Kristina Kirchgraber

I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, curiosity, and the people who have invested in me along the way. I’ve learned early in my career that asking thoughtful questions, being open to feedback, and continuously learning are just as important as technical skill. I’m not afraid to step into challenges or unfamiliar situations, because growth has often come from moments where I had to stretch beyond my comfort zone.

Equally important has been the support of mentors, colleagues, friends and family who believed in me, challenged me, and modeled what strong, values‑based leadership looks like. Their guidance reinforced the importance of integrity, accountability, and lifting others as you grow. I try to pay that forward by supporting my team, encouraging diverse perspectives, and creating space for others to succeed.

Finally, I credit my success to staying grounded in purpose -- doing work that matters, holding myself to high standards, and remembering that leadership is about influence and impact, not title. Those principles continue to guide my decisions and motivate me to keep growing.

Don't wait until you feel ready -- growth happens when you step into opportunities before you have all the answers. Focus on doing the right thing, even when it's hard, and trust that credibility and opportunities will follow. Always advocate for yourself the way you would someone you mentor- your perspective and contributions matter.

My advice to young women entering Information Technology or Project Management is to trust your voice and lead with clarity and confidence. You don’t need to know everything on day one; your role is to ask the right questions, connect the dots, and help the team move forward.

Build strong relationships early. Project management is as much about people as it is about plans and timelines. Listen actively, communicate expectations clearly, and don’t shy away from difficult conversations - they’re often where the most progress happens.

Be organized, but stay flexible. Plans will change, risks will emerge, and priorities will shift. Your ability to adapt while keeping the end goal in focus is what will set you apart as a leader.

Finally, advocate for yourself. Speak up about your accomplishments, seek feedback, and pursue opportunities that stretch you. Confidence grows through experience, and every project, successful or challenging, is a chance to learn and strengthen your leadership skills.

The biggest challenge, and opportunity, in Project Management is navigating change while keeping people aligned. The challenge is maintaining clarity and momentum when uncertainty increases.

At the same time, that’s the opportunity. Strong project managers add the most value when they communicate effectively, adapt quickly, and help teams stay focused on the end goal. When you can translate complexity into clear direction and bring people along through change, you don’t just manage projects - you lead outcomes.

The values most important to me are integrity, family and balance. Family is my foundation - it shapes how I define success and keeps my priorities clear. Being present, dependable, and intentional with my time matters just as much at home as it does at work.

Integrity guides how I show up in both spaces. I believe in doing what’s right, following through on commitments, and being someone others can rely on. Balance is also essential. I’ve learned that setting boundaries and honoring personal priorities doesn’t take away from professional success -- it strengthens it by allowing me to lead with focus, perspective, and purpose.

These values help me stay grounded, make thoughtful decisions, and ensure that success is meaningful not just in my career, but in the life I’m building with the people who matter most.