The Journey-"It’s not where I start the race, it’s where I finish"
From resilience and motherhood to leading with purpose: a 20-year journey of breaking barriers and lifting others in higher education, sales, and the nonprofit arts.
I have been deeply blessed by a career and life journey that have taught me resilience, courage, and the power of lifting others along the way.
"It's not where I started the race; it's where I finish."
I am the proud mother of five beautiful children and grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren. Becoming a mother at 19 was viewed by many as a setback, but for me, it became the beginning of a powerful purpose. It awakened a determination within me to break through barriers, challenge stigma, and prove that where we begin does not define where we are capable of going. I knew the road ahead would require hard work, sacrifice, and faith—and I was ready to rise to the challenge.
One of the greatest blessings in my career was beginning my education while working in higher education under an extraordinary mentor who was also my supervisor. He saw strength, wisdom, and determination in me before I fully recognized them in myself. He challenged me, encouraged me to conquer fear, and empowered me to take on difficult tasks with confidence. Along the way, he celebrated both my professional and personal growth, often saying,
"Well done, kiddo! I'm so proud of you!"
His belief in me became a light I still carry.
Because of the impact he had on both my career and my life, I now strive to be that same source of encouragement for others. I want to inspire young women to recognize their own strength, trust their journey, and believe that they, too, can overcome obstacles and lead with purpose.
20 Years in Higher Education
During my 20 years in higher education, I managed a budget of more than one million dollars, but the greatest reward was never found in numbers alone. It was found in the students and families I had the privilege of meeting at the beginning of their journeys and supporting through graduation. Many faced significant challenges along the way, but their perseverance reminded me of a truth I hold close: it is not always where we start that matters most—it is how we finish.
A Career in Sales and Hospitality
During my career in sales and hospitality, I had the opportunity to meet many celebrities and work with prestigious companies and organizations. I was never intimidated by status or wealth; I saw people first. As I came to know many of them, I discovered philanthropists and humanitarians who remained humble because their own paths to success had not been easy. Their stories reinforced my belief that perseverance, compassion, and humility create a lasting impact.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
I currently work for a nonprofit arts center that creates and shares educational, artistic, and community experiences that ignite curiosity, understanding, and joy. In this role, I witness the healing power of music and the arts every day.
As a survivor of domestic violence, I know personally how art and music can restore hope, bring comfort, and become part of the healing process. This work is more than a career to me—it is a calling.
I volunteer with several nonprofit organizations that address food, health, and financial insecurity, and I serve as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Through every role I hold, I hope to light the way for others—to remind them that healing is possible, dreams are still within reach, and their story is not over.
In my spare time, I rehabilitate and redesign homes to restore their charm.
I am blessed to be alive, grateful for the journey that has shaped me, and thankful for the opportunity to use my story to encourage, empower, and inspire others.
