Dr. KRIS OTTEMAN
Become competent and a subject matter expert so that you are an informed and trusted leader. Expect to earn it.
EMILY D. SHRUM
My best advice for future female leaders is to be true to yourself. If you get anywhere in life and it’s because you assimilated, or did it on someone else’s terms, can you say from the bottom of your heart that you did the best you could? If you succeed from the blood, sweat, and tears that you put into your career, your subordinates and superiors will see that, and will be more genuine and willing to follow. Being yourself takes effort, strength, and guts, but it’s worth all the struggles.
JESSICA MORRISSEY
Take big risks and do not look back. Even if things go horribly wrong, use that as a lesson to do better. Do what you are excited about. There is always time to explore new things and there is no shame to return to things you have passion in.
GERALD JOHNSON
The best advice I would give to the next generation would be; continue to be confident and professional. Don’t compromise your integrity and always give 100% in whatever you do.
AGGIE COOKE
Be curious and never stop learning. Keep your focus on the end goal and have a plan how to get there; evaluate as needed. Seek opportunities – don’t wait until you are ready, because the moment you feel ready, you have already outgrown it. When you fail, learn your lessons fast and move on. Invest time and energy in building relationships. Ask for help and offer it to others. Let the scale of your vision and the wildness of your dreams terrify you, and put all your heart into making them a reality. Never regret being proud.
LISA MAY
Find your unique strengths and path by following the energy. Spend your life doing what you are passionate about and allow your true self / voice to shine brightly.
RAPUNZEL AMADOR-LEWIS
Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not about how many times you fail, it’s how you choose to build strength from your failures
SARAH WIDDOP
Don’t focus on your gender. Focus on who YOU want to be. Know your morals and stick to them. The world is tough and not everyone is nice and thick skin is paramount.
MELISSA CARDENAS
One of the best pieces of advice came from a man: a retired Navy Captain. To be successful, you must listen more than you talk. Listen to the world around you and understand the biases that exist in our society. Adversity will be there, and you will face betrayal. And when you do, that’s when you keep moving forward. Because in the end, it does not matter who is of similar gender, sex, nationality, or background, but a matter of how much we are willing to overcome our differences to work together for the better.
SHARON LIU
Do not be afraid to make mistakes but learn from them. If you fall, get up and keep your head high. If you are being laughed at, laugh with them. Take feedback and advice, learn from others. It’s ok to change yourself and become better in the process.
BETH TETRO
Be bold and be strong. You deserve your spot and no one can tell you otherwise.
Never let someone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a female. You want to be a contractor? Do it! You want to be a surgeon? Do it! You want to be a litigator? Do it? You want to be a plumber? Do it! There’s no gender requirement for these roles. Just societal norms that we need to break from.
SAMANTHA BOTKIN
Persistence and determination will guide you to your aspirations.
Unfinished Business 