Michelle Greenwood

I attribute my success to versatility, advocacy, and the determination never to accept defeat. When I was forced to stop because of circumstances beyond my control, I asked myself how I could move forward, and that question kept me going. I learned that versatility is key; that’s why I made both my career and education versatile. I realized that where there is education, there is also a business behind it, and I needed to understand both to keep our boat from sinking.

My mom has been my biggest inspiration and mentor. She came from a very difficult background and fought tirelessly to give me opportunities and support me along the way. I also gained strength and determination from my dad, who served in the military, hosted a radio show, and was heavily involved in politics in Belize.

I realized that the only way to keep moving forward and build a sustainable future for myself, my career, and my children was to remain resilient, utilize available resources, and build meaningful relationships with people. I’ve also learned that when you’re told you can’t do something, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible; challenges can be overcome. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible people who inspired me, motivated me, and lifted me when I didn’t have the strength. I truly appreciate every one of them.

Never duplicate your degree or your experiences; continuously build new skills.

I want other women to know that you can do this. Whether you’re a single mom working full-time, raising children, or you don’t have children, challenges can be overcome. You don’t have to follow one specific educational path or career route to be successful. It’s okay to build a career that combines different experiences, because at the end of the day, those experiences work together to make you a stronger professional. When people tell you that you can’t do something, remember that it is possible. I want other women to hear my story and know they can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals despite the challenges they face. Not every woman has someone to encourage her or provide that springboard, and that’s what made me passionate about sharing my journey. When you hear someone else’s story, it gives you hope and reminds you that if they overcame similar challenges, you can too. We’re there for our children, but we also have to be there for ourselves. Our career, our personal brand, our body, and our mind all matter. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for others. Always think positively and focus on solutions. We all know problems exist, but growth comes from finding solutions that move us forward and help us become the powerful women we’re capable of being.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming the perception that you’re limited to one career path, when in reality, transferable skills, continuous learning, and the willingness to grow can open doors to new opportunities.

The values that matter most to me are helping others, advocacy, authenticity, and paying it forward. My goal has always been to help others achieve and sustain their goals despite the challenges they face. I’m a strong advocate because of my own life experiences. When I’m told that something isn’t possible or that obstacles stand in the way, I don’t see it as the end of the conversation but rather as an opportunity to find another path forward. I believe that with persistence, collaboration, and creative thinking, solutions can often be found where others see limitations. Paying it forward is one of my core values. I often meet with women at Starbucks to encourage them, listen to their stories, and remind them to stay positive and focus on solutions. I also value authenticity. For me, it’s about opening doors, sharing my journey, and empowering others through my experiences. I believe that when you lead with authenticity, meaningful opportunities naturally follow. That’s why I created my website to provide resources that support families and help them succeed. Finally, I value self-care and continuous learning. I make time for the gym and for personal reflection at Starbucks, where I read, learn, and invest in my own growth. I firmly believe that by taking care of myself, I’m better equipped to care for and serve others. I value advocating for myself and others, which led me to develop an advocate website, Greenwood Worthy Resources, https://www.greenwoodworthyres.com/