Her Story
About Rita
I started my professional journey 19 years ago when I found a small ad in the newspaper for a receptionist position at a law firm. I was starting my life over at that time, and I took that job. Over the years, I worked hard to learn the skills I needed, and I eventually became a paralegal to one of the partners. I love my job and have been with the same firm for all 19 years. Beyond my paralegal work, I'm now pursuing my true calling - helping other women. I'm writing a book called 'Allowed to Want More' and building a platform on Instagram under the same name. My mission is to reach women who have gone through what I have - divorce, abuse, alcoholism, raising kids with special needs, financial struggles - and help them understand that they're allowed to want more for themselves. I'm not trying to be a coach who charges people; I'm trying to be that friend who tells you how it is, even if it hurts a little, because that's what you need. Women gravitate to me and talk to me about everything, and I believe my purpose is to help them see that baby steps are better than no steps. Eventually, I want 'Allowed to Want More' to become a brand where I can give back to women who are struggling the way I struggled.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to look for the positive things and still come out strong, no matter what I've been through. I've been molested as a child, had my parents question the validity of that, went through challenges as a teenager that had my dad on his knees begging me to get my shit together, and I still hold my head up tall and high. As a mom and wife, I've been through the ringer with my kids - one put me through so much that we had to send him to military school, and he's now 26 living with us with a disability he won't acknowledge. But I still write little notes for him every morning saying I hope he has a great day, and I leave inspirational stickers on his level. I don't have to do that, but I do. I look for the good in any outcome, because there is good. I've learned that baby steps are better than no steps, and I've found a way to keep standing and keep showing up, no matter what life throws at me.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are loyalty, family, connection, effort, and showing up for the people I love. My friends describe me as strong, loyal, honest, loving, funny, determined, and real. They say I'm someone who stands tall through all seasons, someone who has the biggest heart and wants to make people feel special. They say I'm straightforward, but my honesty comes from love. I value being there for others and helping them feel seen, wanted, and valued. I believe in not settling and in inspiring other women to become their best versions of themselves. At the end of the day, if I can help one person, that will make me extremely happy. I also value staying connected with myself - fitness has always been very important to me, and staying strong both physically and mentally helps me be there for others.
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