Yuritzy DeForest

I attribute my success to choosing growth over comfort. I’ve consistently taken steps forward before feeling completely ready — whether in my career or in motherhood. Raising a child with a disability has strengthened my resilience and advocacy skills in ways no leadership course ever could. It taught me patience, emotional intelligence, and how to navigate complex systems without backing down.

I’ve also been incredibly fortunate in the insurance industry to work alongside influential women who paved their own paths into high-ranking roles. Seeing what was possible — and learning directly from them — expanded my vision of what I could become. Today, I’m grateful to be in an environment where leaders recognize my potential and are giving me the runway to take off.

But mentorship and support only matter if you’re willing to step up when the opportunity comes. I’ve learned to move alongside imposter syndrome rather than waiting for it to disappear. I don’t wait until I feel fearless — I act, and confidence follows. I believe success isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to evolve, stay disciplined, and show up fully in every role you hold

The best advice I received was that consistency beats intensity. You don’t build a career in big dramatic moments, you build it through disciplined, daily execution.

I would tell young women not to wait for permission to take up space. You don’t need to have every credential, every answer, or complete confidence before stepping into opportunity. Growth happens when you move before you feel ready.

I’d also tell them that ambition and motherhood, or ambition and family, are not mutually exclusive. You don’t have to shrink one part of yourself to grow another. It’s possible to lead powerfully at work and show up fully at home.

And finally, don’t let imposter syndrome make your decisions for you. Doubt may show up, but it doesn’t get to drive.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, growth, and resilience.

Integrity means doing what you say you’re going to do even when it’s inconvenient or unseen. In my career, that builds trust. At home, it builds security for my children.

Growth is essential to me. I don’t believe in staying comfortable. Whether it’s stepping into a new leadership role or learning how to better advocate for my family, I believe we’re meant to evolve.

And resilience has become non-negotiable. Life and leadership both come with pressure. I value the ability to stay steady, solve problems, and move forward, especially when things are hard.