Rena Manning

I attribute my success to my upbringing and the resilience modeled for me throughout my life. My mother faced significant loss at a young age but continued to persevere and move forward with strength and determination, which deeply shaped my own outlook. Growing up in a family where we relocated frequently, including my stepfather’s role as a Methodist preacher, taught me adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to reinvent myself in new environments. These experiences helped me become comfortable stepping into unfamiliar spaces, building relationships quickly, and embracing change with confidence. Today, I carry forward those lessons in both my personal and professional life, allowing me to remain open, resilient, and unafraid to connect with others in any setting.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to find a mentor and take the time to truly understand my “why.” I’ve learned that your purpose does not have to be defined by a job title, but rather by what drives and inspires you. When you are aligned with your passion, work feels more meaningful and less like a burden. I was also encouraged to embrace discomfort, because it often signals growth and new opportunities. Staying too comfortable can lead to stagnation, so I strive to continually challenge myself, remain open to learning, and keep growing both personally and professionally.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to focus on finding your purpose and passion rather than getting caught up in a specific job title. Take the time to understand your “why,” because when you are aligned with what truly drives you, your work becomes more meaningful and fulfilling. I would also encourage you to find a mentor who can guide and support you along the way. Don’t be afraid to step into discomfort, because that is often where the greatest growth happens. Staying too comfortable can lead to stagnation, so continue challenging yourself, remain curious, and always keep growing both personally and professionally.

The biggest opportunity in my field right now is the ability to grow through continuous learning and evolving experiences that prepare you for new and more complex opportunities. As industries change, there is also a strong opportunity for women to step confidently into spaces where their perspectives and expertise are needed more than ever. At the same time, one of the ongoing challenges is ensuring your voice is heard and valued in those spaces. My advice is to trust that your experience has already prepared you for the room you are in, back yourself, and never stop learning or asking questions. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to speak up—your perspective matters and contributes to meaningful progress.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are faith, family, and career—in that order. My faith and personal experiences, including health scares, have given me a deep sense of gratitude and perspective on what truly matters in life. My family is my foundation and my motivation; they keep me grounded and give me purpose each day. Professionally, I am driven by a sense of service and purpose, particularly in supporting the military community and ensuring individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. I value meaningful impact over numbers and am committed to working with integrity, building trusted partnerships, and advocating for people who often feel overlooked. Above all, I strive to create space where others feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.