I did it because I knew there was no other option. I was scared, but then I remembered that I can do anything, so I got out of my own way.
How Women Found the Courage to Ask for a Raise and Advocate for Their Worth
Explore more
“
I realized how much time I spent planning instead of doing. Mistakes are lessons we can't be scared to make. We live, learn, and then learn to live.
Seleana Nolen · In Her Own Words
From How She Did It
Explore All Topics
Her Story
About Seleana
Seleana Nolen, MAPL, BA is a professional development and life coach, advocate, and speaker dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to grow with confidence, lead with purpose, and create lasting transformations. With a background that bridges healthcare, leadership, and advocacy, she is passionate about uplifting others, building strong communities, and fostering inclusive spaces where people can thrive.
Seleana is the founder of Integrated Progress LLC, where she provides coaching, leadership training, and keynote speaking engagements tailored to inspire growth and resilience. She also serves as a coach with Between the Lines with Liz Leiba, an initiative designed to empower Black women through mentorship, career workshops, and networking. In addition, she is an affiliate marketer with The Glow Up & Get Paid Network, helping individuals gain visibility and unlock opportunities for advancement.
Her professional journey spans more than 26 years in healthcare and 16+ of those years with Children’s Minnesota, where she advanced through roles as Medical Assistant, Clinic Supervisor, and now in Physician Access. This experience sharpened her skills in patient advocacy, problem-solving, and leadership, while deepening her commitment to equitable access in healthcare.
Seleana holds a Master’s degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies with an emphasis on healthcare management, ethics, and project management, both from Metropolitan State University. While there, she was actively involved in leadership and diversity initiatives, including serving as Founder and Vice President of the Diversity Inclusion Student Community Organization (DISCO) and being inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
Known for her upbeat and passionate approach, Seleana uses her platform to inspire positive leadership, advocate for the underserved, and create opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through her work, she continues to inspire change, encourage resilience, and empower individuals to embrace their full potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Seleana
01What do you attribute your success to?
God, my mother, and my son. They have pushed me to be the best version of myself. My mother once told me that my father "everything he did was because he had no idea that he couldn't." I remember this and live by it. Whenever I am feeling challenged, I remind myself that I can do anything, as long as I believe. Where there is a will, there is a way!
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You must trust and believe in yourself. With both of these, anything is possible.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
When going into leadership it is important to remember how you felt and what you thought prior to getting there. What did you like and dislike about leadership? What would you have liked to have seen more of? What made you want to be a leader? Then go out there and be that! Listen to others, learn from them, and remember that everyone is an adult and deserve the same respect no matter what level they are at. Remember to share your skills, uplift others, and create spaces for everyone. Remember to not only look up or across the table but also look down when building your team.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges is getting my clients to get out of their own way. For so, many we take whatever career we land in. For most people it is not their dream job. I assist others to be a go getter for their own dreams more than they are for others. Strive to make your dream job a reality. There is no reason that you can't do it besides the fact that you are not doing it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For my personal life, my family is most important to me. Everything I do is for them. My ultimate goal is to take care of my mother. Show my son that anything is possible as long as you go for it. It is important to me that we all take care of each other. Support one another. Professionally, I value honestly. We have to be honest with each other in a respectful manner. I want to develop leaders that also want to develop great leaders. Create a culture of each one teach one. No one does anything great by themselves. This is why it is important to me help others that feel as if there is no seat for them at the table, to create one.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.