Gloria Raise

I attribute my success to my strength, determination, and the support system that has been there for me throughout my journey, especially my parents. Without their love and encouragement, I would not be where I am today. At 19, shortly after graduating from high school, I made the courageous decision to leave my home country and move to the United States on my own. I arrived without knowing anyone and with little experience being independent, having always lived with my parents. That experience challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, build a new life from the ground up, and develop confidence and resilience along the way. I have always been driven to excel, and when I set a goal for myself, I remain committed to achieving it, regardless of the obstacles or challenges I may encounter.

The best career advice I have received is to embrace where I am in each stage of my journey and understand that it is okay if I am not yet where I ultimately want to be. Toward the end of my school years, I focused heavily on networking, particularly at conferences, as I pursued opportunities in forensic science. Because of citizenship requirements, finding a role in my desired field was challenging, and there were times when the setbacks were emotionally difficult. Professors, mentors, and other professionals consistently encouraged me to remain observant, learn from every opportunity, welcome feedback, and continue developing my skills. Their guidance taught me that progress does not always happen on my preferred timeline, but as long as I remain open to learning and growth, I will continue moving toward where I am meant to be.

My advice to young women entering my field is to make the most of their school years by actively engaging with their professors, because building those relationships can provide valuable mentorship, guidance, and opportunities throughout their careers. I also encourage students to join professional associations while they are still in school, attend conferences, and begin building their professional networks early. Most importantly, do not be afraid to put yourself out there and pursue opportunities, even when they may feel outside your comfort zone. Opportunities rarely come looking for you, so you have to be proactive, make connections, ask questions, and take the initiative to create the path you want for yourself.

I believe one of the biggest challenges in forensic science is navigating a field that can still be male-dominated, particularly in areas connected to law enforcement, which may feel intimidating for women entering the profession. In more specialized disciplines, such as forensic entomology, which I studied, another challenge is that traditional career opportunities can be limited because these emerging specialties are still gaining recognition within the broader forensic science community. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities in both forensics and biology. These fields are evolving rapidly, creating new areas for research, innovation, and professional growth. I believe there is significant potential for women and other emerging professionals to contribute meaningfully and help shape the continued development of these fields.

Honesty, empathy, and the ability to build and maintain long-lasting, healthy relationships are among the values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life. I believe that honesty and compassion are essential to navigating challenges, communicating effectively, and building trust with others. The people we surround ourselves with, whether coworkers, friends, family, or significant others, have a meaningful influence on how we experience and navigate life. For me, nurturing relationships that are healthy, supportive, and grounded in mutual respect is essential to both professional success and personal fulfillment.