Curiosity and creativity have always been my companions — as both a learner and a teacher. These traits became the bedrock of my work as a leadership coach, speaker, and facilitator. Over the past two decades, in both nonprofit and corporate arenas, I’ve discovered that helping people craft purposeful leadership strategies lights me up like nothing else. That spark?

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I credit my mother for it.

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After we moved from Panama to several U.S. Army bases, my mom had a rule: no idle summers. While my brothers and I longed for playing video games all night and sleeping in all day, she encouraged us to get involved in the community. That early push planted a seed in me: 

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That work could be energizing — even joyful!

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One summer, I volunteered at the front desk of a military base’s fitness center. I wasn’t just handing out towels or signing people up for classes. I was connecting — with people from all over the world — and helping them find exactly what they needed. I didn’t want to go home at the end of the day. I didn’t realize it then, but

 

I had stumbled upon my purpose: ​Meaningful connection through service

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By the end of that summer, I had logged more hours than most of the staff. Years later, that same supervisor remembered the impact I made — not just on the work, but on the people.

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That’s been the philosophy for my life ever since. Every role, every client, every stage I step onto is guided by a simple truth:

 

Life is the best teacher, and each of us is its most extraordinary student.​