Sandra Fields

September may be coming to an end, but cervical cancer awareness cannot end with the month.

This is personal for me. I know what it feels like to sit in a doctor’s office, wait for answers, and realize just how important it is to stay connected to your health.

Every day in America, women are hearing the words “You have cervical cancer.” That’s why I’m asking you to do something simple: share this information with one woman you love.

Your mother. Your daughter. Your sister. Your aunt. Your friend. Your coworker. And don’t forget yourself.

Cervical cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is one reason appropriate screening matters.

Your Life Matters. Continue to get a checkup. Know your family health history. Ask questions. Get screened when recommended. And if something doesn’t feel right, talk with your healthcare provider.

September ends. The conversation doesn’t have to.

💜🩵 Share this with someone. One conversation may encourage someone to make the appointment they’ve been putting off.

There was a time when I didn't fully understand the power of my own voice. I knew I cared deeply about people. I knew I wanted to make a difference. But I had not yet realized that the experiences I had walked through were preparing me for leadership.

Then I found my voice.

And when I found my voice, I discovered something even greater—I found my purpose.

Leadership, for me, was never about a position, a title, or being the person at the front of the room. Leadership became about service. It became about speaking up when something mattered, standing beside people who needed an advocate, and having the courage to turn personal experiences into opportunities to create change.

My journey has taught me that sometimes leadership begins in places we never expected. It can grow from challenges, disappointment, responsibility, and moments that force us to become stronger than we thought we could be.

Those experiences shaped me.

They taught me resilience. They taught me compassion. They taught me to listen. And they taught me that my voice has value.

Through advocacy and service, I began to understand that leadership isn't about having every answer. It is about being willing to learn, being willing to listen, and being willing to step forward when your presence can make a difference.

I have learned that one voice can start a conversation. One conversation can create awareness. Awareness can inspire action. And action can change lives.

That is the kind of leader I want to be.

I want my leadership to be remembered not simply for what I accomplished, but for the people I encouraged along the way. I want women to look at my journey and understand that they don't have to wait for permission to use their voices. They don't have to be perfect to lead. They don't have to have everything figured out.

They simply have to be willing to begin.

My leadership is rooted in purpose, faith, advocacy, and a genuine desire to help others. I believe our stories are powerful. The things we survive, the lessons we learn, and the obstacles we overcome can become tools that help someone else find their way.

That is why I continue to speak.

That is why I continue to serve.

That is why I continue to lead.

Because leadership is not about being above others. It is about being willing to lift others.

Today, I understand that finding my voice was only the beginning. The real responsibility was deciding what I would do with it.

I chose to use it to advocate.

I chose to use it to encourage.

I chose to use it to inspire.

And I chose to lead.

My journey is still being written, and I know there is more ahead. But one thing is certain: I will continue to walk boldly in my purpose, create space for others to rise, and remind women that their voices matter.

Because sometimes the greatest transformation happens when a woman finally realizes that the voice she has been searching for has been inside her all along.

She found her voice.

Then she led.

Success Is More Than a Title: Finding Purpose in Your Journey

Success doesn't always look like a title, a paycheck, or a room full of people applauding you. Sometimes, success looks like getting back up after life has knocked you down. Sometimes, it looks like finding your voice after years of being afraid to speak. And sometimes, success is simply recognizing that everything you've been through can be used for a greater purpose.

My journey has taught me that purpose is often found in the places we never expected to be.

My experiences with family, caregiving, advocacy, nonprofit work, and serving others have shaped the woman I am today. I didn't have every answer when I started, and I certainly didn't have a perfect roadmap. What I did have was faith, determination, and a willingness to keep moving forward.

Don't Be Afraid to Use Your Voice

One of the greatest lessons I've learned is that your voice matters.

There were moments when I could have allowed fear, uncertainty, or circumstances to silence me. Instead, I learned to speak up—not only for myself, but for others who may not have the opportunity or confidence to speak for themselves.

Advocacy has shown me the power of one voice. One conversation can create awareness. One story can inspire someone. One person willing to stand up can encourage another person to do the same.

Your experiences may not have been easy, but they can become a source of strength for someone else.

Don't Compare Your Journey

As women, it can be easy to look at someone else's accomplishments and wonder why we aren't further along.

I've learned that comparison can make you overlook your own progress.

Your journey is your journey.

You may be building while someone else is celebrating. You may be learning while someone else is leading. You may be starting over while someone else appears to have it all together.

Keep going.

There is nothing wrong with taking your time. There is nothing wrong with changing direction. There is nothing wrong with starting again.

Progress is still progress, even when nobody else sees it.

Lead With Integrity

Titles come and go, but character stays with you.

Whether I'm serving through advocacy, nonprofit work, writing, caregiving, or encouraging others, I believe integrity matters. How we treat people matters. How we show up when nobody is watching matters.

You don't have to compromise who you are to become successful.

Be authentic. Be teachable. Be compassionate. Keep your word. And when you make a mistake, own it, learn from it, and keep growing.

Turn Your Challenges Into Purpose

Some of the things we wish we could erase from our stories can become the very things that give us compassion and understanding.

I've learned that challenges don't have to be the end of the story.

They can become part of the testimony.

Your pain can teach you empathy. Your setbacks can teach you resilience. Your experiences can give you insight that no classroom could provide.

That's why I encourage people not to be ashamed of their story. You never know who needs to hear what you've survived, what you've learned, or how you kept going.

There Is Still More Ahead

If you're reading this and wondering whether you're capable of doing something meaningful with your life, I want to encourage you:

Yes, you are.

You don't have to have everything figured out today.

• Take the next step.
• Use your voice.
• Learn something new.
• Build relationships.
• Help someone else.
• Trust the process.

And if faith is part of your journey, don't forget to invite God into the process. I've learned that my timing isn't always God's timing, but that doesn't mean the promise has been forgotten.

Sometimes the waiting is preparation.

Sometimes the closed door is protection.

Sometimes the delay is developing you for what comes next.

My journey continues to teach me that success isn't simply about what I accomplish. It's about who I become along the way and how many people I can encourage, empower, and help because I kept going.

So wherever you are today, don't give up on yourself.

Your story isn't over.

Your voice still matters.

Your purpose is still unfolding.

And there is still more ahead of you.

Keep walking. Keep believing. Keep serving. Keep becoming.

You may be closer to your breakthrough than you realize.