The difficulties I’ve experienced in my relationship with my mother have shaped me as much as, if not more than, her strengths. Watching her work ethic and determination was inspiring, but what truly resonates with me is the lesson of balance: reaching for career goals while also honoring family and motherhood. I’ve learned that success isn’t about doing more of one and neglecting the other; it’s about being intentional, present, and mindful in both spheres. In my role as Executive Assistant to the CEO at Gracemark Solutions, I carry this lesson forward by striving for excellence in my career while making space for family, relationships, and self-care. Her example, both the challenges and the achievements, has taught me that leadership and resilience are as much about how you balance your priorities as they are about ambition and hard work.

My mother’s strength was quiet but unwavering. She carried burdens that no one saw, made sacrifices that no one named, and still showed up with grace, dignity, and fierce love. She taught me that leadership begins at home with integrity, with service, and with the courage to choose restoration over resentment. Her example shaped my journey in profound ways: She modeled resilience, I watched her navigate injustice with wisdom, not retaliation. That taught me to lead with discernment. She sacrificed strategically. Every decision she made was for legacy, not applause. That taught me to build with intention, not impulse. Today, I carry her lessons forward by mentoring women to reclaim their voice, rewrite their narrative, and lead from a place of wholeness. I teach that self-love is sacred stewardship, and that boundaries are not barriers they’re bridges to restoration. My mother didn’t just raise me, she equipped me. And every time I speak, lead, or advocate, I’m echoing her legacy.

My mother taught me the kind of strength that doesn’t always make noise, but the kind that keeps going when no one is watching. She modeled resilience through every challenge, never complaining, just finding a way forward. From her, I learned that grace under pressure is its own quiet power.

My mother has always been the quiet force behind everything I've become. She taught me that strength isn't always loud. It's often shown through grace, consistency, and an unwavering belief in what's possible even when circumstances say otherwise. Growing up, I watched her work tirelessly to create stability, often putting others first without ever losing sight of her own dignity or hope. Her example shaped how I lead and live. From her, I learned that sacrifice isn't weakness, but it's a reflection of love and purpose. When I face complex challenges in business or leadership, I think of how she faced hers with calm resolve and a sense of grounded faith that everything was "figureoutable". She never told me to chase success; she told me to chase meaning. That lesson has guided every decision I've made. What stands out most is her ability to move forward with grace under pressure. No matter how heavy the load, she carried it with both humility and pride. That balance has become my compass. In my own journey, I strive to lead with the same heart to be firm yet compassionate, ambitious yet grateful, confident yet kind. Today, I carry her lessons in the way I mentor others and build teams. I remind people that strength is often quiet, resilience is learned, and leadership starts with empathy. My mother's determination built the foundation on which I now stand, and her sacrifices continue to fuel the way I show up for my work, my team, and my future family. Her story is the reminder that every woman's success is a continuation of another woman's courage and that legacy is something I'm proud to carry forward every day.

My mother has been the greatest example of strength and grace in my life. She taught me that no matter the challenge, you show up, give your best, and treat people with kindness along the way. Her determination was quiet but constant. A reminder that real strength doesn't have to be loud to be powerful. From her, I learned that integrity, humility, and compassion matter just as much as hard work and perseverance. Those lessons have shaped every step of my 31-year journey in business. When challenges arise, I often hear her voice reminding me to stay grounded, lead with empathy, and move forward with purpose. Her example continues to guide how I lead, how I treat others, and how I define success, not by titles or achievements, but by the positive impact left on the people around me. "My mother's strength taught me to stand firm in my values; her kindness taught me to lead with heart."

My mother's strength has been the blueprint for my own. She is the definition of perseverance and grace under pressure. When I think about sacrifice, I think of how she paused her own dreams to raise her children, yet never gave up on them. Years later, she returned to school and earned an Associate's degree in Child Development, a Bachelor's degree in General Studies with concentrations in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, and ultimately a Master of Education specializing in Child Development. Her journey taught me that purpose and growth are never confined by timing only by our willingness to keep believing. Watching her pursue her goals with faith and determination showed me that success is built on resilience, humility, and unwavering purpose. Her courage taught me to keep pressing forward even when the path feels uncertain, and her compassion reminds me to lead with heart, not ego. Every time I face a challenge, I hear her voice reminding me, "You can do hard things." I carry her lessons with me in how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up for others because her strength didn't just shape me; it continues to sustain and inspire me every single day.

My adoptive mom taught me that love is not defined by blood, but by presence, sacrifice, and faithfulness. She embodied quiet strength; the kind that doesn't seek attention but leaves a lasting mark on everyone it touches. Her determination, discipline, and compassion became the blueprint for how I show up as a woman and a leader. Watching her taught me that true strength lives in humility. She faced challenges with grace and perseverance, teaching me that success isn't measured by what you achieve alone, but by how you serve others along the way. Her sacrifices gave me stability; her example gave me courage. Today, I carry her lessons into my work and my life. From her, I learned to lead with both strength and softness to stand firm in my convictions but remain open, grateful, and kind. Her love made me brave, and her humility made me wise. She didn't just raise me; she shaped the woman I continue to become.

I am the woman I am today because my mother taught me that resilience can be quiet and still move mountains.

My mother and grandmother's dedication to their families and commitment to their roles as stay-at-home moms and caregivers have deeply influenced my journey. Their strength, sacrifice, and determination have taught me valuable lessons that continue to guide me today. The importance of prioritizing family and nurturing strong bonds has been a cornerstone of my upbringing. Witnessing their unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of challenges has instilled in me a strong work ethic and the ability to persevere. Growing up with their examples of empathy and compassion for others has shaped my values and inspired me to make a positive impact in the world. I continue to prioritize building and maintaining strong relationships with my family and friends.

In order for you to truly see my mom the way I see her, you have to understand everything she has accomplished. My mom served in the military for 25 years and has been a pediatric nurse for 26. She raised six children, three of whom were not biologically hers. They were my dad's nephews, and together my parents made the decision to take them in, love them as their own, and eventually adopt them. It always makes me giggle to think that before meeting my dad, my mom didn't want any children, and then she was blessed with six, three boys and three girls. Her dedication does not stop there. Along with nursing, she teaches at a local university and still finds the energy to photograph the varsity field hockey, wrestling, and lacrosse teams at the high school I attended. She left her entire family in Michigan and moved to New York to build a life with my dad. That decision alone showed me what courage and true love looks like. Growing up, I watched her work night shifts for years. I know how tired she was, but she never complained. She worked those long hours to make sure there was food on the table and that we had everything we needed. Whenever she would buy us something, I'd tell her to spend money on herself, and she would always respond that she worked hard so she could provide for us. My mom is the true image of an influential woman, strong, selfless, and full of grace. Every ounce of strength and perseverance I have comes from watching her live out those values daily. Any recognition I receive as a woman in leadership belongs just as much to her because she is the example that shaped the woman I have become.

My mother's life began as an orphan in a famliy of 5 small children during the Great Depression. My mother was a stay at home housewife, and impressed upon me and my sisters that cleanliness was next to godliness, ethical values were of utmost importance and faith in a higher power is what get's a person through the difficult times in life. Knowing my mother's struggles as an orphan, I always wanted to earn her approval and make her proud of me just so she could have something spectacular in her life to make her life of value.

My mother was a warrior. Not in the loud, triumphant way we often celebrate — but in the quiet, relentless way that only those who carry invisible scars understand. Her life was marked by deep pain and grief — pain that no one should ever have to endure — yet she showed up every single day with a smile. She laughed. She loved. She gave everything she had, even when she had nothing left to give. Her strength didn't come from being unshaken — it came from the way she kept going in spite of it all. She pushed through countless hurdles, digging her way forward with sheer determination and grace. She never expected anyone to carry her burden, and yet she carried everyone else's with open arms and an open heart. She was always there for me — steady, present, unwavering. And because of that, I am who I am today. My journey, my resilience, my work ethic, and my capacity to lead with heart — all of it is rooted in the lessons she lived, not just the ones she taught. Her 26-year battle with cancer was only part of her story. The way she loved through it, laughed through it, and gave through it — that is her legacy. I honor her every single day. She may have left this earth, but her love, her strength, and her spirit live on — in my work, in my voice, and in the woman I continue becoming.

My mother is the best woman in the world that set the perfect example for me. Growing up wasn't easy for me because I watched my mom be abused by my father and she never backed down, walked away or gave up. She taught how to put God first in my life and having faith and trust that he had her in his hands. My mom believed leading by example was key in getting us to see the importance of changing. If she wanted us to do something she would of being doing it first. I never lost trust and faith in my moms faith in Jehovah and it gave me the confidence and strength I needed to change my ways, habits and addictions. Now 20 years later I recall everything mom did and taught us as children and I now lead by example when it comes to teaching my children the importance of building their paths. Leading by example has allowed my children to see that I have truly changed and because of it we are closer than ever. Sacrifice is key in building relationships and being a leader, my mom raised the bar when it came to sacrifice, she worked hard, prayed hard and never gave up on life.

My mother is a angel on earth with grace and compassion for others however she didn't give those some traits to herself. I learned through experiences that she endured to always speak my mind with class but strength. The sacrifices with unconditional love that she poured upon me formed this unstoppable craving to succussed for better in my life. In addition to what I have witnessed through her struggle, pain, hidden hurt and, tears taught me to continue to work hard. Despite what may look bleak on the surface to continue to strive in faith that and reminded me that what's ahead of me, will outshine my past.

My mother raised me alone mostly. She met the man who would become my father after I moved out by to me he was my father. Watching her go through losing him has been hard but I continue to show her the strength, wisdom, and hard working women she was in me. I have also started to show my sisters who I am and how she raised me. I have always said I would never need a man to depend on for anything. I still continue to say that because my mother has shown me how to be independent all my life. I will raise my daughter that way as well.

Behind every strong woman is often a mother who showed her what strength truly looks like and for me, that's my mom. Long before I was born, she was paving her own way. She was a Division I athlete at the University of Maine who earned her teaching degree and courageously moved away from home to Virginia to start her career. For nearly 30 years, she's dedicated herself to education, teaching elementary school, moving into middle school, and taking on coaching roles that shaped countless lives including mine. I still remember watching her earn her master's degree while working full-time and raising me and my sister. She always found a way. Whether that was juggling side jobs as an EMT, in retail, or anywhere she could just to make sure we had more than enough, even when she didn't. She coached me in softball, cheered for me in everything I did, and taught me what it means to lead with both strength and heart. Her determination, selflessness, and drive have become my compass. Because of her, I value education, chase my ambitions fearlessly, and meet every challenge with a positive attitude. Every step I take forward is guided by her example; a constant reminder to work hard for what I love and to give generously, just as she always has.

Behind every successful woman are often the powerful examples set by the women who came before her. For me, that foundation was built by my mother and aunts - who showed me what it means to build something meaningful through strength, sacrifice, and unshakable determination. I witnessed firsthand what real strength looks like. It wasn't loud or performative - it was showing up every single day, working hard even when things were difficult, and never compromising on integrity. My mother and aunts taught me that sacrifice isn't about losing yourself - it's about investing in something bigger.

My mother taught me what strength looked like, even when it wasn't spoken out loud. She sacrificed and persevered in ways that I didn't fully understand until I became a mother myself. For a long time, I followed the same patterns, working hard, putting others first, and trying to please everyone around me. It came from love, but it also came from generations of women doing what they had to do to survive. At some point, I realized that strength could look different for me. It didn't have to mean self-sacrifice or constant striving. It could mean awareness, healing, and choosing a new path. I began breaking generational patterns by questioning the expectations I had carried and letting go of the beliefs that kept me small. Now, as I raise my daughter, I'm intentional about giving her what I didn't have: the freedom to be fully herself. I want her to know that her voice matters, her boundaries are valid, and she doesn't have to earn her worth by pleasing others. That is how I carry my mother's strength forward, by honoring the sacrifices of the women before me while creating a different kind of strength for the women who come after.

I was chosen both by God and by the woman who became my mother. She didn't have to love me, but she did, wholly and without hesitation. That kind of love is a lesson in itself. My mother's strength wasn't loud; it was steady. She stood in the background, letting me shine, content to be the light in the shadows. She never demanded recognition. She simply gave, sacrificed, and showed up with grace that could move mountains. Her quiet determination taught me that true strength isn't about control or perfection. It's about presence. She showed me what it means to serve others, to stand firm in faith when life feels uncertain, and to lead with both heart and humility. Every time I face a hard day, I hear her example whispering, "Keep going. You're stronger than you think." I carry her lessons with me in everything I do. How I lead, how I love, and how I serve. Her influence reminds me that legacy isn't about what we achieve for ourselves, but how we help others find their way. Because of her, I know that being chosen isn't just something that happened to me; it's something I get to live out every day through grace, resilience, and love.

My mum shaped everything I am. At 34, she started studying dentistry in a language she could barely speak- and still became acknowledged and awarded as best dentist by Swedish dental society. I remember running around at school telling everyone that my mum was an award-winning dentist. She never stopped- she took care of us, helped with our homework, managed the house, and studied late into the night. My dad supported her in every way he could, but she carried most of the weight with grace and determination. Watching her taught me that strength doesn't have to be loud - it shows up in love, discipline, and persistence. She showed me that it's possible to be devoted to your family and still chase your dreams. I carry that lesson with me every day as a mother and as a professional. My mother was, is and will alwayd be my role model.

My mother was a wise and remarkably strong woman who laid the foundation for the person I am today. From an early age, she taught me what resilience looks like; not through words alone, but through her unwavering confidence and steady presence. She managed the demands of work while caring for our family with grace, ensuring that my brother and I grew up surrounded by love, stability, and a sense of security. Her strength was powerful, and it continues to shape the way I navigate the world. When I stepped into the workforce, my mother offered a wealth of advice, but one piece of advice stands out above the rest: "Know your job, demand your pay." Those words became a mantra for me, grounding me in confidence and self-advocacy. Coupled with the example she set through her own unwavering work ethic, that advice has been a driving force behind my professional success. As strong as my mother was, she was equally compassionate. Her deep concern for the well-being of others, whether volunteering at homeless shelters or rallying support for a neighboring family in need, showed me that strength without compassion and empathy is incomplete. She taught me that truly understanding the needs and concerns of others is its own form of strength, one demonstrated only by the wise.

My mother has always been the quiet force behind everything I've built; a woman whose strength didn't need an audience, whose sacrifices were never spoken, only lived. Growing up, I watched her create stability out of uncertainty and possibility out of limitations. But more than anything, she was (and still is) a silent force in this chaotic world. I never thought deeply about it until I grew older, but she consistently chose humanity over opportunism. She believed in treating people right, even when it wasn't convenient or advantageous. That simple, powerful truth shaped me more than any lesson she ever spoke aloud. Her ability to see people beyond external appearances, to connect with them for who they truly are, is something I carry within me every day. She taught me that life is simple when we focus on what matters: being there for one another, cherishing relationships, and keeping our intentions pure. Those values became my compass in leadership, in community, in motherhood, and in every room I walk into. When I left for the United States 20 years ago, her words were clear: "Opportunities don't come ready-made; you shape them with your own hands." That mindset anchored me through years in corporate roles making high-stakes decisions, raising capital, and building a path in real estate. Her resilience taught me to move forward even when fear is present, to stand firm yet lead with empathy. As a mother myself, I see her influence in how I show up for my own children; balancing ambition with presence, strength with softness, and drive with compassion. My mother's humanity, humility, and unwavering strength didn't just shape my path. They continue to fuel how I lead, how I connect, and the legacy I hope to pass on to the next generation watching me today.

My mother's sacrifices were the foundation of my opportunities. Her strength showed me how to stand tall. Her humility taught me how to lead with heart.

My mother's strength has been the bedrock of who I am. She showed me what it means to lead with quiet determination, always choosing stability over comfort and sacrifice over ease so I could have opportunities she never had. From her, I learned discipline, compassion, and the courage to keep showing up, even when it feels impossible. Her resilience taught me that success doesn't happen overnight. It's the result of stick-with-it-ness, emotional generosity, and an unshakable belief in your own potential. I carry her lessons forward in the way I lead, the way I love, and the way I advocate for myself and others.

I grew up watching my mother meet judgment with poise and calm. She never let negative talk define her, and she created a home where togetherness, empathy, and service were non‑negotiables. Those lessons shape how I show up today: I center on purpose rather than approval, choose steadiness over reaction, and make space for people to feel seen and supported. Her example taught me that real strength is measured by restraint, that sacrifice is quiet service to something bigger than yourself, and that determination is the discipline to keep moving without bitterness. In my leadership, that translates to protecting my team from the noise so they can do their best work, building rituals that keep us connected and accountable, and being the person others can count on—especially when it's inconvenient. When I mentor women, I encourage the same posture: hold your ground without hardening your heart, invest in community, and let your actions speak louder than other people's opinions. My mother's calm confidence is my compass; it reminds me that the most powerful leadership often looks like consistency, kindness, and the courage to keep choosing what's right, even when no one is clapping.

My mother's strength never arrived with a big speech; it showed up in the quiet, unglamorous choices she made every day. She worked hard, said yes to tough responsibilities, and still somehow made room to show up for the people she loved. I watched her move through grief of losing her husband, then her mother the following year while juggling financial stress and health challenges with a kind of steady determination that said, "We'll figure it out. Keep going." After losing her, too, at just 24 years old and 3 months postpartum with my own baby, those lessons sank in long before I had a name for them. When I became a teacher, I realized I was leading my classroom the way my mother led our family: firm, loving, and relentlessly hopeful. She believed in doing the right thing even when no one was watching, she said what was on her mind, and never backed down to even the hardest obstacles that came her way. These values now anchor every decision I make with my students. Losing her, especially while I was navigating new motherhood myself, carved those lessons even deeper. Her absence made me sharpen the questions she had always modeled for me: Who are you serving? Are you using your own voice to speak up even when it's uncomfortable? What kind of legacy are you building in how you love and show up for others? Today, I carry her forward in very practical ways. I welcome the kid who has been written off. I stay at school late to help a student with a college essay. I advocate fiercely for my seniors' futures. When life feels overwhelming, I hear my mother's voice reminding me that strength isn't about never breaking—it's about choosing to keep going, eyes open, heart soft, and purpose intact.

My mother never taught through speeches—she taught through the way she lived. She didn't seek recognition or complain; she simply did what needed to be done with quiet strength. Her steady resilience shaped my understanding of responsibility, independence, and owning my choices. She showed me that real courage is often quiet, but powerful enough to change the direction of a life.