I realized the impact of my voice the first time a woman founder told me, "No one has ever described what I do that clearly" and I watched her whole posture change. Since then, I've trusted that when I speak up, I'm not just sharing opinions; I'm giving people language that can change their business, their confidence, and the way the world sees them.

I remember having an epiphany regarding asking questions. I used to be afraid to admit that I didn't understand what was being said especially when nobody else had questions either. But following each meeting I would ask my coworkers and they didn't get it either. So then I started speaking up during the meeting to ask for clarification. And everyone would say yes I had the same question. Also, I remember not speaking up when I would know the answer but other people would be talking and they were wrong. I learned that just because people are talkative or confident enough to speak up doesn't mean they are he expert or even knowledgeable about the subject. What I have to say holds weight, is valuable and my voice deserves to be heard.

Losing our Nana and Daddy in the same year made me believe my sister and I would cling to each other, but our different ways of grieving pulled us apart and pushed me into a painful rediscovery of myself. Speaking that truth out loud taught me that my voice matters most when it's honest; even when it reveals how much I still need support.

It didn't happen in one big moment. It was gradual. Bit by bit, the small, skinny girl with buck teeth, secondhand shoes, and hair slicked down with too much Vaseline; the quiet one always picked last for dodgeball, the one with no coordination, no popularity, and no physical talent started finding her voice. One day, she read a prayer out loud without stuttering. Another day, she aced a test everyone expected her to fail. And then there was the soccer game. The ball landed in front of her, and without thinking, she kicked a perfect goal. She used to think those were lucky flukes. But deep down, She knew: there was something in me. She just had to figure out how to harness it.

Yes. When one of the companies I was formerly employed with planned mass layoffs, I advocated for (1) using proper and fair procedures and (2) delaying severance. Speaking up not only protected employees but gave them time and dignity. "I learned that your voice carries real value when it advocates for the fair treatment of others. It isn't about benefiting yourself, but about striving to champion good for others, even when you have nothing to gain from speaking up."

As General Counsel of a company, you are the trusted legal advisor for the company. You must build that trust. With that trust I was able to save a company a massive government shutdown, by convincing the CEO and the head of marketing to take a questionable product out of the supply chain which was a large revenue generator. The government did come in subsequently to inspect our inventory and we were not sanctioned. There was only a matter of a day to make that decision and having built that trust was vital.

Years ago, before the board positions, public speaking stages,and global teams; I was mentoring young women who reminded me of the version of myself that had been overlooked. One day, a mentee pulled me aside and said: "No one has ever spoken about women like me as if we belong in the future." Her words rearranged something in me.

I'll share my insight on when I realized the impact of my own voice: My work involves changing workflows that are standardized but needs improvements. By training employees involved in these processes, encouraging them, making them understand why changes are imminent. I see them not only listen to my words but actually be the change agents of the processes they're involved into. It's such a great feeling to influence them for the greater good. Sincerely, CT Mendoza Thanks for making me share my thoughts of this Ms Laura 😍

When I stopped contorting myself to fit into roles that weren't built for me, I found my voice. Speaking honestly about what I actually wanted opened the door to starting my own business and building work that finally matched my vision.

There was a pivotal moment in my new role when I realized that my voice mattered. Despite my fears of ridicule, I spoke up in a meeting where silence reigned, and my idea not only resonated with my boss but also transformed into a year-long strategy, proving to me that my contributions are valuable and deserving of recognition.

I realized my voice mattered when I stopped treating my ideas like "someday" and started speaking like a builder. The first time I said, "This is the brand I'm creating and this is who it's for," I felt my power return. My voice became my strategy—because what you can name clearly, you can lead boldly.