Power looks different on every woman. Define power at this stage of your life—and describe how that definition evolved over time.
Power, for me, is fully showing up as myself, without negotiation. At this stage I no longer fragment who I am to fit into spaces or expectations. Power is the ability to show up as myself in every space—intellectually, culturally, emotionally—without editing or performing. Earlier on, I thought power was about adaptability and acceptance; learning how to move in ways that felt palatable. Now, power means ownership. It’s claiming my voice, my identity, my perspective, and my values in every room, even when it disrupts the norm.
As an executive, entrepreneur, and community connector, explain how you remain grounded in your presence while navigating spaces that weren’t always designed with women—especially Black women—in mind.
I remain grounded by remembering that the very parts of me that weren’t always considered in the design of these spaces—my intellect, my lived experience, my culture—are exactly why I belong in them. I bring my full self into every room I enter, without apology. I don’t separate who I am from how I lead, because my perspective is not a liability, it’s an asset. What keeps me anchored is self-trust. I trust my preparation, my discernment, and my voice. And I’ve learned that when a space does not allow me to show up fully, it is not my responsibility to conform or shrink to fit it. Instead, I create my own rooms where authenticity, depth, and excellence coexist. Grounding, for me, is about choosing environments that don’t require me to leave parts of myself at the door. It’s about honoring my presence and understanding that I don’t need permission to take up space where I already belong.