Lori Jude

I attribute my success to perseverance and staying committed through life’s challenges. When my first husband was diagnosed with ALS shortly after I learned I was pregnant with our third child, I chose to prioritize caring for him and raising our children while continuing contract work and writing for Bridges Magazine. Along the way, I supported our community by caring for a neighbor’s child and starting a pod school during the pandemic. These experiences taught me that success comes from moving forward despite setbacks, balancing family with my work in writing, graphic design, and teaching. In 2024, I remarried a retired Green Beret, whose support allows me to maintain flexibility for both family and career, and I continue to move forward with resilience, purpose, and gratitude.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to truly know yourself. In a world full of constant messages about what success “should” look like, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to meet someone else’s expectations. Knowing yourself means understanding your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and recognizing what you need to recover, restore, and be your best for yourself and others. Life will throw curveballs, and plans will change—but don’t let that diminish your enthusiasm. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is failure after failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Avoid the trap of shame or self-doubt; stay curious, keep learning, and keep moving forward, because true resilience and growth come from persistence, not perfection.

The biggest challenges in my field right now are balancing caregiving and family priorities with career growth, as well as navigating unexpected life changes and grief. At the same time, there are significant opportunities: remote work and digital media platforms allow for sustained leadership across geographies and provide increased visibility, giving women the ability to inspire and support others on a larger scale than ever before.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, and maintaining balance. My children and family are always my top priority, and my faith shapes how I view my worth and purpose. I believe we are all gifted with unique talents, and it’s a privilege to use those gifts to positively impact others’ lives. Connection, support, and collaboration are central to how I approach both work and relationships. Flexibility and remote work are essential for our current season, allowing me to be present for my family while contributing meaningfully to an all-female-run organization that empowers women and provides resources and inspiration. Legacy is deeply important to me—leaving something meaningful for my children and honoring the achievements of the generations before me.