Quality Assurance Director, Registered Nurse

I'm someone who balances a full life with purpose and care. Professionally, I'm dedicated and driven — I enjoy problem-solving, learning, and working with others to achieve meaningful results. Outside of work, my world revolves around family. I'm not only a parent and a wife, but also a caregiver for my mom, a role that's taught me patience, resilience, and the deep value of being present for the people you love.

Whether it's a quiet evening at home or a new project to dive into, I believe in showing up with heart, staying grounded, and finding meaning in the everyday moments.

What are your thoughts on aging?

Being my age means I no longer waste time dimming my light just to keep others comfortable. I've earned every laugh line, every boundary, every lesson. I may be softer in some places and stronger in others — but l am more myself now than I've ever been!

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them!

Aging is not something to fear. It's something to celebrate.

Every year you live brings more wisdom, strength, and self-understanding. You learn who you are, what matters to you, and how to speak up for yourself. You stop shrinking to fit someone else's mold and start expanding into the incredible woman you're meant to be!

Laugh lines are proof of joy. Silver strands are marks of resilience. A body that's changed is a record of everything you've lived through.

Getting older means more freedom to be unapologetically you. You'll gain confidence that doesn't come from perfection, but from knowing your worth.

So don't dread the years ahead — dream about them.

There's so much life, adventure, love, and laughter waiting for you. The best isn't behind you — it's ahead.

And when you meet older women who inspire you, remember, they were once right where you are now.

One day, you'll be the one inspiring someone else!

You've got so much to look forward to. Keep growing.

Keep glowing. The future is yours!

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care.

I celebrate myself by treating myself to something thoughtful — things I normally would skip over buying or doing for myself. Best example — getting my portraits done by Monica! ❤️

For fun, I just love spending time with my family and friends — it doesn't matter what we do (movie night, taco night, etc.) — as long as we're spending time together.

For self care, I do my best to create quiet moments.

For example, 10 minutes of silence in the morning with coffee; when I'm driving alone, sometimes I drive in silence (no music, no radio). Most importantly, I say

"no" to over-committing, without guilt.

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them.

I know exactly what it's like to carry a lot. To work hard, care for others, and still try to find time for yourself in between. We have to remember to give ourselves permission. We cannot pour from an empty cup.

I wear many hats. I work, I parent, I care for my mother, I show up for my family — and I try to hold myself together in the process. And I know many of you are doing the same in your own way. Let me tell you something: what you do matters. Even when no one sees it. Even when it feels like no one understands it. Your love, your effort, your resilience

— it's not invisible. It's powerful.

I've learned that being strong doesn't always look like having it all figured out. Sometimes strength is in showing up when you're tired. It's in asking for help.

It's in letting go of perfection and choosing peace instead.

If you're in a season where things feel heavy — please know this: you are not behind. Life doesn't follow one timeline. There is no expiration date on growth, or love, or dreams. You can begin again at any age, at any stage.

Most importantly, women — we need each other!

There's no competition here. We rise higher when we lift each other up. Mana Wahine!

Keep going. Keep loving. Keep becoming.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?Dear Chris @ 14 ~

You don't have to have it all figured out. It's okay to be unsure. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to fall down and start over. You're not meant to be perfect — you're meant to grow!

I know you feel pressure to always get it right — to please everyone, to not disappoint anyone. But listen — the people who truly love you will still love you when you mess up.

Your mistakes will teach you more than perfection ever could. They'll shape you, soften you, and help you become the strong, wise, beautiful woman you're becoming.

Please don't be so hard on yourself. Be curious. Be kind to your heart. Take chances. Laugh a lot. Cry when you need to. And never, ever dim your light just to fit in. You're going to be okay. More than okay.

You're going to become someone you're proud of!

Love,

Your older, wiser, and still-growing self ❤️

What is your definition of success?

Success, to me, is living a life rooted in love, purpose, and connection. It means being present for my children (showing them how to live with love, courage, and self-respect); nurturing a strong and supportive marriage, and growing alongside my husband as true partners. It's showing up for my mom, my sister, and others I care about — with compassion, strength, and grace.

I feel successful when I'm growing, giving, and grounded — not just achieving.

Success is becoming someone my family can be proud of, and someone I'm proud to be. It's choosing joy, protecting my peace, and staying true to myself while lifting others along the way. That's the life I define as truly successful.

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself?

OMG! I’m so glad I did it!