Mindset is the key to change, but it takes time, patience and persistence. I believe that we can change our lives, when we shift our mindset in new directions. Where I began, was when I thought about, "What is my Purpose", and what goals will I set in place for myself to achieve them. That is where mindset comes in, and you get to work. First envision yourself branching out of your comfort and connecting with those thoughts. Then start to remind yourself daily that you are worthy of new adventures. Be your own cheerleader as you guide yourself towards the winner's circle. Also, work on changing your negative thoughts to positive ones. This is a practiced skill, but it is very effective if you commit to the process. I found that I gained tremendous growth by doing this type of self-work. Purpose - Mindset - Persistence - Commitment - Winning! You will get there, just believe in yourself and embrace the Journey.

Empowering yourself to embody your inner light of joy by being thankful and grateful. Recognizing life isn't just about climbing ladders, but about building one full of connections, faith, family, and being the light for others.

I don't wait until I feel ready, I move, and let confidence catch up.

The habit that transformed my life was shifting from reacting to intentionally designing my days. For a long time, I operated in response mode by answering emails, solving problems, and moving from task to task without a clear connection to larger outcomes. The turning point came when I committed to starting each day with clarity: defining one to three high-impact priorities tied directly to long-term goals. That simple discipline created alignment between my daily actions and the results I wanted to produce. Equally important was developing the mindset that not everything deserves my time. I became more rigorous about what I said yes to, protecting my focus and energy for work that actually moved the needle. Over time, this built consistency, confidence, and a stronger sense of control over my trajectory. It wasn't a dramatic overhaul. It was a daily decision to be intentional. That's what changed everything.

This milestone of earning a PhD marks the end of a five-year journey defined by growth, resilience, sacrifice, and determination. Pursuing a dream is rarely easy, and this path was no exception. Along the way, several challenges helped shape the experience: Years before the pandemic, the idea of returning to school began to take form. During that time, an executive coach shared confidence in my ability to succeed in a doctoral program, despite no prior conversation about my aspirations. That unexpected encouragement also suggested that conversations about my potential were happening behind the scenes, some of which may not have been fully supportive. I enrolled in a doctoral program July 2020, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, my leader stated that tuition reimbursement was unavailable and expressed disappointment that prior approval had not been requested. At the same time, that same leader was receiving tuition support for their own undergraduate studies. As a result, I chose to invest in myself and cover the cost of my education independently. A layoff led me back into the job market, adding another layer of pressure while managing academic demands and costs. I experienced significant loss with the passing of my godmother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Each of them was a constant source of encouragement who celebrated every milestone with love and pride. Through it all, this journey was made possible by an incredible support system. My husband, family, and friends were my village. They extended grace, understood my absence, and offered encouragement at every step. Never underestimate or undervalue the power and support of your village.