Shakena Bowie

I attribute my success to my upbringing. I grew up poor - we didn't have much at all, and my parents had 6 kids. Everything I got, I appreciated it more because I saw the struggle at a young age. It made me motivated to be the person who I am, but I don't get so caught up into trying to get what I didn't have without remembering what I did have. I wanted a nice home and a nice car and nice things, but I don't forget those things that I was taught while living in the struggle, like to be kind to people, empathy, and to treat people how you want to be treated. The person I am today is largely because of my upbringing.

The best career advice I ever received came from my oldest brother, who is 10 years older than me. When I was getting ready to finish high school and he was finishing college, he told me two things that have stuck with me: 'When in doubt, there is no doubt,' and 'The best time to find a job is when you have a job.' He was telling me not to let one thing go before you have something else lined up. I've always kind of remembered that advice.

In this industry, you'll meet people in pain every day. Care deeply, but you have to learn to not carry what is theirs. Remember to take care of you - mentally, physically, and emotionally.

The biggest challenges are feeling like there are not enough resources out there and sometimes feeling overworked. I do think there are opportunities, but with the opportunities, you may have to make choices. If money is the top priority, then you may feel overworked and like it's a lot. But if you say money's not the top priority and you want to go where you can make a difference, then you do a lot and feel like maybe this is not enough money. So it's a balance you have to figure out.

Integrity is very important to me. Resiliency is important to me. And self-awareness and hope - those things are most important to me.