Modeling Self-Empathy by Celebrating My Wins

It is an understatement to say that 2025 has been full of surprises and expected events, and everything in between. As many people are choosing to highlight the daily debacles of politics and global chaos, I choose to exercise self-empathy and focus on what is working WELL, and specifically what wins have happened for me, personally. As a professional coach, our work is centering our clients and creating appreciative space for them to explore what their desires and concerns are. We provide those who serve others with space to consider their needs or to self appreciate, often for the first time. I invite my clients, friends, followers, and critics to take some time this week to consider your wins--even those that may seem small in your own eyes, but they are YOUR wins regardless of how notable or whether or not they are celebrated by others.

I am taking up space today to share a few of my own wins.

-I recently accepted an appointment to Southwestern Law School's Women In Leadership Program Advisory Board. This appointment will allow me to contribute to the preserving and enhancing the reputation and quality of the Women in Leadership (WIL) program through strategic review of credit and noncredit offerings to the community, as well as helping to build value to the business community. My passion and VALUE of equity, and to elevate and enhance the leadership of women has been a foundation in my career story as well as my volunteer and personal endeavors, for my whole life. I am proud to accept this appointment, and it reminds me of the importance of living and decision making by our VALUES. I look forward to beginning this journey as an Advisory Board Member and contributing to the progress and elevation of women in leadership.

-I was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of 50 Black Leaders of Influence for 2025. This appointment was based on my work with the nonprofit I founded in 2018, My Sister's Keeper Success Institute (MSKSI) which advances a mission to accelerate equity and improve the quality of life for the next generation of BIPOC women by providing girls with high-quality mentorship, well-being tools, and resources that help them pursue high-demand careers and holistic well-being. As I reflect on the work our Board has accomplished, it reminds me of the necessary collective action and work to make a difference that creates lasting impact.

In seven years, My Sister's Keeper Success Institute has served over 600 girls, provided group mentoring on subjects related to STEAM, entrepreneurship, personal development, well-being, and career/education planning. We have provided representative mentorship for Black and Brown girls, listened to their voices, and elevated their leadership. Our work gained recognition and grant funding from the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) for Capacity Building, and several other notable grants that supported the expansion of our work. We have created our own "tables," when we were not invited to sit at the tables of others. We have gained access to new opportunities that were not previously available to participate in competitions, scholarships, and gain access to privileged spaces. One of the most notable privileged spaces being the Medical Innovation and Research Entrepreneurship (MIRE) Program, sponsored by UC Irvine University Lab Partners and Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Research Department. We participated as the first all minority female cohort for this program and performed exceptionally well, winning one of the competitive pitch contests at the conclusion of the program.

This is VALUES aligned work I am proud of, and although I appreciate the recognition, it is worthy work to provide Black girls with impactful mentoring and exposure to possibilities even if no one acknowledges it.

-I was appointed as the Chair of the Women in NAACP (WIN) Committee for the Southwest Riverside County Branch. My passion to advance equity for human beings certainly includes my value of CIVIL RIGHTS. As Committee Chair of WIN, I seek to lead the committee to enhance the leadership role of women, serve as an advocacy vehicle for issues affecting women and children, and advocate for the positive development of children. WIN also actively supports the ongoing work of the NAACP, especially civil and cultural activities to enhance membership.

When I envision the legacy I hope to leave behind, I believe that my message and contributions will be clear, as I have, and continue to lead a values centric life and choose to deposit my energy in alignment with what matters most to me. I am grateful for my work as a professional coach, and I get the privilege of coaching people all across the United States in all walks of life who want something greater from themselves with regard to their personal or professional endeavors. I get to collaborate in helping people transform their lives to something more meaningful and rewarding for them, every day. It is an amazing blessing for me.

If it is indeed a fact that life is the sum total of the decisions we make, my parting words of encouragement are these: 1. Elevate your expectations of the impact you are capable of making. 2. Identify and Align your values with your plans and actions. 3. Thrive by continuing to reach for new opportunities and possibilities without fear or doubt. Focus on what matters most and go DEEP in exploring the ways you can make an impact.

The life you desire to create is well within your reach. Now, GO be GREAT! The world is waiting for you. If you want to work with me as a coach, set up a 15 min info session today and let's start navigating your way to thriving!

San Diego Business Journal - 2025 Black Leaders of Influence