Leaning in...

Most people who really know me understand that I’m not someone who seeks the spotlight. I’ve always preferred to observe quietly, celebrating others and their accomplishments from the background. It felt safe, comfortable—and I was okay with that. I never pictured myself as a leader or someone who could confidently speak in front of a crowd.

“You will stand and speak in front of hundreds...”

Years ago, though, someone told me—out of the blue and without any context—that I would one day stand and speak in front of hundreds of people. I remember nodding politely and smiling, not knowing what to make of it. At the time, I was working as a Registered Nurse; with no plans of working in psychiatry.

To this day, I haven’t made any grand speeches or stood before a large audience, but my journey over the past five years feels like it’s preparing me for something I couldn’t have imagined back then.

“...intimating, uncomfortable, and foreign...”

While working as a Nurse Practitioner under the mentorship of Dr. Holly DuBois, she saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself: leadership potential. She pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to step into spaces I never thought I belonged—rooms filled with executives, managers, and other C-suite leaders. To say I felt out of place would be an understatement. It was intimidating, uncomfortable, and foreign. But growth often comes disguised as discomfort, and this was no exception.

That time, though short-lived, shaped me. The company eventually closed, but the experience strengthened my clinical expertise, leadership abilities, and understanding of business operations. It also planted the seed for something bigger: my own practice.

In the wake of that transition, I launched Bridged Connections Psychiatry. Over the past 22 months, I’ve been working to challenge the comfortable with doses of the unfamiliar. Whether it’s a meet-and-greet in a coffee shop, attending networking events, or showing up as a vendor at events like the Black Moms Fair, I’ve been learning to embrace visibility.

One of my proudest moments so far was being featured on Caddo Convos, where I shared my journey, insights, and offerings. And I’m thrilled about what’s coming this spring—stay tuned for some exciting features and community outreach! If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth begins where comfort ends. But it’s not a journey we take alone—connections make all the difference. Whether it’s the mentors who see our potential, the colleagues who challenge us, or the communities we serve, these relationships shape our path forward.

“turning the unfamiliar into something achieveable..”

With the support and encouragement of my incredible circle, stepping outside my comfort zone feels less daunting than it once did. Connections have a way of turning the unfamiliar into something achievable, and I’m deeply grateful for those who continue to inspire and uplift me along the way.

So, lean into the uncomfortable and embrace the connections that spark transformation. Together, we can grow into more than we ever imagined.
Until next time,