Hometown: Leland, North Carolina

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Occupation: Registered Nurse

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Favorite quote: “And still I rise”. Maya Angelou.  A reminder that no matter the season, strength always finds its way to the surface.

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Personal motto: Lead with purpose, serve with heart, and never stop growing.

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Hobbies: Traveling, reading, volunteering with veteran causes.  Playing piano and guitar.  Singing and writing music.

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Most cherished accomplishment: Building a loving, grounded family and raising resilient children who reflect the best parts of my life’s journey.  I am proud to have pursued my calling to serve my country, growing through every season of life, and shaping a career that now allows me to educate and mentor the next generation of nurses.  Becoming a woman my children can look to with pride and inspiration is, and will always be, my greatest achievement.

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Cause or passion: Championing the health and well-being of veterans, housing security for homeless veterans, particularly female veterans. Inspiring women of all ages to rise into their purpose with confidence, resilience, and heart.

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Signature color: Green – the color of renewal, growth, and hope.

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Tradition or rule of etiquette: Lead with kindness.  No title, accomplishment, or crown ever outweighs the power of treating others with dignity and compassion.

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A decision I made on instinct: Following a gentle pull toward service that echoed through generations of my family. I stepped into military service without hesitation, the same instinct which quietly whispered “I was meant to serve” eventually led me to nursing, where compassion became my compass.  Each instinctive “yes” opened the door to deeper purpose, greater courage, and a life devoted to caring for those who need it most.

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A voice you carry with you from the past: My mother’s steady wisdom lives in me every day. She taught me that compassion is a strength you choose, grit is a muscle you build, and independence is earned through perseverance.  Her quiet reminder – “Grace will carry you farther than fear ever could” became the compass that guides my steps.  Her voice still encourages me to rise, to keep moving forward, and to meet every challenge with courage, dignity, and heart.

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What do people misunderstand about women in their 60s? That we are winding down. In truth, women in their 60’s are stepping into one of the most powerful seasons of life, a time where wisdom fuels leadership, compassion shapes how we mentor others, and confidence guides us to serve with greater purpose.  We are not slowing down; we are leading forward with clarity, heart, and hard-earned strength.

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A luxury you've learned to give yourself? Rest without apology, choosing moments of peace and self-care as essential not optional.