People are going to let you down but God’s love never fails. 

If I had embraced that confidence earlier, I might have started my music and nonprofit journey sooner, reached more people earlier in life, and walked with greater peace knowing that God’s timing and plan are always perfect. 

Growth doesn’t stop just because you hit a certain age. I want to keep becoming a better version of myself — more peaceful, more present, and still full of purpose. 

I thought I understood resilience at 21 after a life-changing accident. Then, loss taught me I was only beginning to learn.

I can’t turn off the advocate in me because I know what it feels like to be alone in crisis, and I want to prevent that for others. 

When my first husband passed away from cancer at the age of 48, I was lost. I had to find a new way to live. I had never imagined myself as a widow or as a single mother. I had to find new ways to move forward personally and professionally. 

Professionally, I feel proud when a teen we’ve served returns to share that they’re living sober, productive lives, accomplishing things they once thought impossible. It’s humbling to witness their transformation and the impact our team has on families. 

I’ve chosen to turn pain into purpose. After living 10 years with an undiagnosed broken neck and brain injury, I could have let that define me. Instead, I created tools and programs that help others rediscover their worth and align with who they truly are.

It haunts me to think that we are wasting the world’s greatest resource: human potential. I believe the world’s biggest problems can be solved, but not with the same thinking that got us there.

Losing my child and then my best friend caused me to fail a semester in school and I had to repeat. It was a tough road, but I refused to give up and struggled through.

In our organization, we believe in the potential of every individual to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. To be part of that journey, to assist in that transformation, and to witness the power of redemption through our combined efforts is not just a responsibility, it’s a privilege. 

I want to help people of all ages and walks of life feel empowered to make good financial decisions.

My biggest obstacles in life have been locating those individuals who are my purpose pushers and destiny helpers, the ones God sends into my life for a specific purpose.

Learn and reflect upon the past as to not repeat poor choices, and wake up every morning with a smile. 

I want to approach life with even more capacity for love, creativity, kindness, compassion, and collaboration!

I’ve experienced significant pivots in my thirties and forties, facing many challenges I never anticipated.

If we’re always moving, relocating, changing, starting over, etc... we might never know the richness of where we already are. 

More than one thing can be true. This idea lets us embrace a variety of emotions and experiences without rushing to judge.

The biggest influences in my life are the women who came before me and paved the way, many of whom have been recognized on this very list.

Sometimes I feel like I need to go harder, like I’m not doing enough. Other times I feel like I’m doing too much and need to prioritize rest