A powerful personal narrative about building resilience and leadership by overcoming obstacles as a single mother, professional, and mentor. Discover how perseverance and integrity can transform your future regardless of your circumstances.
Her Story
About Kristen
Kristen Schoellman believes resilience is one of life’s greatest strengths. Throughout her personal and professional journey, she has learned that success is not determined by where you begin or the obstacles you face, but by your willingness to keep moving forward. As a mother, and leader, she is passionate about encouraging others to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and never lose sight of their goals.
Her experiences have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in integrity, compassion, accountability, and service. Kristen believes the most effective leaders are those who listen, support others, and lead by example. Whether mentoring a teammate, improving a process, or helping solve a complex problem, she strives to make a positive and lasting impact.
Outside of work, Kristen enjoys traveling, cruising, creating lasting memories with her family, and experiencing new places and cultures. She considers her greatest accomplishment to be raising two hardworking, compassionate young men and hopes her story inspires others to persevere through life’s challenges with courage, determination, and grace. Her message is simple: No matter what life throws your way, never stop believing in yourself and never stop moving forward.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, faith, and the unwavering belief that no matter what life throws at you, you always have a choice to keep moving forward. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has taught me resilience, strengthened my character, and reminded me that growth often comes through adversity. I also owe so much to my family, who have been my greatest motivation. Becoming a mother at a young age gave me a purpose greater than myself and inspired me to build a better future. Along the way, I’ve learned that success isn’t measured by titles or recognition, it’s measured by the lives you impact, the integrity you lead with, and your willingness to never give up.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to focus on what you can control and never stop learning. Challenges are inevitable, but your attitude, work ethic, and integrity are always within your control. That advice has helped me navigate both my career and my personal life, reminding me that growth comes from perseverance, not perfection.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Life will present challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but don’t let them define your future. Keep learning, work hard, treat people with kindness, and never give up. The obstacles you face today may become the foundation of your greatest successes tomorrow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Our industry is constantly evolving, which means we have to evolve with it. One of our biggest challenges is keeping pace with change while maintaining accuracy and exceptional customer service. I see that as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Every challenge presents a chance to improve a process, strengthen collaboration, and find better ways to support both our customers and our teams.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity has always been my foundation. I believe your character is defined by what you do when no one is watching. Along with integrity, I value perseverance, compassion, and family. Life has taught me that success isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about facing them with grace, learning from them, and continuing to move forward. I want the people in my life, both personally and professionally, to know they can trust me, depend on me, and know that I’ll always strive to do what’s right.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Kristen
Why Quitting Was Never an Option
From Single Mother to Influential Leader: How Resilience and Determination Shape Success
Building Resilience Through Every Chapter: My Journey as an Influential Woman
People often think resilience is something you're born with. I believe it's something you build—one decision, one challenge, and one setback at a time.
My journey hasn't followed a perfectly planned path. As a single mother, I returned to college while working full time because I wanted to create a better future for my family. I studied accounting and business, and while life took me in a different direction before I completed my degree, the knowledge I gained and the determination I developed opened doors I never imagined. Those opportunities became the foundation of a career that has continued to grow through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Today, I serve as the Billing Supervisor for Emergency Response Services at Veolia North America. My role involves leading a team, improving processes, collaborating across departments, and supporting environmental emergency response operations. While I'm proud of the career I've built, my title isn't what defines me. What defines me is how I choose to show up each day—with integrity, accountability, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Leadership Isn't About Having All the Answers
Throughout my career, I've learned that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, building trust, supporting your team, and creating an environment where people feel valued and empowered.
Some of the most meaningful moments in my career haven't been promotions or awards. They've been watching someone I mentored grow in confidence or seeing a process improvement make life easier for my team.
Life has also taught me lessons outside the workplace. I've experienced personal loss, faced challenges that tested my strength, and encountered moments when giving up would have been the easier choice. Those experiences didn't make me weaker; they made me more resilient, more compassionate, and more appreciative of every opportunity to make a positive difference.
Your Circumstances Do Not Determine Your Future
One lesson has remained constant through every chapter of my life: your circumstances do not determine your future. They may shape you, but they don't have to define you.
Every setback carries an opportunity to learn, adapt, and become stronger. Growth rarely happens when life is easy; it happens when we choose to keep moving forward despite the obstacles in our path.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: don't underestimate your own strength. Believe in yourself, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Continue learning, ask questions, embrace challenges, and never be afraid to start over if that's what it takes to move closer to your goals.
Success isn't measured solely by a job title, a promotion, or recognition. It's measured by the lives you touch, the integrity you demonstrate, and the example you set for others.
I hope my journey reminds someone that no matter where you begin or what life throws your way, perseverance can take you farther than you ever imagined.
No matter what challenges you face, never stop believing in yourself, never stop growing, and never stop moving forward. Quitting was never an option for me, and I hope it never becomes one for you.
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