Cori Carter-Wiggins

I attribute everything I am to my mother — and I mean that with every fiber of my being. When I was just 15 years old, my father passed away, leaving my mother to raise three young girls entirely on her own. But she never wavered. Not once. I watched her rise every single day with purpose, grace, and an unshakable will — and that image was forever etched into my soul.

My mother was a dedicated teacher for Atlanta Public Schools and a true pillar of the community. In 1994, she was honored as the National Teacher of the Year, featured in Time Magazine, and received the prestigious Tandy Technology Award, just to name a few — a testament to a life poured into shaping others. Her legacy lives on in every leader she helped mold, and in every life I touch today.

A woman of deep faith, my mother instilled in us the strength to face any storm. One of her most powerful lessons was simple but profound: "Baby, you will be tested. You may bleed, but you will not die. Put your game face on and move on accordingly — because if God brought you to it, He will bring you through it." Those words didn't just guide me — they ignited me. My mother's faith, resilience, and love became the fire behind everything I have achieved and continue to build.

This example has truly inspired me to give my all for my family—my husband, Anthony Wiggins, PE, and my children, Tayla and Jonathan. I am especially grateful for the incredible gift our family received just three months after my mom passed: my sweet, loving, and determined grandbaby, Luna. She has brought immense joy and renewed hope into our lives following the loss of our matriarch. Luna is a living testament to God’s promise, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). My heart remains full of gratitude.

Punctuality is not just about a clock. It is a statement of character. When you show up on time, you are telling the world that you value their time as much as your own. You are saying, “I am prepared. I am professional. I take this seriously.” In a world where first impressions can open or close doors, being on time is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to set yourself apart.

My mother lived this. She showed up — for her students, for her community, for her family — every single day, without fail. She taught me that reliability is a form of respect, and respect is the foundation of every great relationship, every great team, and every great career.

So whatever room you are walking into next — be early. Be ready. And show the world exactly who you are before you even say a word.

Be bold. Take up space. Own every room you walk into — because you belong there.

In a world where so many fields are still dominated by men, it can be tempting to shrink yourself, to play small, to stay quiet. Don't. Be seen. Be heard. Be unapologetic about your ambitions. If this is your goal, go after it with everything you have. And if you fall? Get back up. Every time. Failure is not the end — it is simply the beginning of your comeback story.

Cori's mother used to say, "Your heart may bleed, but you won't die." Those words are a battle cry. Take adversity head-on. Let it strengthen you, not silence you.

And as you rise, remember this: bring someone with you. Whenever you see a woman beside you who is struggling, striving, or simply in need of a hand — lift her up. Walk together. We are stronger when we support each other, network with intention, and show up for one another — even for the friends who always seem strong. Check on them

You are not alone. You never were.

We are standing at the edge of a revolution — and the biggest opportunity in project management is right in front of us. AI has the power to simplify complex tasks, unify data into powerful dashboards, and accelerate project delivery in ways we once only imagined. This is not the future. This is now.

But with great opportunity comes great responsibility. One of the most pressing challenges we face is breaking through the misconceptions that surround AI — the fear, the resistance, the unknown. True transformation means going beyond IT, extending the power of AI into every corner of project management, and ensuring that no office, team, or leader gets left behind.

The question is not whether AI will change our field. It already has. The question is whether we will have the courage to lead that change.

At the core of everything I do are values that were not just chosen — they were earned.

Boldness. Because playing small has never changed the world. I show up fully, speak my truth, and lead without apology.

Sisterhood. Because no woman should have to climb alone. I am committed to lifting, supporting, and walking alongside the women around me — in the boardroom and beyond.

Family. Because the people who ground us are our greatest strength. I carry my responsibilities as a caregiver with pride, knowing that nurturing others is not a weakness — it is a superpower.

Resilience. Because life will test you. It tested me. And every time I was knocked down, I chose to rise stronger, wiser, and more determined than before.

And through it all — joy. Mental health, happiness, and inner peace are not luxuries. They are necessities. I lead with courage and compassion because I believe that when we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to care for others.