Michaella Louis, EdD, MA, CTA

I attribute my success first and foremost to God. My faith has been the foundation of my life, giving me strength, wisdom, and perseverance through every challenge. I also credit my success to resilience, hard work, and a genuine desire to serve others. Moving to the United States from Haiti in 2012 taught me the importance of embracing opportunities, adapting to change, and never losing sight of my purpose. I believe success is not measured by titles or achievements alone, but by the positive impact we make in the lives of others. Every experience, whether a success or a setback, has helped shape me into the leader I am today, and I remain committed to learning, growing, and using my gifts to make a difference.

The best career advice I've ever received was to never give up and to actively seek opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to me. That mindset has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, pursue leadership roles, continue my education, and say yes to experiences that have helped me grow. I've learned that opportunities often come to those who are willing to ask, take initiative, and remain persistent, even when the path isn't easy.

My advice would be to never give up. There will be times when doors close, and you may not even get the opportunity to show people what you're capable of. I've experienced that myself. There were moments when I knew I had so much to offer, but I wasn't given the chance to demonstrate my potential. Looking back, I realize those opportunities simply weren't meant for me because the right doors opened at the right time.

If you're passionate about this field, keep going. Trust that the right people will recognize your talent, your work ethic, and your potential. Don't let rejection define your journey. Instead, let it prepare you for the opportunity that's meant for you.

I would also encourage young women to put themselves out there. Share your story, celebrate your accomplishments, and don't be afraid to let others see what you're doing. You never know who you might inspire. Your journey could be the encouragement another young woman needs to believe in herself and pursue her own dreams.

One of the biggest challenges I see is ensuring that people remain genuinely passionate about serving others. In higher education, students deserve professionals who truly care about their success and are committed to helping them grow. When that passion is missing, it can have a lasting impact on a student's experience. At the same time, I see an incredible opportunity to inspire and mentor the next generation, creating environments where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

In career development, artificial intelligence has transformed the way people prepare resumes, search for jobs, and navigate their careers. While AI is an incredible tool, it can never replace the value of personalized guidance, meaningful mentorship, and human connection. I believe the opportunity lies in using technology to enhance our work while continuing to provide the individualized support that helps people build confidence and achieve their goals.

Financial literacy is another area with tremendous opportunity. Many people simply haven't been taught how to budget, invest, build credit, or plan for their financial future. By making financial education more accessible and understandable, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions that positively impact their lives for generations to come.

In my professional life, I value equity, inclusion, well-being, integrity, and lifelong learning. I believe every individual deserves access to opportunities, support, and an environment where they feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. I strive to lead with empathy, serve with excellence, and create meaningful change by helping others reach their full potential. I also believe that growth never stops, and I am committed to continuously learning so I can better serve those around me.

In my personal life, my faith in God is the foundation of everything I do. I deeply value family, community, compassion, and well-being, and I believe that success is measured not only by personal accomplishments but by the positive impact we have on others. I strive to live with purpose, remain resilient through challenges, and use every opportunity to encourage, serve, and inspire those around me.