What is your proudest accomplishment as a leader?

On March 4, 2021, my world changed forever. I lost my beautiful daughter, Madison (Madi)—a vibrant, kind, and determined young woman who dreamed of helping others. In the depths of unimaginable grief, I made a choice: to turn my pain into purpose. Madi’s Movement was born out of that decision, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young adults aging out of foster care, ensuring they have the opportunities, guidance, and stability that Madi always hoped to provide for others. In just over a year, we have built strong partnerships, hosted career readiness expos, and launched programs that equip young adults with essential life skills. Seeing teens secure jobs, access higher education, and build financial independence has been an incredible source of healing and fulfillment. One defining moment was helping a young mother who had experienced homelessness find stable housing, furnish her home, and secure a full scholarship for medical assistant training. Watching her transformation—seeing hope return to her eyes—reinforced why this mission is so important. Beyond providing resources, Madi’s Movement is about belonging. Many of these young adults have spent their lives feeling unseen. Through this work, we are creating a future where they do not just survive but thrive.

Leadership, to me, is not about titles but about impact. My greatest achievement is turning my deepest loss into a movement that continues Madi’s legacy, ensuring her light lives on in every young adult we empower

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to other aspiring women leaders?

Know your strengths, refine them, and strive for excellence in what you do best. Do not waste energy trying to be everything to everyone—focus on what makes you uniquely powerful. Growth comes from deepening your expertise, not diluting it. Most importantly, lead with your heart. True leadership is not about power or position; it is about impact, integrity, and authenticity. You inspire others to do the same when you lead with passion and purpose. Stay resilient, trust yourself, and never underestimate the power of your voice and vision.”

What inspires you most about your work or your industry?

What inspires me most about my work is the resilience and potential of the young adults we serve. Many of them have faced unimaginable hardships—aging out of foster care with little to no support, experiencing homelessness, or navigating life without a safety net. Yet, despite these challenges, they continue to show up, eager to build a future for themselves. Every time I see a young adult land their first job, secure stable housing, or gain the confidence to pursue their dreams, I am reminded why Madi’s Movement exists. These moments of transformation fuel my passion and reinforce my belief that when young people are given the right tools, guidance, and a sense of belonging, they can break cycles and thrive.

I am also deeply inspired by the community that has come together to support this mission. From volunteers and mentors to corporate partners and donors, there is a collective desire to create lasting change. Seeing individuals and businesses rally behind these young adults gives me hope that we are building something sustainable, something that will continue to impact lives long into the future.

Ultimately, my greatest inspiration comes from my daughter, Madi. Her kindness, determination, and unwavering belief in helping others continue to guide me every day. Through this work, I know her legacy lives on—not just in my heart, but in the lives of every young adult we empower.

In one word, how would you describe the legacy you want to leave as a leader?
Indelible.

Share a favorite quote that motivates you.

“Your legacy is every life you have ever touched.”– Maya Angelou