I realized early on that leadership was already a part of me, long before I ever had a title. As a kid, I never understood why older people would open up to me about their problems or why my mom's friends would look at me and say, "This baby has been here before." Looking back, I see that people felt safe with me. They felt seen. I've always wanted to see others win. I supported people even in seasons when I struggled to support myself. That taught me something important: leadership doesn't start with a position; it starts in the heart. Many lead from emotion, but true leadership comes from alignment and the ability to step into the shoes of the people you guide. I knew people looked to me for guidance when I was just a little girl. I didn't have the language for it then, but I understand it now: leadership was already mine. It was simply waiting for me to grow into it.

There is often a debate about whether leadership is born or developed, and I believe it is both. But for me, leadership has always been a calling. It was never something I had to chase, it was something I had to recognize. Throughout my life, in my family, in my career, and in the Army, I found that people naturally looked to me for direction. Sometimes I had the answers. When I didn't, I sought them. And when answers weren't available, I created clarity where there was confusion. That's when I realized, leadership was never something I needed to earn. It was already mine. I just had to step into it.