For me it was an inner voice of all the strong and independent women in my life that pushed me to who I am today. I always knew I was different a person to succeed, to find that fit that was me but where it was I wasn't sure, I loved the business aspects I pushed and rushed through my lifetime, however it just wasn't who I was all the way. Once I divorced and had a few moments to find myself again I found that caring for, teaching and learning was was really where I needed to apply myself. Therefore, I set out to push myself to get there. Then, Options For All gave me that opportunity to build that future I wanted, they allowed me to be creative, learn, teach intellectual and disabled adults. This was the turning point in my life, I have never felt more complete in a position. I absolutely love seeing them hit a goal, seeing that smile because they passed a test, or had someone acknowledge their accomplishment.

For a long time, I found myself waiting for approval (from family, peers, or authority figures) before making decisions. Growing up as the oldest of six, I often felt the weight of responsibility to meet everyone else's expectations first. I remember countless moments in school and early work experiences where I hesitated, waiting for reassurance that my ideas or choices were "good enough." Often, that approval never came, and I realized I was giving others control over my own life. The turning point came when I recognized that my voice mattered and that I didn't need external validation to act with integrity or purpose. I began setting small, intentional goals for myself and celebrating each accomplishment without seeking permission. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts, make decisions aligned with my values, and step confidently into leadership roles, both personally and professionally. Living without constant permission hasn't always been easy, but it has allowed me to grow into a woman who acts from her own authority, embraces her cultural roots, and makes an impact guided by conviction rather than expectation.

I didn't realize how often I was seeking permission until I noticed how often I was waiting. Waiting for affirmation before speaking. Waiting for approval before deciding. Waiting for consensus before trusting what I already knew. The turning point came when I recognized that no one was actually holding my permission. I was. Years of leadership, education, and lived experience had already qualified me, yet I was still looking outward for confirmation that should have come from within. "The moment I stopped waiting for permission was the moment I realized I had already been entrusted with authority." What helped me stop seeking permission was understanding this truth: confidence is not granted by others; it is built through responsibility. I began making decisions rooted in values rather than validation. I stopped asking, "Will they approve?" and started asking, "Is this aligned with my integrity, purpose, and experience?" Over time, trusting my own voice became less about boldness and more about obedience to what I knew, what I'd lived, and what I was called to steward. The more I acted from that place, the quieter the need for approval became. Living without constant permission didn't make me reckless. It made me grounded. It made me decisive. It made me free.

I learned to let God take control and follow his guidance. At that point, I began to create my own brand. I began using my elevator speech, creating more robust development plans and making myself visible across the corporate network. I learned not concentrate on obstacles that I had to go around so that I could see all the possibilities.