NSAJ 02: Lacy Keller

Lacy Keller joined the Marines in 2008, motivated by 9-11 to do the “patriotic thing”. Growing up around horses and large farming equipment, she found herself opting to train as a combat engineer and operating large machinery in a male dominated environment often having to go well above and beyond the standards to prove herself worthy. After serving two deployments to Afghanistan with only a six month break, she returned home decorated with merits but feeling broken, looking for help, and eventually self medicating. Thanks to a good friend and a new approach, Lacy found her way back to herself and now inspires others to do the same.

NSAJ 01: Linda Schulze

Linda Schulze joined the Air Force in 1997 with a family inspired passion for food and serving people. Little did she know, that would evolve into one of the most difficult and honorable tasks in serving our fallen veteran brothers and sisters. Linda spent 17 years supporting missions around the world battling the mental and emotional merry-go-round that comes with multiple rotations into combat zones. These struggles came with a psychological price tag. Even though Linda knew she would benefit from professional help, the fear of loss led to avoiding outreach resulting in unnecessary challenges and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Annie and her twin brother were raised by their father and extended family after tragically losing their mother to suicide.  Instead of allowing this trauma to define her, with the help of her family she developed a thirst for knowledge from a very young age.  This appetite projected her into some very inspiring career moves and a library of passports.  

Professional Responsibilities
Annie is currently a Senior Account Executive responsible for selling digital forensic technology to US Federal agencies.  Annie has been supporting this industry since 2003.

In her words…

Career History
After many internships, my first full-time job was working as an admission officer for my alma mater.  I then did a brief stint with the US Government in law enforcement.  From there, I spent 5 years with a government contractor as an intelligence analyst.  I then pivoted to technical sales serving as a subject matter expert for the company that made the software product I loved most as an analyst.  I spent 8 years doing that, then went to another company for two years as an account manager, and now am a full-time seller for another IT company. 

Hobbies
Volunteering – I’m especially active with the Daughters of the American Revolution, and I’m passionate about helping the community.  I also love adventure, especially SCUBA diving, traveling the world, and wine.

What is something that you do for you?
I have a glass of wine almost every night as a way of celebrating my day.

What are some of your favorites?
Sashimi, 80s music, United Airlines, iPhone, wine.

What is a common preconceived assumption of you that is false?
One might be that because I have red hair, I have a fiery personality.  But, that’s true : )

Childhood
I have a twin brother.  Our mother died when we were young so I we were raised by our father and nannies.  I was also fortunate to have grandparents, aunts and parents of good friends who took good care of me. 

Are there any childhood contributing factors or events that have led you to the success you have today?
My mother moved out when I was 4 and died when I was 7, so many assumed I was set up for failure. However, I was surrounded by smart and successful people who were amazing role models for me.  Even though I felt my family situation was abnormal, I admired the way my cousins and my friends’ families operated, and I wanted to be more like them.  I lived with my relatives for one summer after 7^th grade and my uncle made us read the Wall Street Journal every day and would quiz us on it at dinner.  I actually loved that because it made me feel like I was part of a smart, successful family.  I continued to read the WSJ through college, and then the Economist because I noticed that’s what people I perceived to be successful did.  I think being surrounded by people I perceived as successful – relatives and friends – had a very positive impact on me.

Has there been a “fork in the road” decision you came to that could have gone extremely wrong? How did you / what helped you to make the better decision?
Given my family situation, I think there were a lot of opportunities when I could have chosen to run with the bad crowd and I didn’t.  I credit God with making better decisions.  He’s always been there for me, and guided me, and forgiven me, even when I did make bad decisions.  Also, I’ve encountered many forks in the road in my travels – sometimes even literally.  I live fearlessly because I know God has a plan for me.  I admit I sometimes take risks that would make most people cringe, and I’ve been fortunate He has protected me through many seemingly bad decisions.

How do you push through your worst times?
When I’m having a bad day, I motivate myself to do some sort of exercise (kickboxing and punching bags are especially effective for me!).  It helps give me a fresh perspective.  If it’s something that doesn’t go away, I evaluate what is causing such a negative impact on me and do I need to make a major change in my life.  Sometimes, the answer is obvious.

What are your success habits?
Prioritize properly.  I also give myself a break and reward everyday – it almost always involves wine, either on my porch or in front of the fireplace, and no computer.

What has been one of your biggest professional challenges and how did you overcome it?
Probably the biggest professional challenge I’ve faced was training to become a Federal law enforcement agent.  And I made several bad decisions along the way that certainly changed my career path.  One of them was not being prepared physically for the training.  I couldn’t do any pushups and I was required to do a minimum of 14.  Fortunately, they were willing to give me time and assistance improving, and ultimately helped me be able to meet this requirement.  It was a very challenging two months, though, to the point where anytime somebody mentioned pushups, I would get down and do some.  Even 17 years later, I still do pushups to remind myself I still can.  Ultimately, it was a mentality that helped me overcome this challenge. 

What have you sacrificed both professionally and personally at each stage of your career?
I have made all sorts of sacrifices along the way.  As an intel analyst, I sacrificed much of my personal life to do my job the best I could.  I worked long hours, rarely saw sunshine, and couldn’t talk much about my job.  I didn’t realize how unhealthy that was until I changed careers.  Professionally, I probably could have stayed on that team and eventually been promoted to manager, but I wanted to go to Afghanistan and it was not an option in that job.  So, I took a different role as a newbie on the team so that I could experience war firsthand.  Many years later, I again made personal and professional sacrifices when I decided to finish my MBA.  I had previously postponed it because I had spent so much time traveling for work and I didn’t have any more time to give to my education.  When my role changed and I was working in an office instead of airports, I decided it was time.  It was expensive, with both time and money, but it gave me knowledge I knew would outweigh the costs. 

How do you balance “domestic life” and a career?
Honestly, as a single female with no kids, it’s not too hard.  Probably balancing my interests – volunteering and travel – with work is a bigger challenge.  I have help cleaning my house, and usually order takeout, so I can focus on the things most important to me.   

What advice would you give to women trying to achieve your role and responsibilities?
For a woman who wants to have a successful career in sales, I would advise her to get sales experience selling something she loves.  If she is passionate about it, she’ll find success.  Also, take advantage of free training opportunities, especially leadership training.  One of my mentors often reminds me to get as much out of my employer as it gets out of me and I believe it’s sound advice.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
Emotions.  I think we’re naturally more emotional than men.  Sometimes some level of emotion is appropriate, but I believe we have to work hard to find a balance.

What is a barrier you have faced and did you overcome it? If so, how?
The first time I applied for the IBM Corporate Service Corps (CSC), I was not selected.  I believed the program was perfect for me, so I really wanted to be a part of it and needed to figure out how to become a stronger candidate.  I found people who had participated in the program and asked them for advice about the application.  I found one quality in common with all of them and that was that they were all part of an internal leadership program.  So, I talked to my manager about it and he nominated me for the program.  The next year, I again applied for CSC and I was selected.

Have you experienced resistance when leading men? If so, how do you handle it?
Yes, I have found resistance leading men and strong women.  I find that having a backbone, and showing I am strong, not leading with emotion, is key.

What is some advice you would share with young women entering a male dominated profession?
Show those men why you’re good at your job!  Think back to the world wars when women were not allowed in the military but volunteered to do the men’s desk jobs while they were away at war.  The women did their jobs better, faster, etc, enough so that women were given the opportunity to join the military.  God has blessed women with many unique skills and it’s on us to use them!

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
We are so excited for you!  We know that women are blessed with many amazing unique qualities and with women at the helm, I have no doubt the world will accomplish more than they would solely with male leadership.

What is the most important characteristic, trait, behavior, or skill a leader can possess?
Integrity.

What woman and/or man has inspired you? Why?
Rosa Parks is inspiring because she did not let gender or race get in the way of what she felt was right – equality.  I believe all men and women are entitled to equal rights, I believe our forefathers thought so too when they established the USA, and I’m proud that she took action.

What book would you recommend everyone should read?
The Five Love Languages.

Anything else you would like to add?
For girls looking for inspiration, believe in yourselves, speak words you believe to be true, and surround yourselves with people you admire.  If you speak it, and you live it, it will happen.

Annie John
Senior Account Executive

For more information or to inquire about a speaking engagement with Annie, contact us now!

Tawana’s story is one you might see on Oprah.  Her childhood was filled with lies, chaos and disfunction where she often portrayed the role of mother to her younger sister.  She was filled with negativity from those that should have been filling her will love.  Even still, she found strength in the extreme dark, became her own number one fan, and persevered in becoming one of the most intelligent, kind, and successful women I’ve come to know.

Professional Responsibilities
Tawana is the Vice President of Sales and currently responsible for overseeing and helping the sales team generate revenue.  She also provided support to all departments within the company ensuring business runs smoothly both from a sales perspective and an operations perspective.  Tawana is also responsible for building and maintaining relationships with internal and external business partners.

In her words…

Hobbies
Meditation, reading, and writing poetry

What is a common preconceived assumption of you that is false? 
That I am passive.

Childhood
I was raised by my mom and stepdad (who I had no clue that he was not my biological dad until I was 16) My mom was an addict and I never knew my dialogical father. My childhood was filled with lies, chaos and disfunction.  I never have had a good relationship with my mom.  To be respectful I can say she is a good grandmother even though she was never a mother. At least not to me.  I spent 2 years homeless with my sister who was 5 at the time. Let’s say my life has been like an episode of the Oprah show. 

Are there any childhood contributing factors or events that led you to the success you have today?
Absolutely.  The drive to not be anything like my mother has given me the passion to push myself to be everything she told me I would never be or achieve. As a teenager I was very self-destructive and as I got older and realized that I only had myself, I used that as motivation to be the best version of myself as possible.

Career History
I started out working for a small IT company that sold new and refurbished hardware, maintenance, and managed services as a Logistics coordinator. During my employment with this IT company, I was promoted to the Logistics Manager and shortly after was promoted to operations manager. After being with that company for over seven years I took an offer at a larger company in the same industry as an operations manager who managed the logistics team, warehouse management, technical management and reported to the VP of operations.  After 8 years I left that company and moved to a slightly different type of company as the Director of Operations.  My title was Director of Operations, However, I was the company’s business development person as well as one of the (unofficial) top federal sales reps. This company was also in the IT industry, but this was an IBM business partner that sold hardware, software, and services to the federal government. I remained at this company for 11 years prior to me coming to Blue Light. 

What have you sacrificed both professionally and personally at each stage of your career?
I sacrificed my strength during the early stages of my career. Being in a position that is dominated by males, I have often suppressed my strong options with the fear of being seen as the angry black girl.  I would say this was more of a lesson than sacrifice because I learned to work with others to determine the best approach in all situations and that listening to other options can change my view as well. 

How do you balance “domestic life” (wife/motherhood) and a career?  
I still have not discovered how to balance my domestic life and career.  I give my career 200 percent during my work hours and usually late at night.  I try to divide my time between my husband and son which seems to be more challenging then splitting up my time for work and family.  I have been working on being present in EVERY moment of my life.  I have been on this mission for the past 5 years.  This means that I must quiet my mind and pay attention to what is going on in that very moment.  I am not always successful, but I am mindful during my time with my family that I want to give them my undivided attention and that is a work in progress I set aside and hour after work to decompress and then put on my Mom/Wife hat. 

How do you push through your worst times?
I remember all the trial and tribulations that I have overcome and know that there is a lesson to be learned in every life experience, Good and Bad. 

What are your success habits? 
Always give 100 percent.  Think before you speak. Read as much as you can as often as you can.  Communication is key. Giving up is not an option.

What advice would you give to women trying to achieve your role and responsibilities?  
To surround yourself with positive people.  Learn from leaders around you. Be a leader whenever you have the opportunity.  Never settle. Always go above and beyond.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? 
Being taken seriously.

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
Doubt in my capabilities

What woman inspires you? Why? 
Dr. Maya Angelou.  First, I love poetry.  Dr. Maya Angelou camefrom a very poor background and some say she was an unwanted child. She used her pain and joy to inspire others through her poetry.  She gives voices to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless through her words. She spent many of her childhood years as a mute due to childhood trauma and later in life became the voice for many women!  Her poem “Still I rise.” is one of my very favorite poems. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? 
To always use your voice and to not just work hard to be the woman others expect you to be.

Do you experience resistance when leading men?  If yes, how do you handle it? 
Yes, I do.  I stand up in a very respectful way and give my option.

What is some advice you would share with young women entering a male dominated profession? 
Use your intuition to determine the best approach to every situation you are faced with in your career.  Never underestimate your abilities.  Never compare yourself to anyone else.  Do all you can to continue to become the best version of yourself. 

What is the most important characteristic, trait, behavior and/or skill a leader can possess? 
Ambition

Anything else you would like to add?…
Invest in yourself.

Tawana Farley
Vice President of Sales

For more information or to inquire about a speaking engagement with Tawana, contact us now!

Cindy is armed, dangerous, and has mad sewing skills.  She’s been conquering “the man’s world” for nearly two decades, feeding off of fear and intimidation, converting it into motivation and drive.  It takes a special kind of strength to tackle a federal law enforcement career as a woman, not to mention balancing in being a wife and mother.  But Cindy’s heart, work ethic, and determination has allowed her to do so and so much more.

Professional Responsibilities:
Cindy is a supervisor and federal law enforcement agent. She graduated with a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an under-grad university. During the summers while attending college, she worked in the records department for a sheriff’s office. After graduating, she was hired as a correctional officer at that sheriff’s department and then started the hiring process as a deputy sheriff position and held that position for five years.  Cindy was then hired by a federal agency where she has worked for the past 12 years and currently leads a team of approximately 10-12 employees.

In her words…

HOBBIES:
When it was just me, I really enjoyed competitive sports, exercise, crafts, and drawing. While I still enjoy all of it, I find that my family’s happiness and hobbies have become mine as well. Nothing gives me more joy than hearing my children and husband laugh. So, I truly enjoy my family time, whatever that may be… don’t get me wrong though, my exercise/weight lifting time is my “me time” which I believe we all need. 

What is a common preconceived assumption of you that is false?  
Some have said that I am unapproachable or intimidating, which I truly hate hearing because I do not believe I am.  I do admit to focusing my attention on my family, friends and folks that work with me and for me. I owe it to them to make them my priority so others who do not know me come somewhere after that. 

What have you sacrificed both professionally and personally at each stage of your career?  
I would say before I got hired federally, I sacrificed my personal relationships. I had career goals that were priority at the time, and I knew in order to obtain them I felt I needed to stay single and go after my goals on my own. Once I obtained my career goals then my family became my priority and that became more important to me instead of furthering my career. Recently my husband has obtained his career goals and I now feel it is the time for me to prioritize my career and goals. Funny how priorities flip flop throughout life. 

How do you balance “domestic life” (wife/motherhood) and a career?
My domestic life wasn’t a challenge until I had a brand-new baby. I remember having a tough day and I thought to myself, I need to figure this out fast because I felt like I wasn’t as good of an Agent that I once was, and I wasn’t as good of a mom as I should be. It was an important moment for me. It was at that point that I just told myself to figure it out fast, so I just did it. Half the battle is just being honest with yourself and realizing it. 

How do you push through your worst times?
I just do it. I don’t bottle things up, I complain when I need to complain, I yell when I need to yell, and then I find my confidence and tell myself who better to handle this messed up situation or day than me. I use my “worst times” as motivation for me for the next “worst time” knowing it will come again – hey, if I can get through that, then this next worst thing I’ll get through too. It helps me tremendously that my husband and I have both been through worst times together and we got through them as a team. The worst things have made us only stronger. Knowing that, helps me get through anything.

What are your success habits?
I don’t have many success habits except never forgetting to be me and to be confident in my decisions I make. 

What advice would you give to women trying to achieve your role and responsibilities?
The simplest thing, yet not always easy to do,,, and saying it I’m sure will cause controversy, especially in today’s society where so many feel entitled but here it goes.. Realize and accept you are in a male dominated profession. You chose that path so don’t expect the path to change for you. Instead embrace it and have confidence that you can do the job just as good or better than the next, man or woman. Don’t try to act like a man to do a “man’s job” you don’t need to nor should you. Prove to everyone how good you are, and never try to use the woman card.  If you do, you are no better than men who think women can’t do the job. Embrace the challenge and love every minute of it. 

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
Ourselves. Women put their own walls and barriers up. If you are a true leader, you don’t see barriers. You only see an obstacle course that you know you can lead through. 

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
The only thing that I still honestly struggle with at times is running across men that no matter how much I prove myself to them, they will never see me as an equal. I’ll say this though, I’m getting pretty good at pushing them off my track and moving forward and maybe telling them to stay the hell out of my way unless they want to get run over. 

What woman inspires you? Why?
I really struggle with this question actually. It stopped me dead in my tracks when I read it. Honestly, there’s a difference between a role model, mentor and a leader. Hear me out before you say I’m crazy. I can say I have had good women role models, like my grandmother, or mother and family friends. These are women that I look to for how to live my life and how to be. I’ve also had good women mentors. Mentors are women who teach me a certain thing they are great at, and I’ve learned many things from them. But what I can’t unfortunately name is a woman leader who inspires me. While there’s women I know and love that I suspect are tremendous leaders in their own right, I unfortunately didn’t realize this until I read the question, but I haven’t had firsthand knowledge of who I know to be an inspiring woman leader. I really wish that wasn’t true. I’ve had tremendous leaders who inspire me to be a better leader every day, these are all men. I know that won’t be a popular thing to say but for my experiences, that’s just the way it is. Maybe that’s why I strive to be a successful leader and hope to inspire other women to be successful leaders in their own right.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Go with your gut instinct, listen to people you feel are knowledgeable, understand your way might not always be the right way so keep an open ear to suggestions from those who have been proven to be trustworthy to you and once you make a decision be very decisive. Don’t waffle in your decision making, trust in your decision making process, and lastly,, give the credit to others when you succeed and own it solely when you fail.

Do you experience resistance when leading men?  If yes, how do you handle it?
Occasionally. I deal with it by not focusing on the “why” they are resisting, even if it is because I’m a female, I just keep it to the situation or issue itself, if My actions or requests of them is accurate and correct then the only person that is going to struggle through working for me is them.

What is some advice you would share with young women entering a male dominated profession?
Don’t try to act like someone you are not, be yourself, and accept that you are entering a male dominated profession, you chose your path don’t expect the path to change for you. If you want the path to change then embrace the challenge and change it yourself.

What is the most important characteristic, trait, behavior and/or skill a leader can possess?
The ability to balance confidence and humbleness at the same time.

Anything else you would like to add?…
A real leader is someone who when you look at the people who worked for them or led them, have become successful leaders themselves, then you know you have succeeded as a leader.

Cindy
Supervisor & Federal Law Enforcement Agent

For more information or to inquire about a speaking engagement with Cindy, contact us now!

Rosemarie Fred’s story speaks volumes to those bearing witness to everything they didn’t want in their future and using it as the biggest motivator to pursue success and happiness.  She is the first in her family to of earned a bachelor’s degree.  The first to of purchased her own home and the first to of retired before the age 50. She’s now dominating her second career mentoring and leading youth while focusing on her three children.

In her words…

Career History Summary:
Five years Active Duty Army as an MP, 1/2 year State Security, 1/2 year State Counter Drug Task Force, six years Human Resources/Readiness NCO for RSC and eight years Recruiting and Retention NCO.

Can you briefly describe your childhood upbringing?
My childhood is very similar to those growing up in the heart of the Bronx.  It is very common for New York City children to come home to a parentless afternoon. Envision: one sibling cooking, one sibling cleaning, doing homework by yourself – trying your best to do with what you understood in class even though you have no clue what you were supposed to learn. The walks to and from school were polluted with drug dealers and prostitutes.  You tried very hard to avoid dark alleys where you could possibly be rapped. My mother never asked us if we did our homework, she never asked us how was school, she never asked us if we needed help with assignments. She just didn’t have the time, nor did she know very much about what we were learning. My father was a four-hour flight away and had zero contribution to what we were doing outside of the $300 he sent for three children a month.

Are there any childhood contributing factors or events that led you to the success you have today?
The typical New York story includes a single young mother with multiple “baby daddies”, on welfare and food stamps. I was surrounded by it.  For me, this “normal” was not an option and I felt that there had to be a better way. I love my mom and respect her very much but I saw her work really, really hard – sometimes 16 hour long days. I saw her fingers burnt, her back hurt, her feet hurt, and she always seemed so stressed out. I just did not want that for myself. I did not want to live paycheck to paycheck.  I believed that I could find something to ensure I would never see a welfare representative, or ever stand in a food line. I did not even know if that existed or what that would look like. I just believed that there had to be something more.

Can you describe your professional responsibilities?
As a Military Police officer at West Point, I conducted security of the Installation.  I am now retired after a 20-year compiled military career. I currently work as a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) instructor at a high school. I have the privilege of working with students and encourage them to think outside of the box drawn by the education system and their surroundings. Although we teach life skills, I also get to mentor and pray I am an example of the opportunities that are available in our country.  I also get to work with young leaders who already have a sense of direction and help them grow in their current leadership abilities.

What was one of your biggest challenges and how were you able to overcome it?
Many people would like to believe that the glass ceiling does not exist even in the military. This may be true for many companies and organizations and the military. However, I can assure you it does exist. I will only speak to my experience and what I have encountered.  My goal by sharing is to prepare you for what could be challenging situations. You can be the best in the group but the best as a woman tends to come second to even the worst male employee.  I will refer to Sergeant Fail and Sergeant Achieve for an example.  Sgt Fail is a toxic leader, sets their employees up for failure, tears down team cohesion, knows little about their job, is disrespectful towards everyone, has no civilian education, only succeeded when was helped and then failed at their position three years in a row. Then you have Sergeant Achieve who cares for everyone, helps everyone, has the education and benchmarks required, succeeds on their own, always gives 100%, was one of the top three producing salesmen for five years and always created ways to improve the entire organization.  Comparably when you look at these employees, it is a no brainer – you would want Sgt. Achieve.  Unfortunately, I have been a witness to Sgt. Fail out promoting Sgt. Achieve on what I feel complete sexist grounds.  Sgt. Fail is a male and Sgt. Achieve is a female.  What I was able to learn from this experience is you need to know the organization that you want to work for – do your homework, ask questions of current employees. Sometimes you only learn through trial and error. Other times you might learn from someone who has already walked that path.  Although at the time I was upset about the outcomes, I really am grateful for the lesson.

Was there a “fork in the road” decision you came to in life that could have gone extremely wrong? How did you / what helped you to make the better decision?
The first fork in the road was when I joined the military. I had no idea of what I was getting myself into except that I wanted to get out of the city before I became another statistic. The motivation for me was to do better for myself.
The second fork in the road was to retire from the military. I ran into hard times in an organization that changed.  I was not going to compromise or adapt to the reduced standard.  Knowing my true self and having value for myself allowed me to carry out this decision.

What have you sacrificed both professionally and personally at each stage of your career?
Professionally, I sacrificed my upward mobility by not speaking up about the harassment and injustices I faced during the last few years in the Guard. Personally, I sacrificed so much of my children time with me, and in the long run it did not pay off.

How do you balance “domestic life” (wife/motherhood) and a career?
In the past, I may have been out of balance, but I have some to realize that my domestic life comes first. My children come first.  I am raising women and men of the future and that is the most important job that has been given to me. When I am at work; I am at work and I give more than 100% during work hours. Therefore, when I am home, I too, can solely concentrate of my family.

How do you push through your worst times?
My children have been my motivator for the last 19 years.  When I am at a low point, I stay focused on being an example of success and humanity for them.

What are your success habits?
Give anything I am doing 100%. Never be afraid of learning new things. Make sure I am giving those that I am serving my best. Do not compare myself to anyone else. God wrote my story and everyone else has a different journey.

What advice would you give to women trying to achieve your role and responsibilities?
Be the best in the room. No one can take that from you. Never listen to those that want to talk you down from something you want to do, you will probably do it better than they did. You are stronger than you think, sometimes things will hurt but push through and focus on the pay off. Nothing in life is permanent. TRUST GOD, Pray often, he has your whole world in his hands.

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
A significant barrier in my career was misconstrued reality of the business world.  I grew up believing that I simply needed to get a job and pay some bills.  However, when you are in the business of changing lives, impacting souls, and creating a totally different outcome for people, you need to better understand the reality of your role.
Also, in my early career I understood the steps and requirements to climb the leadership ladder.  So, I checked all the blocks: education, awards, training – literally everything and anything that I could achieve I did it.  But what I came to realize is I was only focused on the military and I did not prepare myself for a career beyond that in the civilian world.

What woman inspires you? Why?
There are many women I have had in my life that inspire me.
My mother, she is a hard worker and imaginative. She can do anything and finds ways to make money with her creativity. My sister, she works with love in her heart. Cynthia, she is kind no matter what the world does to her. Lucianna, she is the smartest in her field. Knows everything and can do anything better than those before and after her. A former leader of mine (CSM), she didn’t put up with the male “garbage”. She called out males as soon as they attempted to talk females down. If she didn’t know something, she would read the entire regulation and know it all in a day. Dallas, she can do anything and then some. There are no mental or physical barriers that exist in her mind. She can do anything. She is strong and knows what she wants. Her determination far exceeds anything I have ever seen.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Be candid, but demand respect. You are always better than you think, and men always think they are better than what they are; so, don’t put up with their garbage. Don’t be emotional – yes, it’s hard but don’t do it. Have a strong male and female team that will have your back. Always have a professional you can talk to. Kick ass everyday no matter what.

What is some advice you would share with young women entering a male dominated profession?
They are just men, they gossip like girl and they are emotional like girls. Just do your job, be your best, be professional, politic a little and find a woman that can give you good advice.

What is the most important characteristic, trait, behavior and/or skill a leader can possess?
The ability to be a kind, empathetic, and approachable professional.

Anything else you would like to add?…
The most important thing I have learned is that you are constantly working towards improving yourself.  Have an open mind, go outside the box, do you, learn things, meet different people, read books and the possibilities are endless.  Life is life, teach yourself to be ready. Everyday learn something new about people, your career path, your organization, pay attention to everything.

Rosemarie Fred
JROTC Instructor
US Army (retired)

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Michelle Shaw is a wife, mother of three boys, and holds the primary financial responsibility of supporting her family of five.  At nine years old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and instead of allowing the disease to rule her life, she was able to draw inspiration, drive, and motivation from it.  This ultimately led her into the healthcare industry working to empower those dealing with this vary disease.  Michelle is a Registered Nurse and has spent the past 14 years in a clinical support and sales role as the Principle Territory Manager for Medical Device Sales. 

In her words…

Professional Responsibilities:
My professional responsibilities are to help people who need external insulin. I am the quarterback of our team and help develop “plans of actions” and education for health care providers and patients with diabetes. Helping others learn and use our technology is incredibly rewarding. I am responsible for a sales quota but that is driven towards by always helping patients with life changing technology. 

Childhood:
The biggest impact was my parents divorced when I was 6 years old. It was difficult. I remember being sad often and wondering what I did wrong to cause this. My world felt crushed but that was only a part of my childhood. My world was not crushed, and I actually had loving parents who worked to give me the world, they just did it separately. I had an amazing grandmother on my mom’s side who was always willing to help, teach, learn, and help me grow. And my grandpa and grandma on my dad’s side helped me learn and develop in my faith. This established a foundation of faith, for me that I have used throughout my life to help me grow and stay strong in my beliefs. 

Career Summary:
I used my nursing degree to break into the medical device sales in a clinical support role. After four years supporting our products by teaching patients and health care providers, I transitioned to the sales role – always being led by my clinical experience. I discuss our devices as options for therapy to both patients and health care providers and help them process sales orders for our life changing devices.

Are there any childhood contributing factors or events that led you to the success you have today?
November 1986 – I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I did not know at the time, but this chronic disease has taught me to be a warrior, to fight, to never give up, to get back up when I have been knocked down, that no matter how tired I am, I can overcome!! It has taught me to be competitive. It has taught me to prove that I can follow dreams and achieve them, despite people saying, “no way”. My Diabetes Diagnosis has led me to the strong, independent woman that I am today. It directed me to become a nurse to help others and to “give back” to other people with diabetes. Do I wish diabetes on others – NO, absolutely not, but for me, it turned out to be a blessing – teaching me and directing me to be who I am today!! It is a 24/7/365 everyday disease with no breaks – but that makes me stronger and a fighter!!

What have you sacrificed both professionally and personally at each stage of your career?
Family is most important to me, and because I have 3 boys, I have passed on the opportunity to advance in my career. However, I do not feel like I my career has been a failure by being in the same role for 10+ years, I feel my current role has the most freedom and flexibility to allow me to have career and be fully present with my family. I raise my hand and lean into lots of mini projects, pilot programs, etc., and feel these opportunities have given me the spark needed throughout my career to remain fulfilled in what I do, day in and day out.

How do you push through your worst times?
With my faith, prayer, God’s got me, my hubby’s support along with friends and my mom and dad!

What are your success habits?
Five years ago, I committed to myself to feel good – I work out every day – first thing in the morning. It keeps my mind alert and body feeling good. This allows me to take on the day with a positive mindset. Each day is different, and I have no idea what it will bring, but I feel ready to take it on – almost daily!!

How do you balance “domestic life” (wife/motherhood) and a career?
This is always a challenge. I am fortunate to have a stay-at-home hubby of 20+ years married and 14 years at home that loves raising our kids and does many of the domestic woman chores. We have role reversal. I still do chores and balance them early morning, late nights, and weekends. But I also had to lower my expectations (in my head) and realize we LIVE in our house and it does not have to be perfectly cleaned or organized. Making memories now is more important than being spotless. I am also fortunate with my career role is that I make my schedule and can be flexible to accommodate kid’s needs, appointments, meetings, sporting events, etc. I am blessed for sure.

What was one of your biggest challenges and how were you able to overcome it?
Overcoming the perception that “medical device sales” was a man’s world – 14 years ago. It better today, but when I first inquired about moving from a RN clinical support role to the actual Sales Role, it was not received well. I had to prove and overcome many obstacles to earn the promotion. I was able to prove that the clinical knowledge and personal knowledge was critical to sales success in my territory. Being invested in the opportunity is huge also. And in 2 years, I was in the Top 10% of the company winning some of the highest achievements possible in a sales position – President’s Club, not just once but twice!

What advice would you give to women trying to achieve your role and responsibilities?
Believe in Yourself. I once heard that a man will apply for a job he doesn’t qualify for, but women will not raise their hand or lean in until they know they meet all the requirements. Let me tell you friend, you can do it. Learn on the job. Raise your hand and step forward. Fake it until you make it, if needed. You are a fast learner and will be successful. If a man can do that, so can you! Believe in yourself! 

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
Herself!! Raise your hand and go for it!! Many top companies are working towards bettering equality and increasing women leadership. I am grateful my company is on the leading edge of this. The only way to see change it to be the change. Go for it!!

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Treat others as you would like to be treated. All colleagues, no matter their role. In order to be successful, you most likely need a team, all pulling on the same strings. And have an open mind I have had great men mentors in the corporate world. Many are supportive of women being successful.

What is some advice you would share with young women entering a male dominated profession?
Talk with women who are successful in that role. Ask, ‘what is the most important piece of advice?’ For medical device sales, my advice is just go for it. You can be just as successful, if not more, than a man in the same role. Empathy is huge. Understand is important. Connections matter. All great traits for women. Believe in yourself!! See you at the Top!!

What is the most important characteristic, trait, behavior and/or skill a leader can possess?
Listening!!! Being trustworthy. Help find solutions to the problems you heard, even if it does not benefit you. It will go a long way.

Michelle Shaw
Registered Nurse
Principle Territory Manager for Medical Device Sales

For more information or to inquire about a speaking engagement with Michelle, contact us now!

Denisse Ramos is a 37-year-old distinguished three-time combat veteran as well as the owner and managing attorney at The Ramos Law Firm in Las Vegas, NV. The majority of her childhood was spent sharing a room with her four siblings in East Los Angeles, CA while her immigrant parents worked hard to instill a strong work ethic, a sturdy sense of dedication, and enough humility to last three lifetimes. It’s safe to assume these qualities built the durable foundation for Denisse and afforded her the tools to propel into the success she holds today.

Professional Responsibilities:
Ms. Ramos is a three-time combat veteran with 20 years of service.  Currently a Major (Military Police) and Strategic Analyst with the Nevada Army National Guard, she is responsible for determining our current force capabilities and aligning them with the National Guard Bureau, the National Defense Strategy and National Military Strategy.

After six years in the law sector, Denisse recently opened her own law firm where she is the managing attorney of The Ramos Law Firm with a focus on immigration, estate planning and civil cases.

In her words…

CHILDHOOD:
I was born and grew up in East Los Angeles, California. My upbringing was very family oriented, cultural and overall warm. We lived in a two-bedroom house where my 4 siblings and I stayed in one room and my parents in another. My father was from Mexico and my mother from El Salvador. The family was all very close, and I recall many family gatherings we had in celebration of our birthdays. My brother and I were the youngest. We spent a lot of time outside playing with our bikes, skateboards and climbing trees with our cousins. We attended elementary school a block away from home and walked there with my little brother daily. When I was 14-years-old, my older siblings began getting involved in gangs and criminal activity. My parents were concerned that my little brother and I would follow in their footsteps and moved us to Las Vegas, NV.

HOBBIES:
I enjoy working out and actively play soccer. I love to travel and watch movies.

CAREER SUMMARY:
I joined the Army at 17-years-old and trained as a unit supply specialist. In 2003, I deployed with the 72nd Military Police Company as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and part of the 2003 Iraq invasion. In 2005, I promoted to Sergeant (E5) and then received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Reserve Officer Training Corps. (UNLV ROTC) program as a Military Police Officer. In 2007 and 2008, I deployed as a Platoon Leader to Basra, Iraq and for again in 2011, as the Security Force Commander in Afghanistan.  I led counter-insurgency operations and executed security missions for a specialized team; including civilians and allied foreign nationals. I was also a part of the Female Engagement Team for Logar Province, Afghanistan.

I was selected to command the 137th MP Detachment, the 72nd MP Company, and Nevada Joint Force Headquarters (NV-JFHQ), leading over 170 Soldiers at any given time. My most recent assignment was at the National Capital Region, working as a Strategic Analyst for the National Guard Bureau. I attended Mountain Warfare School, the Western Hemisphere Institute of Security Cooperation, and am now a part of the Nevada Army National Guard strategy team. My awards include four Army Commendation Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Action Badge, the Mountaineer Badge, and The Bronze Star Medal.

In sync with my military career, I attended UNLV, Regent University, and the Arizona Summit Law School. At UNLV, I was the Vice President of the Student Organization of Latinos. I earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. In Law School, I was the President of the Hispanic Law Student Association, a board member of the Veteran Law Student Association, and the Hispanic Bar Association Scholarship recipient. I am a licensed attorney and a member of the State Bar of Nevada. By the end of 2020, I will be sworn in and licensed as an attorney in Washington, DC. I am the founder, owner and managing attorney of The Ramos Law Firm in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a focus on civil, immigration, and estate planning cases.

Are there any childhood contributing factors or events that have helped direct or guide you to your success today?

My father was the educated one, always discussing the importance of knowledge and helping others. He was very humble and always ensured we knew where our family came from. This kept me humble and until this day everything I do is in an effort to serve others in what I am best in. It also made me proud of the culture I grew up in.

My mother initially was regarded as the enforcer by all of us in the family because she was on top of us all the time, making sure our grades were up and that we would not slack. We always had to help around the house, look out for each other and maintain a family unity. She instilled the strength I currently have and the discipline I needed to take on the journey I am in today.

Hearing both of my parents’ journeys to the United States has also inspired and greatly contributed to holding myself accountable for the life I lead.

What have you sacrificed both professionally and personally at each stage of your career?

Family time for sure. All the deployments, the trainings, the schools, and assignments have kept me away from home for several years. I have also ended many personal relationships and kept myself from getting close to partners due to a fear of having to leave them in short notice for my career.

Family and personal relationships are honestly what matters the most in our lives but most of us do not realize it until it’s too late or have endured enough time away from loved ones. I now make it a priority and am ensuring I work more around my family time than career obligations. I find myself rejecting career opportunities that no longer benefit my family unity.

What are your success habits?

I am a planner, even when things do not even come close to my plan, I have to have a plan. I have a planner, a calendar, a to-do list, a to-buy list and a project list. Now while most make fun of me, I tend to be highly successful in getting things done and prioritize.

I no longer work with individuals that do not share my same values or ethics and I do not waste my time where I could possibly not be wanted.

If I need to take a day off, then I take it. I do not force anything on myself anymore. I read a lot.  I do not put limits on myself or what I can accomplish.  I do not compare myself to anyone and I try to stay as positive with my actions as possible.  I continue working on myself to grow as a leader and overall person.

How do you push through your worst times?

I am currently going through, what I could probably call, one of my worst times dues to my mother’s recent passing. I try to remember how far I have gotten and everything my parents have taught me. Every time I feel unmotivated or a burned out I just “take a knee” and a breather: I allow myself to feel sorry for myself and then get back up.

This has been a learned behavior, I would never allow myself to do this before.

What advice would you give to women trying to achieve your role and responsibilities?

My #1 advice is to make sure it is what you want to pursue, regardless of gender, these career fields do require a form of sacrifice in our lives. Secondly, remember that there are many of us that have already trailed that route, so reach out for help when needed.  Know that nothing is impossible, it’s doable.

Denisse Y. Ramos
Owner and Managing Attorney at The Ramos Law Firm in Las Vegas, NV
Army Major and Strategic Analyst at the Nevada Army National Guard

For more information or to inquire about a speaking engagement with Denisse, contact us now!