Paige O'Shea Carrow

I think the most important advice I can give is to be honest with yourself about what you truly need and want. There’s a lot of pressure: whether from society, family, or your own expectations; to follow a certain path, even when it doesn’t feel right. Learning to quiet that noise and trust your own instincts is where everything starts. Give yourself permission to explore, to try things that may feel unconventional, and to change direction if something doesn’t align. Not every path will work out and that’s okay. Failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the process. It’s a detour that teaches you something and moves you forward.

When you choose a path that’s true to you, you can take real ownership of where you land (whether it’s a success or a setback) because it was yours. And especially for young women, who are often told they have to choose between different versions of a full life, I’d challenge that idea. You can build a life that holds multiple priorities. You don’t have to limit yourself; you deserve to create something that reflects all of who you are.

I think one of the biggest opportunities in my field and really across most professional spaces is for women to take up space unapologetically. That can look like saying yes to opportunities, speaking up in rooms where your voice might otherwise go unheard, or intentionally building support systems that help amplify one another. There’s still a tension many women navigate, the line between being seen as assertive or being unfairly labeled something else. That pressure can hold people back from fully stepping into their voice. But there’s real strength in showing up with confidence, clarity, and accountability, even when it feels uncomfortable. To me, the opportunity lies in pushing past that hesitation. Your voice carries value, and the more we lean into that, individually and collectively, the more we reshape what leadership and presence can look like.

Transparency and accountability are core values for me, both personally and professionally. In my family, my husband and I are raising two children; our son is currently in the Navy, which has been a big transition for us, and our daughter is navigating a few local programs. Through all of that, we’ve built a foundation of open, honest communication. That same approach carries into my work. I believe in being direct and authentic, even when conversations are uncomfortable. We can’t address challenges (or grow from them) if we’re not willing to talk about what’s actually happening.

For me, transparency is always paired with accountability. It’s not just about naming an issue, but also understanding its impact and asking, “How can we do this better next time?” That mindset was instilled in me early on; my dad used to say, “accountability is love.” And over time, I’ve come to see the truth in that. Holding ourselves and each other accountable is ultimately about support, growth, and believing in our potential to improve.