Influential Women - How She Did It
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Kimberly J. Bowie profile on Influential Women Gretchen A Schoser profile on Influential Women Elizabeth Gay profile on Influential Women Nicole Estepan profile on Influential Women

The Project That Changed Her Direction

Stories of women whose careers shifted because of one unexpected opportunity.

Quote Kimberly J. Bowie, Co-Founder on Influential Women

There wasn't just one moment, it was a calling that kept showing up in different spaces until I couldn't ignore it anymore. As an Assistant Principal, I was already leading systems, supporting teachers, and driving student outcomes at a high level. But outside of the school building, I was doing something that felt just as important, working directly with youth and teens through outreach, mentorship, and faith-based initiatives. I found myself in conversations that went beyond academics, helping young people navigate identity, accountability, discipline, and purpose. What started as "extra work" quickly became the work that changed me. Through building programs like Accountability Missions and leading initiatives that focused on the whole child and family, I began to see a deeper gap, students didn't just need structure in school, they needed connection, guidance, and truth in real life. That realization shifted how I viewed leadership. It was no longer just about managing a campus well, it was about impacting lives beyond the walls. That shift has now led me to intentionally pursue opportunities that expand my influence, whether that's transitioning into middle school leadership, building youth programs, or creating platforms that equip the next generation to walk in accountability and purpose. What changed my direction wasn't a promotion or a title, it was clarity. Clarity about who I'm called to serve. Clarity about the kind of impact I want to make. And clarity that the work I'm building isn't separate, it's all connected.

Kimberly J. Bowie, Co-Founder, Accountability Missions
Quote Gretchen A Schoser, Founder and Consultant | Podcast Co-Host on Influential Women

The experience that most profoundly changed my professional path wasn't a traditional project or role; it was a personal turning point in 2022. At that time, I was navigating early retirement and a series of life changes that led to a significant mental health crisis. It forced me to step back and ask questions I had never fully faced before, about purpose, fulfillment, and the kind of impact I wanted to have moving forward. It wasn't a moment of clarity overnight, but it became the beginning of a shift. As I worked through that period, I realized that while I had spent decades building deep expertise in technology and consulting, there was a missing piece: the human side of the work. I had seen firsthand how overwhelming change, systems, and workplace pressures could be, but I hadn't fully integrated that understanding into how I showed up professionally. That experience led me to reimagine my career. I returned to consulting with a different perspective, one that prioritized not just efficiency and implementation, but also employee well-being, mental health, and sustainable workplace practices. In 2025, I founded Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions to bring those elements together, combining talent technology, workplace culture, and human-centered solutions. At the same time, I began leaning into the emerging world of AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, as a way to make knowledge, productivity, and opportunity more accessible. What started as curiosity quickly became a core part of my work. I now teach individuals and organizations how to use AI in practical, meaningful ways, helping reduce overwhelm, build confidence, and create more efficient and inclusive workflows. This has been especially important in supporting underserved communities who may not otherwise have access to these tools. In parallel, I co-created and expanded my work with the podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, which became another powerful outlet for connection, storytelling, and advocacy. Through both my business and the podcast, I've been able to turn a deeply personal experience into something that supports others in meaningful ways. What started as one of the most difficult periods of my life ultimately became the foundation for the most purposeful work I've ever done. It didn't just change my direction; it redefined how I measure success and the kind of impact I want to leave behind.

Gretchen A Schoser, Founder and Consultant | Podcast Co-Host, Schoser Talent and Wellness, LLC
Quote Elizabeth Gay, Senior Clinical Principal Instructor on Influential Women

Being a paramedic and seeing people on their worst days was the biggest eye opening experience for me. I knew very early in my career that if I saw a problem, I wanted to be a part of the solution. That is what every step in my career thus far has represented. I saw a gap in EMS education so I became an instructor. I saw the rise of assault on healthcare providers so I joined Vistelar to help providers and patients feel safe when faced with critical times.

Elizabeth Gay, Senior Clinical Principal Instructor, Vistelar
Quote Nicole Estepan, Multifaceted Professional on Influential Women

When an unexpected layoff hit at the moment I needed stability most, it forced me down a path I never would have chose, but looking back, losing that security was exactly what pushed me toward work that finally felt purposeful and truly mine.

Nicole Estepan, Multifaceted Professional, Business Professional and Published Author
Quote Sheena Thompson DHA(c), MPH, CPhT, Founder on Influential Women

The moment that redirected my path wasn't a promotion; it was a decline. When I turned down a CDC PHAP fellowship to pursue an unconventional road in population health and pharmacy, I learned that purpose doesn't always follow the prestigious path. That single act of faith led me to build Intensity Health Solutions, co-found iNtensity HEALS, and serve communities in ways no fellowship could have scripted.

Sheena Thompson DHA(c), MPH, CPhT, Founder, Intensity Health Solutions
Quote Cricket St. Peters - Larsen, Senior Customer Care Manager on Influential Women

As my children grew up and left for college, I realized I was ready to refocus my energy on professional growth and challenge myself in new ways. Watching a longtime colleague continue to advance in her career also inspired me to push myself further and pursue my full potential.

Cricket St. Peters - Larsen, Senior Customer Care Manager, TruGreen
Quote Ramona Fellmy, Founder on Influential Women

Being a founder first gave me firsthand experience with the realities of building a company: the uncertainty, resilience, and constant need to adapt. That experience naturally evolved into mentoring and supporting other entrepreneurs, especially those underrepresented. As a Studio Growth Partner working within the venture ecosystem, I now have the opportunity to help founders scale globally while still creating meaningful impact for entrepreneurs and innovation communities locally.

Ramona Fellmy, Founder, Dapp Detroit
Quote Marcina Langrine, Operations Coordinator on Influential Women

Working in community advocacy unexpectedly redirected my entire career. What started as simply helping Marshallese families navigate education, healthcare, and everyday systems grew into international advocacy, public speaking, and leadership opportunities that showed me the power of using my voice to uplift my community.

Marcina Langrine, Operations Coordinator, Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI)
Quote Debra Smith, Speech-Language Pathologist on Influential Women

When my husband's job uprooted us to Georgia, I was able to take the opportunity to direct my own career path from working with adults to working with children. This not only changed my career but my perspective as well, change can be good.

Debra Smith, Speech-Language Pathologist, Knox County Schools