Hometown: Sallisaw, Oklahoma
Briefly describe your role: As a Respiratory Therapist, I care for all ages of patients who have breathing problems.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: Yes, I have always felt that helping people was what I was meant to do, so I feel I made the right career choice.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: Being in healthcare can be challenging in itself with the stress and lots of long hours, and I think finding a balance with that and your home can be tough, but your reward is knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life on a daily basis.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My husband and my children inspire me daily to continue on in my career. Having their support gives me the greatest inspiration. I have also been given the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of great people in my career. I have gained so much knowledge from them and I use that on a daily basis.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: My advice would be set the path you want to follow and stick to it. Nothing in life comes easy, but with a lot of hard work and determination you can go anywhere and do anything.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: No matter what challenge I face, I never give up.