My father suddenly died when I was 13 and my mom instantly became the breadwinner for 6 kids. With only a high school education, my mom was restricted to low paying jobs with long hours. We barely financially scratched by. However, she was committed to her children as she balanced both her motherly and work roles. She was tenacious, hardworking, and never gave up.
At 18 years old, I found myself split between honoring the religious culture in which I was raised and wanting to fulfill my personal goals. My religion stipulated that my role in life was to become a wife and mother.I was told byreligious leaders that, “I should abandon my professional, educational pursuits and focus on my duty becoming a good homemaker. They said that I should focus only on one role at a time.” Dishearten, I felt that I should sacrifice my personal goals and ambitions.
At 19 years old, I became an instant-full-time mom marrying a man with two daughters 6 and 8 years old. Six months later I was pregnant with my 1st son. Two years later, I had a second son. A year a half later, I had a son that died at birth. My identity was tied to being a good wife and parent, providing for others. As a result, I over-looked and lost myself in the process.
I thought of my mom and her limited opportunities and how she had risen above her situation in life. Even though my culture said that I should be satisfied raising 4 kids....
Bottomline: I wanted more.
Following my mom’s integrity, tenacity, and desire to become her best, I believed that I could have it all - my professional life and family life.
At 22 years old, I went back to college taking my toddler every day with me to the campus nursery. During the 21 years that followed, I received my:
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● Bachelor of Science in Psychology- University of Utah
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● Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
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● PhD in psychology.
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● Master’s Practitioner of Neurolinguistics Programming
Theme: I set out to integrate and utilize the entire spectrum of my feminine potential - unifying the split between my domestic and professional life thereby creating alignment, empowerment, peace, and strength. I explored my full potential. This meant breaking through my illusions of perceived limitations and self-doubt.
I became obsessed with understanding and utilizing my gifts, talents, and dreams while at the same time maintaining my nurturing and mothering qualities. I worked to align my new-found values and integrity with every aspect of my life.
At 40 years old, I was an empty nester, went through a divorce, and began my MBA. As a single woman I wanted even more from my life.
I frequently asked myself, “When I’m an old person sitting in my rocking chair looking back over my life’s accomplishments will I have any regrets? Has my life been fulfilling? Is there anything missing? Do I have more that I can contribute?”
It was time for me to fly!
I took my MBA and Ph.D. and targeted Fortune 100 to 500. I wrote a personal mission statement “To be and make a difference through service to the lives of those that I come in contact with.”
I became an international presenter, senior facilitator, and keynote speaker, executive coach, webinar instructor, and instructional designer.
I taught Fortune 100 - 500 companies such as:
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● Keebler/Kellogg’s
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● NASA
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● Duke University Hospital
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● Northrop Grumman
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● Chevron/Texaco
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● Panasonic
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● Toyota
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● Microsoft
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● Molina Healthcare
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● CVS / Caremark
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● Wilson Sporting Goods
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● USDA
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● Kimberly Clark
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● Anheuser Bush
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● Merck Pharmaceutical
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● Intel
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● Bell Helicopter / Cessna
During this time, I made a commitment to myself that “I would walk through any door-of-opportunity that presented itself.” I would jump off of the professional high-dive and take the plunge. As a result, many times I found myself unable to eat, with my heart pounding in my chest as I walked onto the stage of life to fulfill my dreams.
I’ve learned:
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● when I walk through fear - courage and strength are waiting for me on the other side.
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● that I can tackle seemly impossible hurdles and accomplish my dreams.
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● that my world isn’t divided or mutually exclusive but instead one beautifully entwined journey.
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● that the journey has been fun, empowering, difficult, joyful, frightening, and liberating.
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● Most importantly I’ve learned that I can only truly give to others when I am accountable for honoring
myself, talents, and life’s mission.