Megan Stoketon

I attribute my success to perseverance. If we expect everything to come easily we will never get anywhere in life. You have to work hard for what you want and the things you deserve will come. Sometimes we have to prove our worth other times it will be recognized off the bat, but we can not expect to have our hand held, someone to tell us where to go and how to think. Figuring out that I am my own person, limiting outside distraction of "what do others think of me" and finding my niche in the setting I am placed in is what I attribute to success. Also, capitalizing on mentor's experience. While it is not our own experience, it is a life lesson that we can take from.

The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from my mentor and friend, Caitlin Longhofer. Caitlin has been an incredible source of inspiration and support, and our mentor-mentee relationship has been mutually enriching. I deeply value her guidance, friendship, and the thoughtful reflections she’s shared along the way, and I’m grateful for the positive impact she has had on both my personal and professional growth.

For young women entering this industry, I would emphasize the importance of self-confidence and embracing diverse perspectives. Everyone brings a unique story and set of experiences, and valuing those differences is key to personal and professional growth. I also encourage prioritizing work-life balance, as maintaining well-being is essential to sustaining long-term success.

Change, there was an entire leadership regime change in our organization last fall and the government is instituting much policy change that can be difficult to keep up with in a fast paced environment. Taking it one step at a time and working with what you can in the moment gets us through to the next obstacle or challenge while relying and trusting in your team to have the dedication to do their best while meeting goals.

The values most important to me in both my personal and professional life center around continuous growth and self-improvement. As a mother of two—ages 17 and 11—I cherish spending time with my children and celebrating their achievements while balancing the demands of work, homeownership, and staying active. I’m committed to lifelong learning, whether through reading self-help books like Chasing Perfection or exploring new ways to expand my skills and perspectives.

For me, personal growth is a daily practice: striving to be my best self, embracing challenges, and taking time to reflect and learn from every experience. I believe that by continuously investing in ourselves—through knowledge, fitness, relationships, and personal development—we create a strong foundation for both success and fulfillment in all areas of life.