Anita Wright

I attribute much of my success to the strong work ethic instilled in me at an early age. I often reflect on the influence of my grandfather, a tobacco farmer in Caswell County, North Carolina, whose example shaped my understanding of discipline, responsibility, and pride in one’s work. As a young girl, I learned firsthand the value of effort and perseverance. I remember being about eight years old, driving a tractor through long rows of tobacco, and even earlier than that, pulling my first row by hand. I can still recall the tobacco gum on my hands and the deep sense of pride I felt, knowing I had accomplished something meaningful through hard work.

Those early experiences formed the foundation of who I am today. They taught me that there is dignity in doing the work, regardless of how big or small the task may seem. I approach my responsibilities with a commitment to excellence, always striving to ensure that my work reflects the very best of me. I believe that how we show up in our work is a direct reflection of our values, and I take seriously the responsibility to perform at the highest level possible.

My parents and grandparents consistently modeled perseverance, humility, and determination. Their example demonstrated that success is not accidental; it is the result of intentional effort, personal accountability, and a willingness to push forward even when circumstances are challenging. My grandfather, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. Although he only attended school for two days in his lifetime and did not have the benefit of formal education, he was one of the wisest individuals I have ever known. He understood the transformative power of education and made it a priority to ensure that his children and grandchildren had opportunities he did not.

I can still hear his words clearly: “Nita, the world does not owe you anything. You can have anything you want as long as you get out and work for it.” He also reminded us, “You can go anywhere in this world as long as you know how to read.” While he could not read himself, he deeply valued education and understood that knowledge opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. His perspective reinforced the importance of learning, growth, and personal responsibility.

These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to guide how I lead, how I serve, and how I pursue excellence. They remind me that success is built through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. The values passed down through my family are deeply rooted in who I am, and they continue to shape both my professional journey and my desire to create meaningful impact through my work.

The best career advice I have received centers on a simple but powerful principle: align yourself with excellence in everything you do. When you commit to performing at a high standard, regardless of the task or title, the impact of your work naturally becomes greater. Excellence is not about perfection; it is about intentional effort, consistency, and a willingness to give your very best, even when no one is watching.

I was raised with the understanding that how you approach your work reflects your character. My parents often reminded me to always put my best foot forward and to approach every responsibility with dedication and integrity. My mother frequently encouraged me to never close the door on opportunities to learn. She believed that growth often happens outside the boundaries of our defined roles, and that every experience, whether directly related to our job or not, contributes to becoming more capable, confident, and prepared for what comes next.

Embracing this mindset has allowed me to become well-rounded and adaptable across environments and responsibilities. By remaining open to new experiences and consistently striving for excellence, I have developed skills and insights that extend beyond any single role. Often, the doors that have opened for me were not the result of actively seeking recognition, but rather the result of demonstrating commitment, reliability, and a willingness to contribute at a high level. People tend to notice when someone consistently shows up with purpose, professionalism, and a genuine desire to add value.

I have also found that maintaining a strong spiritual foundation provides clarity and alignment. Placing God first in all that I do helps guide my decisions, shape my perspective, and keep me grounded in purpose. It serves as a reminder that excellence is not solely about achievement, but about stewardship of the gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities entrusted to us.

Ultimately, aligning yourself with excellence creates a standard that influences not only your work, but also your mindset, your relationships, and your long-term impact. When you commit to continuous learning, remain open to opportunity, and operate with integrity and purpose, you position yourself to make meaningful contributions and to walk confidently through the doors that open along the way.

One of the most important pieces of advice I would offer to young women, and one I would share with my younger self, is to know your worth and to recognize it early. Do not wait for others to validate your value. Confidence begins to develop when you acknowledge your own strengths and intentionally continue to build upon them. Invest in your growth through education, skill development, and self awareness. Read widely, ask thoughtful questions, seek mentors, and remain open to learning. Do not be afraid to stretch beyond what feels comfortable. Growth often occurs outside of familiar spaces, and the willingness to embrace new challenges strengthens both capability and confidence.

Be authentic in who you are. Do not diminish yourself to make others feel comfortable. Your voice is important. Your ideas are valuable. Your presence deserves to be recognized in every room you enter. Surround yourself with environments that allow you to thrive and pay close attention to how people treat you and those around you. Healthy environments foster growth, respect, and opportunity. Advocate for yourself and prioritize your well being, including your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Define success on your own terms. Do not allow social media, societal expectations, or external timelines to dictate your journey. My own path was not traditional. After graduating from high school, I knew that higher education was important to me, but I was not ready to leave home immediately. I grew up in a very close knit family, and the idea of being away for four years felt overwhelming at that time. I chose to begin my academic journey at a community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to a four year institution. Along the way, I pursued additional certifications that helped strengthen my professional foundation. That path was right for me, and it ultimately positioned me for meaningful opportunities. Your journey does not have to mirror anyone else’s. You have the ability to chart your own course, and it is perfectly acceptable for your path to look different.

Finally, as you grow and achieve success, make a conscious effort to lift other women along the way. Supporting and encouraging others has always been important to me. I believe strongly in moving forward with one hand reaching back, helping to guide and support someone else as they pursue their own aspirations. There is strength in collaboration, and there is power in women rising together. When we create space for one another to succeed, we collectively expand what is possible for future generations.

One of the greatest challenges has been ensuring that administrative support roles are fully understood and valued for the strategic impact they can provide. Too often, these positions are viewed through a traditional lens that emphasizes task execution rather than recognizing the significant role they can play in advancing organizational priorities. A key part of my work involves helping leaders see the administrative professional as a strategic partner who contributes to decision support, operational alignment, and the effective execution of vision. When leaders recognize the full value of the role, it strengthens collaboration and allows organizations to operate more efficiently and intentionally.

Another challenge involves balancing expectations while working to translate vision into action. Administrative professionals are often uniquely positioned to see both the broader strategic landscape and the day to day operational realities. At times, this requires helping leaders view execution through a different lens, ensuring that priorities are aligned, resources are appropriately leveraged, and timelines are realistic. Bridging that perspective requires trust, communication, and a shared commitment to achieving desired outcomes.

At the same time, there are significant opportunities within this space. One of the most promising opportunities is expanding leadership pathways for administrative professionals and redefining what influence looks like. Influence does not always require a formal leadership title; it can be demonstrated through insight, problem solving, foresight, and the ability to create alignment across teams. There is an opportunity to elevate the profession by recognizing the strategic contributions administrative professionals make every day.

Leading with authenticity is also a powerful opportunity. When professionals operate from a place of integrity, confidence, and clarity of purpose, they create environments where collaboration and innovation can thrive. By redefining influence and continuing to demonstrate the value of strategic partnership, administrative professionals can help shape stronger organizations while also expanding what leadership looks like for future generations.

The values that are most important to me are integrity, excellence, authenticity, and a commitment to remaining true to who I am. Integrity serves as the foundation for everything I do. It guides my decisions, shapes my professional relationships, and ensures that my actions are aligned with strong ethical principles. I believe that trust is built through consistency, transparency, and accountability, and integrity is essential to establishing credibility and sustaining meaningful impact.

Excellence is another core value that has consistently guided my approach to work and leadership. I believe in giving my best effort in every responsibility, regardless of the size or visibility of the task. Excellence is not about perfection; it is about maintaining high standards, demonstrating discipline, and continuously striving to improve. This commitment ensures that the work I produce reflects both quality and purpose.

Equally important is authenticity. I believe in being genuine and grounded in who I am, while remaining open to growth and learning. Being true to oneself fosters confidence and allows individuals to lead and contribute with clarity and intention. Authenticity creates space for honest communication, strengthens relationships, and encourages others to show up fully as themselves.

Together, these values have served as guiding principles throughout my personal and professional journey. They influence how I approach challenges, how I collaborate with others, and how I strive to make meaningful contributions. Remaining anchored in integrity, committed to excellence, and grounded in authenticity allows me to lead with purpose and create impact in a way that is both consistent and sustainable.