2026 Goals: Ambitious Resolutions from the Influential Women Community

Right now, women in our community are stepping into their 2026 goals with intention, courage, and clarity. Some are writing books. Some are building businesses. Some are earning certifications, launching platforms, shifting careers, and choosing themselves in ways they never have before. Some are simply deciding to show up differently—with more presence, more grace, more authenticity.

Below you'll find goals from women across industries, life stages, and circumstances. What ties them together isn't the goal itself. It's the commitment behind it. The willingness to grow. The belief that their work, their voice, their presence matters.

Kadian Lewis:

"In 2026, I will anchor my life in divine order, God, family, self-preservation, and work, by intentionally making time for each every day, and I will turn every disappointment into an actionable lesson that strengthens my resilience and transforms setbacks into unstoppable momentum that guarantees my success throughout the year."

Michelle Jackson:

"As I reflect on 2025, I think of the new ways and goals to inspire, empower, and influence others through my own journey of growth. My goal for myself this year is to write two books. I have one in the works, and I am going to finish it and then begin the other one that has been living in my head and dreams for a while now. I also plan to take more time for me and refresh my well so I can pour into others."

Dezerae Fish:

"One goal I am excited to work on and have made strides with is growing awareness of my business. This year, I've put those things aside to truly focus on the growth and expansion of my business. I'm posting at least 3x a week on social media, joined the local chamber of commerce, attended networking events, sent messages to potential leads, handed out business cards, joined the local chapter of the Junior Chambers and was elected V.P., and was awarded a full scholarship to earn my bachelor's degree in finance. It's going to be a busy and fulfilling year!"

Breanna DeLong:

"One goal I'm excited to work toward in 2026 is earning my Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM) certification, with plans to sit for the exam in February. Alongside that, I've recently begun volunteering as a co-host for the podcast Zero Dark Thirsty, where I lead the 'Married to the Mission' segment focused on military life, identity, and career transitions."

Kandise Finley:

"A goal I've set for 2026 is to consistently choose kindness and advocacy, especially among women, by lifting one another up rather than tearing one another down. As a healthcare professional, ethics and integrity should not just guide our work, but align seamlessly with how we treat each other."

Carlena White:

"One of the goals I am most excited about in 2026 is building continued success in my new role as a Quality Specialist. I look forward to deepening my knowledge of policies and procedures while strengthening my ability to train and guide employees with confidence and clarity. I have also enrolled in school for Healthcare Management, aligning my education with my career path."

Kimberly Huber:

"I am excited to share that I am currently working on a $100,000 grant proposal. This funding will support the development of my website and, more importantly, enable me to create part-time job opportunities for two people in my neighborhood."

Yolanda Hall:

"In 2026, my goal is to secure a local, state, or federal grant or contract in Virginia to expand my coaching for youth ages 15 to 25 and their parents. I'm especially excited to partner with colleges to support students from move-in day to graduation—boosting retention, confidence, and completion."

Susan Keup:

"In 2026, my Quality team will pursue an ambitious and measurable goal: to reduce human-error-related defects by 95% by the end of the year. This goal represents a shift in how quality is understood, practiced, and owned across the production floor. By combining stronger floor engagement, improved training, enhanced onboarding, and a deeply embedded quality culture, we will build a workplace where people are supported, processes are clear, and quality is built into every part produced."

Khadija Badla-Hamza:

"A goal for 2026 is transitioning into an Instructional Design role while balancing life to the best with my girls and hubby!"

Jacqueline Hansen:

"For 2026, my goal is less guilt and more grace. Being a working mom is hard, and there are so many times I feel like I'm not giving my all. But this year, I want to stop putting so much pressure on myself. Regardless of what I'm doing, I just want to be present and give it my full attention."

Lisa Zarcone:

"One of my goals in 2026 is to complete my third book: Reflections of Trauma and Healing. As an adult survivor of child abuse, I wrote my personal memoir, The Unspoken Truth, then my mother's story, The Book of Joann. My third book will bring these stories together with a full circle moment about the healing journey and how I got to where I am today."

Lisa Owens:

"One goal I am excited to work toward in 2026 is to place my book into the hands of millions of readers who will either have a seed of transformation planted or a seed already planted watered. I plan to take advantage of the 'Calling All Authors' and contribute to 'How She Rebuilt Trust In Herself After A Series Of Wrong Turns.'"

Rosalind Simmons:

"My 1st Quarter Goal for 2026 is to complete my new book, The Financial Resilience Handbook: How to Overcome Hardship and Rebuild With Confidence, which will help clarify how to bridge the gap from financial hardship to stability for thousands living paycheck to paycheck. I have officially completed the trademark for Financial Chaplaincy—a new field of study that will impact underserved communities."

Emely Estella:

"In 2026, I'm excited to continue growing as a leader in Property Management while embracing the technology and innovation shaping our industry. My goal is to stay closely connected to daily operations and the resident experience while leveraging smarter systems, data, and emerging tools to help teams work more efficiently and confidently. 2026 is about leading boldly, staying curious, and building teams prepared for the future while remaining grounded in what truly matters—our people and our communities."

Bridget Klebolt:

"My primary goal for 2026 is to redefine success by decoupling my self-worth from my professional title. I am using this transition to explore a more holistic, authentic version of myself. While my work is a significant piece of my story, it is not the whole book. This is the year I trade 'loyalty to a company' for loyalty to my authentic self, grounded in the truth that my success isn't just about what I do, but who I am."

Michelle Neyrey:

"This year, I have finished writing my book, Teaching with Purpose, which is being edited and will be available in June 2026. Teaching with Purpose is both a guidebook and a source of inspiration for educators who want to pair intentional structure with meaningful connection. Drawing on more than twenty-five years in education, it provides practical tools to make learning meaningful and lasting—celebrating the joy, compassion, and creativity that help classrooms thrive."

Heather Ancrum:

"My goal for 2026 is to shift from being indispensable to building teams and systems that thrive without me because real influence is scalable."

Lisa Baratta:

"I have been applying for community colleges and universities in the hope of moving from teaching kids to teaching adults."

Judy Little:

"My goal is to educate customers on what a merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will mean for the transportation industry. Allowing UP/NS to become one railroad network will remove the need for multiple railroads to interchange, allowing trains to continuously flow through. It will be a game changer for the transportation industry, helping rail compete on transit, cut carbon emissions, and do it at a lower cost versus truck."

Sandy Haines:

"I'm excited to finish this goal. For many years now, I have been working on my Associate's Degree in Theology. Just days after I turn 50, I will be graduating! Having biblical studies now behind me will make me that much better of a person, an entrepreneur, and a leader people will be eager to learn and grow from based on not only my words, but my actions as well."

Allison Brenner:

"In 2026, my goal is to help at least 500 women see themselves more clearly by building trust, demonstrating real impact, and establishing InnerVue as a credible, human-centered self-awareness platform while generating the proof, stories, and momentum needed to turn InnerVue from a product into a movement."

Lisa Méndez:

"One goal that I am working on is Elevating Women. My focus and passion is to lift other women entering in or that may have been in our industry, and lift them up—either through mentorship, round table lunches, or an afternoon catching up over breakfast."

Sharon Ross:

"One goal I am excited about working on this year is the completion of my writing goals! I have completed my first children's book, which will be available at the end of February, and I have plans to put finishing touches on other projects I have started for publication!"

Marianne Olaniran:

"In 2026, I'm releasing my first solo book, The Confidence Comeback Code: The Science-Backed Path for Women to Reclaim Unstoppable Confidence, Abundant Prosperity, and Lasting Joy. The book blends science, strategy, and lived experience, including my own journey through profound setbacks marked by self-doubt and shame, and how I moved beyond them to greater confidence, increased income, fulfillment, and joy."

Samantha Brock:

"In 2026, my goal is to continue promoting my legacy project, Boots at Home, which is my volunteer platform to support military and their families. This comes with also presenting this platform for Petite USA, a national pageant designed for petite women."

Suzanne Hermanson:

"I am excited to make bold marketing decisions this year and to say yes to more of what I want to do. More than ever, it is imperative to identify snakes in the grass and stay true to your inner compass."

Brandy Clouse:

"My goal for 2026 is to be intentional about sustainable work practices and ongoing skill and self-awareness development so I can work effectively; be equally intentional about my physical and cognitive health to enjoy a long, high-quality lifespan."

Kim Shivers:

"My goal for 2026 is to hone in on the how of getting my message out to managers and executives to Value Your People. There is so much behind this message, so I'm giving a big basic overview as I build out my platform."

Nina Kanate Epse Toure:

"One goal I'm excited to work toward in 2026 is growing into a stronger HR leader and using my experiences to help create supportive workplaces where people can thrive."

Ellen Pepper:

"Land one successful speaking engagement."