News / In Her Words

Just Start

When I first connected with Working for Women, I was looking for growth.

I had spent years focused on raising my children and being responsible for everyone else. As my kids got older, I finally reached a point where I could invest in myself. I knew I wanted more. More knowledge. More opportunities. More financial security. More time with my family.

Most importantly, I wanted my children to see that no matter where you start, you can always choose to grow.

My journey began with Women in Technology (WIT). A friend told me about the program while I was sitting in the drive-thru at Captain D’s. I applied, completed the cybersecurity program, and started building skills that could help me transition into a new career.

For someone with no experience in cybersecurity, simply finishing the program felt like a huge accomplishment. It showed me what was possible.

Getting in the Room

Through Women in Technology, I connected with Working for Women. That connection opened new doors.

Working for Women introduced me to Career Circle, where I’m working with a recruiter who is helping me strengthen my resume, improve my LinkedIn profile, and pursue new opportunities. She also connected me to Money Talks, where I’m learning about investing, financial planning, and building long-term financial confidence.

What stands out to me most isn’t any one class or workshop. It’s the fact that I’m in the room. 

The opportunities haven’t all happened yet. I haven’t landed my cybersecurity job. I haven’t reached every goal on my list.

But I’m in the movement. I’m meeting the right people. I’m having the right conversations. And every step is moving me forward.

That alone has changed my mindset.

Growing Into the Person I Want to Be

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth happens when you take action.

Through Money Talks, I’ve already started working with a financial coach to better understand where my money is going and how I can make smarter decisions about my future. Through Career Circle, I’m learning how to position myself professionally and pursue opportunities with confidence.

Everything I’m doing is helping me become a better version of myself.

A better woman. A better professional. A better mother. That’s my goal right now. To keep growing. Because when I grow, I can help others grow too.

Creating a Legacy for My Children

One of the experiences that has meant the most to me is being able to share this journey with my daughter.

Through Working for Women, she was able to participate in financial coaching herself. Watching her build financial knowledge at such a young age has been incredibly rewarding.

As parents, we always want our children to have opportunities we didn’t have.

Now we’re learning together. We’re having conversations about money, goals, and the future that I wish someone had helped me have years ago.

That feels like a gift.

The Doors Are Opening

For a long time, I focused on taking care of everyone else. Now I’m learning that investing in myself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

I want a career that offers more flexibility. I want to increase my income. I want to continue building financial knowledge. I want to create opportunities for my family and expose my children to experiences I never had.

And as those opportunities come, I want to help other women find their way too.I believe when people pour into you, you should pour into others.

Maybe that means sharing a resource. Maybe it means making an introduction. Maybe it means encouraging someone who is afraid to take the first step.

You don’t have to walk someone’s entire journey with them to make a difference. Sometimes you just help point them toward the next door.

What I’d Say to Other Women

Just start.

Send the email. Make the phone call. Apply for the program.

Don’t be afraid to hear no.

Don’t be afraid to feel uncertain.

We’re all human. We all doubt ourselves sometimes.

But if you want something different, you have to take action.

You have to knock on the door.

And if one door closes, keep knocking until another one opens.

Fight for yourself.

Because you are worth it.

In Her Words

Working for Women has shown me the power of getting in the room, building connections, and believing in what’s possible.

The big moment hasn’t happened yet. But the doors are opening. And for the first time, I know I’m exactly where I need to be.