I credit my success to perseverance and refusing to let setbacks define me. I've also leaned heavily on the guidance of experienced nurse practitioners who came before me, and I'm motivated every day by the impact I get to make in my patients' lives.

Never give up on your dream. Don't let anyone's opinion about your gender tell you what you're capable of. I've heard plenty of that myself, and it doesn't have to be true for you. Move at your own pace, if it takes someone else two years and it takes you five, that doesn't make your journey any less valid.

One of the biggest challenges I see is that many organizations still prefer to work with larger, more established companies because of their marketing reach and visibility, which often leaves smaller and women-owned businesses overlooked. At the same time, I see real opportunity in pursuing government contracting and expanding the range of services I offer to meet that gap.

Perseverance, service to underserved communities, and trustworthiness are central to how I practice. I also place a high value on maintaining work-life balance, because being present for both my patients and my own life matters to me.