Star Washington

I attribute my success to my father’s persistence through failure, which inspired me to keep moving forward. My journey from earning a degree in childcare to supporting students at UMA with resources, interviews, and career guidance has shaped my professional growth. I also credit my continued education, including my current Master’s in Communications and Public Relations at Southern New Hampshire University, as well as my accomplishments as a published children’s book and novel author.

The best career advice I’ve received is that hard work pays off and that success is even more meaningful when you help and give back to others. I’ve carried this lesson through my volunteer work at Fayetteville State University and collecting clothing donations for Urban Ministries. My father’s persistence through failure and the guidance of an excellent mentor also taught me to embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn, grow, and persevere. I continue to apply these lessons as I pursue my Master’s at Southern New Hampshire University while maintaining academic excellence.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to never give up. We all experience failure, but true success comes from getting back up, learning from those experiences, and continuing to move forward with determination.

One of my biggest challenges right now is balancing the responsibilities of being a full-time mom while working and attending school full-time. Although it can be demanding, it has also strengthened my time management, resilience, and determination to continue growing personally and professionally.

The values most important to me are authenticity, family, perseverance, and inspiring others. I value being able to share my story and encourage other women while supporting my children in their passions, from dance and cheer to martial arts. Outside of work, I enjoy skating and swimming with my children at the YMCA, and I express my creativity through writing, having authored two children’s books.