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.

I don't think there was one defining moment. It happened gradually. When I was in public accounting, I made it a point to learn as much as I could and hold myself to a high standard. Over time I became the person people came to when they wanted a straight answer on how to get something done; not just entry-level staff, but experienced accountants too. That's when I realized leadership isn't about a title. It's about being someone people trust enough to ask. I've always enjoyed mentoring and coaching, and looking back, I was doing it long before anyone called it leadership.

I first realized I was already leading when colleagues began seeking me out during complex situations. Not just for answers, but for clarity, calm, and direction. I was the "go-to girl." That taught me that leadership is not defined by a title; it is earned through trust, consistency, and the willingness to help others move forward.

When I first realized people were looking to me for guidance wasn't in a courtroom or on a stage. It was when a female student told me she watched how I carried myself in a room, how I answered difficult questions, and that it inspired her to build a career where her voice would be heard. In that moment, I understood that leadership is not only about what you achieve, but about what others believe is possible because they saw you do it.

Strive to do what you love. This way you will never have to work because you love what you do. Choose work that has meaning and that affects people in a positive way. Have faith in your abilities and never give up.

Opportunities arise when no one steps forward and you know you have the skills and abilities to take on the challenge. Those situations prove how you can muster support and start winning at leading.

The shift happens when you are no longer assigned a task after a meeting happened but requested to be present in the meeting where your input into what those tasks should be is expected.

It was in the moments when others trusted my experience, valued my opinion, and saw strength in my journey, even during the difficult times.

When you know the Mission Statement of the company you work for and follow it. When other associates come to you for help with equipment and customer questions and issues. When you feel confident in your answers and directions in carrying out store policies.

Often in my experience as an educator, I become the "trusted adult" for many students whom I have taught. I realized I had a responsibility to them outside of instruction of my content area, when students began seeking my advice or counsel in matters not related to my curriculum. My classroom or presence became a safe-place for current and former students. I don't take that role lightly.

I first realized others looked to me when I had only been a Patrol Deputy for a few years and veteran Deputies sought my guidance and advice on calls and cases. It was both a humbling and terrifying experience. I was so honored that they valued my opinion and experience enough to consult me. I told myself that I needed to be the best I could be everyday to not let them or myself down. Now, 14 years later, I still live by that every day.

I realized leadership arrived when my clients began consistently returning for my services and seeking my advice on life and relationships. Sharing my life experiences has helped inspire my clients and friends to make important decisions, showing me that they truly value and relate to my guidance. My clients' favorite subjects are definitely life as an independent woman, relationships and love.

Early in my career as a public school teacher, colleagues began seeking out classroom innovations I was trying like weekly class meetings where I guided students in resolving conflicts. After my principal asked where I'd learned this approach and I shared a book I'd read, she recommended it to the entire staff and encouraged everyone to facilitate class meetings.

When the DMs on LinkedIn kept coming in with newly diagnosed neurodivergent who wanted to tell their story about their lack of acceptance and belonging in the workplace, I knew it was time to do something about it. So here I am.

For me, it started when colleagues began coming to me for perspective, encouragement, and solutions before I ever held an executive role. I realized leadership is less about authority and more about creating clarity, building trust, and helping others move forward with confidence.

I realized from a very young age that people naturally looked to me for guidance. Not because of a title or authority, but because leadership, in my opinion, is an inherent trait. Some people are naturally drawn to step forward, bring direction, carry responsibility and steady others during uncertainty. It's difficult to define because true leadership isn't forced. It's simply part of who you are. I believe God gives each of us different strengths and leadership is one of those gifts. The strongest leaders don't seek power; they seek to mentor, elevate and help others become even better than themselves.

I have an open mind and always explored my market to stay in touch with new ideas that can help accomplish my work more effectively.