Her Story
About Amber
Amber Millett is a Surgical Technology Instructor at The College of Health Care Professions in Dallas, Texas, bringing extensive hands-on healthcare experience and a passion for educating the next generation of surgical professionals. Before transitioning into academia, Amber spent approximately eight years working as a Certified Surgical Technologist, gaining valuable operating room experience at respected healthcare organizations including Parkland Hospital, UT Health East Texas, and COMPLETE SURGERY MESQUITE. Certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), she developed expertise in surgical procedures, orthopedic surgery, precepting, and maintaining high standards of patient care and safety.
Amber’s journey reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Originally an honors student with plans to attend law school, she faced a life-changing transition after becoming a mother while still in high school. She continued to thrive academically and professionally, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology from Trinity Valley Community College and building a successful career in healthcare. Today, she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University, with interests in Biology and Health Science, while planning to continue her education through a master’s degree in Education. Her long-term goals include advancing in higher education as a tenured professor or Director of Education, where she can continue mentoring and shaping future healthcare professionals.
Beyond her career in healthcare education, Amber is also an entrepreneur and dedicated mother. She co-owns and operates a solar business with her husband, contributing to business development, marketing, and operations. As a mother of four high-achieving children, she balances family, entrepreneurship, and professional growth with strong values of integrity, perseverance, and dedication. Amber’s professional philosophy centers on empowering others, believing that challenges can be overcome through persistence and commitment, as reflected in her guiding principle: “Everything seems impossible until it’s done.”
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amber
01What do you attribute your success to?
My husband is my biggest supporter and cheerleader. Every time I come up with a new idea, he's like, "okay, what do you need from me? I got you". And encourages me and tells me how much I inspire him.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Everything seems impossible until it's done. This is a quote from Nelson Mandela. I put it on my first college cap and gown. I live by it and tell my students, don't stop. Anything worth having is going to be hard, and it's going to seem impossible until it's done. But it is possible, and you can do this.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let anybody tell you that you can't. Don't let anybody tell you that whatever choices that you've made thus far can ruin your life, and that you're not going to amount to anything, because that's not true. The only person who can change that is yourself. So, you need to invest in yourself, and you need to believe and love yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Life comes at you in unexpected ways. Every single time you feel like you've stepped forward, something's gonna try to knock you back. Challenges, include becoming pregnant at a young age, getting stuck in dead-end jobs, divorce, financial hardships. Keep your head up and keep going, don't get complacent.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. In the field of surgery, your integrity is your most important quality. Above anything else, integrity is the most important quality.
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