Julie Herrera-LemLer

I attribute my success to showing up, staying involved, and building real relationships over time. I have always believed that participation matters. So many opportunities do not come from sitting back and waiting, but from being present, getting involved, contributing, and being willing to step into the room. A big part of my journey has come from consistently showing up, whether that meant volunteering, serving on boards, supporting others, attending events, building connections, or simply being someone people know they can count on.

I also believe success comes from the way you treat people. I genuinely care about others, I work hard, and I try to lead with authenticity, positivity, and purpose. I have always been someone who wants to create connections, open doors, and help move things forward. That mindset has shaped both my personal and professional path.

At the same time, I know I did not get here alone. I have been fortunate to have some truly incredible people in my corner who believed in me, encouraged me, spoke my name in rooms I was not in, and reminded me of what I was capable of, sometimes even before I fully saw it in myself. That kind of support has meant more than I can say. It has helped build my confidence, pushed me to keep growing, and reminded me how important it is to do the same for others.

For me, success is really a mix of heart, hard work, consistency, and community. It comes from showing up, participating, staying open to growth, and being surrounded by people who believe in you while also doing the work to believe in yourself.

The best career advice I have ever received was to treat people right, show up for others, and never underestimate the value of relationships. Skills, titles, and experience matter, but so much of life and work comes down to how you make people feel, whether people trust you, and whether they know you are someone who will show up.

I would add my own advice to that as well: get involved, even if it is something you do not know much about yet, as long as you are curious and care. Some of the greatest growth happens when you are willing to step into spaces that are new to you, ask questions, learn as you go, and stay open to the experience. So many opportunities, connections, and lessons come from simply being willing to participate. For me, that combination has made a big difference. Treat people well, show up, stay engaged, and do not be afraid to step into something new. You never know where it might lead.

I would encourage young women to find a mentor. Having someone in your corner who can guide you, encourage you, and remind you of your strengths can make a huge difference. A mentor can help you navigate challenges, see opportunities more clearly, and you can grow faster than you would on your own.

Also, if you get invited to an event, a meeting, or a place where you can learn and connect, go...Show up, girl! Do not talk yourself out of it. Some of the best opportunities come from simply being in the room, listening, learning, and allowing yourself to be part of the conversation.

Most of all, stay curious and do not be afraid to step into things you may not know much about yet. If you care, are willing to learn, and keep moving forward, you will grow. You do not need to know everything on day one. You just need to begin.

One of the biggest challenges in this field right now is helping people navigate uncertainty. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners are trying to make important decisions while facing rising costs, limited time, access to capital challenges, and constant changes in the business landscape. It can feel overwhelming, especially for those trying to build something meaningful without always knowing where to start or who to trust.

At the same time, I see a real opportunity to make support more accessible and meaningful. People are looking for trusted guidance, practical education, and connections that help them move forward with confidence. There is also a growing opportunity to build stronger trust, reach more diverse communities, and create spaces where people feel welcomed, understood, and supported. That is where real impact begins.

The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, connection, and impact. This is not something you learn from a textbook. It is a way of living. It is built through consistency, integrity, and how you show up for people over time.

I am also much more inspired by impact than by numbers alone. What means the most to me is being part of someone’s journey, sometimes from that very first phone call all the way to being a part of their ribbon cutting. That full-circle moment is powerful. It is a reminder that the work is not just about services or statistics, but about people feeling supported, seen, and able to move something meaningful forward. Caring for people should not feel like a task, but a strength. It should be genuine, and it should be done on purpose!