Dr. Iris Wright

I attribute my success to resilience, faith, and the decision to heal instead of harden. I chose to turn pain into purpose and use my voice, even when it was uncomfortable. Writing, community, and a commitment to helping others rise helped me stay aligned with my calling and keep going.

The best career advice I ever received was to stop waiting for permission and start walking in my purpose. Once I understood that my lived experience was my expertise, everything changed. I stopped shrinking and started building what I wished had existed when I needed it most.

Know who you are before the industry tries to define you. Your story, values, and boundaries matter. Don’t wait to be chosen—build your own table. Be willing to learn, stay consistent, and protect your integrity. When challenges come, let them sharpen you, not silence you.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is helping people move from survival to healing while navigating systems that often lack compassion. At the same time, that’s also the greatest opportunity. There’s a growing demand for authentic leadership, lived-experience voices, and solutions rooted in healing, accountability, and real community impact.

Integrity, compassion, faith, and accountability are the values that guide both my work and my personal life. I believe in showing up honestly, leading with empathy, and keeping my word. Healing, growth, and service matter deeply to me because real success means lifting others as you rise.