Women’s History Month: What advice would you give your younger self?
March is Women’s History Month. It’s a time to reflect on the contributions women have made throughout history and honor their impact and distinct value they bring to the table.
Leading by example is integral to show the next generation of women what is possible. As we observe and celebrate the vital role of women during Women’s History Month, we can also learn valuable lessons from each other.
We asked several of our female teammates to reflect and consider: What advice would they give their younger selves?
LaToya Wilson
research analyst
What advice would you give your younger self?
There are a lot of things I wish I knew back then. I wish I knew about programs and scholarships to help pay for school, the importance of having the right kind of people around and mentorships. Above all else, I wish I knew how to slow down and practice patience. My advice to younger LaToya? Don't be in a rush to grow up, take your time and listen only to yourself. You are smarter than you give yourself credit for. Only you know what is best for you and everything will work itself out. Worry less about the future – you got this!
Andrea McDermott
research analyst II
What advice would you give your younger self?
Cherish her. When we are young, we so often take the most important people in our lives for granted. Not every day is guaranteed, and I learned that early on when I lost my mother at 20 years old. I would tell my younger self to latch on to every word, try to remember the small things, save the voicemails, take lots of pictures together, and never hold a grudge. I would tell her that one day you'll miss the trips to the grocery store, her name popping up on your phone, the little songs she would sing – and you'd even miss the bad days, too. I wish I knew how little time I had left with my mom. When you're little, time seems infinite. My mom was my number one fan and never doubted me. She always made sure I had what I needed to succeed – even if it cost her last dime. Looking back, I've never met anyone as selfless and giving as her. I can only hope that I can have that level of love and selflessness one day. She made me the person I am, and I miss her more and more each day.
Kelly Comer
manager of major gifts
What advice would you give your younger self?
My mother, my sister and my mentor have been influential in my life. These three women have had such an impact on who I am and how I move in my personal and professional life. They've given me not only the tools to survive but lit a fire under me to thrive and go after the things that some may think of as unrealistic. Because of them, I’d tell my younger self that no matter how hard the challenge or adversity, keep dreaming. Everything you put your mind to will happen. You are beautiful, smart, loved and unwavering. God is with you so nothing can be against you. Keep smiling and walking in your faith, Kell Kell!
Maddie Koss
digital communications and advertising senior manager
What advice would you give your younger self?
Worry less about what other people think and more about what you think. You get to decide what is important to you, and it doesn’t have to be the same things that are important to others. There will be moments when some people give you a hard time and – at the time – their opinion of you might seem like that’s all that matters, but it’s not. Don’t let anyone try to change who you are. Don’t waste time trying to “fit in,” because when you start allowing yourself to be you, that’s when you shine the brightest. And you deserve to shine. Focus on being who you want to be, not who you think others want you to be. Embrace your unique qualities and focus on the things that make you genuinely happy. Your journey is about self-discovery, not conforming to someone else's idea of popularity. You are worthy of love and respect just as you are. Trust yourself and remember: Your worth goes beyond the superficial judgments of other kids on the playground or classroom.
Stephanie Nelson
manager of contracts and compliance
What advice would you give your younger self?
Being emotional is not a weakness. Showing others kindness and compassion are not weaknesses. Feeling things deeply makes you special; your passion has carried you a long way into adulthood and achieving your dreams.
Mary Kiarie
workplace giving associate
What advice would you give your younger self?
One thing I wish I knew then that I know now is how important it is to rely on your community. The community you're born into and the community that you build around you. Often Black women may feel the pressure to solve problems on their own and find it hard to ask for help. While it can be uncomfortable, it's important to recognize that our communities exist to share our burdens and offer the resources necessary for us to thrive. The advice I would give my younger self is to be proud of the skin that you are in. To not dim your light to make other people more comfortable. I think it is important to know you can take up space in any room you walk into, and you do not have to shrink yourself – because you also belong in these rooms.
Lisi Kent-Isaac
manager of talent development
What advice would you give your younger self?
My mom's initiative in starting two nonprofits during my early years played a crucial role in steering me toward a lifelong passion for community involvement. She instilled in me the understanding that true magic emerges when you combine creativity, a commitment to helping others and the knack for bringing people together. My advice for my younger self would be to embrace your uniqueness! No one else has your unique constellation of talents, passions and values. They are what drive your success and allow you to help other people. Shine like the star you are, knowing no one can do you better than you!
Sherri Brown-Webster
executive assistant facilities manager
What advice would you give your younger self?
Always have a plan! Keep faith, family and friends close. Cherish each moment because you never know when those moments will cease!
Jancy Motz
workplace fundraising and engagement senior manager
What advice would you give your younger self?
That no one has the perfect life. We all have challenges and imperfections in various ways. Be more confident in who you are and that you really do have much to offer both on a personal level and eventually professionally. Overcome that feeling you are not good enough, because you are. Be more curious to learn about the world, not just your immediate surroundings and local community. The need to “lean in” to situations and environments that are uncomfortable will enable you to grow, learn and overcome insecurities sooner versus later.
Alyssa Brelage
marketing operations specialist
What advice would you give your younger self?
I wish I knew that in the long run, the little things that made me feel like I was less than others wouldn't matter in my adult life. The materialistic things that I felt defined me were trivial. I wish I knew that someday I would be accepted because of my heart instead of rejected because of what I looked like. If I were to sit down with my younger self, I would tell her that what matters is what is on the inside. Self-worth doesn't come from society's definition of beautiful and "worthy." It doesn't matter if your skin is bad, if you're a little bigger than the other girls your age, or if you don't have all the name brands everyone is sporting. Even if others have a million things to say about you because of all the things they think you "aren't" – you're a good person with a good heart, and that will always be enough.