Jennifer Hogan-Hardesty

I attribute my success to my faith, perseverance, education, and determination to create a better life for my children. No matter how many setbacks I face, I continue to work hard, learn, and move forward. I refuse to let difficult circumstances define me or determine my future.

The best advice I ever received has been keep moving forward. No matter how life can be challenging sometimes, the best thing to do is keep moving forward. You're doing great. Don't ever let anybody tell you any different, because everybody has their own routine. Treat others how you want to be treated, because it really does come a long way, and your hard work does pay off in the end.

The advice I would give young women is to believe in themselves, protect their peace, and never allow setbacks or other people’s opinions to determine their worth. Continue your education, work toward independence, and never make yourself smaller to make someone else comfortable. Life may not always go according to plan, but every challenge can teach you something and make you stronger. Be kind, set healthy boundaries, ask for help when you need it, and never give up on the life you want to create.

I did do a career change. I did work for, Children's Division for a long time as an investigator. But deciding that a career change was more feasible so I could have more time with my children, that was a challenge for me. ... getting used to a new schedule is, you know, is a challenge, but other than that, just, I'm still being able to help people

Values are more important to me are the love that I have for my children and education, because knowledge is power, and I want to teach them the same thing. ... learning new things every day. ... able to maintain that discipline with an educational standpoint. That knowledge is everything. Every day. It's a learning experience, good or bad.