Milestone
Celebrate Every Step Forward
At Influential Women, we believe every achievement deserves recognition, big or small. Too often, women move quickly to the next challenge without pausing to honor their progress. Milestone Moments is our space to celebrate those wins and inspire others to keep going.
Share Your Milestone
Milestone Moments
When women celebrate their wins, they inspire others to chase their own. Here we spotlight milestones that reflect courage, growth, and possibility.
Leah Bell BSN, RN
Senior Clinical Educator Medical Operations
From Aesthetic Nurse to Multi-Unit Medical and Operational excellence leader. 13 years of experience in the medical aesthetic space has transformed me into a dedicated, passionate, driven leader always looking to level up my teams.
Summer A Gray
Trichologist & Menopause Coach
launching of "Glitz By Samar" online store
Almaz T. Abebe, Ph.D in Mathematics
University Lecturer
A proud moment at Huazhong University of Science & Technology (HUST), where I completed my PhD.
Kia Chatmon
Founder & Principal Grant Strategist
Graduating from Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program
In Their
In Their Own Moments
From bold breakthroughs to everyday wins, these snapshots showcase women celebrating progress on their own terms.
Jordyn Pagan
Senior Operational Reporting Specialist
I received an award for my service in Syria during my second deployment, a recognition that means a great deal to me. That period demanded resilience, discipline, and unwavering focus, and I’m deeply proud of the work my team and I accomplished under such challenging conditions. It remains one of the most defining experiences of my military career.
Vanessa Riley
Chief Executive Officer
Ten Under 10. Proof that women in nursing belong at the forefront of innovation, leadership, and transformation in healthcare.
Lupita (Naisa) Garcia Lujan
Program Coordinator
2025 Boettcher Foundation Elevate Award
Mischelle Renee SaundersGottsch
Founder/CEO and Chief Storyteller
Signing my book publishing contract with Redemption Press.
Tina Marie Howard
Restaurant General Manager
Serving the community
Rosalinda Silva, Ed.D.
Assistant Director
The culmination of a lifelong dream. Just a small-town girl who refused to give up on her big ambitions. Dr. Silva has a nice ring to it. 🎓✨
Sara Margit Wallace
Chemistry Stockroom & Safety Technician
Master's Graduation ceremony December 2025
Nashay Lowe, PhD
Conflict Transformation Scholar-Practitioner
As someone who considers themselves a storyteller, it’s pretty cool when someone else wants to tell yours 🥰
Jessenia Laguna-Torres, MS BS
Founder & Director
“A milestone moment—earning my Master of Science, built on years of discipline, curiosity, and a deep love for learning.”
Lilia A' Hearn
Actress-producer-photographer
Working in future feature Starlight and You
Dr. Faith Ngunjiri
Chief Leadership Coach
I became an impostor syndrome-informed coach to help myself unpack my own impostor feelings, and support other women too.
This is a true milestone for me and my family. I have my parents and my kids by me where we took a 2 weeks off to do absolutely nothing but enjoyed life with family in AZ. I have designed a lifestyle which I have time freedom.
Dr. Melissa Maranville
Founder/CEO
Passing my dissertation defense was more than an academic milestone. It was the moment I proved to myself that lived experience, when paired with education and persistence, can become real, lasting change. This chapter represents years of research, resilience, and a commitment to protecting others through evidence, not silence.
Sarah Hehir, FDN-P, NBC-HWC, MSPT
Founder/Owner of Beyond Brave Wellness
My very first Holistic Health Conference after endless study hours, group presentations, 7 case practicals, and a tough oral and written exam - I was proud to say that I earned this moment, celebrating my functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner graduation. Couldn't have been any sweeter.
Belinda Armstrong
Customer Support Manager, Entrepreneur & Author
March 2025- Book Launch
Heidi Christine Swan
Singer Songwriter/ Performer/ Producer
1st Annual Oak Hurst Porch Festival 2015 Decatur, GA Community Event
Olivia Leigh Lacombe
Assistant Manager
High School Graduation: At the time, it felt like an ending, but now I see it was the start of everything that followed. Grateful for how far the journey has come!
Jessie Ford
Business Owner
Here is an additional picture of myself dressed as Cruella With Jackson (dressed as Prince Charming) , KJ(dressed as Flynn Ryder), and Zac? From Savannah Bananas at the christening of the Disney destiny private event 11/10.
Cynthia Valenti
English Teacher | Curriculum Designer | School Leader
From “maybe someday” to I did it. Twice I got into grad school and chose motherhood instead. The third time, I started my Master’s program with a newborn in my arms and a full-time teaching load… and finished anyway with a 4.0 GPA. This degree isn’t just a credential; it’s my reminder that I’m allowed to choose myself too, and that women don’t have to choose between being devoted moms and ambitious professionals.
Dr. Rita Renee
TEDx Speaker| International Keynote Speaker | Best-Selling Author |
TEDX Raleigh 2025
Aundrea Methvin
Author / Poet
Slow Progress is still progress -Remember self.
Kesha Moore, DES
Founder & Lead Strategist
This moment represents what it looks like to lead without spectacle. Years of preparation, trust built quietly, and systems strong enough that the room can breathe. I’m proud of this milestone not because it was loud, but because it worked. Calm, access, and clarity came together exactly as designed.
Vittoria Di Palma
Fashion Artist and Model
Graduation photoshoot I did with my sister when I graduated with my Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights at Arizona State University (ASU) back in December 2023. (Credits): -(Dress Design & Photo_Editing): Vittoria Di Palma -(Photography): Vittoria + Michelle Di Palma
Marilyn Nelson, PhD
CEO and Founder
She didn’t choose the brick wall behind her by accident. Years earlier, this alley had been a shortcut she took every morning on her way to school where her ideas were dismissed and her voice was softened to make others comfortable. She learned quickly that leadership isn’t given—it’s claimed. So she began preparing in quiet ways: studying after long days, asking hard questions, and saying no when it would have been easier to agree. The jacket over her shoulder tells part of the story. It’s the weight of responsibility she learned to carry without letting it bend her posture. When a crisis hit the company she later led, people looked to her not because she was the loudest in the room, but because she was steady. She listened when others panicked. She decided when others hesitated. There were moments of real fear—standing alone in boardrooms, making calls that could cost millions, choosing integrity when shortcuts were tempting. Courage, she discovered, wasn’t dramatic. It was calm. It showed up early and stayed late. It took accountability when things went wrong and shared credit when things went right. Success didn’t arrive as applause. It arrived as trust. Teams grew stronger under her leadership. People stayed, learned, and rose. She built something sustainable, not flashy—something that lasted. Now, when she pauses against this wall, she’s not resting. She’s reflecting. The faint smile isn’t for the camera—it’s for the woman she used to be, the one who kept walking even when the path was narrow. Strength brought her here. Leadership keeps her moving forward.
Emily Conrad
Regional Director
My first Marathon "Powered by discipline, driven by purpose."
Nakaya D Powell
CEO
A significant milestone occurred in 2003 when I graduated from culinary school, yet I felt an unmet aspiration, which led me to walk out on Faith and established. Nakaya's Personal Touch LLC on December 28, 2024, an apparel brand inspired by the phrase Look What Faith Did🙌
Jineen R. Huff
Nurse Resilience Strategist, Author, Transformational Speaker, and Certified Life Coach
One of the most defining milestones of my career wasn’t an award — it was choosing the permission to pause. After over 25 years in healthcare and experiencing burnout twice, I took a restorative sabbatical that reshaped how I define leadership, success, and resilience. That decision led to my work today as a Nurse Resilience Strategist — helping leaders move beyond survival and into sustainable, values-aligned leadership that protects both people and performance. This milestone reminds me that sometimes the bravest leadership move is choosing yourself — so you can lead others well. -Coach Jineen R. Huff, MSN
DeAnna Busby Rast
Business Owner
In Q4 2025, DeAnna launched her premier YouTube channel, sharing personal stories from her 30-year career along with real, direct business insights on leadership, sales, training, and becoming the best version of yourself—professionally and personally. Follow her on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authenticagroup
Afiya Tyler
Executive Assistant to the Director, Operations Manager, and Administrative Coordinator for the Sacramento Chapter
Empower! Lead! Inspire! For three decades, I have dedicated my life to transforming others through mentorship and leadership. Today, I celebrate embracing all of life's interruptions the unexpected moments that stretch us, shapes, and ultimately strengthen us. There are seasons when the unknown brings anxiety, stress, and overthinking. Yet I've learned that when I live with honesty, integrity, and a sincere heart rooted in service and love, opportunities have a way of aligning at exactly the right time. Timing truly is everything. It's also the one factor we can't control the unknown that can either make us or break us. I choose to let it build me. Today, let's celebrate one another. Let's honor the courage it takes to live authentically, trust the process, and stand confidently in the unknown.
Diane L. Camacho
President & CEO
ISBA panel for the 2025 solo and small firm conference. Constance Sherrod, Diane Camacho, Staci Vazquez, Sarah Taylor
April Goetz
Child Protective Services Investigator
At the Social Services Institute Conference. You have to be invited by either the director or program manager of the agency.
Mrs. Marlo Young, M.S., BCMHC, CCWS
Mental Health Consultant & Board Certified Mental Health Coach / CEO
Big News Alert! 🎉 I graduated from the Innovation Portal’s TechAcademy powered by the Regions Foundation. During the 8-week TechAcademy program, New Mindset Consulting LLC successfully completed the development of the Mental Health Literacy App MVP and earned the “Judge’s Choice Award” for the pitch presentation. This win validates the need for accessible, culturally responsive mental-wellness tools and positions the business for stronger partnerships, improved visibility, and increased funding opportunities as we move into the next phase of development and pilot testing. I’m so grateful for this opportunity! https://youtu.be/QfbGE0w-wdU?si=f8NfSWAxX5TRhggo
Dana Moore
Senior Accountant | Consultant
Received Jody Mahoney award at South Arkansas Community College
Tirzah Gabourel
Associate Director of Information Technology
The Power of Women
Stephanie Rodriguez
Assistant Project Manager
Getting to read names on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Dawn Holts, PhD, CTBS
Director of Operations
Having your whole family's support makes accomplishing goals easier and more worthwhile! I finished my PhD in July with the support and encouragement of my sons.
Annie M Henderson
Life Coach
So proud of my book, Women with ADHD, that is available on Amazon and Audible!
Becca Moore
Student Services & Parent Involvement Coordinator / Head Coach Girls Flag Football / Author
Starting my memoir and then finishing it is a milestone five years in the making. This image is a reflection of how far I've come.
Tiffany King Peoples, PhD
Field-Based Scientific Expert
Ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange
Marilla Duncan
Associate Government Account Manager
Advocating for veteran mental health on the Hill in DC
Angela Ja'net Shupe
Mental Health Advocate
In May of 2025, I completed my professional certification in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship (undergraduate) through University of Phoenix simultaneously while working on my Bachelor of Science in Business requirements!
Davida Wright Galvin
Writer / Yoga and Fitness Expert
Davida leads the warm-up for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Denver 2025
Morgan Newman, DNP, RN
Associate Chief of Nursing - Surgery and Acute Care ICC
Terminal degree in nursing milestone accomplished!
Alix Appeleyil
Senior Technical Product Manager, Mobile and Device
Proud moment in Sydney: earning my 9th marathon medal and officially ticking off my 5th World Major. The journey’s been long, humbling, and incredibly rewarding. Two more to go on the bucket-list path to all Seven majors.
Brandi N. Hines, MBA
Operations Manager
Graduation photo shoot for my Masters in Business Administration
Fonda Tanner, MBA
Entrepreneur/Consultant/Project Manager
MBA graduation with my family.
Lauren Latham, MA, LPC, NCC, CCHP, CTTP
Licensed Professional Counselor
Presenting at the NCCHC Winter conference in Baltimore, MD on Trauma informed Reentry Principles for Women and Youth in correctional settings.
Lisa Marie Baratta
Self-Employed Musician / Music Teacher
Lead Alto for Black Tie Orchestra
Alyssa Rojas
BSA / AML Analyst
This photo was taken when I stepped into my new position with Cogent Bank as a BSA / AML Analyst. Little did I know, this was one of the best decisions I made for the next chapter of my life. To say the least - it’s a humbling experience to be living in an answered prayer.
Payel Maitra, Dual MBA, BSc IT
Program Manager
"This milestone means more than a degree—it’s a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and faith. After 14 years, I returned to school and earned my second MBA from Haslam College of Business, UTK. Dreams don’t expire."
Catalina Diaz MHRM
Fourth Grade Teacher
Teacher of the Year 2023-2024
Grace Pasquini
Interior Designer / Showroom Manager
Representing my company at the prestigious Lighting Showroom of the Year event as a finalist was a great honor. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase our commitment to innovative design, customer experience, and industry leadership. I was accompanied by a close friend and fellow designer McKenna Miller who works with one of our major building partners — a meaningful reminder of the strong professional relationships that help drive our success.
Margaret Walsh
Retired Judge/ Co-Parent Coach
With the mayor-elect at my portrait unveiling ceremony - the portrait was about to be hung in the Albany County Courthouse
Dana Drewniak
Senior Group Events Specialist
Working during the playoffs always brings a different energy!
Queen Tizol
Clinic Manager
Grand Opening of our Catonsville Center
Rajarajeshwari Ragampudi
Production Designer
At the AFI Production Design Showcase - a special opportunity to showcase all my work as a Production Designer and connect with industry professionals.
Morgan Vitale
Founder / Owner
Celebrating two years in business, at this moment four awards won, and many more years in the making
Angela N. Woodard, MSCJ, MSM
Member Board of Directors/ Author
First masters in the bag!!!
Sandra Watkins Lopes
Store Manager
Carmen Montijo
Legal Assistant / Author/Content Creator
I traveled to Colorado to meet with a friend and while there, reading my book to children of the Sweet Kids Daycare. One of three schools in Colorado.
Toni Brem
USC Upstate Women’s Soccer Graduate Assistant & Exercise and Sport Science Research Assistant
2024 Big South Women's Soccer Championship
Karlie Caroline Sikorski
AI/UX Engineer
Accepting my awards for being one of the top 20 College of Business Students at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I am pictured with the Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Jason Greene.
Juli Mazi
Holistic Health Coach
Jenn Espinosa-Goswami
Speaker Trainer and Confidence Coach
Host of the inaugural Fearless Women summit in Minneapolis
Stephanie Whitehead
Victim Witness Assistant Coordinator
Master of Professional Chaplaincy 2024
Karli Sherman
Speaker & Leadership Coach
Involved with pageants for 20+ years, Karli has competed as a Teen, Miss, and Ms. She has been a judge, emcee, choreographer, coach, and director of pageants in a variety of systems, including USA/Universe, America, United States, World Universal, Earth, and Louisiana Fair and Festival, among many others. Most recently, Karli represented Louisiana at the Ms. USA Earth pageant, and captured the national title. Competing internationally as Ms. USA, she achieved the ultimate level of pageant success by becoming an international titleholder. Karli is honored to be the reigning Ms. Earth. This marks Karli’s third state title, second national title, and second international title.
Jana Cudiamat
Founder
Global Brand Marketing & Partnerships Executive Jana Cudiamat with the Hypebeast team and #1 World Ranking Tennis Athlete, Roger Federer, on set filming “A Day in the Life” for On Running. A meeting of creative and sports excellence, aligning culture, storytelling, and brand partnership, to redefine how modern icons move the world.
Dr. Linda Green, DNP, MSN, CNS, APRN
Educational Healthcare and Career Consultant
May 15, 2015 Dr. Green Graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette receiving a Doctorate of Nursing Practice
Latori Griffin, PhD, LMFT, NCC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
1st PhD graduate in my family! Mom’ s proud embrace!
Misha Luciano
Micro Regional Account Manager
The group photo is of a recognition I awarded to the 7th hourly employee I directly mentored and promoted to a salaried manager role over 10 of my 14 years in this industry. The photo Includes my direct chain of command- my Director of Operations, General Manager and Regional Vice President.
Sonya R. Satterfield
Assistant VP of Technology Services
Preparation is a lifetime commitment.
Mari L Miller
Retired Professor, Oral Communication
My daughters and I have an amazing relationship. Them becoming successful clinical mental health therapists who own their own businesses is my greatest pride. This photo captures how we generally are around each other....minus our gowns and hoods!
ACC Advocacy Days at the U.S. Capitol 2024 Washington, DC
Michelle Castaneto Elloren
Community Outreach Coordinator and Program Director for J1/H1B
Wait is over! Our vision is now a reality! Welcome to Liberty Consultancy Incorporated, your Skills, Your Dream, Our Mission! Your new partner for exceptional staffing solutions.We're open for business!
Katie McDaniel
Founding Principal
I earned the final score for my USDF Bronze Medal at the VADA NOVA Summer Show on 6/8/2025 with my heart horse of 20 years
Stephanie Ann Patrice Smith
Screenwriter
My very first time in a recording booth doing vocals for my debut song, Leave You for My Husband - 2016
Tenisha Golden
Administrative Security Officer & Web Content Manager
I recently completed an agency mandated training as a Certified Content Specialist for our Public Site Migration project.
Lyndsey Zinnen
Sales Manager & Warehouse Manager
My first SEMA trade show.
Kaitlin Chapman
Cutting-Edge AI SaaS Account Executive | GTM Strategist Human-First Seller
Thrilled to have made President’s Club! Grateful for the incredible teammates and mentors who made this possible, and excited for what’s ahead in
Hilary Lozar
STEM Coordinator
The moment I realized my career in public education was about to change to providing STEM for out-of-school programs- a trip to Kennedy Space Center with the Boys & Girls Club kids in 2022 to meet astronauts, do hands-on science, and view a rocket launch! I left public education and joined that very Boys & Girls Club the following year.
Cortnie “Cj” Lomax
Account Executive II, US Seller Success & Recruitment- Beauty Division
Take Pics More that way moments are captured and cherished
Gerardine Pierre
Mental Health Counselor
Masters In Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Dr. Krista Cothron
Senior Healthcare Operations Strategy Leader
Receiving my Doctorate at Oklahoma State University
Stefanie Marie Kenyon
Senior Software Engineer & Software Architect
April Heath Klauser
Business Analyst III
International Institute of Business Analysis ECBA Certificate
Angela Miller
Land and Sea Travel Advisor
Bucket list!
Sarah McLean, PhD, RN, MDiv
Pastoral Counselor
My first book!
Vanitha Mani
Senior Technical Manager
Crowned as Miss Fabulous America 2024
Sarah Cashman
Machine Tool Instructor
This is the moment I was given my State Kentucky Registered Apprenticeship Program Certificate present by my boss, for working 8,000 on the job hours.
Kaitlin A. Gauthier
Land Use and Zoning Attorney
Hoya Lawya!
Jacqueline Andrews
Investigations/Assessments Supervisor
Graduate School
Elizabeth Schwanke
Advising Coordinator for the College of Business
Celebrating my Master of Science degree in Leadership Education: Organizational Leadership
Danielle M. Sauder
Senior Financial Analyst
Indiana State University International Entrepreneurship, Lisbon, Portugal
Sabah Baxamoosa
Director, Business Development
launching the UM degree on Coursera with the crew that made it happen!
Caroline Motley
Growth & Development Director | Financial Advisor
Angela Campbell
Project Coordinator & Shop Supervisor
Sheree Shearey
Founder/Owner
Short Film that is streaming on Amazon Prime
Jessie McDowell
Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Master's graduation at Liberty University
Gertrude Danso Kumi
Relationship Banker II
Teresa B. Cyrus, MVP
Founder | Certified Technical Trainer | Content Creator
Microsoft MVP Award 2023 to Present
JILL HOFFMAN-KOWAL
Multi Media Visual Artist
Sharon Murphy
Sr. Controls Manager
2024 Bachelors This is for you mom! Gone but never forgotten!!
Sharon Pope
Founder and CEO
When I was featured in the New York Times
Dr. Tammy Keller
Doctor in marriage family therapist
My Doctorates hooding ceremony.
Harriet Nix, MFA
Retired International Business Manager, currently Self-Employed Artist and Author
Dr. Shelina Warren, Ed.D, NBCT
High School Academy Director & Social Studies Teacher
Here I am surrounded by greatness in Toronto, Canada at the American Lawyers Alliance Conference. I was one of four Teachers of the Year and 2 College Scholarship Recipients who received this prestigious recognition.
Mariela Mercado
Lead Global Employee Relations Partner
Britney Irving
Pharmaceutical Sales Manager and Marketing Representative
Michelle Magana
Production Control Specialist, Production Scheduler
Next to Nasa’s Legacy Flag
Heather Volk
Strategic Implementation Manager
This photo is of the MEP Goddesses at a Symetri event in Nashville. It was taken almost at the end of AU this year. Symetri and the MEP Goddesses have incredible things coming their way because of all the hard work we had put in during the event. We were happy to snap this photo to celebrate the things that are in store for us.
“Milestones aren’t the finish line — they’re proof that you’re on your way.
Your story has the power to inspire someone else’s next chapter.”
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Submit your milestone in a few short sentences and share a photo that captures the moment. Selected stories will be highlighted on our website and in our magazine.
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