Dr. Theresa Pringle-Cole

I attribute my success to the strong foundation my parents instilled in me, particularly the values of discipline, resilience, and maintaining high standards in everything I do. I have consistently relied on perseverance to navigate life’s challenges, using each experience as an opportunity to grow rather than a setback. My development has also been shaped by a commitment to both formal education and continuous training, which together have allowed me to expand my knowledge, refine my skills, and adapt effectively throughout my career.

The best career advice I have ever received is to not become discouraged by situations where my knowledge or intelligence may intimidate others, but instead to remain focused and confident in my abilities. I have also been encouraged to walk boldly and courageously in my work while maintaining humility and respect in all interactions. In addition, I have been reminded to consistently advocate for policy and systemic change that creates meaningful and lasting impact across all communities, which continues to guide my professional purpose and decision-making.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to commit to learning as much as possible and to never be afraid to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem. I would also encourage them to meet people where they are within the community, with empathy and understanding, as that is essential to building trust and creating impact. Most importantly, I believe growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, as that is often where the most meaningful opportunities for learning, leadership, and lasting change are found.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the stigma that can be attached to individuals with lived experiences of personal hardship, including housing instability, which can influence how their credibility and leadership are perceived. In addition, securing nonprofit funding can be difficult due to systemic barriers and implicit bias within funding structures, which often limits access to the resources needed to scale impact. These funding constraints also create operational and staffing challenges that can affect program delivery and sustainability. At the same time, there is an ongoing need to address the perception that individuals who have overcome disadvantaged backgrounds somehow “owe” others for their success, rather than being recognized for their resilience, expertise, and contributions.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center on peace and protecting my overall well-being, which allows me to show up fully and effectively for others. I prioritize setting and maintaining healthy boundaries as a way to sustain balance and long-term impact. I also believe in promoting proactive thinking over reactive behavior, encouraging intentional decision-making and thoughtful responses in all situations. At the core of my approach is a commitment to mindset shifts, authenticity, and leading by example, ensuring that my actions consistently reflect the principles I advocate.