Akamai Healthcare, Owner & President

At my core, I’ve always been curious about the world around me. Exploring new places brings me a sense of energy and renewal. Food is another way I explore. I love the adventure of trying new flavors, uncovering local gems, and sharing meals that turn into memories. At the heart of it all is family. Quality family time grounds me no matter where I go.

Life is about discovery and connection — embracing the adventure, savoring the journey, and cherishing the people who make it meaningful.

What are your thoughts on aging?

What I love most about this decade is the clarity it brings. The 40s aren’t about holding on to the past; they’re about fully stepping into who I’ve become. Aging, for me, isn’t about fading — it’s about arrival.

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!

You’ll find clarity. In your 40s, the noise quiets down. You’ll know yourself better — your strengths, your limits, and what really matters — and you’ll stop chasing things that don’t serve you. You are the author of your life and this will be the most authentic chapter yet.

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

Giving myself permission to release what no longer serves me — relationships, habits, or roles — and honoring that release as a celebration of self-worth.

- Investing in something symbolic and indulgent — a luxury whip, artwork or a Cartier timepiece that marks a new chapter.

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.

Being a minority woman in a male-dominated industry means often walking into rooms where you are one of few — and sometimes the only one. The challenge is not just in proving your competence, but in carrying the weight of representation. You’re not only expected to perform at the highest level, you’re also navigating unspoken biases, cultural misunderstandings, and the pressure to constantly validate your place at the table.

To women navigating these spaces:

• Own your voice. Don’t wait for permission to be heard — your perspective is your power.

• Set boundaries. You don’t have to carry everyone’s expectations; carrying your truth is enough.

• Redefine success. It’s not only about breaking barriers for yourself, but making the space wider and more inclusive for others.