Owning the Climb: Finding My Power Without a Perfect Plan
From Treasury Clerk to CFO: How Perseverance and Grit Transformed My Career in Local Government
Back in 2009, the recession hit hard. Like so many others in Sarasota, Florida, I was just trying to keep my head above water. Did I have my whole life figured out? Not even close.
I needed a job, so I took a role as a Treasury Clerk for Manatee County just to pay the bills.
But here’s the exciting part—what started as a temporary solution turned into the launchpad for my entire career.
Instead of worrying about not having a perfect master plan, I decided to go all in. I wanted to learn everything I could, grow professionally, and step into my own power. I stopped focusing only on daily administrative tasks and started looking at the bigger picture—how to lead a team effectively, contribute to strategic decisions, and make a meaningful impact.
It was not easy. The climb to the top was steep, and there were definitely days when I doubted myself.
But that is where perseverance came in.
Every time I hit a roadblock, I refused to let it stop me. I used every setback as a stepping stone to climb even higher.
Fast forward to today: I am the Chief Financial Officer at the Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority.
Reaching this executive milestone has been an incredible accomplishment, and it represents a meaningful win for women in local government. Stepping into this level of influence showed me exactly what we are capable of when we refuse to give up and claim our place at the table.
If there is one thing this wild and amazing journey has taught me, it is this:
You absolutely do not need to have everything figured out from day one.
All you need is the grit to keep pushing forward, the courage to lead, and the confidence to believe in your own strength.
