Don’t be afraid to lean into the unknown. It will help you and your career grow
If there’s one lesson that has shaped my leadership journey, it is this: growth happens through perseverance far more often than perfection. Fifteen years ago, I began my career as a call center agent at Oncourse Home Solutions (OHS). I was new to the industry, unsure of my path, and surrounded by challenges that tested my confidence and resilience. But I leaned into the discomfort of the unknown – and it changed everything.
“Being comfortable in the uncomfortable,” as former D&I Director Randy Cobb often said, meant saying yes to opportunities that stretched me. It meant speaking up in rooms where I was the only woman, the only Latina, or the youngest voice. It meant leading initiatives without a blueprint, and trusting my instincts when the stakes were high.
One of the more defining moments of my leadership journey came when I helped launch HOLA, an employee resource group at Southern Company Gas. As a founding board member and Illinois Chair, I stepped into a space that didn’t yet exist, one that required vision, courage, and a deep commitment to inclusion. That experience taught me how to build something from the ground up, navigate challenges, and advocate for cultural visibility.
It also shaped how I show up for my team and partners. Founding HOLA reminded me that leadership is about listening deeply, creating space for others to lead, and showing up with consistency and care. I’ve carried that mindset into every partnership I build and every team I support; being a resource to colleagues, driving crossfunctional collaboration, and representing our company in the community. The lessons I learned through HOLA continue to guide how I foster trust, inclusion, and shared purpose in every relationship.
Today, as Director of External Affairs and Partnerships, I continue to embrace the concept of challenge as a catalyst for growth. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, partnering with community organizations, or driving strategic initiatives, I lead with empathy, conviction, and a willingness to stretch beyond what’s familiar.
Being comfortable in the uncomfortable has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers – it’s about having the courage to ask the right questions, take bold steps, and bring others along for the journey.
