In Conversation
Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Selena Worrell: Speaker: Selena Worrell, Vice President of Operations, Worrell Contracting Co., IncStay the course even in your hardest seasons, especially in the hardest seasons.What does being an Influential Woman mean to you?To me, being an influential woman means walking in your purpose, even when the path isn't easy and letting your faith be the anchor that keeps you steady. It's not about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about showing up with integrity, doing the work with excellence, and being consistent long after anyone's watching. When I became the first black woman to chair my local Chamber of Commerce board of directors. I didn't do it for the title. I did it because I wanted other women and minority leaders to look at the seat and believe it belonged to them too. Influence for me is measured by the doors you open for someone else.What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?Stay the course even in your hardest seasons, especially in the hardest seasons. Some of my greatest growth came from the moments when I was tested the most. I tell younger women, don't chase short shortcuts, chase knowledge. Keep learning, keep showing up, and let your fate carry you when the road gets uncertain. Success definitely is not a straight line. It's built with consistency, patience, and trusting that God is working even when you can't see the whole picture yet.
Her Story
About Selena
Selena Worrell is a federal contractor and Vice President of Operations at Worrell Contracting Co., Inc., a family-owned business in Goldsboro, North Carolina, known for its skillful project management and landscaping expertise. She joined the company full-time in 2008, and over nearly two decades has overseen daily operations spanning personnel management, purchasing, marketing, strategic planning, and financial reporting. Her steady leadership has helped guide the company through a federal contracting landscape that has grown increasingly competitive, particularly as newer, less experienced contractors have entered the field. Grounded in faith and perseverance, Worrell credits her success to staying the course through hard times, believing that growth often emerges from life's most difficult seasons. A lifelong learner, Worrell earned her bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College, graduating with honors, before going on to complete a master's degree in Counselor Education from East Carolina University, also with honors. Beyond her contracting work, she has built a diverse professional portfolio, serving as a licensed real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston and holding a notary public license in North Carolina. Her career reflects a commitment to continuous growth, ethical practice, and the belief that success comes through consistency and hard-earned knowledge rather than shortcuts. Beyond her business achievements, Worrell has dedicated significant energy to community leadership and youth advocacy. She made history in 2023 as the first Black woman to serve as Board Chair of her local Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a milestone she hopes will inspire other women and minority leaders to pursue positions of influence with confidence. Also in 2023, she was honored a the W.I.S.E. (Women Inspiring Success & Empowerment) Woman of the Year. She currently chairs the boards of United Way of Wayne County and Literacy Connections, sits on the Wayne Community College Board of Trustees, and founded the A&S Worrell Foundation, a nonprofit supporting middle and high school students through field trips, career exploration, and financial literacy programs, including an annual back-to-school bash she has hosted since 2017. In recognition of her impact, she has been selected to be featured in Influential Women for 2026, a testament to her enduring commitment to service, mentorship, and community empowerment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Selena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to joining the family business with faith, and to the steady hard work and perseverance that carried me through difficult seasons. Staying the course, even when things were hard, has made all the difference.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to never expect that my path would be easy. When things get difficult, that's a sign that growth is happening, and the key is to stay the course.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to gain as much knowledge as they can and to make sure they're always doing things legally and correctly. Most importantly, I want them to believe in themselves. As long as they do things the right way and put in the hard work, success will follow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Our industry is becoming increasingly flooded with new contractors who don't yet have the experience needed to succeed. This makes things more difficult for those of us who have been in this field for a long time and understand what it truly takes to complete a job successfully, especially when it comes to quoting and pricing contracts.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and consistency are the values that matter most to me, both in my work and in my personal life.
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