Patricia Boyd

I attribute my success first and foremost to God, whose guidance, grace, and unwavering presence have shaped both my personal journey and my leadership path. Faith has been my foundation—providing clarity during uncertainty, strength during adversity, and humility in moments of achievement. Through prayer, discernment, and trust in God’s direction, I have learned to move forward with purpose, even when the path was unclear.

I also attribute much of my success to the influence of my grandmother, whose life modeled strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith. She instilled in me the values of integrity, perseverance, and compassion, and taught me the importance of serving others with dignity and humility. Her prayers, guidance, and quiet resilience shaped my character and continue to inform how I lead, how I serve, and how I remain grounded in purpose.

Beyond faith and family, my success is rooted in resilience, obedience to calling, and a deep commitment to service. I believe true success is not measured by recognition or position, but by impact—by how lives are touched, voices are amplified, and communities are strengthened. I am grateful for the mentors, collaborators, and communities that God has placed along my journey, and I remain committed to leading with compassion, accountability, and courage, trusting that when purpose and service are aligned, God orders every step.

The best career advice I have ever received is to lead with integrity and purpose, not position. I was taught early on that titles may open doors, but character is what sustains leadership over time. Staying true to one’s values—especially when faced with difficult decisions—builds trust, credibility, and lasting impact.

I was also advised to remain teachable and adaptable, understanding that growth often requires humility and the willingness to learn from both success and failure. Career paths are rarely linear, and the ability to pivot without compromising core principles is essential. This guidance has reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions, listening well, and serving with consistency and care.

That advice has shaped how I approach every role and responsibility—encouraging me to pursue excellence, honor my calling, and remain grounded in purpose while navigating change.

I would encourage young women to lead with confidence, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose. Know who you are, understand your values, and allow them to guide your decisions—especially in environments that may challenge your voice or vision. Do not underestimate the power of preparation, consistency, and perseverance; excellence creates credibility and opens doors.

I would also advise them to seek mentors, build meaningful relationships, and remain teachable. Growth is accelerated when you are willing to learn from others while staying grounded in your own calling. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they are not indicators of failure—they are opportunities for refinement and resilience.

Most importantly, trust God’s timing and direction for your life. There is room for authenticity, compassion, and faith in leadership. When you commit to serving with humility and courage, and when your work is aligned with purpose rather than comparison, your impact will extend far beyond your immediate role.

One of the greatest challenges in my field is addressing the persistent inequities that exist within systems of care and support—particularly for families navigating pediatric cancer and other life-altering circumstances. Access to resources, advocacy, and compassionate support is often influenced by geography, socioeconomic status, and awareness, leaving too many families underserved during their most vulnerable moments. Bridging these gaps requires not only funding, but collaboration, education, and a commitment to long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.

At the same time, these challenges present meaningful opportunities for innovation and impact. There is a growing awareness of the importance of holistic, family-centered care—care that extends beyond medical treatment to include emotional, practical, and community support. This shift creates space for mission-driven organizations to partner with healthcare providers, corporations, and community leaders to reimagine how support is delivered and sustained.

Another opportunity lies in amplifying lived experiences. Families and survivors carry powerful stories that can inform policy, influence systems, and inspire change when given a platform. Elevating these voices fosters empathy, accountability, and action. While the work is complex and often demanding, it is also deeply transformative. By remaining grounded in purpose, guided by compassion, and open to collaboration, the field has the potential to create more equitable, responsive, and dignified pathways of care for children and families who need it most.

The values that guide both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, compassion, courage, and accountability. These principles serve as my foundation and inform how I lead, serve, and engage with others. Faith is central to who I am; it shapes my perspective, grounds my decisions, and reminds me that my work is rooted in a calling greater than myself. It keeps me focused on purpose rather than recognition and encourages humility in leadership.

Integrity is equally essential. I believe in doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unseen. Trust is built through consistency, honesty, and follow-through, and I strive to honor commitments with excellence and transparency. Compassion guides how I interact with individuals and communities—recognizing that behind every role, title, or circumstance is a human being deserving of dignity and respect.

Courage is necessary to lead with conviction, advocate for equity, and stand firm in moments that require difficult conversations or bold decisions. I value accountability, both personally and professionally, because growth and impact depend on the willingness to evaluate, learn, and improve. Together, these values shape how I show up every day—with intention, empathy, and a commitment to service—ensuring that my work reflects not only what I do, but who I am.