the needs of today’s learners, whether through technology, hands-on projects, or meaningful storytelling.
Learning, however, is not a destination—it’s a constant evolution. Some lessons come from places we can anticipate, like professional development, new technologies, or formal training. Other lessons arrive unannounced, shaped by unexpected challenges, sudden opportunities, or the people we meet along the way. Both are essential. The ability to grow from the paths we can see and the ones we never imagined is what keeps us not only effective but fulfilled.
To women navigating their own careers, I want to say this: your starting point does not define your destination. The skills, passions, and values you carry with you will open doors you may never have imagined. I began as a young girl inspired by science and history, detoured into the arts, and ultimately found my true calling as an educator, leader, and advocate. Each step mattered. Each transition has brought me closer to the impact I was meant to have.
Being featured here is not just about my journey—it’s about encouraging others to embrace theirs. Whatever your path, wherever you begin, know that you have the power to redefine what comes next.
