Tara Sargent

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What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

Prior to my Executive Director role with Leadership Washington County, I spent 10 years in higher education as a faculty member teaching management and leadership courses to undergraduate and graduate students. The opportunity to work in the community in which I live and transition into the non-profit world arose in early 2010. Leadership Washington County found itself on precarious financial footing in January 2010. With less than $10K in the bank and no revenue expected for many months, the organization had to take drastic measures. I was a member of the LWC Board of Directors at the time, and through a last minute but successful fundraiser, we were able to increase revenue enough to keep the program going through the end of that year.

Unfortunately, the full-time Executive Director position was not sustainable. I filled in as the part-time Interim Executive Director beginning in February 2010, while continuing to teach full-time at Shippensburg University and adjunct teaching at two other universities. We were able to graduate the LWC Class of 2010 and successfully recruit the LWC Class of 2011. In addition to the financial concerns, LWC's committee structure was in disarray and the reputation in the community needed attention and repair. I continued in the part-time Executive Director role through 2011 focused on reviving the committee structure, implementing effective board governance and increasing sponsorships and fundraising revenue. The LWC Class of 2011 graduated, and we once again recruited a full class for the LWC Class of 2012. By January 2012, LWC was able to offer me a full-time schedule and salary. Happily, I accepted the full-time Executive Director position.

For the next five years, LWC was a one woman show but with the support of incredible board and committee members. We met community obligations that were previously ignored, increased corporate sponsorships and continued to grow our internal fundraising. During those five years, the budget was balanced, an endowment fund was created at the Washington County Community Foundation, and LWC began offering scholarships to non-profit leaders and small business owners. Then, during LWC's 30th Anniversary year, with help from the LWC Board, a brand new part-time Director of Graduate Engagement, and the LWC Class of 2017, we raised $100,000. Never before was such a lofty fundraising goal initiated or met. The success of the 30th Anniversary fundraising effort allowed LWC to create an investment account to ensure that the organization always has an operating reserve and the ability to increase the scholarships available.

Fast forward to January 2019 when we were able to turn the Director of Graduate Engagement position from part-time to full-time and increase LWC's graduate programming and membership benefits. There is no question that the pandemic created a great deal of challenges for an in person community leadership program that relies on networking and relationship building to foster change and growth in our community. However, despite three full program years being impacted by the pandemic, LWC has recruited the largest classes during these last three years and maintained a full program year for each class. The LWC Class of 2022 represented the 35th Anniversary class, and with matching funds from the Fletcher Foundation, the board and I raised over $40K to further invest in our commitment to remove financial barriers to participation in the LWC program.

In conclusion, I am most proud of bringing financial stability to LWC as well as a commitment to equity and inclusion as we consider our board and committee members, class members, and programming. Take look at any local board of directors or elected office and you will find a "leadership" graduate. The opportunity to meet and work with so many people dedicated to contributing their time, talent and treasure to our community is truly a privilege.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

In the early days as Executive Director of LWC, my reliance on friends, family and the community was immense. Learning the ropes of non-profit work was challenging, but in every instance--from close friends to my husband to community leaders, I had tremendous support and encouragement.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I've spent 12 years in my role as Executive Director of LWC, and have tried to model service to our community. I currently serve as a member of the Hagerstown-Washington Chamber of Commerce board of directors, a member of the Greater Hagerstown Committee, on the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown Board of Advisors, and as President of the Board of Directors of the Hagerstown YMCA. Previously, I've served as a board member for Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, the Washington County Public Schools Education Foundation, the Washington County Commission for Women, the Washington County Arts Council, and the Hagerstown Rotary. I am a graduate of Leadership Washington County Class 21 (2008), and a graduate of Leadership Maryland Class 19 (2011).

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

In my situation, I wanted to transition out of higher education and find an opportunity to work in the community in which I lived. The LWC opportunity happened because I was in the right place at the right time, but also because I was willing and able to take on the Executive Director role part-time while continuing to teach. The lesson here: do whatever it takes in the short term to meet your long term goals. I've spent many years earning several degrees all in search of a vocation that fills me up with authenticity and purpose. My focus was not on the paycheck but my quality of life and ability to give back.

The other piece of advice I have to offer is this: show up. Show up to the meetings and events you are invited to, even if walking in the room is terrifying at first. Volunteer for leadership roles to show your commitment. Be willing to take on just a bit more while you are making a name for yourself, and lastly but absolutely not least, surround yourself with people who lift you up.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

It's been my incredible good fortune to have so many women in my life who have offered me just the right support at just the right time in my life. Two people top the list.

First, my closest friend, Ashley Sowers. She was a student of mine during her MBA program and a participant in my dissertation study. Through those years we became friends who ran together, celebrated holidays and special occasions and traveled together. Ashley truly taught me what it means to be a friend. She is selfless in her care for others and a role model of personal and professional success. She seeks growth and new knowledge constantly and is always willing to share her life experiences regardless of whether they were difficult or successful. She has been a life line, an inspiration and the person I can most rely on in my life.

Second, Mary Ellen Waltemire is someone I met by being out and about and involved in our community. Her friendship and mentorship have been an incredibly bright spot through the ups and downs of my personal and professional lives. She is a font of positivity and has pushed me to be a better leader.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

At the age of 11 I was diagnosed with a form of hemophilia called Von Willebrand disease, however I never let it stop me from participating in contact sports.Having a bleeding disorder made life difficult, but I never gave up.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

My parents learned of my diagnosis when I was 11 years old. Immediately, they began searching for the best medical advice they could find, which led us to the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. My mother created an emergency book for each member of our family in case I would have an emergency while in their care. My case manager, Chris Gelcher, along with Dr. Mitesh Kothari, MD followed and treated me over the years, leading to a lifelong friendship with Dr. Kothari, who worked closely with my husband and I when we decided to start our family. 

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I feel I inspired other team members to not allow obstacles to get in their way. Anything is possible if you are willing to put forth the effort. 

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Seek medical attention early. Always be prepared for an emergency and never feel ashamed or embarrassed by your medical condition. 

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My parents, my husband, and close friends-- all of which have encouraged me to follow my dream of being a small business owner and supported my efforts from the start.  

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

I had the flu that attacked my heart and resulted in Myocarditis in 2019. It was a scary 14 days spent in Hershey Medical Center.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

It was obviously a stressful time for many but I had so many praying for us, supporting us and really just championing us as we journeyed through a really hard time. I was so blessed to have my staff at the studio just completely step in and take care of things there and make everything as seamless as possible!

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

To use the story as testimony of how good God is. How having faith in His healing is what pulled me through and sustained me!

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

I would encourage them to keep pressing forward holding onto truth and faith, knowing what they have been called to do and remembering who they are.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

I have so many I look up to... my mom would probably be the number one inspiration of my life. She died of lung disease in 2021 but her life, her legacy, and her beautiful words of encouragement have been a constant source of guidance for me!

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

When I was 19 I had my daughter and that threw a wrench in my plans at the time. lt was the best experience of my life it turns out.  I didn't attend the college of my choice and didn't end up moving because of that and a few other reasons.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

I had to change all of my life plans, but it turned out that this was the exact path I needed to take.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

Having conversations with people that need inspiration to let them know that they are able to do exactly what they set their mind to!

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Power through and make sure that you are not putting your dreams aside every though the path is tougher.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My daughter is my inspiration and making sure that she has the best life possibly is how I keep moving forward!

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

The most significant challenge I have experienced is learning about an accepting myself. Life with ADHD is difficult and learning how to cope is even worse. Neurodiversity in women is not a new concept, however it is newly acknowledged. It took a long time for me to realize that I was failing at life because I was trying to live in a way that didn't work for me. It took eve longer to begin a the journey of finding alternative solutions to the things I wasn't so great at.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

Like I mentioned before, ADHD is hard. It was hard for my parents to really understand why I struggled with so much. It was hard for me when they weren't equipped to handle it either. The emotional damage is nobody's fault, but that doesn't make it any less real. It comes with a lot of anxiety. I definitely can be "a lot" at times, but I am beginning to fill the space nicely and my closest friends and family are right there next to me. It's a learning experience for them too- especially my husband.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

Only recently have I begun talking about it. I didn't before because I thought I had it under control but I was mistaken. I guess I am trying to be myself on the inside and the outside.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Do not neglect yourself. Put time into yourself. Put energy into yourself. Be kind to yourself. Self care is not selfish.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

Honestly, I found a lot of support on the internet. Lot's of brave people bringing awareness to different things. No one person exclusively inspires me. The joy I get from a community of strangers I have found that feel the same way as me are more inspiring than anything.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

Back to back injuries: broken ankle, knee injury, two severe concussions in high school (out of four in my lifetime).

In many cases, this curveball was thrown in a short span of time, yet it provokes an immense and extensive impact. However, in my experience, it was a handful of curveballs thrown all throughout my 4 years in high school, all rooted in my then lifetime passion: soccer. I attribute this sport credit for my confidence, social skills, communication skills, leadership, and much more. Practices and games multiple times a week would serve as my main source of stress relief. Once I pulled up my socks and tied my laces, every worry and problem vanished for the moment and I was locked into simply executing my role in the team. This was my passion and I invested so much time and love for the sport. Yet, after each consecutive injury and never being completely healthy for a single year, this immense passion and love dwindled. It became my biggest stress inducer and the leading cause of my mental health issues.

Each year I could never catch a break. I entered my freshman year of varsity soccer on the bench with a broken ankle. I was incapable of participating in training, summer league games, and practices that were all crucial for solidifying my spot on the team and in the tight-knit community. My paralyzing introversion eliminated any possibility of breaking out of this unfortunate situation of “isolation.” As I entered the new chapter, high school, I was supposed to be discovering who I was as an individual and establishing myself within the sports and social community. I did quite the opposite as my self esteem and confidence brought mental health issues, all of these preventing an advancement into the high school world.

Next, my third concussion during sophomore year season, isolated my brain-damaged mind for weeks. Without contact with friends, school work, and even technology. To be quite honest, due to its severity, that entire month was a complete blur. However, I do know that one thing was not depleted but in fact it flourished: my creativity. I painted every single day and created works that I am most proud of to this day. This was my escape.

By junior year, the knee pain I experienced was some of the most excruciating pain that I have suffered during game play that was not a result of a broken bone. Although I endure many injuries, my pain tolerance is quite advanced. For days and weeks I ignored the agonizing pain in my knee as I finally had my chance to play. No ankle brace, no concussion protocol, just genuine and unrestricted game play. I thought I was strong enough until I completely collapsed during a drill at practice. It was unbearable. I was defeated, not only as a result of my physical pain but at the thought that I was on the bench once more.

Lastly, my worst concussion occurred in May of my junior year during a club soccer match. I was taken out of school for almost a month. My local doctor instructed me to isolate, as I had done previously. No school work, no excessive stimulation, no friends, no exercise, no technology, just rest. As an IB Diploma Program student and AP student, I had an extensive list of assignments and stressors. With exams in the same month, I was overwhelmed. I visited a neuropsychologist in Washington D.C. for an extensive analysis and I was instructed to do the complete opposite of my current instructions. I could return to school, use technology, and practically ease into normality again. He concluded that the stress of what work I was missing and the workload compiling each day was more harmful than the brain power of completing it. Minimal stimulation was just as detrimental. This return to normal was not due to a lack of severity of injury. During the evaluation I was given a simple 4th grade math problem. My mind was intensely working to produce the correct answer yet after too much time had passed, I had only backtracked and my response was tears. A complete mental breakdown. Here I was, an IB student who takes one of the most advanced math courses offered in my school, unable to compete with an average 4th grader. My intelligence and resilience in problem solving were features in which I took much pride and reassurance. These were stripped from me. And so was my memory.

My recovery was strenuous and extensive with physical therapy twice a week for six months, memory exercises, neck stretches, and “mind workouts.” My neck pain was so unbearable I began sleeping sitting up. Eventually I received cortisone shots in my neck to ease the pain. My brain, my most prized and unique possession, was completely altered and I no longer recognized this “valuable.”

This injury interfered with the amazing and completely normal senior year season I had envisioned. Once again, I could not participate in training, summer league games, and practices. This time I was a captain who needed to bond and strengthen the team, displaying leadership, confidence, and passion. How could I do this from the sidelines, unable to lay the foundation of my abilities and role on the team? I lost who I was. My passion, confidence, sense of self, self-worth, sense of intelligence, source of stress relief, self esteem, and general happiness was stripped from me with every injury and especially exponentiated by severe brain damage.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

As previously mentioned, these challenges depleted my mental strength. I lacked confidence, self-worth, self-esteem, drive, and mental stability. As a result, I developed destructive mental health issues which poisoned every other aspect of my life: academics, social life, family life, relationships, aspirations, and my path to success.

These injuries placed a heavy financial toll on my family, bringing guilt and shame for being so problematic. I was partially disabled during these times and it made bonding extremely difficult. Whether it was with my broken ankle, limiting my mobility and ability to participate in family-bonding events (swimming, exercising, boardwalk rides, etc.) or if it was with my concussion, limiting my ability to socialize and accept their generally loud and rambunctious day-to-day life. I could not tolerate that my family consisted of extremely loud and irritating people. Our relationship was definitely strained as it became difficult to be patient with one another as my injuries and recovery persisted over a lengthy duration.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

My strength and immense resilience that I have displayed allowed me to inspire my fellow teammates that also experienced detrimental injuries. Sharing my experience, struggles, and journey provided an opportunity to relate and not feel alone, perhaps catalyzing a more positive mentality and easier recovery.

Harnessing my intense emotions and accepting the gravity of their impact, allowed me to determine what it takes to recover and escape this situation. Frequent introspection resulted in the realization that I was extremely unhappy with the path I was on. The mental health issues had isolated me, stripped me of any motivation or passion. It was simply going through the motions of life, this was not the life I wanted to look back on. I had always sought to have a great impact on my community, yet, my lack of confidence and paralyzing introversion bounded my abilities. However, the reliance I learned from my various injuries helped me break the walls of my introversion. I was brave fighting through the physical pain of each recovery, so what’s a little discomfort from putting myself out there. Over time, my passion for volunteerism flourished and I went from simply being a part of movements to establishing my own. As a young woman in the community, I realized that my voice still had power.

While the pandemic set many limits on everyone’s daily lives, I did not allow for it to prevent social action. The pandemic brought many additional issues to the table, some of those including financial struggles, lack of access to protective supplies, large carbon footprints, and mask pollution. I began breaking the walls of my introversion through co-founding a project called MaskForME as a solution to those problems as we created environmentally-friendly, reusable masks from repurposed materials that were donated to Hagerstown’s homeless population. My communication and collaboration skills were put to the test and heavily improved as a result of managing, advertising, and accomplishing the project.

When I determine that change is necessary, I learned to take initiative rather than waiting for someone else to take care of it. When I first got my driver’s license in the spring of 2020, I was drawn to the amount of litter on our streets and in our parks, and seeing that excessive litter made me start picking up the trash weekly. This then led me to begin my own project, Benefit Buckets. This project installs custom clean-up stations that offer park lovers a chance to take care of their favorite park while also turning a new leaf on pollution control. I worked with multiple organizations in my town, received plentiful donations from local businesses, and worked with city council members and the mayor to implement these stations into Hagerstown’s parks.

My social consciousness heightened when I became a board member, secretary, and lastly Chairperson of Hagerstown Youth Advisory Council where I worked with open-minded city representatives and fellow youth city council members to advocate for local youth. My perspective was broadened by the multitudes of concerns communicated by local youth and I felt empowered to make a change.

This experience equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence I needed to take more action in the community by becoming president of Empowerr, a youth-led organization aiming to empower youth and serve the community. We hosted various tri-state soccer charity tournaments, raising thousands of dollars for Hagerstown’s homeless population as well as an abundance of non-perishable foods. The tournament concept was expanded into basketball, and we hosted a charity Halloween basketball tournament, donating the proceeds to the Boys and Girls Club to purchase sports equipment for youth in need. We educated youth about subjects our school system lacks- financial literacy. We initiated project Keep-It-Warm, annually fundraising thousands of dollars to create and donate dozens of handmade blankets and winter kits for Hagerstown’s homeless population. Lastly, we also helped out in local church activities including Halloween trunk or treats and Christmas Drive-Thru Advent.

Through each event, Empowerr produced a sweeping impact. Each member (fellow peers) acquired skills essential to personal and professional growth and success. Our initiatives inspired our peers as we gained abundant support through social media, participation in events, donations, and expressed interest in joining. We left a positive impact on the lives of those receiving our donations. Local leaders and representatives have expressed their appreciation for our efforts and its inspiration.

After losing my passion for soccer and a source of self-accomplishment and confidence, I had finally found new passions. I found pure happiness in each initiative. I even experienced new perspectives on myself. I believe I achieved personal empowerment as I took control of my life, making positive decisions based on my desires. Converting intention into action, I “gave myself permission” to succeed.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

To those facing debilitating injuries and are recovering, mastering your mentality is crucial for not only your physical recovery but long-term mental and emotional recovery. It is essential to acknowledge the gravity of your injury as quickly as possible. As soon as you accept this problem, it will make it much easier to develop an effective recovery plan. You’re stronger than you can ever fathom but the pain and frustration of your injury may hinder your ability to acknowledge this strength. You understand the impact of the injury the best as you’re living through it, so be there for yourself! Be patient, be kind, be supportive, and be brave. You deserve an unfeigned personal assessment of this injury, helping you establish what it will take to effectively recover. You’re also entitled to feel every and any emotion, yet, do not submit to any negative and harmful emotions. Harness such emotions and tranquilize their negativity. Easier said than done, yes, however I learned to mold that energy into motivation and my self-expression through creativity helped release it. Do not isolate yourself! Get support from friends, peers, teammates, family, and/or professionals.

To those facing mental health issues from other factors, treat yourself with the same care, kindness, patience, and love that you would provide for a loved-one experiencing similar struggles. You deserve your own love. That all begins from getting to know yourself to your greatest ability. It is crucial to become your biggest supporter. I like to say I became my own best-friend. When I experienced any extreme emotion, I understood its roots, allowed it to be present, and handled it from within by doing things I love. Discover the simple things that you enjoy and where you find yourself in a better mindset. Use this “getting to know yourself” to your advantage and practice these actions, catalyzing your self-love. Every negative thought, emotion, and mentality that you harness makes you stronger. This resilience and self-love, along with the support of friends, family, peers, and/or professionals is what I believe helped me lessen the impact of my mental health issues.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

It would not be suitable to list only one individual. I am inspired by all of the women in my life: strong, accomplished, and tenacious. I find comfort and inspiration in their personal journeys that involve overcoming various “curveballs.” Even if I do not know all aspects of each journey, I know that everyone, especially women, face adversity and evidently overcome it to be in the position they are today. I continue forward, through each “curveball,” because I continue to draw from the resilience and courage each woman has exhibited. Women like them pave the way for the woman I am becoming: strong, accomplished, and tenacious.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

I resigned a very “comfortable” job of 13 years to pursue greener pastures with a new job. After three months, the grass was brown and I was miserable. I was forced to resigned the job with no new job on the horizon. This was at the beginning of Covid. I caught my breath until early March and started applying for jobs. I applied to 10 different employers when Covid shut everything down. No one was hiring for the positions I was seeking. I even applied to Hampton Inn hotel to work at the front desk. The lady looked at me and said, “you have a PhD and want to work here?” They never called me. I humbled myself and was willing to work anywhere. My husband told me to just take a break and start looking for a job when Covid ended. After a month or 6 weeks, I was bored out of my mind. I ended up deciding to pursue my credentials to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I obtained my graduate certificate from Penn State in applied behavior analysis a few years prior. To become a BCBA required that I work under a certified BCBA to obtain 1500 observational hours for 1 and 1/2 years. This entailed working 1:1 with children who have autism in their home 3-4 days/week; 6-8 hours/day @ $20/hr. I hadn’t been on the floor with students in a few years and my back and knees reminded me of that. I was exhausted EVERYDAY after work. In bed by 8 pm! But I enjoyed working with the children. It’s tough work but I enjoyed it. The money wasn’t much and it allowed me to pay a small bill here and there but I knew God would make up the difference. I cut back on “luxuries” and focused on the necessities. I called creditors and asked for extensions on some of my personal bills. Some understood and some didn’t. I paid off some just to be done with them. It was hard but God didn’t allow anything to be cut off, repossessed, or foreclosed. He’s an awesome God who took care of my family during that difficult time.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

We had to cut back on things we were accustomed to doing (ie, going out to dinner, ordering out, etc). We focused all money on bills. We contacted those bills we could reduce (ie lower cable plan, reduced cell phone data plan, explored discounts with car insurance). Though these challenges occurred during Covid, we didn’t go out much, which minimized opportunities to spend money.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

When people talk to me about money woes, I always tell them to look at the money coming in; money going out; and make some tough decisions if the money doesn’t add up. If you’re putting out more money than you’re bringing in, that’s a problem. To take your mind off problems, I tell my friends to consider volunteering some time with an organization. Giving time to a cause greater than yourself or helping someone always makes me feel better.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

It’s important to take a look at expenses you can minimize or eliminate. When your income is reduced suddenly, it can throw you for a loop. You have to readjust and make hard decisions regarding money (what do I need? What can I cut? Call your creditors and ask for help). Most importantly, trust God in the process. He won’t forsake you and your family.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My mom was my inspiration. Though she’s not with me anymore, I can draw on her advice she use to give me when I’d call her about a problem. She always encouraged me to not be hysterical about things because it doesn’t help. Take a deep breath, talk to God, and he will guide me. That’s the recipe I follow.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

I'm not sure that I've had that many unusual challenges, just the usual... failures in my work/professional life, not getting that much-sought-after promotion when I thought it was coming my way, taking chances and getting unexpected results. You know, the kind of experiences every women goes through! I've learned in my short life to understand and accept that change happens whether you want it or not and that so much can be learned if you're open to change and new experiences.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

I feel that through my life experiences to date that I've learned to be more flexible, more open to new opportunities, that there is always a second right answer and that saying "yes" can bring unexpected opportunities to learn and grow. I work to encourage my family, friends, clients, community partners to accept what they can't change and to respond thoughtfully and positively to the situations that are in their control.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

As a professional certified and credential leadership coach & facilitator, I continue to help others know that if they believe they can or can't, they're absolutely right. I use questions to get individuals, organizations and business to explore possibilities to their challenges.I believe that life is short; we're not here to fill or kill time. We're here to make good things happen for other people. In my world, that's helping people get to where they want to be personally or professionally.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

My advice to any woman regardless of their personal challenges is to believe in yourself, to know that there is only one YOU and that YOU are absolutely and uniquely incredible. You can achieve anything that you want by having an "I can and I will do" attitude, along with lots of perseverance and commitment to your dreams .

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

I find inspiration in a variety of women and men ~ people who have a strong work ethic, individuals who have achieved what they set out to do and those that are working hard to get to where they want to be. I've had lots of mentors and role models in my short life who have challenged me to be the best me I can be!

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

My mother became incapacitated at a time when I was working and raising two young daughters. Managing those competing demands was quite challenging.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

Certainly my family felt some impacts from the time & energy I needed to spend attending to my mother.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I appreciate the value of a supportive network as well as compassion and understanding for the situations of others.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Rely on your friends for support and always keep focus on what you think is important.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

I've had many professional mentors who provided invaluable advice and support to me.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

Building your business and brand in your community takes time and momentum. After doing so for over 15 years, I received a call that my parents were diagnosed with dementia. I lived over 2000 miles from my parents. A decision had to be made. Continue to stay in Texas and grown my business with the momentum and brand that me and my husband built for all of those years. Or pack up and move to Maryland to be closer to my parents in order to spend time and give care with them during their challenging times.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

This move was like starting my business all over. Although my business has not reached the success that we were achieving in Texas yet; the time I spent and the care I was able to give is the most important success in my life.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I disrupted everything that I worked for, for over 15 years. I had to restart and learn a new community in which to build my business. Years of friendships have been displaced, momentum of my business was lost, my children and grandchildren are now thousands of miles away from me and my husband. It has impacted not only me but all of those I love. Although I did not lose my friends and family, the relationships are not as close as we would like for them to be.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Its ok to make a change in your life, even when it is terrifying. You can make friends wherever you go, you can build a business whereever you go, but you cannot replace the time that is lost by staying frozen in place due to fear. My mom is now in a nursing home but I was able to spend 6 years of time with her before her dementia progressed to the point of nursing home care. Memories that would have never been made if I stayed in place due to fear.

Time is one thing that we cannot get back; one thing that money cannot buy. Do not let the fear of change keep you from spending that time with those who are the most important to you in life!

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My daughters. Combined they have 7 children. They work hard and love harder. Unfortunately they have both suffered bad personal relationships but they have never let that set them back. They keep putting one foot forward to ensure tomorrow is better than today.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

I grew up in a dysfunctional home. My dad was an alcoholic and my parents divorced when I was 8. Needless to say, our family had many problems. As a result of all the chaos in my life, I grew up feeling unloved and unwanted. That doesn't mean I was; it's just how I felt. And even though I was very successful in school—good grades, popular, and had many friends; as a teenager, I started making all kinds of poor choices. My adverse circumstances continued into adulthood and led to two failed marriages.

It was during the second marriage that I became a very successful career woman—working my way up the corporate ladder even though I didn't have a college education. By the world's standard, I seemed to have it all. But things don't always seem as they appear. The successful picture I portrayed on the outside did not match what was going on inside of me. As a result, my life continued to spiral downward and grew more and more out of control. To make matters even worse, I was unemployed when the divorce came, and I had to struggle to raise two children alone.

Fortunately, that's not where the story ends because it was during this painful time that I realized I didn't have to stay stuck in a pit. After all, there was a way of escape for me to live a more thriving life. And that is when things began to change. I knew I couldn't do it on my own, so I started learning the principles that would change me from the inside out.

One of the principles that I learned was that nothing is impossible. Each of us has so much potential inside of us that we can accomplish anything we set our mind to. From there, I also learned that spending time dreaming about your future and setting goals to help you get there is key to living your best life. Not just your best life, but the abundant life we each desire.

As I began thinking about the life I wanted for myself, I became very aware that I was a born leader with the talent and ability to be a successful business owner. I realized I loved taking the ideas that resided in my heart and transforming them into rewarding endeavors. I also learned that I loved creating content. It's where my passion is. Whether writing books, producing videos, developing workshops, creating websites, you name it; I knew I had to start walking in what brought me joy and peace.

Today, I am the CEO of a non-profit called ValorExcel. We provide training, coaching, and development services to help people thrive in life and business. My life is not perfect, but I have learned to be thankful for everything.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

As a result of overcoming this particular crisis, I became an example to my family, friends, and community members about overcoming adversity.

People closest to me instantly recognized my changes and grew to believe I could achieve anything I set my mind to. The goals I’ve been able to reach have inspired others to believe they can do the same.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

On a larger scale, the difficulties I was able to rise above propelled me toward the field of community service, where I turned my focus toward others. I then became an outreach director at a church, a manager of a local homeless shelter, and ultimately the co-founder of Women of Valor Ministries and CEO of ValorExcel.

Over the past 17 years in service to others, our mission has impacted thousands of individuals in Washington County, helping them move from a crisis or vulnerable state to a more stable or secure position in life.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

My encouragement to young girls and women is this. Dream as big as possible and realize that life is about taking risks. Living the full, rich, abundant life that each of us wants doesn’t involve taking the easy street. That’s because the easy road leads to a dead-end, and we must learn to stop playing it safe.

Life should be an adventure, and we should live it fearlessly. What separates achievers from ordinary folks is their willingness to take risks. When you don’t push yourself to achieve the dreams and desires that live deep within you, you don’t get to experience the incredible and exciting journey ahead of you.

I am as guilty as anyone else of wanting life to be relatively easy. I have learned to let go of that way of thinking so that I can achieve my destiny because I want to do great things. I want to create extraordinary endeavors that will help others thrive. The funny thing about life, however, is that it does not offer us any guarantee of our dreams. Sometimes we will take a considerable risk, and it won’t pay off, and sometimes it will. But one thing is true; we are more than capable of handling those risks and chasing those dreams.

There is no perfect time to start taking risks or giving your dream a shot. If you look at your circumstances, you will probably never start anything. Living an abundant life is ultimately about discovering what your purpose is in this life and then giving it everything you have got to achieve that purpose. If you try and do your best, even if you fail, you are already a success.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

Thomas Edison is one person whose life inspired me. When he was in school, his teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything. He was fired from his first two jobs for being "non-productive." As an inventor, he made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. He is quoted as saying, "I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."

Perseverance is one of the most significant character traits we can develop. It helps us build self-confidence and find healthy ways to deal with failure. It has helped me to realize that the only way I can accomplish all my dreams is never to give up. Despite all the struggle and pain, I’ll always have to keep pushing myself forward. I’ve also learned that my mental strength and determination will eventually pay off if I keep going.