Florence G. Haley

I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith. My relationship with God has given me the courage to pursue purpose, the wisdom to navigate challenges, and the discipline to remain faithful to the work I have been called to do. I also credit more than 30 years of professional experience in management, human resources, and organizational development, along with my education, for strengthening my ability to lead, serve, and build with intention. Together, my faith, career experience, and education have taught me that true success is not measured only by personal achievement, but by how we use what we have learned to uplift others and leave the next generation better prepared.

The best career advice I have ever received came from three exceptional mentors who played an important role in shaping my professional journey. Wanda Sloan, a respected community activist in Beloit, inspired me through her commitment to community service and advocacy; Dr. Attila Wenninger, former superintendent of the Stevens Point Area School District, taught me valuable lessons about leadership and the importance of serving others; and lastly, Alan Tollefson, former HR Director at the City of Beloit. He taught me you will make mistakes in your career; learn from them and don't let them define you. Their guidance, along with my education and professional experiences, reinforced the importance of continuous learning, strong leadership, and staying committed to my purpose. I carry those lessons with me today as I continue my work with Past to Posterity and pursue opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to always stay involved, remain engaged in your community, and be willing to use your voice and experience to create positive change. Throughout my career and community involvement, including serving as president of the Beloit Public Library Board, I have seen the impact that dedicated leadership and active participation can have. I encourage young women to seek opportunities to serve, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to initiatives that address important issues in their communities. Whether through professional work, board leadership, or community organizations, staying involved can open doors, strengthen your influence, and create lasting change.

After nearly a year in my role, I have gained valuable insight into both the challenges and opportunities families face in creating a legacy. One of the biggest challenges is continuing to adapt to evolving demands while building strong relationships, developing my expertise, and delivering consistent results. At the same time, this period has presented significant opportunities for professional growth, learning, and contributing in meaningful ways. I am focused on continuing to grow in my role, embrace new challenges, and leverage opportunities that allow me to make a positive impact.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, purpose, legacy, and empowerment. Being a mother and grandmother is my greatest accomplishment, and family is at the heart of everything I do. Through my work as an author and podcast host, I am passionate about encouraging people to think generationally, build financial ownership, and create lasting legacies for future generations. My book, Black Dollar Days, and my podcast, Past to Posterity, reflect my commitment to sharing knowledge, inspiring meaningful change, and helping others make informed decisions that can strengthen their families and communities. I value using my professional journey to serve a greater purpose while making time to enjoy the people and experiences that matter most, including relaxing and traveling with loved ones.