What are your thoughts on aging?

I used to think Aging is a season of your life where things start to slow down and was dreading it. However, with every year I realize that it is a chance to grow and improve, find ways to change, and make life more exciting.

What are your thoughts on aging? Younger women, might think that it’s scary getting older. What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age?

So many wonderful things to think of! I think with the right mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, young women can find joy in growing older, that there is still more to discover and do in the world. Our age should not hold us back or slow us down. For me, I absolutely LOVE the season I am in right now, I talk to my kids like we're friends, and my daughter and I love to have a good laugh. Younger women have so much ahead of them that they should be excited to see what's next on the horizon.

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

I'm a foodie, so of course, I can't say no to eating out (ha-ha). For fun, I love to go to the movies, love going to football games, and love to just spend time with myself. For self-care, I try to get a massage when I can, I love doing pedicures, hanging out in nature, and spending time with loved ones. I used to LOVE reading, but I’ve been too busy lately, so I'm trying to get back into reading for fun and not just for work or self-improvement.

Share one experience or piece of advice that would lift other women up and empower them.

I think a scary time for me was finding out I had stage 3 colon cancer when I was 34 years old. For years before that, I kept going to the doctor for persistent stomach pain, but they could never pinpoint what the problem was. So, when I was finally diagnosed, I was relieved at first. Then when reality set in, I started to think about the future of my young children and who they would live with if something were to happen to me. During this time, I did a lot of different things to keep busy, active, and "in control" of my sickness. I found ways to keep healthy and keep emotionally balanced. I spent more time with friends and family. I did a lot of research and a lot of self-care. I became more active in my children's school and activities - it gave me time back with my kids. My advice to women who find challenges in their life is to keep the faith, pray to that higher power you believe in, and never be afraid to ask for help. YOU deserve it!

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

I think my greatest challenge was being a young single mom - but it was also a great joy and honor. I say challenge, because I struggled a lot with money, finding ways to make ends meet, and making sure my babies were taken care of. I would feel guilty when I couldn't give them the things other parents were giving their kids. I also felt mom guilt when I would have to send them home to Samoa, so I could participate in a professional development program or work commitments. It was a temporary sacrifice that paid off in the long term, and I had a loving supportive village that helped me through it all.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?

I would tell her to journal more, eat less, and be more confident in herself and her powers and talents. Growing up I remember I used to be shy, then turned into a social loud butterfly. Be kinder to yourself and your family - they will be there through it all. Have grace and grit.

What is your definition of success?

Success to me, is that feeling of peace, calmness, and being in control when the currents of life are raging against you. Success is different things to different people. My success is when I feel empowered and comfortable in myself as a person.

Who inspired you as a little girl? Who inspires you now?

My parents inspired me as a little girl, especially my mom. She's so talented - can cook, sew, etc. I remember there was a time when she used to bake and decorate a lot of cakes (so fancy). When we were young kids and couldn't afford much, being a large family, she would sew our outfits to travel in. I thought they were so cool!

 My parents still inspire me now, but also my children. I look at them and sometimes think “I can't believe they are mine!” They keep me busy and challenge me to be a better mom and daughter to my parents.

What is the best advice you have been given? 

You are always going to be your biggest advocate. Believe and invest in yourself, because you deserve it.

How is your age group relevant?

I’m in my 40's and have control over my life - I love it! It's the era of social media, food critics, technology, and more!