I love to spend the month of March researching the women in our history who were courageous and wouldn’t settle for the no they were given or the stereo type that was expected of them. Women like Vesta Stoudt who basically invented duct tape in World War II as a life saving option for keeping the ammo dry and soldier safe but was told no by her supervisor. Ida B. Wells who post-Civil war emerged as a formidable force in the fight against racial injustice. And Elizabeth Blackwell, despite full-scale opposition from her fellow students, professors, and professionals, graduated with her medical degree and founded a hospital in 1857. These women are inspiring and challenging.
However, today I want to talk about a room I was in Friday with real-live women -- trailblazing women who have turned challenges into stepping stones and redefined what success looks like for them.
Carmenza's Path to Empowerment
From fleeing her home country to the leadership echelons of a major American franchise, Carmenza’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, courage and tenacity. Starting her career in the kitchen of Chick-fil-A in 1993, her relentless dedication and leadership prowess catapulted her into the role of one of the first Latina and female Operators in the Southwest Region. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope, as an owner of one of the largest restaurants in the company. Carmenza's commitment extends beyond business achievements; she is a fervent mentor, dedicated to inspiring others to pursue their dreams, one life at a time.
Her vulnerability in the room full of women empowered all of us to dig a little deeper and choose courage.
Peggy Esparza – A Financial Trailblazer
Peggy Esparza’s story is one of unexpected ascent. From her humble beginnings as a credit union teller, Peggy has risen to become the Chief Financial Officer of Texas Trust Credit Union, overseeing assets worth over $2 billion. Her journey was not without its hurdles; as a single mother with late opportunities in academia, she integrated raising two children with pursuing higher education, eventually earning an MBA -- a ture illustration of her tenacity. Her leadership has been pivotal in expanding the credit union's reach and impact, reflecting her deep commitment to financial empowerment and community development.
Her desire to impart the message “it’s never too late” connected deeply and meaningfully with all of us.
Jeannie Deakyne — A Beacon of Resilience and Leadership
Jeannie Deakyne stands as a paragon of resilience and adaptability, bringing a rich background of military experience to her current role as Executive Director of the Arlington ISD Education Foundation. Her 12-year tenure as an army officer, marked by two deployments, has imbued her with a profound understanding of leadership under pressure. She is the picture of tenacity. During her first deployment, Jeannie quickly learned that peacetime protocols faltered in wartime conditions, requiring her to continuously adapt and rethink strategies. Her second deployment tested her emotional and leadership mettle as she dealt with personal grief while simultaneously providing crucial stability and strength for her team amidst the most harrowing circumstances.
Her leadership journey left us challenged to continually adapt and rethink while providing a stable place for our team to land.
As I share these stories, I hope they not only celebrate the achievements of these incredible women but also inspire you to challenge the status quo and the ways you might be playing small. Their legacies are not just their achievements but also the paths they have paved for future generations of female leaders.
The phrase that was repeated often, bounced off the walls, soaked into the curtains, and landed deep in our souls was “Fear is a feeling. Courage is a choice.”
Comments