When I was younger, I viewed leadership as being the best — the fastest runner, the highest scorer, the loudest voice. Over time, experience reshaped that belief. In college, I was named captain of a Division I track team my junior year and again my senior year. No one was more surprised than I was. I wasn’t the fastest, nor did I jump the highest or farthest. In fact, I wasn’t even in the middle of the pack. What my coach saw, however, was my ability to bring people together. I built relationships across the team and learned how to lead from whatever lane I was in. That experience fundamentally shifted my perspective. Leadership was not about standing out — it was about lifting others up. It motivated me to be better and to do better, whether competing in the race or cheering from the sidelines.
Professionally, I have grown into a role that allows me to support families, students, and colleagues in ways that help them feel safe, valued, and heard. Personally, I strive to bring those same qualities into my home, alongside my husband, ensuring that our children feel secure, respected, and supported through our modeling of kindness and empathy.