Terri Zeigler

I think just being persistent and goal-oriented. Even with the obstacles and pivot points that happened, it's been about staying true to what I had set out to do. The main thing was making myself more marketable. During the recession, I understood that I was kind of stuck - I had experience, but I didn't have a degree. I was determined to get that education, even though I know the bar has been raised even higher now with master's and doctoral degrees required for certain things. For me, it was about having a balance where I still maintained my career and working while also pursuing my education. Now that I've acquired that education and continue to build in my career, I believe that puts me in a very marketable position. Of course, my faith is a driving factor. And now, being a single mom, my daughter's also my motivation. I have to be her mentor. I want to be the person she looks up to, that she sees the grit, and she sees the sacrifices, she sees my attention to staying true to my goals and staying focused. That's what I hope to be for her - to be an example, her role model.

I remember hearing a minister, a preacher say this: if what you're going through right now is not what you saw, then what you're experiencing right now is only temporary. That helped me to not get stuck, to not give up, and to not feel that where I am is the end. Remembering your vision, remembering what was revealed to me as far as what my purpose is and where I'm to go, where I'm headed - that's what kept me anchored. The key thing is, do you see your vision? Where do you see yourself going? Where do you see yourself five years from now? Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? What is your goal? Where are you aiming to go? Is it going to lead you to your purpose? Are you fulfilling your goals?

I would advise young women to first, identify and embrace their purpose; those things that match their skill set and abilities that they love doing and are willing to do even if they are not paid to do it. Next, write out their vision and secure an accountability partner and/or support group to help them stay anchored and on course while navigating life's mountain tops and valleys, pitfalls and pivots. Once you have accomplished a set of goals, set new ones. Although I've always known that I was leadership material, remaining humble, teachable, accountable, and dependable are the foundational components for me to now be in this position that I was destined to be. But now to have built to get to this place, I think that's what I would contribute to someone that's coming up behind me - faith, vision, and living a purpose-driven life. Lastly, remember that if what you're seeing right now is not what you saw, then what you're seeing is only temporary, don't stop or get stuck so keep moving forward.

One of the biggest challenges is bridging generational gaps and disconnection. Often times, there appears to be a lack of professionalism, decorum, and work ethic. Some are driven by standards and goals; while some are influenced by status, money, and social media.

My faith, integrity, character, and humility are most important to me. I believe in servant hood to leadership. Basically, I believe in serving while leading, building, and helping others find their voice and purpose in life.