My mom's words have always stayed with me: "Places do not make people people make places!! Now go get your dream!!" Dorothy J. Garnett-Clark
Constance Garnett-Houston · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Constance
Constance Garnett-Houston is a Major Accounts Executive at Canon USA, bringing more than two decades of experience in document management, imaging technology, and enterprise technology solutions. Based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, she partners with state agencies to conduct comprehensive technology assessments, evaluating everything from printers, servers, and networks to cybersecurity measures, databases, digital storefronts, and compliance requirements. Her career began in Indianapolis before she relocated to Mississippi to care for her aging parents, and she has since built a reputation as a trusted advisor to government clients seeking to strengthen and modernize their technology infrastructure.
Throughout her tenure at Canon USA, Constance has played a pivotal role in several high-profile projects, including the technology rollout for new Mississippi Department of Public Safety headquarters in Pearl, Starkville, and Oxford, where she coordinated closely with architects and agency leadership to ensure each facility's technology suite met operational demands. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Mississippi Valley State University and credits both her formal education and years of hands-on corporate experience for shaping her professional expertise. Her consistent performance has earned her recognition as a multiple-time Presidential Club Award winner, reflecting sustained success in exceeding revenue targets within a highly competitive field.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Constance is guided by a strong sense of faith, determination, and purpose. As a recent breast cancer survivor, she has become an active advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection through her involvement with the American Breast Cancer Society. She often speaks about the importance of mentorship and education, encouraging young women entering the industry to remain focused, detail-oriented, and resilient. For Constance, career achievement is only one dimension of a fulfilling life — one that she balances with faith, family, and a commitment to giving back.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Constance
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, believing that God's grace and favor have guided many of my most important decisions. Beyond that, I credit my own determination, focus, and commitment to lifelong learning, along with the lasting influence my mother has had on my life and career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received came from my mother, who taught me that places don't make people — people make places. She encouraged me to pursue the education I needed, understand what it truly takes to succeed, and stay determined enough to see it through.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to lead with determination, focus, and attention to detail. This is a performance-driven corporate environment, so success depends on your ability to deliver measurable results and navigate obstacles with confidence. I want them to see, through my own experience, that professional success is absolutely possible.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Our industry has changed significantly since COVID-19. The shift to hybrid and remote work has changed the way organizations operate, reducing on-site technology footprints and affecting printing and fleet activity. This has created a need for right-sizing and new approaches to technology provisioning and security.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith, determination, and the value of education are central to who I am, both professionally and personally. As a recent breast cancer survivor, I've also come to deeply appreciate advocacy and early detection efforts, and I've learned that professional success is only one part of living a truly meaningful life.
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