Caleshia Walker

I would attribute my success to a combination of consistency, self-reflection, and support.

First, I’m intentional about showing up—even when motivation is low. Small, steady effort over time has mattered more than bursts of perfection. Second, I regularly reflect on my experiences and feedback. Being willing to adjust, learn from mistakes, and grow has helped me strengthen both my skills and confidence.

I also recognize the importance of community and mentorship. Support from educators, peers, and mentors has challenged me to think critically while reminding me that I don’t have to navigate everything alone. Finally, my success is grounded in a strong sense of purpose. Knowing why I do the work—especially my commitment to equity, advocacy, and uplifting marginalized voices—keeps me focused and resilient when obstacles arise.

Overall, my success comes from perseverance, learning from others, and staying aligned with my values.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is “Don’t chase titles—chase skills and impact.”

That advice shifted my focus from external validation to long-term growth. Instead of measuring success by job titles or timelines, I learned to prioritize building transferable skills, meaningful experience, and relationships that align with my values. When you focus on impact—how your work serves others and contributes to change—opportunities tend to follow naturally.

It also taught me to be patient with my journey. Careers aren’t linear, and detours often become the most valuable learning experiences. Staying open to growth, asking for feedback, and advocating for yourself matter more than trying to meet someone else’s definition of success.

Ultimately, that advice reminded me that a fulfilling career is less about where you are at a given moment and more about who you are becoming along the way.

I would tell young women entering this field to trust your voice and don’t shrink yourself to fit the room. You belong here, even on the days you question it. Speak up, ask questions, and share your ideas—your perspective is an asset, not a liability.

I’d also encourage you to seek mentors and build community early. You don’t have to navigate your career alone, and learning from others’ experiences can save you time and help you avoid burnout. At the same time, invest in yourself by continuously building skills and advocating for opportunities that align with your goals.

Finally, remember to define success on your own terms. There will always be pressure to follow a certain path or timeline, but fulfillment comes from work that aligns with your values and well-being. Protect your boundaries, honor your growth, and know that progress—no matter how incremental—is still progress.

In project management, one of the biggest challenges right now is managing complexity and constant change. Projects are moving faster, teams are often remote or hybrid, and scope shifts are becoming more common. Balancing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations while maintaining team well-being can be demanding, especially when priorities change mid-project.

Another challenge is communication across diverse, cross-functional teams. Misalignment between leadership, clients, and team members can derail progress if expectations aren’t clearly defined and revisited.

At the same time, there are significant opportunities. The growing use of technology and data-driven tools—including AI, automation, and advanced project management platforms—allows project managers to improve forecasting, risk management, and decision-making. There’s also an increased recognition that successful project managers need strong soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership.

Overall, the field presents an opportunity for project managers to evolve from task coordinators into strategic leaders who drive organizational change, foster collaboration, and create sustainable outcomes.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, growth, equity, and balance.

Integrity guides how I show up—being honest, accountable, and aligned with my word builds trust in professional relationships and personal connections. Growth matters because I believe learning is ongoing; I’m committed to self-improvement, reflection, and adapting as I evolve.

Equity and respect are central to how I engage with others. I value creating inclusive environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported, and where diverse perspectives are treated as strengths. Finally, balance is essential. I prioritize well-being, boundaries, and sustainability, knowing that success isn’t meaningful if it comes at the expense of mental health or personal fulfillment.

Together, these values shape how I lead, collaborate, and live with intention.