Her Story
About Mackenzie
Mackenzie Howe is the General Manager of Vigor Active gym in Fort Worth, Texas, where she oversees operations, sales, and public relations. She began her career as a personal trainer more than four years ago after earning an associate's degree in 2021 and obtaining her Certified Personal Training (CPT) certification. Around the same time, she enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard, completing extensive training and earning a mass communication certification. In her Guard role for the past two years, she handles public affairs, media, and public relations for her unit. Howe attributes her leadership growth to the Air Force, which prepared her to transition from trainer to GM, and she applies core values of excellence in all she does, integrity first, and service before self in her work and personal life. She plans to complete a communications degree online and pursue an MBA through the Air Guard to advance in the business side of fitness.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mackenzie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is 100% attributed to my parents. They raised me with goal planning from a young age and loved me in a way that put me where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I go by fake it till you make it. As long as you have confidence and believe in yourself, you can do anything. People say you need certifications and degrees, but in reality confidence and hard work let you achieve anything you put your mind to.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident. In your 20s you are capable of anything and the world is at your fingertips. Don't put all your eggs in one basket or base everything off a boy. Wear as many hats as possible. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your goals and ambitions.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I am in very male-dominant fields so sometimes I go toe-to-toe with people who don't expect it. I ensure I show my feminine nature and not just be stone cold. You can still be kind but be confident and remind people you're not going to get stepped on because you're young and female. Give respect and expect it back.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The Air Force core values: excellence in all I do, integrity first, and service before self. I base everything off of them and teach my employees the same values.
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