I came up as a young Black woman in the hotel industry—a field that was white, male, and older when I started.

I had to prove myself at every single level.

I had to learn every job before I could move to the next one.

I was passed over for promotions because of who I was, not what I could do.

And along the way, life didn't stop:

• I became a single mom when my daughter was 3 years old (she's now 28 and thriving)

• I cared for both my parents—my mom who had Parkinson's and my dad who battled stage 4 cancer. I turned my house into a nursing home to give them the care they deserved

• I've navigated loss, grief, transitions, and starting over more times than I can count

  So when I say I know what it's like to feel stuck, I mean it.

  I know what it's like to wonder if there's more.
  I know what it's like to be afraid to leave what you know.
  I know what it's like to doubt yourself and think it's too late.

  But here's what I also know:

  It's not too late. Your skills DO transfer. And you CAN do this.

  You just need someone to show you how.